NRL $5,000+ Saturday Line-Up

There are three cracking games to choose from this Saturday including a pivotal match between the Eels and Panthers for a potential top eight berth. With a myriad of value options available in this Draftstars contest, it will be crucial to pick the best quality options in a loaded field.

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

Front Row Forward

Nathan Brown ($12,600)

Brown has been phenomenal since he was given the Eels’ starting lock position three rounds ago, averaging 58.80 Draftstars points in that time. Last week he was dominant in the Eels’ comeback victory over the Tigers, laying 37 tackles and gaining 162 metres with his running game allowing his backs to flourish. He played the full game last week and should see heavy minutes once again in what looms to be a crucial clash with the Panthers.

Jarrod Wallace ($10,050)

Wallace has staked his claim for a maiden Origin jersey this season with some dominant performances for the Gold Coast. Last week against his former club, Wallace outplayed current Maroons forward Josh McGuire, recording 33 tackles, three tackle breaks and a massive 264 running metres in a career best performance. Against a Sharks pack that includes New South Wales stalwart Paul Gallen and incumbent front-rower Andrew Fifita, Wallace will be keen to show the Queensland coaches that he is the man to replace Matt Scott. Expect a big Draftstars score as a result.

Hooker

Kaysa Pritchard ($6,850)

There is some excellent value available at hooker in this contest, with Pritchard, Jayden Brailey and Danny Levi all coming in at under $7k. Whilst the other two are good options, it is impossible to ignore the work ethic of Pritchard, who has finished with 44 or more tackles in each of the past four weeks. This has come from an increased comfort in his starting role, which also saw him being used as an occasional ball-runner last week. Having a guy who consistently makes 40 tackles a week at under $7k is a blessing, so make sure Pritchard is on your radar for this contest.

Second Row Forward

Ryan James ($17,450)

The emergence of Jarrod Wallace has taken a load off of Ryan James this season after a dominant year in 2016. This resulted in a decline in his Draftstars production in the early rounds, but last week saw James put in a vintage performance and pick up 70.30 points. His running game has lacked menace this season, which has led to a decline in tackle breaks and try scoring, however, last week saw James bust five tackles and find the line for the first time in 2017 after scoring eleven tries last year. Against a strong Sharks pack, the Titans will rely heavily on James to put in another massive performance in both defence and attack, meaning plenty of Draftstars points for the Titans skipper.

Coen Hess ($9,400)

Hess has cemented his spot as one of the NRL’s most promising young forwards this season and has even been spoken about as a potential Origin bolter. He’s already one of the most imposing back-rowers in the game and he threatens to break the line with every run he makes. This ability to make tackle busting runs has led to him scoring six tries already this season and considering there are no other back-rowers in his price range that can match his attacking game, Hess is a lock in this contest.

Centre

Dane Gagai ($10,650)

Gagai has been phenomenal this season, with the attacking weapon often finding himself as the only Knight who looks like scoring a try. Competition for spots in the Maroons’ backline will be fierce, with incumbent Justin O’Neill competing with Will Chambers and Gagai for two spots in the centres. This week he goes head-to-head with O’Neill in what could be a contest for the Queensland number three jersey and there is no doubt that Gagai will be looking to prove his dominance. His running game and tackle busting will be put to the test, but there is no doubt that Gagai will be looking to target the returning Antonio Winterstein who will be tasked with defending the Cowboys’ left-edge.

Half

Peter Wallace ($11,900)

Wallace’s availability in the halves is a dream come true for Draftstars owners given his recent form out of dummy-half. The veteran has gone from starting 2016 in his traditional halfback role to the favourite to play hooker for the Blues in Origin this season. His tackling has been phenomenal – his 100 tackles made in the last two weeks is a testament to that – but it is his running and kicking game out of dummy-half that adds an extra element to the Panthers attack. Michael Morgan has a similarly high ceiling, but with Wallace laying over 40 tackles a game his basement is too good to ignore.

Wing/Fullback

Matt Moylan ($11,200)

Parra’s defence is shot, with the Eels allowing at least 20 points in every game since round three. This should be music to Matt Moylan’s ears, with the under fire captain desperately needing a win and a strong performance to silence his critics. Moylan hasn’t showed the same dominant, line breaking running game that earned him a green and gold jersey last year, but against the Eels there is every chance that he rediscovers his electrifying form from the second half of last year and ends up with a massive Draftstars score.

Kalyn Ponga ($5,900)

Even though he still looks like he’s 18 and his body doesn’t look anywhere near NRL standard, Kalyn Ponga has shown phenomenal maturity as a footballer this season. With JT going out last week Ponga was asked to step up as a playmaker and creator, and he welcomed the challenge with open arms. His ability to cut through the defensive line with his speed is unbelievable and his ability to break tackles on his runs defies his thin frame. Coming up against the Knights, make sure you have Ponga in your team as he could end up with a couple of tries to complement the rest of his attacking game.

The Line Up

FR-F: Nathan Brown ($12,600)

FR-F: Jarrod Wallace ($10,050)

HOOK: Kaysa Pritchard ($6,850)

2R-F: Ryan James ($17,450)

2R-F: Coen Hass ($9,400)

C: Dane Gagai ($10,650)

HALF: Peter Wallace ($11,900)

W/FB: Matt Moylan ($11,200)

W/FB: Kalyn Ponga ($5,900)

Salary Remaining: $4,000