The Blindside Story
“Playing for purpose. Driven by passion. Giving for change”
Blindside’s Vision
“To be the benchmark in NRL Fantasy Analysis while fuelling meaningful change in
Rugby League communities across
Australia and New Zealand.”
Anchoring our vision around excellence in NRL Fantasy analysis and community impact does two powerful things:
Positions us as leaders in Fantasy & Expands our impact beyond the game:
We’re not aiming to be one of many voices. We want to set the standard for accuracy, creativity, and insight in the NRL Fantasy space.
Being “the benchmark” means coaches, casual players, and even other analysts look at Blindside as the gold standard.
Rugby League isn’t just a sport — it’s the lifeblood of communities across Australia and New Zealand.
By tying every Blindside win, membership, or product to a tangible contribution to grassroots Rugby League, we create a feedback loop: success in Fantasy → success in the community.
Smarter Fantasy.
Stronger Communities.
Spirit of Rugby League.
Blindside’s Values
Passion for the Game – Rugby League is in our DNA.
Community First – A platform that supports fans, players, and grassroots.
Integrity & Analysis – Data-driven insights, delivered with honesty and transparency.
Philanthropy – Every try we score off the field helps communities thrive.
Innovation – Always finding smarter ways to deliver insights, content, and impact.
Leadership – Setting the benchmark in Fantasy and leading by example in giving back to Rugby League.
Our Origins
The Blindside Chronicles
How Passion
Became Purpose
Blindside was born from the passion of a Rugby League tragic — our founding owner, Jye Watkins — who wanted to express his love for the Greatest Game of All through providing sharp, data-driven NRL Fantasy analysis. What started as a humble way to break down stats and share insights quickly evolved into something much bigger: A vision that NRL Fantasy could be more than just competition and banter — it could be a platform to spark real change in Rugby League and its communities.
As the brand grew, so too did the team. Introducing more fire power to our vision - Brendan Brown and Kent Somerville, once fans of the content, became core contributors and driving forces behind Blindside. They didn’t just share the love for NRL Fantasy — they shared the purpose. Together, they embraced the mission to accelerate change on a scale that reaches far beyond Fantasy ladders, impacting grassroots Rugby League where it matters most.
At its heart, Fantasy was our foot in the door and will always be the lifeblood of our commitment. But we wanted to become something greater. Something beyond insights, beyond entertainment. Blindside set its sights on becoming a powerhouse philanthropic force — giving back to the Rugby League community that has given us so much.
At Blindside, every Fantasy win fuels a real Rugby League win. It’s a simple equation:
Win Fantasy. Get the insights, laughs, and tools to climb the ranks.
Win Rugby League. See your support translate into direct impact on the communities that keep the game alive and thriving.
We’re not just building a brand. We’re building a culture where passion fuels purpose, analysis fuels action, and the love of the game builds a stronger future for Rugby League across Australia and New Zealand.
Why It Matters So Much to Us
Rugby League has given us mate-ships, memories, entertainment, identity, culture and endless debate. NRL Fantasy sharpened our minds and provided us with a community to share our expertise. Now we want to give back.
We see young players who need sport, clubs that need funds, communities that need support.
We see fans who want more than surface-level Fantasy chatter — they want insight, banter, and belonging.
We see a gap in the market where no one is connecting digital fandom with real-world philanthropy.
We see a longing for active engagement in grassroots organisations.
Blindside NRL Fantasy Analysis exists to bridge these gaps.
The Blindside Legacy
Our ultimate goal isn’t just to produce sharp analysis today — it’s to build a legacy that endures for generations.
We envision a future where NRL Fantasy is recognised as a core part of Rugby League culture, celebrated by the die-hard fan base as more than just a game, but as an integral piece of the sport’s identity.
We want Blindside to set the global benchmark for how sports analysis and storytelling can combine with direct community impact — proving that content and philanthropy together can change lives on and off the field.
We want every coach, from every background, to know that by backing Blindside they are also backing Rugby League itself — keeping the grassroots alive, funding the future, and strengthening the game for the next generation.
And above all, we want to create a culture where NRL Fantasy becomes a tool for connection — a space where men and women find community, friendship, and purpose, helping combat the silent challenges of mental health through the mate-ship that Rugby League has always stood for.
Our Two-Sided Game Plan
For the Fantasy community:
We bring you data-driven strategies, bold predictions, and the humour that makes the grind fun. From Buy-Hold-Sell podcasts to in-depth trade breakdowns, Blindside is the trusted companion for coaches chasing green arrows every week.
