NRL $2,500+ Cowboys v Rabbitohs Line-Up

North Queensland welcome back Dally M Medallist Jason Taumalolo for this Friday night’s clash against South Sydney. The Cowboys bounced back from a shock loss to Manly by beating the Titans in a close one last week and will be looking to bank a victory against the inconsistent Rabbitohs.

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Here is a team you may consider for the NRL $2,500+ Cowboys v Rabbitohs competition

Front Row Forward

Jason Taumalolo ($15,350)

What better way is there to welcome back the reigning Dally M Medallist than picking him in your Draftstars team? The $10 million man will be looking to dominate in his first game back, just as he did in the first two rounds, where he pumped out a whopping 71.30 average. His tackling, combined with his running game provide a solid benchmark for his scoring, whilst his ability to break tackles gives him a huge ceiling.

Patrick Kaufusi ($5,500)

After a consistent start to the year, Kaufusi had a down game last week against the Titans. His tackling was down, laying just 12 and missing two after averaging 21 tackles in the first three rounds, however this was largely due to the Titans running plenty of action on the edges. Kaufusi may not be the safest bet to score big, but his price tag mitigates the risk and if he can return to the 30-35 range, he will be an excellent selection.

Hooker

Jake Granville ($10,450)

Hooker is a tough position in this matchup, with no 80 minute players available for selection. Robbie Farah has the highest average in this match up, but his stats are skewed due to him playing the full game in Round 1, which almost certainly won’t happen this week. This means that we have to look for other options and at nearly $3k less Granville fits the bill. Not only has he been strong on the tackling front, but Granville has also scored twice this year and picked up three try assists. Whilst he may not be able to match Farah’s production, he will prove to be a better selection if you use the $3k you gain wisely.

Second Row Forward

Sam Burgess ($15,800)

A concussion last week limited Burgess to just 40 minutes of game time, but despite this, he still racked up 44.60 Draftstars points. Usually the Englishman will see at least 60 minutes of action and while he probably won’t keep up those sort of points per minute numbers, he will score well. Against a Cowboys pack that loves to run the ball, Burgess should have plenty of opportunities to lay tackles and build a solid score.

Coen Hess ($10,050)

Hess – who has been dominant so far this season – will move back to the bench this week after filling in for Taumalolo for the last couple of weeks. This shouldn’t impact his scoring, however there is a concern over his minutes after playing just 34 off the bench in round one. Although there is a case to be made that with Taumalolo back, Hess won’t see the same amount of minutes, this seems unlikely after Maroons coach Kevin Walters named Hess (and teammate Ethan Lowe) as Origin bolters. This vote of confidence should only make Hess hungrier for tackles and metres, which should be reflected in his scoring.

Centre

Bryson Goodwin ($10,550)

With both Titans’ wingers scoring last week against the Cowboys, there is every chance that try-scoring machine Goodwin will go big this week. Goodwin has only scored one try since his hat-trick in round one and will be looking to impose himself in the attacking stats through tackle breaks, metres and tries.

Half

Cody Walker ($14,850)

Walker has been incredible so far this season playing as the fulcrum of the Bunnies attack after settling in the halves this season. His scoring shouldn’t be surprising either; when played in the halves last season, Walker was a tackling machine, however the manner in which he is building his scores has been impressive. Yet to reach 20 tackles in a game this season, Walker has been assisting tries, breaking tackles as well as getting both running and kicking metres. His ceiling is through the roof and he could cost you the game if you don’t have him.

Wing/Fullback

Lachlan Coote ($8,450)

After Michael Gordon teared up the Rabbits from fullback last week, there is every reason to select Coote who compares favourably to Gordon as a facilitator whilst matching him in most other areas. If Coote can find the try line in his return to first grade, it will give him the confidence to return kicks cleanly which will lead to more running metres. With a dearth of decent backline options, it’s worth taking a gamble on the guy you think will score.

Alex Johnston ($8,400)

Johnston has revelled in his move to fullback this season, averaging 45.62 Draftstars points since moving there in round two. This has largely been on the back of his tackle busting runs where he has picked up metres and tackle breaks. Add to this his immense try scoring ability and his price tag and it is clear that Johnston is an excellent option. He has stated multiple times that he wants to cement his spot at fullback and will continue to work hard to do so. This is great news for Draftstars teams who should expect another big score from the Bunnies new fullback.

The Line Up

FR-F: Jason Taumalolo ($15,350)

FR-F: Patrick Kaufusi ($5,500)

HOOK: Jake Granville ($10,450)

2R-F: Sam Burgess ($15,800)

2R-F: Coen Hess ($10,050)

C: Bryson Goodwin ($10,550)

HALF: Cody Walker ($14,850)

W/FB: Lachlan Coote ($8,450)

W/FB: Alex Johnston ($8,400)

Salary Remaining: $550