NRL $5,000+ Eels v Cowboys Line-Up

The Eels proved themselves as a legitimate title threat last week, leading the Storm for most of the game before suffering a heartbreaking two point defeat. This week they face the Cowboys, who had a brilliant last gasp victory to end the Sharks’ season last week. The Eels go in as heavy favourites at home, but the Cowboys have been defying the odds all season and shouldn’t be counted out. It should be a cracking game and an even better Draftstars contest.

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Here is a team you may consider for the NRL $5,000+ Eels v Cowboys competition

Front Row Forward

Scott Bolton ($11,450)

Bolton is as reliable as they come, and he stepped his performance up a notch for the elimination final against the Sharks. In 62 minutes of action, the dependable front rower made a whopping 45 tackles and ran 141 metres from 17 runs. He plays with incredible heart, which makes him a favourite of his coaches and teammates, but also with Draftstars owners. Coach Paul Green has plenty of faith in Bolton, which means that a decrease in his workload is highly unlikely. Expect another solid score.

Daniel Alvaro ($11,100)

Alvaro returned to the starting line-up last week and had a big impact once again, making 36 tackles without miss. This continues his incredible recent defensive production, which has seen him have over 40 tackles multiple times, including a massive 49 tackle performance against the Knights in round 23. His confidence is sky-high at the moment and it shows in his production. Lock him in.

Hooker

Cameron King ($7,950)

King lost feeling in his arm on the weekend, but managed to finish the game and has declared himself likely to play this week. Given his price tag, that means he should be a shoe-in for your line-up. He’s had some massive tackling numbers this year, including two games of over 50 tackles. In his last seven games, he’s scored over 40 Draftstars points five times. His opposite number – Jake Granville, who is $2,500 more expensive – has done it once.

Second Row Forward

Ethan Lowe ($12,700)

Lowe was solid for the Cowboys last week, providing his usual dose of tackles and metres, but also slotting three goals which turned out to be pivotal to the final result. He ended the game with 59.6 Draftstars points, his sixth score over 50 in the last eight weeks. Apart from Jason Taumalolo, who is almost $6,000 more expensive than Lowe, no other second rower in this contest has gone close to those numbers in that time frame. The Eels have strong edge runners and will be looking to dominate the battle of the forwards, so Lowe should see plenty of defensive action and plenty of points again.

Tepai Moeroa ($10,900)

Moeroa once again was concussed last week, which resulted in him playing just 15 minutes. Given he’s been concussed several times already this season, there is serious doubt over whether he lines up this week. If he does, he’s an excellent option given his discount and his propensity to score over 40 Draftstars points when healthy. If he misses out, Kenny Edwards is $300 cheaper and always scores well when he starts.

Centre

Kirisome Auva’a ($8,350)

Auva’a has proven to be a solid contributor for the Eels this season, filling in admirably when the likes of Michael Jennings, Clint Gutherson and Bevan French went down, before cementing his spot in recent weeks. Playing on the wing, he’s been a constant threat, whether it’s making a line break or scoring tries. He’s made eight line breaks in as many weeks, which has kept his scoring afloat nicely. In a group of centres without a standout, he’s as good an option as any, and he’s cheaper than the rest of the decent options.

Half

Michael Morgan ($14,900)

Morgan was massive again last week, doing absolutely everything for the Cowboys in attack before calmly slotting the match winning field goal. He ended the game with a try assist, two line break assists and incredibly, five offloads. It was proven in Origin and it was proven again last week, his running game is so dangerous in big games due to his ability to get his arms free and create second phase play. Morgan should end up with another great score even if the Cowboys lose, because they will once again be relying on their halfback to generate almost all of their attack.

Wing/Fullback

Semi Radradra ($13,150)

Radradra is high risk, high reward, that’s for sure. Within the space of three weeks, he’s had one score of 103.9 and a score of 18.6. Coming up against a significantly understrength North Queensland side, there is every chance Radradra blows this game open. At his best, the Fijian flier is almost unstoppable close to the line, which will make defending him extremely interesting for Kyle Feldt and co.

Will Smith ($8,650)

Considering he’s the Eels’ third-choice fullback (after Clint Gutherson and Bevan French), Smith has been brilliant in the last couple of weeks. Defensively he’s sound, while his kick-returning and general positioning in attack are reminiscent of a veteran. Last week he ran 156 metres, made a line break and scored a try. Bevan French is still not fit, so Smith will see 80 minutes of action at fullback once again this week.

The Line Up

FR-F: Scott Bolton ($11,450)

FR-F: Daniel Alvaro ($11,100)

HOOK: Cameron King ($7,950)

2R-F: Ethan Lowe ($12,700)

2R-F: Tepai Moeroa ($10,900)

C: Kirisome Auva’a ($8,350)

HALF: Michael Morgan ($14,900)

W/FB: Semi Radradra ($13,150)

W/FB: Will Smith ($8,650)

Salary Remaining: $850