For the NRL community:
We deliver news updates, insights, and entertainment across the entire NRL landscape. From breaking stories and injury reports to nostalgic throwbacks and the untold tales of early NRL history, Blindside keeps fans connected to what built the game, what sustains it, and what makes it so much fun. It’s the mix of authentic updates and cheeky entertainment that captures the true Blindside style.
For the Rugby League community:
Every analysis, podcast, and piece of merch helps fund something real: new projects for local rugby league organisations, mental health programs for men and women, grassroots pathways for junior development, and community initiatives aligned with our vision that strengthen the game at its core.
Meet The Team
Blindside Founder & NRL Fantasy Architect
”Turning Ideas into Dreams that come true”
NRL Team: Cronulla Sharks
Favourite Player (Current): Nathan Cleary
Favourite Player (All-Time): James Maloney
Strongest Fantasy Asset: Strategy
Fantasy Memory: Set & Forget Cam Smith
Hobbies: Fantasy, Entrepreneurship & Gaming
Values: Family, Purpose & Faith
Biggest Goal: For Blindside to elevate lives
Contribution: Creative Direction Engineer
What Are We About
“From broken dreams to Blindside — faith, community, and purpose built through Fantasy.”
For as long as I can remember, sport was my world. It wasn’t just a game; it was who I was. That drive took me to the NSW Cup, chasing the dream of professional Rugby League—until injury ended it all. And with it, I lost more than football. I lost direction, connection, and myself.
NRL Fantasy was my constant. 17 years of experience and dedication to the game. What started as a hobby became a community, an identity, and a platform. Blindside grew from that spark—proof that even when life knocks you down, you can rebuild, reconnect, and create something bigger and more meaningful than yourself.
Through Blindside and my journey, I’ve found my faith, my purpose, and my wife. Now I live to use this platform to inspire connection, unite people, and give back to those less fortunate. Blindside isn’t just mine anymore—it’s for everyone. A place where passion meets purpose, and where setbacks turn into vision and meaning. Blindside is now my creation in pursuit of a dream that gives back to people through Rugby League.
“Through faith, family, and footy, I’ve turned passion into purpose”
Co-host & NRL Fantasy Strategy Forecaster
”Living with Purpose, Giving with Heart”
NRL Team: New Zealand Warriors
Favourite Player: Payne Haas & Herbie Farnworth
Favourite Player (All-Time): Alfie Langer & Sean Hoppe
Strongest Fantasy Asset: Strategy & POD Selection
Fantasy Memory: Jye telling everyone to “fade Haas”
Hobbies: Fantasy, Musician & Everything Sport
Values: Family, Faith & Service
Biggest Goal: Create a foundation & Raise my family
Contribution: Strategy Analysis & Company Vision
Co-host & NRL Fantasy Deep Dive Analyst
”Breakdowns helping you and others in need”
NRL Team: Melbourne Storm
Favourite Player (Current): Jahrome Hughes
Favourite Player (All-Time): Cameron Smith
Strongest Fantasy Asset: Player Insight
Fantasy Memory: Dream Team
Hobbies: Fantasy, Gaming & Music
Values: Family above everything
Biggest Goal: Doing what I can to help others
Contribution: Game/Player/Tipping Breakdowns
As a man of Christian faith, my life has been led in service to others. I’ve walked through plenty of life experience, and now I aim to share that wisdom—not just through NRL Fantasy—but through meaningful charity that reaches the people who need it most.
I’ve worn many hats: professional musician, teacher of the next generation, husband, and father of three. Above all, I want to leave a lasting and positive impact on the world.
When I follow sport, I don’t just watch—it consumes me. Every play, every frame, every fine detail of Rugby League is etched into my mind. Whether it’s strategy in Fantasy, analysing plays on the field, or connecting with fans, I live and breathe it all. Joining Blindside connected me to a community of like-minded people and opened the door to pursue my true purpose: serving others. What began as content, podcasting, and Fantasy advice has grown into something much bigger—community, charity, and supporting people through the shared passion of Rugby League.
“From a father-son bond to two decades of NRL Fantasy, I’ve turned passion into purpose”
My love for Fantasy was born through connection with my father—a bond that stretched across the miles while he served our country in the Air Force. What began as a high school hobby quickly became an obsession, and two decades later, I’ve lived through it all. From the launch of the very first app to the modern evolution of the game, my knowledge runs deep.
I’m a family man—husband, father, and glass-half-full optimist—leading with positivity and setting an example for those around me. Blindside has given me the platform to turn passion into purpose: contributing meaningfully to Rugby League, chasing my love of journalism, and helping others find success through my insights. Nothing drives me more than seeing my contribution transform into wins for others.
