NRL $10,000+ Bulldogs v Eels Line-Up

Two traditional rivals face off on Thursday night as the Bulldogs take on the Eels who have won seven of their last eight matches. The two teams couldn’t be further apart at the moment with the Bulldogs winning just two of their last ten, but when this rivalry is ignited, it’s always a good contest.

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Here is a team you may consider for the NRL $10,000+ Bulldogs v Eels competition

Front Row Forward

Nathan Brown ($14,950)

Brown has been phenomenal for the Eels this season, providing their pack with a toughness and work ethic that has propelled them into the top eight. His ability to carry the ball is obviously incredible – he has made over 200 metres in four of the last five weeks – but he also knows when to make an early pass and let his teammates run the ball. Defensively he’s a workhorse and is averaging 39.6 tackles per game since returning from a rib injury in round 13. Given his incredible production, it is clear why many are labelling Brown the recruit of the season.

David Klemmer ($12,250)

After a standout Origin series, Klemmer has brought his good form back to club level. Last week against Penrith he ended up with 212 metres, 37 tackles, two tackle breaks and two offloads in one of his best games of the season. Klemmer has always been an enforcer, but in the last couple of weeks he has shown the ability to get off an offload as well. If this becomes a more permanent part of his game, he will become even more dominant than he already is.

Hooker

Cameron King ($7,750)

Given that Moses Mbye has struggled to impact the contest from dummy-half and Michael Lichaa is playing limited minutes, King is an obvious candidate given his price and playing time. Last week King played the full 80 minutes for the first time this season and he didn’t disappoint, making 38/40 tackles in a solid defensive performance. His confidence has improved and he has his spot sewn down for the rest of the season, so there is every chance that King puts in another good performance this week against the Bulldogs.

Second Row Forward

Manu Ma’u ($12,900)

Ma’u has been one of the most consistent performers for the Eels this season, giving them plenty of hard running on the left edge. Last round he ran 150 metres, made 35 tackles, had one offload and broke three tackles in a typically productive match for the Kiwi hard man. Ma’u regularly breaks tackles to give his side further metres and has the ability to keep the Eels rolling forward thanks to his offloading ability. His defensive presence has increased recently as well and this has made him a consistently good Draftstars option.

Danny Fualolo ($8,450)

After starting four games in a row, Fualolo moved back to the bench last round to accommodate for skipper James Graham returning to the side. Despite this, he was still extremely productive in his limited minutes which bodes well for his prospects this week. He finished the game with 118 metres gained including three tackle breaks and 23 tackles in defence. Against an Eels pack that has been dominating sides recently, Fualolo’s production off the bench will be crucial to the Dogs chances.

Centre

Michael Jennings ($10,600)

Jennings was one of the players influenced by Mitchell Moses’ brilliant game last week, as he capitalised on defensive holes created by his halfback to attack the line. Jennings looks to have settled into his combination out wide and looks more confident running the ball than he has been all season. Last week he broke four tackles, made a line break and ended up with 150 metres from just eleven runs as he looked to take the game on more, and this should continue again this week.

Half

Mitchell Moses ($11,500)

Without Clint Gutherson, plenty were writing the Eels off last week, but the combination of Moses and Corey Norman stepped up in his absence and guided their team to victory. Moses was particularly impressive, setting up three tries including making one of the best passes of the year to find Kirisome Auva’a some space out wide. The Eels seem to have adjusted to his speed of play and it’s allowed Moses to get his right side involved more and create plenty of scoring opportunities. The Eels should win this one and there is no doubt Moses will be playing a crucial role in their attack.

Wing/Fullback

Bevan French ($10,700)

French moved back to fullback to cover for the injured Clint Gutherson and was superb in the role he occupied for all of last season. His speed and power were on fll display, as he broke nine tackles, made two line breaks and scored a rampaging try as he carried three defenders over the line. He ended up with 54.7 Draftstars points and he has now scored a try in each of his last five games which shows just how dangerous he is close to the line. Not only is he a standout in attack, but last week he also made an impressive try saving tackle in defence.

Will Hopoate ($10,300)

Hopoate was solid last week, providing the Dogs with 208 metres, including 114 kick return metres which gave his side some desperately needed field position. Last time these two teams met, Hopoate was an absolute standout, ending up with 329 metres and 246 metres from kick returns in a close loss. He is still yet to score a try this season, but has the ability to fill the stat sheet with his dangerous running game.

The Line Up

FR-F: Nathan Brown ($14,950)

FR-F: David Klemmer ($12,250)

HOOK: Cameron King ($7,750)

2R-F: Manu Ma’u ($12,900)

2R-F: Danny Fualolo ($8,450)

C: Michael Jennings ($10,600)

HALF: Mitchell Moses ($11,500)

W/FB: Bevan French ($10,700)

W/FB: Will Hopoate ($10,300)

Salary Remaining: $600