NRL $1,000+ Cowboys v Storm Line-Up

Even without superstar fullback Billy Slater, the Storm were incredible in Cam Smith’s 350th game last week, defeating Manly by 34 points. They face another tough test this week as they come up against the Cowboys, who led for most of the game against the second-placed Roosters last week. With plenty of superstars in action, it will be a cracking contest.

PLAY NOW

Here is a team you may consider for the NRL $1,000+ Cowboys v Storm competition

Front Row Forward

Jason Taumalolo ($16,350)

Taumalolo is one of the best players in the game at the moment, with his unparalleled metre eating capacity earning him a massive ten-year deal with North Queensland. Last time he came up against the Storm, Taumalolo ran 300 metres, made three offloads and made 37/38 tackles in a dominant performance in a losing side. While he may not reach those lofty heights with Origin stars Gavin Cooper and Coen Hess back in the team, he is easily still the most dominant forward in this contest.

Jordan McLean ($10,050)

McLean returned to the Storm line up last week after missing nearly two months of football due to injury. He had a solid hit out, playing 30 minutes, making 96 metres, breaking four tackles and making 16 tackles, but looked like he was short of a run which bodes well for his production this week. Prior to injury he was a metre-eating, tackle breaking machine through the middle for Melbourne and he will be looking to recapture some of that form in the lead up to finals. This week he comes up against the Cowboys, the team he will be joining next season, and there is no doubt that he will be looking to assert his dominance through the middle.

Hooker

Jake Granville ($11,800)

Granville is back to playing the consistent footy that has made him one of the best hookers in the game and it has come at a perfect time for the Cowboys, who are desperately in need of another playmaker with Johnathan Thurston’s injury. Granville’s passing game is elite, both in general play and especially out of dummy-half, while his ability to direct his team around the park is impressive for a hooker. Defensively he undoubtedly punches above his weight, making 28.9 tackles per game. He will be asked to work even harder this week, as the Storm love to charge the ball directly through the middle of the park.

Second Row Forward

Felise Kaufusi ($10,250)

Kaufusi has been elite for the Storm this season, taking on a role as an 80 minute back-rower after being used primarily off the bench in previous seasons. Not only is he averaging 88.7 metres and 33.5 tackles, he has also scored seven tries and assisted on a handful more, showing just how dangerous he is close to the line. When these two teams met in round 15, Kaufusi was incredible, making three line breaks, scoring a try and assisting on another.

Joe Stimson ($6,850)

In the absence of Tohu Harris, Stimson has been given the opportunity to start in the back-row in the last two weeks. Last week he played 65 minutes and was quite impressive, scoring a rampaging try in which he went through a handful of defenders and making 27 tackles without miss. He should see a similar minute total this week and there is no doubt that he will be looking to show Craig Bellamy that he is the long-term answer on the edge for 2018 and beyond.

Centre

Will Chambers ($9,600)

While you can’t really go wrong with any of the options in the centres, Chambers stands out given his recent form. After playing just two club games in six weeks during the Origin period, Chambers has found his rhythm at club level again and it has seen him score two tries in the last two weeks. Part of what makes him so damaging is his running game and his ability to create opportunities by breaking tackles and keeping the ball alive. This will be crucial against a North Queensland side that has great defensively this season.

Half

Michael Morgan ($13,250)

Many doubted whether Michael Morgan would have what it takes to stand up in the absence of his skipper Johnathan Thurston, but he has proved all doubters wrong with some scintillating performances. He has been involved in most of the Cowboys’ try scoring sets and has shown an ability to manage the game that has never previously been part of his game. He comes up against the best spine in the league this week and will be required to continue his brilliant form if the Cowboys are to have any chance at winning.

Wing/Fullback

Suliasi Vunivalu ($11,000)

Vunivalu equalled the record for most tries scored in his first two seasons on the weekend, with his 38th try putting him level with some of the most prolific try scorers ever. He should easily get the record by the end of the season given there are five regular season games to go, which just shows how prolific he is at finding the line. Teams rarely kick to him because they understand how tough he is to stop once he’s started running, but this doesn’t stop him from gaining plenty of metres as the Storm frequently use him as a ball runner through the middle of the ground.

Kyle Feldt ($10,600)

Feldt has been a dominant force both in the air and on the ground in the second half of the season, and it has resulted in him scoring nine tries in the last ten matches. His powerful running, combined with his incredible athleticism and aerial prowess makes him one of the best wingers in the game when it comes to finishing. Last time these two teams met, he scored the first try of the game and broke six tackles in a performance that helped the Cowboys sniff victory. He loves playing at home and will once again be crucial to North Queensland’s chances and will likely score a try or two if they do end up winning.

The Line Up

FR-F: Jason Taumalolo ($16,350)

FR-F: Jordan McLean ($10,050)

HOOK: Jake Granville ($11,800)

2R-F: Felise Kaufusi ($10,250)

2R-F: Joe Stimson ($6,850)

C: Will Chambers ($9,600)

HALF: Michael Morgan ($13,250)

W/FB: Suliasi Vunivalu ($11,000)

W/FB: Kyle Feldt ($10,600)

Salary Remaining: $250