If I’m not working around Townsville or spending time with friends and family, you’ll find me locked in behind the laptop dissecting every detail of NRL Fantasy, listening to music or passionately backing my beloved Melbourne Storm.
Awards & Achievements
“From Fantasy rankings to community impact, here are the wins that fuel our journey”
2024 - Blindside’s Launch
What started as a spark of Rugby League passion turned into a movement. In 2024, Blindside burst onto the scene — blending sharp NRL Fantasy insights with humour, storytelling, and a purpose-driven edge. From TikTok clips to in-depth analysis via our Instagram & Facebook, the launch of Blindside marked the beginning of something bigger than Fantasy: a community built on passion for the game.
2025 - From Posts to Podcasting
What began as sharp short-form takes on Instagram evolved into something bigger in 2025. Blindside stepped into the world of podcasting — transforming quick-hit insights into long-form conversations that dived deeper into strategy, banter, and bold positions. This expansion wasn’t just growth, it was a commitment to serve another arm of the Fantasy community with content that informs, entertains, and connects.
2024 - The Blindside Faithful
Born out of high demand for deeper insights from our fan base, the Blindside Faithful was created as a community for top-tier NRL Fantasy coaches who wanted more than the basics. These coaches sought a like-minded tribe, exclusive premium content, and direct one-on-one coaching to sharpen their game. What began as an idea quickly evolved into a powerhouse community filled with mate-ship and elite fantasy skill.
2025 - Introducing Kenty & Browny
Blindside grew stronger by bringing in Kenty (NZ) and Browny (QLD) as co-hosts and figureheads shaping our direction. Their arrival added fresh perspectives in a game that can be played in countless ways. By adding voices from different corners of Australia and New Zealand, Blindside leveraged diverse Rugby League cultures, and ensured we connected with every major community epicentre across the game.
2024 - NRL Fantasy Creator of the Year (Runner Up)
In our very first year, Blindside’s impact wasn’t just opinion — it was recognised by the community itself.
In a stacked field of legendary NRL Fantasy creators, like The Casual Athlete, NRL Fantasy Amateurs, Talking League & Jamie Brown - we finished as a Runner-Up for NRL Fantasy Creator of the Year, cementing Blindside’s potential among the top tier content creators in our space.
2025 - NRL Fantasy Creator of the Year (Runner Up)
Concluding our second season, Blindside’s impact was recognised by the community again. Where we were
named alongside all-time NRL Fantasy creators,
The Casual Athlete, All Out Fantasy & Jamie Brown - we finished as a Runner-Up for NRL Fantasy Creator of the Year, in consecutive seasons, uplifting the credibility and success of Blindside NRL Fantasy Analysis among the very best content creators in our space.
Media Mentions & Testimonials
Join The Journey
“Every member. Every dollar. Every round — we’re building a stronger game together.”
Become part of the Blindside inner circle — a premium membership for coaches who want to level up their Fantasy game while supporting the Rugby League community.
$1 of every weekly $5 payment will be put towards a charity pool to fund different community initiatives across Australia & New Zealand.
Access includes:
• Exclusive weekly insights & content not seen on free socials.
• One-on-one coaching and week-to-week assistance.
• Access to our private community talking all things Fantasy.
• Access to weekly Round Table discussions regarding trades.
• 2026 Pre-Season Fantasy Cheat Sheet analysing all teams.
• Access to Cash Comps in Overall, H2H & Tipping.
• Member Only Giveaways for Tickets & Merch.
• Betting tips for each game from trials to post-season comps.
100% of donations go directly toward grassroots Rugby League projects, including junior club funding, mental health programs, and player support initiatives.
We are seeking to use our platform to bring lasting change in areas of Rugby League that will leave a lasting change on local communities in Australia & New Zealand.
Examples include:
• Co-Hosting Annual Events with large not-for-profit organisations to bring the NRL to regional areas.
• Utilising Blindside’s, Browny’s & Kenty’s connections to Northern NSW, North QLD & Auckland NZ. To ensure initiatives hit the “most in need” areas in local communities.
• Providing men’s and women’s mental health initiatives to the broader grass roots of Rugby League.
• Help facilitate junior participation in Rugby League.
The Faithful is definitely worth it. Jye puts so much effort into everything he does and seeing all the little extras is awesome. It’s like a little community that helps others in Fantasy and I love it. Definitely recommend to anyone who love chatting fantasy with like minded people. Far more value than what you pay for 100%