NRL $5,000+ Sharks v Cowboys Line-Up
The Sharks have surged into second spot on the ladder with wins in six of their last seven games, including an impressive last-start victory over the Dragons. They come up against the Cowboys on Thursday, who are looking to solidify their spot in the eight and have named superstar Johnathan Thurston on an extended bench.
Here is a team you may consider for the NRL $5,000+ Sharks v Cowboys competition
Front Row Forward
Jason Taumalolo ($13,900)
Taumalolo has been solid in the last few weeks, but hasn’t had a rampaging, game-changing performance in the last four games. Against a Sharks’ pack that is one of the best in the competition, the Cowboys will be relying on Taumalolo to inflict damage on both ends of the park by laying tackles, making huge metres and breaking tackles. Expect his minute load to rise slightly in what should be a tightly contested game, which will mean more opportunities for points.
Scott Bolton ($10,750)
The injury to Matt Scott has been a blessing in disguise for Scott Bolton, who has had a brilliant start to the season. After coming off the bench almost exclusively last season, Bolton has grabbed the starting opportunity with both hands, seeing huge increases in his tackling (21.7 per game in 2016 to 32.9 this year) and running game (96.9 metres per game in 2016 to 136.4 this year). He’s in the middle of a purple patch and at just over $10k, it would be wise to capitalise on his good form.
Hooker
Ben Hampton ($5,500)
With neither Jayden Brailey nor Jake Granville asserting themselves as 80 minute players at hooker this year, it would be wise to look at Hampton as a cheap alternative. Last week, he played 51 minutes as he saw time in the halves and at hooker and it resulted in a solid 27.40 points. If Johnathan Thurston is out once again, Hampton will be relied upon for extra minutes which will ensure a good score. If Thurston plays, Hampton will play exclusively at dummy-half which will boost his tackling numbers. Either way, it’s a win-win for a guy who is priced at just $5,500.
Second Row Forward
Paul Gallen ($17,100)
Gallen has been absolutely massive recently, with four scores over 60 in his last five games. This has largely come from some mammoth tackling and running efforts, which have lifted Cronulla’s forward pack and made life easier for their backline. He currently sits first in running metres amongst forwards and with Matt Prior out for the Sharks this week, Gallen will be relied on even more to thrust their attack forward.
Wade Graham ($13,650)
Graham has affirmed himself as one of the most dangerous edge players in the competition in the past couple of years and this year has been no different. His tackling is always solid, but it is in attack where he has made his name, with a brilliant competition of ball running and ball playing. His combination with James Maloney has improved this season and both will be looking to expose the Cowboys’ hit and miss edge defence.
Centre
Ricky Leutele ($9,300)
Leutele is in a nice patch of form at the moment, having scored a try in two of the past three games. This has led to an average of 44.03 Draftstars points in this time, largely on the back of some impressive two way performances. Not only is he producing damaging runs which have resulted in line breaks and tries, but he is averaging 16 tackles per game defensively which is boosting his scoring too. He’s a good option as a slightly cheaper alternative to Jack Bird.
Half
Michael Morgan ($11,900)
Morgan was phenomenal in the victory over the Bulldogs last week, as he played a role in literally every single try the Cowboys scored. Two rounds ago, he was relied upon to do the bulk of the kicking and handled it with aplomb, with some dangerous opportunities created from a guy who is not usually a first-option kicker. With JT out, Morgan has certainly stepped up and staked his claim for a potentially vacant Queensland five-eighth position. Expect him to create much of their offense once again this week.
Wing/Fullback
Valentine Holmes ($9,550)
Holmes has been at his rampaging best in the past few weeks, averaging 42 Draftstars points in the last six weeks. Not only has he been racking up huge running metres, but those runs have become far more dangerous as he is breaking tackles and cutting through the defensive line more frequently. There is no coincidence that the Sharks have improved on the same trajectory as Holmes’ season, which highlights just how pivotal he is to their success.
Lachlan Coote ($6,950)
Coote has struggled with injuries all season, which has resulted in a significant price reduction for the North Queensland custodian. His ability to fill the attacking stats when fully fit is unparalleled in his price range, as he has the ability to produce line breaks and tackle breaks from his frequent runs. With JT out, Coote was used as a kicking option last week which only adds another string to his bow. At just under $7k, he is the best of the value options in this contest.
The Line Up
FR-F: Jason Taumalolo ($13,900)
FR-F: Scott Bolton ($10,750)
HOOK: Ben Hampton ($5,500)
2R-F: Paul Gallen ($17,100)
2R-F: Wade Graham ($13,650)
C: Ricky Leutele ($9,300)
HALF: Michael Morgan ($11,900)
W/FB: Valentine Holmes ($9,550)
W/FB: Lachlan Coote ($6,950)
Salary Remaining: $1,400
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