GTI NRL $2,000+ Rabbitohs v Broncos
With the competition for the top eight spots being so tight, this game looms as a blockbuster matchup considering the Rabbitohs currently sit at 11th, just two points behind the 6th placed Broncos. The Bunnies are yet to look convincing, with their hot and cold play frustrating fans and coaches alike, whilst Brisbane snuck home by the narrowest of margins last week in a highly entertaining clash with the Titans. Both teams will be desperately wanting to secure victory, which should make for some great Draftstars scoring.
Here is a team you may consider for the NRL $2,000+ Rabbitoh v Broncos competition
Front Row Forward
Josh McGuire ($14,500)
McGuire has looked at home in the number thirteen jersey made famous by Corey Parker and seems to be next in line to take over his Origin jersey as well. McGuire has turned himself into a big minute player and has improved his tackling and running games – becoming a leader for a young Brisbane team. Expect McGuire to score well regardless of the result, as he averages 54.15 in victories and 55.23 in losses.
Herman Ese’ese ($5,800)
Ese’ese has received the starting nod in the past two games and it has resulted in a nice uptick in his scoring. Ese’ese managed to break four tackles, make 21 tackles and gain 135 running metres last week in what was one of the best performances of his short career. Even though he’s been named on the bench, it seems unlikely that Korbin Sims would reclaim the starting role considering Ese’ese has outplayed him in the last two games.
Hooker
Andrew McCullough ($14,350)
The combination of McCullough’s production and the inconsistency surrounding the Rabbits’ hookers means that there is only one choice in this contest. McCullough has made at least 48 tackles in every game this season, which gives him a basement of around 50. Considering Damien Cook and Robbie Farah have gone over 50 a combined three times all season, it makes sense to pay the extra to get McCullough, who also has a kicking game and can break tackles.
Second Row Forward
Sam Burgess ($16,200)
Burgess has single-handedly kept one of the worst packs in the competition afloat this year and has continued to better his production in recent weeks. After a sluggish start to the year, Burgess has been a tackling machine, making 40, 51 and 39 tackles in the last three weeks. He’s also the Bunnies most prolific ball runner, which leads to metres, tackle busts and offloads. He may be the most expensive player in the pool but he’s also the best, so get on board and enjoy the spoils.
Angus Crichton ($8,800)
In round five, Crichton moved into a starting role in the back-row for the first time in his NRL career and he hasn’t looked back since. He’s taken on a heavy workload, averaging nearly 70 minutes, 34.3 tackles and an impressive six tackle breaks per game since round five. In the Bunnies win over the Panthers, Crichton even showcased his offensive talent, making a line break and getting a try assist in the one-point victory. At under $9k, there is no better selection in this contest.
Centre
James Roberts ($12,500)
Jimmy the jet was phenomenal against his former club, the Titans, last round recording the incredible stat line of three tries, one assist, two line breaks, two offloads and eleven tackle breaks! With Ben Hunt out, the Broncos tried to have the ball in Roberts’ hands as much as possible, which turned out to be an inspired tactic as he managed to create for himself and others. Against the Rabbitohs, who have the weakest centre combination in the league, there is no reason for Roberts to have a down game.
Half
Kodi Nikorima ($8,950)
Ben Hunt going out has created an opportunity for Nikorima to prove himself at his best position. As he has been used exclusively as a utility off the bench so far in his career, Nikorima has only been able to show flashes of potential, but last week Nikorima proved he could flourish in an advantageous role as he dominated in attack for the Broncos. His speed and vision allow him to break the lines, which make him a try scoring and assisting threat, whilst his experience playing at dummy half means he is a solid tackler for a halfback. Nikorima is good enough that you can be confident in saving the $5k on the other options.
Wing/Fullback
Darius Boyd ($9,750)
Boyd has firmly established himself as the best fullback in the game and he should find himself in the number one jersey for both Queensland and Australia later this season. He’s the safest player in the league under the high ball, never makes a mistake and consistently presents a threat due to his tackle busting and try scoring. With the lack of value options, lock in Boyd who is easily the best and most consistent player available.
Tautau Moga ($5,500)
Moga has been solid this season in a ball running role in the centres. His metres have consistently been above 100 and he even had a massive 234 metre performance against the Roosters in round six. He has the ability to break tackles, which lifts his scoring potential and against the Rabbitohs centres, he is a good chance to score his first try for the season.
The Line Up
FR-F: Josh McGuire ($14,500)
FR-F: Herman Ese’ese ($5,800)
HOOK: Andrew McCullogh ($14,350)
2R-F: Sam Burgess ($16,200)
2R-F: Angus Crichton ($8,800)
C: James Roberts ($12,500)
HALF: Kodi Nikorima ($8,950)
W/FB: Darius Boyd ($9,750)
W/FB: Tautau Moga ($5,500)
Salary Remaining: $3,650
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
NRL