NRL $10,000+ Panthers v Bulldogs

The Panthers are making a late charge towards the finals after winning their last three matches and will be looking to continue their streak against a struggling Bulldogs outfit. The Dogs need to win all of their remaining matches to make the eight, but with just one win in their last four games they are undoubtedly heavy underdogs.

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Here is a team you may consider for the NRL $10,000+ Panthers v Bulldogs competition

Front Row Forward

James Graham ($13,050)

Graham returns to the starting line-up after sitting out for a month with a neck injury which also impacted his form prior to the surgery. This led to some poor Draftstars scores which has seen him get a slight discount in his price, making him an ideal option for this contest. At his best Graham is an absolute workhorse through the middle, with the ability to back up a big defensive set with back-to-back runs in attack. The Panthers are depleted through the middle and there is every chance that a fully-fit Graham has a big impact in his return.

Reagan Campbell-Gillard ($9,950)

Campbell-Gillard is a good old-fashioned running forward who provides the Panthers with plenty of runs through the middle and almost no errors. He’s been impressive in the last couple of weeks in the absence of Trent Merrin, coming off the bench and playing heavy minutes. He has made 28 tackles and over 180 metres in both games which has resulted in a return to the starting line-up this week. If the Panthers are going to make the finals, Campbell-Gillard will have to continue his phenomenal form and at under $10k, he’s great value in this contest.

Hooker

Peter Wallace ($10,150)

Wallace returned to the NRL last week after an extended stint on the sidelines and played 80 minutes in a solid performance. He ended up making 36/39 tackles and finished three sets with kicks in a typically hard-working effort against the Titans. Prior to his injury, Wallace was the front-runner for the New South Wales number nine jersey due to his impeccable defensive work-rate, ability to make runs out of dummy-half and his solid kicking game. Due to his price and the question marks around the other hookers, he is clearly the best option in this contest.

Second Row Forward

Corey Harawira-Naera ($12,800)

Harawira-Naera has unquestionably been one of the best rookies in the league this season, scoring seven tries and providing damaging running on the edge. His ability to break tackles and break the line is as good as any young back-rower in the competition and it gives him a massive upside for Draftstars. He’s had five scores over 50 in his fourteen games, including a massive score of 66.80 when these two teams met in round thirteen.

Raymond Faitala-Mariner ($9,500)

Faitala-Mariner returned to first-grade in round 16 and grabbed the opportunity with both hands, putting in four good performances in the back-row. His ability to break tackles and get his hands free to create second phase action after an offload has been valuable to the Bulldogs while his defence has been typically solid. He’s averaging 45.9 Draftstars points in his last four games and given he’s cemented his role, there is no reason he shouldn’t continue his good form.

Centre

Chase Stanley ($9,700)

Stanley has been back to his absolute best form in the last couple of weeks, providing a dangerous running presence in the centres. Always a brilliant talent, Stanley has struggled mightily with injuries throughout his career but has finally begun to find some consistency this season. Last week he ended up with a try, a try assist, a line break and five tackle breaks which added up to a whopping 53.7 Draftstars points.

Half

Tyrone May ($9,000)

Even though Nathan Cleary stole the show against the Warriors, rookie five-eighth Tyrone May was impressive in his debut. Apart from one defensive lapse, May was solid in defence and even better in attack as he crossed over for a try in his debut game. With no standout options in the halves at a reasonable price, May could be a good option to save some cash. Bryce Cartwright has been named on the extended bench, so a straight swap for just $150 is on the cards if May is replaced in the final team.

Wing/Fullback

Josh Mansour ($13,200)

At his best there is no doubt that Mansour is the premier winger in the competition. Last season he averaged 174.1 metres, made 135 tackle breaks and scored 16 tries, before playing for both New South Wales and Australia. In the last couple of weeks Mansour hasn’t been at his best, but coming up against the Bulldogs he has a perfect opportunity to recapture his form. When the two clubs met earlier in the year, it was Mansour’s first game back and he ended up with a try, a try assist, seven tackle breaks and 212 metres in a dominant performance.

Dylan Edwards ($12,500)

Edwards replaced Matt Moylan at fullback in round 13 and hasn’t looked back since. His running game is phenomenal and he racks up plenty of kick return metres, but it is close to the try line where Edwards is most dangerous. His ability to break tackles makes him a threat to score, while his passing game has resulted in four try assists this season. His game is tailor-made for fantasy and he should have another good score this week.

The Line Up

FR-F: James Graham ($13,050)

FR-F: Reagan Campbell-Gillard ($9,950)

HOOK: Peter Wallace ($10,150)

2R-F: Corey Harawira-Naera ($12,800)

2R-F: Raymond Faitala-Mariner ($9,500)

C: Chase Stanley ($9,700)

HALF: Tyrone May ($9,000)

W/FB: Josh Mansour ($13,200)

W/FB: Dylan Edwards ($12,500)

Salary Remaining: $150