NRL $1,000+ Eels v Raiders Line-Up

Both the Eels and Raiders received harsh wake-up calls last week, as they both suffered heavy losses. For the Eels, a 38-point loss to the Roosters ended their three match winning streak, whilst Canberra were outplayed by the lowly Knights. With both teams needing a victory to get their season back on course, this will undoubtedly be a fascinating contest.

PLAY NOW

Here is a team you may consider for the NRL $1,000+ Eels v Raiders competition

Front Row Forward

Shannon Boyd ($8,700)

Boyd hasn’t quite reached the lofty heights of last season, where he was rewarded with four appearances for the Kangaroos, but he has been consistent nonetheless. The man mountain has provided solid tackling and running numbers in nearly every contest and this was especially prevalent last week as he made 39 tackles and ran 91 metres in a standout performance for the Raiders. The Eels pack is on the smaller side, which will allow the 194cm, 122kg Boyd to assert his dominance.

Suaia Matagi ($7,550)

Matagi produces similar stats to Boyd despite the two of them playing different roles for their teams. Matagi’s tackling has been consistently around the 25 per game mark, whilst his running metres generally sit around 100. In a contest where the most expensive front-rowers don’t have the upside to justify their price tag, it might be worth cutting costs and picking guys like Boyd and Matagi, who may only score 25-35 points, but will free up cash elsewhere.

Hooker

Josh Hodgson ($13,900)

Hodgson has finally started to showcase the form that had him in the conversation for the Dally M last season and it has coincided with him resuming his role as an 80-minute player again in round five. In that time, the Englishman has played less than 80 minutes just once and has averaged 55.2 Draftstars points thanks to some huge tackling numbers and solid attacking stats. His kicking game out of dummy-half is one of the best in the league and his intelligence around the ruck is crucial for Canberra. Expect a big game from Hodgson as the Raiders attempt to turn their year around.

Second Row Forward

Josh Papalii ($14,800)

Papalii has established himself as one of the most damaging edge runners in the league this season and has been a rare bright spot for the Raiders this year. His ability to fill the attacking stats is impressive and it comes from his damaging, tackle-breaking runs which often see him breaking through the defensive line. Compared to the other back-rowers available, Papalii’s upside makes him the obvious pick.

Joseph Tapine ($9,300)

Tapine presents excellent value in a contest where value is hard to find and as such, he is one of the best options available. Whilst he’s not quite as damaging when used through the middle of the park, there is every chance that his tackling numbers see a slight increase at lock. He has the ability to bust multiple tackles when running the ball and he has broken nine tackles in the last three weeks, which is excellent for his scoring. At just over $9k, Tapine is a nice option in the second-row.

Centre

Joseph Leilua ($10,750)

BJ was atrocious again last week, after he was completely outplayed by Josh Morris two rounds ago. After proving to be a tackle-breaking, offloading, running machine last season, Leilua has recorded under one offload per game this season, whilst his metres per game have also dropped. However, a player of his quality generally doesn’t stay down for long, so don’t miss out if Joey has a massive attacking game and a massive Draftstars score.

Half

Will Smith ($10,150)

Two of the weakest halves combinations in the league go head-to-head in this game, which makes for a difficult choice for Draftstars owners. This makes Smith an appealing option at the cheapest price tag, especially considering he may play alongside new recruit Mitchell Moses. In the two games he has played, Smith has been solid defensively and despite not having much of a running game, he has shown flashes of creativity and a kicking game that boosts his scoring. If Moses is named, he is also a good option in the halves for this contest.

Wing/Fullback

Jordan Rapana ($13,350)

Rapana has struggled alongside his partner on the right-edge Joey Leilua in last three weeks, but there is every chance he turns his fortunes around this week. His ability to break tackles is exemplary and when the Raiders are at their best, Rapana is providing huge running metres and is breaking through the defensive line. He managed to break nine tackles and provide a try assist against the Eels in round four which resulted in 51.80 Draftstars points. If he does this again, he will easily be the highest scoring wing/fullback.

Clinton Gutherson ($10,150)

Depending on what happens with Mitchell Moses, Gutherson will either find himself line up in the halves or the outside backs – likely at fullback. Either way, he has proven to be a consistently good scorer, whether it be by laying more tackles and kicking more often in the halves, or by showing off his speed and running game from fullback. He did get a head knock at the end of the match last week, so if he isn’t named, Bevan French is an excellent option too.

The Line Up

FR-F: Shannon Boyd ($8,700)

FR-F: Suaia Matagi ($7,550)

HOOK: Josh Hodgson ($13,900)

2R-F: Josh Papalii ($14,800)

2R-F: Joseph Tapine ($9,300)

C: Joseph Leilua ($10,750)

HALF: Will Smith ($10,150)

W/FB: Jordan Rapana ($13,350)

W/FB: Clinton Gutherson ($10,150)

Salary Remaining: $1,350