NRL $2,000+ Panthers v Rabbitohs Line-Up

The Panthers will be sporting a new-look backline this week, with captain Matt Moylan and two teammates dropped for disciplinary reasons. With both teams coming off of defeats, there will be no shortage of passion in this game which will make for some big Draftstars scores.

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Here is a team you may consider for the NRL $2,000+ Panthers v Rabbitohs competition

Front Row Forward

Trent Merrin ($15,800)

Despite a poor score against the Storm last round, Merrin has had a solid start to the season and should regain his scoring form against the less talented Bunnies this week. Merrin’s scoring has reflected the performance of his team, with his two weakest scores coming in heavy losses in rounds one and five. Considering it should be a closely fought contest on Friday night, expect Merrin to put in a big performance.

Zane Musgrove ($7,850)

Musgrove has been solid for the Bunnies from the bench this season and has seen his minutes increase from 39 in round one to 51 last round. Against the Panthers – who love to run the ball through the middle of the park and get it in the hands of Merrin, James Tamou and Reagan Campbell-Gillard – Musgrove should be able to lay enough tackles to approximate the scoring of the big-name, higher priced options.

Hooker

Damien Cook ($10,200)

There has been a lot of talk in the media this week regarding a potential Origin birth for Cook after a brilliant performance in his first start last round. The quick hooker seems to have cemented his place as the Bunnies starting hooker and could be a part of a shootout for the Blues’ number nine jersey with Peter Wallace on Friday night. This should lead to big scores for both players, but Cook gets the nod on the back of his 53-tackle performance last start.

Second Row Forward

Sam Burgess ($15,850)

Burgess has been red-hot in the last three rounds, scoring 58.60, 44.60 (in just 40 minutes of action) and 56.80. His tackling and running numbers have picked up and you know that he is bound to pick up some tackle breaks as well. Burgess is one of the most consistent players in the league and with the lack of premium scoring options in the forwards, banking his score of 55+ is a safe play.

Corey Harawira-Naera ($5,750)

Harawira-Naera has had a monster start to his NRL career, scoring and assisting in two tries in his first game against the Knights before following it up with a solid game against the Storm. Whilst it would be a lot to ask of the third gamer to produce another score of 40+, his ability to both tackle and break tackles will ensure he will outperform his price tag.

Centre

Isaah Yeo ($11,900)

Yeo has been solid once again this season, averaging 43.9 Draftstars points. His consistent is appealing given that he is a back-rower that is available in the Centres, where there are limited options in this game. Tyrone Peachey, Waqa Blake and Peta Hiku missing this week plays into Yeo’s hands as it will mean that he’ll get more chances to run the ball and possibly lay extra tackles if the game is less free flowing. Whilst he doesn’t come cheap, there is simply too much risk associated with the other options to pick them with any sort of confidence.

Half

Nathan Cleary ($15,400)

Cleary has been a standout for the Panthers this season and has been instrumental in their victories, creating and finishing many of their offensive sets. With most of the Panthers backline missing, Cleary will be asked to shoulder an even larger load this round, which should see an uptick in his running metres, tackle breaks and kicking metres. Te Maire Martin is an excellent option in this match up for similar reasons if you are looking to save cash.

Wing/Fullback

Alex Johnston ($8,250)

A full-time move to fullback has paid dividends for Johnston this year, with his average increasing from 25.9 Draftstars points per game last season to 32.8 this year. This has largely been on the back of some impressive attacking numbers, including three tries, two line breaks and sixteen tackle breaks this year. Against a depleted Panthers backline, don’t be surprised if Johnston finds the line and ends up with a big score.

Dylan Edwards ($6,000)

Edwards will get his second opportunity this season after filling in on the wing in round two. In that game he managed to find the try line and was as impressive as he was in the Auckland Nines, where his performance had him in the mix for round one. There are a plethora of cheap options available in the backline in this match up, but Edwards is the pick of the bunch based on his recent form.

The Line Up

FR-F: Trent Merrin ($15,800)

FR-F: Zane Musgrove ($7,850)

HOOK: Damien Cook ($10,200)

2R-F: Sam Burgess ($15,850)

2R-F: Corey Harawira-Naera ($5,750)

C: Isaah Yeo ($12,000)

HALF: Nathan Cleary ($15,400)

W/FB: Alex Johnston ($8,250)

W/FB: Dylan Edwards ($6,000)

Salary Remaining: $2,900