NRL $3,000+ Bulldogs v Cowboys
The NRL starts off again this weekend after a week off for representative footy and it all begins
with a blockbuster game between the Bulldogs and Cowboys. With both teams on the fringe of the top eight there is plenty at stake, which should make for a brilliant contest.
Here is a team you may consider for the NRL $3,000+ Bulldogs v Cowboys competition
Front Row Forward
James Graham ($14,200)
A concussion a fortnight ago ended what had been a purple patch for the Englishman, who has firmly cemented his place amongst the elite forwards in the league. His work ethic is inspiring and it doesn’t matter whether it’s laying tackles defensively or carrying the ball in attack, he will always go the extra mile. This leads to some massive Draftstars scoring, including an average of 64.15 in the four weeks prior to his concussion. Luckily, his concussed game brings down his average which gives him a slight discount in this contest.
Jason Taumalolo ($14,200)
Taumalolo has been his dominant self this season and was superb in the Anzac Test, racking up 182 running metres, five tackle breaks and 24 tackles. This sort of stat line has been commonplace for the Dally M Medallist this season and it has led to Draftstars dominance to go with his dominance on the park. Expect him to play big minutes in what is shaping up to be a big game, which will give him plenty of chances to pad those attacking stats.
Hooker
Michael Lichaa ($10,750)
Despite being one of the most criticised players in the competition, Lichaa is still more than handy when given the chance to play the full 80 minutes. With Josh Reynolds going out and utility Matt Frawley moving into the halves, the Dogs will be relying on Lichaa to play a full game, which will mean big tackling numbers and hopefully a big Draftstars score. Keep in mind that Lichaa averages 46.35 Draftstars points per game this year when he plays over 77 minutes.
Second Row Forward
Coen Hess ($12,200)
Hess has already proven to be one of the more skilled offensive forwards in the league this season and against a big Bulldogs pack, there is every chance that he breaks the line for a try. Even though he’s been named on the bench, he’s a proven try scorer and a lethal edge runner, which might be the Cowboys best chance to score with Thurston out. Last round he showcased his defensive work ethic as well, making 40 tackles for the first time this season. It’s a risky pick and a guy like Josh Jackson is safer, but Hess may cost you the contest if he manages to find the line.
John Asiata ($8,850)
With a lack of cheap options in this contest, Asiata is worth the risk in his first start for the season in his favoured front-row. After filling in for JT in the halves for the past few weeks, the prop will be given the chance to go back to his preferred position without the pressure of being a creator. This should lead to an increase in his defensive numbers and running metres, whilst he should play big minutes with the Cowboys lacking options at prop due to Patrick Kaufusi’s foot injury.
Centre
Josh Morris ($12,050)
The choice between Will Hopoate and Josh Morris is tough, but the defensive issues that the Cowboys have faced on the edge get the experienced campaigner over the line. His recent form helps too; last round he was simply scintillating as he staked a claim for an Origin birth by completely outplaying two of his biggest competitors in Jarrod Croker and Joey Leilua. With three tries in the past four weeks and some brilliant line breaking and tackle busting runs, Morris just gets the nod over the exciting Hopoate.
Half
Matt Frawley ($9,350)
Frawley has been used all through the Bulldogs spine this season, spending time at halfback, hooker and five-eighth. With Josh Reynolds out, Frawley will be given the chance to be the primary kicker for the Dogs and will be looked upon to create for his backs in attack. Ray Thompson is tempting at over $1,000 cheaper, but Frawley is the better player and will likely be playing a friendlier role for Draftstars scoring.
Wing/Fullback
Brett Morris ($10,200)
Brett joins his brother in this line-up thanks to his prolific ability to produce consistently good scoring from the wing. The Feldt/O’Neill/Morgan combination has struggled defensively this season and Brett Morris is a safe bet to be able to exploit any struggling edge defence. He hasn’t scored a try since round three, but his form has been solid and last week he broke eight tackles in a damaging running game to end up with 47.80 Draftstars points, which shows he’s a safe bet even if he doesn’t score a try.
Justin O’Neill ($6,400)
O’Neill has struggled for form this season after an injury interrupted pre-season and is yet to score a try all season. His defensive efforts have started to improve in recent weeks after a few shocking efforts cost the Cowboys a try or two early in the year. He’s ridiculously cheap for a player of his calibre, so back him in to turn his form around in a big match against his potential opposite number in Origin.
The Line Up
FR-F: James Graham ($14,200)
FR-F: Jason Taumalolo ($14,200)
HOOK: Michael Lichaa ($10,750)
2R-F: Coen Hess ($12,200)
2R-F: John Asiata ($8,850)
C: Josh Morris ($12,050)
HALF: Matt Frawley ($9,350)
W/FB: Brett Morris ($10,200)
W/FB: Justin O’Neill ($6,400)
Salary Remaining: $1,800
NRL SCORING SYSTEM
Try Scored = 8 points
Goal = 2 points
Field Goal = 5 points
Try Assist = 5 points
Line Break = 4 points
Line Break Assist = 2 points
Tackle = 1 point
Tackle Break = 3 points
Missed Tackles = -2 points
Offload = 2 points
Run Metres Gained = 0.1 points
Kick Metres Gained = 0.05 points
Error = -2 points