NRL $1,000+ Titans v Tigers Line-Up

The Tigers will travel to the Gold Coast to take on the Titans this Sunday, with both teams coming off tight losses last week. When the two teams met in round 16, the Titans won 26-14 thanks to a Jarryd Hayne double. With big names like Hayne, James Tedesco and Aaron Woods playing, it should be a cracking Draftstars contest.

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

Front Row Forward

Jarrod Wallace ($12,150)

Wallace is the epitome of a no frills forward, a journeyman that plied his trade off the bench for the Broncos for years before finally getting an opportunity as a starter at the Titans this season. He’s not an offloading forward, nor does he break many tackles, but what he does provide is infallible defence and the ability to make repeat hit-ups with ease. He’s averaging 141.8 metres gained per game and 33.6 tackles per game, and against a struggling Tigers side he should continue his usual production.

Max King ($8,200)

Similarly to Wallace, King is a tough, ball running forward who may not have the best ball skills but is always willing to give his all for the team. Since moving into the starting line-up four games ago King has been solid for the Gold Coast, averaging 27.5 tackles, 77.8 running metres and 33.5 Draftstars points. He played 53 minutes against the Panthers last week and should see similar playing time against the Tigers this week. Without many cheap options, King is a good pickup in this contest.

Hooker

Matt McIlwrick ($7,950)

With the injury to Jacob Liddle, McIlwrick has found himself as the only full-time hooker in the Tigers side. Last week he played 63 minutes and was replaced by usual halfback Jack Littlejohn who made a crucial error late in the game. This should see McIlwrick get some extra time out of dummy-half this week, which gives him plenty of opportunity to rack up tackling numbers and provide a solid Draftstars score. Given he made 51 tackles just a fortnight ago, he is a must-have at under $8k.

Second Row Forward

Ryan James ($14,100)

James may not have reached the lofty heights that saw him lead the Titans to the finals last season, but he has had a solid season nonetheless. Last round was one of his better games, as he put in a herculean defensive effort to end up with 44 tackles while also making 20 runs in attack for 149 metres. His defensive efforts have been pivotal to the Titans all season and his running game looks to be steadily getting back to where it was last year, which is a great combination going into a matchup with the struggling Tigers.

Matthew Eisenhuth ($10,750)

After overcoming cancer, Eisenhuth’s journey to the NRL has certainly been one of the toughest. After not knowing whether he’d ever play at the top level, Eisenhuth debuted in round 15 against the Sharks and hasn’t looked back since. Eisenhuth has been impressive in his five games at the top level and was rewarded with his first career start last week against the Eels. He ended up with 104 metres, an offload and 38/41 tackles in a workmanlike performance that didn’t have any errors. He has again been named to start this week and will be looking to build on his good form and cement his place in first grade going into next season.

Centre

Esan Marsters ($9,500)

Marsters has been a nice find for the Tigers in recent weeks, scoring three tries in his five starts in the centres. His sheer size on the flank makes him tough to stop, with his 110kg frame allowing him to bust tackles and get his hands free to make an offload. Coming up against the Titans, who don’t have one of the better defensive back fives in the league, Marsters will be incredibly difficult to stop.

Half

Tuimoala Lolohea ($12,500)

Even though his production on the field has wavered at times, Lolohea has been a force to be reckoned with when it comes to Draftstars. Since moving to the Tigers mid-season and becoming their permanent five-eighth, Lolohea has averaged 46.2 Draftstars points thanks mostly to his impressive running game. In the last couple of weeks his kicking game has improved to the extent that his high balls are creating regular opportunities for his outside backs, while his playmaking has resulted in three try assists and four linebreak assists in the last four weeks. After managing 42.6 Draftstars points in one of his worst performances of the season when these two teams last met, Lolohea should be primed for a massive score.

Wing/Fullback

James Tedesco ($14,700)

Tedesco has cemented himself as one of the best players in the game despite his sides struggles this season. He is undoubtedly a fantasy beast as well, with his ability to break tackles (he averages the most tackle breaks in the competition), make line breaks and rack up massive running numbers allowing him to score well week in, week out. The Titans have had some trouble defending through the middle this season and there is no fullback better equipped to take advantage of defensive errors than Tedesco.

Tyrone Roberts ($9,200)

After being shuffled around the park to cover Gold Coast’s many and varied injuries this season, Roberts has finally moved back into the halves in the last three weeks. Last week was one of his better games this season, scoring a try, making a line break and breaking five tackles in a strong running performance. At his best, Roberts has some of the best footwork and playmaking skills going around and it seems that he is starting to settle back into his role at five-eighth nicely. This combination makes him an excellent selection in this contest.

The Line Up

FR-F: Jarrod Wallace ($12,150)

FR-F: Max King ($8,200)

HOOK: Matt McIlwrick ($7,950)

2R-F: Ryan James ($14,100)

2R-F: Matthew Eisenhuth ($10,750)

C: Esan Marsters ($9,500)

HALF: Tuimoala Lolohea ($12,500)

W/FB: James Tedesco ($14,700)

W/FB: Tyrone Roberts ($9,200)

Salary Remaining: $950