Are you new to GDS, or are you a coach returning for your sophomore season? Let’s take a look at how you can build your Classic squad to become the top-scoring team of 2025. As the Champion in the Classic competition in 2022 and achieving a top 10 finish in 2024 (with a top 3 finish in Champion in 2023), I’ve developed strategies to construct a consistent team through 24 rounds, bye weeks, and the inevitable injury crises that occur each year.
Sign up for GameDay Squad using the code 'BOBNRL' and score 3 free packs to kickstart your fantasy squad
How to Build the Top Scoring Fantasy NRL:
Step 1: Obtain Your Starting 17
Regardless of which competition you’re playing, you will need a starting 17 to score each week. Upon signing up, you will gain access to a set of Bronze cards. Additionally, if you sign up using our bonus code 'BOBNRL', you will gain access to another 27 cards. With these, you will have a reserves squad to initiate your dynasty.
Each week, you can open three more starter bronze packs or purchase packs from the GDS store to build your brand. This initial setup is crucial as it forms the foundation of your Classic squad for the season. Can also follow our 'how to get free packs guide' here.
Step 2: Trading to Build a Deeper Squad
This step might be a bit controversial, but I am a frequent trader on the GameDay squad market. I often trade higher rarity players to acquire a deeper squad. Trading can be done via the Transfer Market. You simply put your card up for trade and request other players in return.
As challenging as it might be, trading your best player (for example, Harry Grant) for a mix of players like Blake Mozer, Blayke Brailey, and Jeremy Marshall King can provide your squad with greater depth during bye weeks, especially when other teams lack positional options. Trading two-for-one or three-for-one deals is an effective way to create a well-rounded squad while also enhancing rarity value.
I once traded a diamond Grant for several silver and gold players, which set me up for a successful season. By trading effectively, you can quickly build up your profile of rarities. But remebr you can now play all 4 competitons so diamonds have seriouc value and jucie being only 100 of each player.
Step 3: Refer a Mate to Boost Your Squad
Referring a mate is not only fun, but it also rewards you with bonus packs. This is a quick and straightforward way to enhance your squad. Encouraging friends to join adds both competition and camaraderie to your Classic squad building.
Step 4 (Optional): Trade for or Buy a Special Card
While this step isn't necessary to win weekly prizes, acquiring Special Cards will help you with consistency and in winning the overall prize. Special cards are those that carry a similar salary cap hit to silver or gold players but offer a higher return on investment (ROI), typically around x1.35 or x1.4.
All-Star Cards, which have a salary cap hit of a gold player but play at x1.35 value, are the crème de la crème. All-Star Cards represent top-tier players who finished in the top 3 of their position the previous year. Players such as Cleary, Hynes, and Latrell typically dominate in GDS scoring. These players can be a “set and forget” option, which simplifies team management throughout the season.
Step 5: Building Your Starting Squad
Now that you have a deeper squad, it’s time to finalize your starting team. Remember, the best teams are not only consistent but also take calculated risks. In contrast to Fantasy or Supercoach, you can own and play any player in the competition.
Reviewing match-ups and fielding players with the best potential each week is the key to constructing a successful team. For instance, whatever Fullback was playing against the Titans the previous year was automatically selected for my team. By building your squad around reliable players and favorable match-ups, you will cover 90% of your starting lineup effectively.
The final 10% involves selecting a Point of Difference (POD). A POD is a player that not many others in the league are likely to play on a weekly basis. For example, during the second half of last season, Jacob Preston was my go-to choice. He finished as a top 3 scoring second-row forward (2RF), showcasing his ability as a try-scoring asset in the final 10 rounds.
Pro Tip:
To boost your chances of winning weekly prizes, ensure your forecasted top-scoring players possess higher rarities. If you find yourself choosing between a bronze Ponga (66 average) and silver Fogarty (61 average), opt for Ponga and allocate your salary cap elsewhere.
Step 6: Lock Your Team in Before Lockout
Before the start of each round, make sure to check the Late Mail along with which team is on a bye, as neglecting to remove players during bye rounds can be detrimental. Establishing a playable squad of 17 is essential to avoid losing valuable points.
Now it’s time for you to build your NRL GDS squad! To gain an advantage over your friends when signing up, remember to use our code “BOBNRL” to earn yourself three 9 Player Packs.
At the end of the day, drop a comment below on who you believe will have the breakout year for your squad.
Good luck, Coach, on building your 2025 GDS Squad! Stay tuned for more insights and strategies to help you secure your victory! For any support or team advice, feel free to connect with me on Discord at ‘thexrpeffect’.
Cheers,
thexrpeffect
Great article, thanks. New to GDS and this was really helpful!