NRL $1,000+ Tigers v Warriors Line-Up

The penultimate match of the penultimate round sees the 15th placed Tigers take on the 13th placed Warriors, who haven’t won a game in over two months. There’s plenty at stake between these two teams, though, with Ben Matulino joining Wests next season and Tuimoala Lolohea already at the club. Throw in Tigers’ coach Ivan Cleary and his obvious ties to the Warriors and there will undoubtedly be a bit of spice in this one.

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

Front Row Forward

Ben Matulino ($12,100)

Matulino has showed why he is rated as one of the best front-rowers in the game recently, with strong performances in a struggling side. Last week he ended the game with 111 metres gained from 13 runs, and 39/40 tackles. Two weeks ago he ran 153 metres from 15 runs, made two offloads and made 29/30 tackles. This week he comes up against his new club in his last game for his current side. Matulino will surely be out to impress his new coach, while he will also be looking to send off the team that has given him so much with a victory.

Sam Lisone ($8,750)

It’s not often that a guy who has scored below 30 just once in his last eight games is available at this price, so Lisone is a pretty safe option. Since moving into the starting line-up five matches ago he’s only been more consistent. The only issue with him is that his highest score in that time is just 41.4. However, given the dearth of players available at a reasonable price, Lisone is a pretty decent bet to give you some return on investment.

Hooker

Isaac Luke ($11,750)

Luke has returned to the starting side for the last two weeks, but doesn’t look to have improved on his disappointing 2017 form. Despite this, he is still the best option in this contest given Elijah Taylor’s hefty price tag and Jazz Tevaga’s lower minute totals (although the latter isn’t a bad risk if you’re strapped for cash). Luke has the ability to deliver crisp passes, provide an extra kicking option and give plenty of solidarity with his tackling. With the Tigers lacking mobility through the middle, his speed might cause some issues around the ruck as well, which could help his scoring.

Second Row Forward

Matthew Eisenhuth ($11,800)

Eisenhuth has relished the opportunity to start for the Tigers, and there is no doubt that his coach would be thrilled with his production. In his last three games, Eisenhuth has averaged 39.7 tackles and 129.3 running metres, and although he doesn’t break games open with line breaks or second phase play, his solidarity was desperately needed for the Tigers. His minute totals have been consistent, so it’s unlikely that he will burn you with a subpar score.

Josh Aloiai ($10,050)

A fortnight ago Aloiai was moved into the second-row for the first time since round seven. The move has paid instant dividends for him and the Tigers, with two outstanding performances in the last two games. He has scored a try in each game, is averaging 34 tackles, five tackle breaks and 86 metres in those two weeks, which has resulted in an average of 64.60 Draftstars points. He should see a similar minute load and even if he isn’t able to produce a massive score again, he will still provide you with good value.

Centre

Esan Marsters ($9,450)

Marsters has been excellent in his ten games as starting centre, with his sheer size making him tough for opponents to stop. His running game is strong, but it is his ability to make the offload and create second phase action for his teammates that makes him such a valuable commodity. His Draftstars scoring has been consistently good due to his ability to stuff the stat sheet in multiple ways, whether it’s breaking tackles, making offloads or scoring tries.

Half

Tuimoala Lolohea ($12,900)

Lolohea comes up against his old side this week in a golden opportunity to show them what they’re missing. Statistically he’s been phenomenal since moving to the Western Suburbs, with plenty of tackle breaks, running metres and try assists to show for his work. He hasn’t dropped below 40 Draftstars points in eight weeks, and last week he made 35 tackles without miss in an unusually impressive tackling performance from a half. He’s roughly the same price as the other options, but has a much better track record in recent weeks. Lock him in.

Wing/Fullback

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck ($13,300)

The Warriors’ skipper has been absolutely phenomenal in the past four weeks despite the poor form of his team. He’s averaged 219.3 running metres in that time, largely on the back of his brilliant kick returning, while he has also scored three tries, made six line breaks and 21 tackle breaks in that time. The Warriors will feel like they’re a good chance to defeat the Tigers despite their recent form, and their skipper will undoubtedly be leading from the front.

Ken Maumalo ($9,200)

Maumalo was back to his best last week after a poor month of football that coinsided with New Zealand’s troubles as a team. He ended up with 225 metres gained, five tackle breaks, one line break and a try in a performance that was reminiscent of his mid-season purple patch. Given the inconsistency of all the wing/fullback options, Maumalo’s running game and solid performance last week makes him an enticing option for a fraction of the price of the blue chip guys.

The Line Up

FR-F: Ben Matulino ($12,100)

FR-F: Sam Lisone ($8,750)

HOOK: Isaac Luke ($11,750)

2R-F: Matthew Eisenhuth ($11,800)

2R-F: Josh Aloiai ($10,050)

C: Esan Marsters ($9,450)

HALF: Tuimoala Lolohea ($12,900)

W/FB: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck ($13,300)

W/FB: Ken Maumalo ($9,200)

Salary Remaining: $700