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

The Cowboys are stumbling their way into finals while dealing with a bunch of injuries to key players. They’ve been brave in recent weeks against strong competition, but they have lost their last four games. They come up against the Tigers this week who have won two of their last five, but have pushed the Eels and Roosters right to the final siren in two of those losses. With finals on the line, this should be a cracking contest.

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

Front Row Forward

Jason Taumalolo ($16,450)

Taumalolo has been at his best in the last two weeks, making massive runs and inspiring his teammates. He has broken seven tackles and made 30 tackles in each of the last two games and is averaging 197.5 metres in that time. With plenty of experience missing, Taumalolo has been called upon to play extra minutes and he has handled the change with aplomb. When these two teams met in round six, Taumalolo absolutely monstered the Tigers’ pack, ending the game with 260 metres, nine tackle breaks and a try.

Matthew Eisenhuth ($11,900)

Eisenhuth is a significantly different lock to Taumalolo. He’s not a damaging, tackle breaking metre-eater that can single-handedly win a game for his side, but rather a solid, dependable workhorse that will give anything for his teammates. He’s averaging 49.9 Draftstars points in the last three games and that has largely been on the back of his tackling numbers, where he has completed 121/129 tackles. Eisenhuth will be crucial in shutting down the dangerous Cowboys’ pack and should see plenty of runs in attack. Expect another good score.

Hooker

Matt McIlwrick ($7,800)

His coach seemingly has little confidence in him, but McIlwrick continues to put in reasonable performances for the Tigers. Last week Elijah Taylor started at hooker, with McIlwrick coming from the bench, but with Taylor succumbing to a shoulder injury, McIlwrick is back in the starting line-up. Considering he is almost $4k cheaper than Jake Granville, McIlwrick should provide better value. He will likely see an increase in playing time which should see him rack up plenty of tackles and plenty of points.

Second Row Forward

Coen Hess ($11,950)

After a couple of down weeks where he was played all over the park, Hess was back to his best against the Sharks last round. Carrying the added pressure of starting, Hess ended up making 44/47 tackles in his best defensive display of the season. This didn’t stop him from contributing attack though, where he broke three tackles and made a line break to end up with 144 metres. He scored two tries last time these teams played, so he knows his way around the Tigers defensive line. Even if Gavin Cooper comes back into the side, Hess is still a great option due to his try scoring ability.

Josh Aloiai ($8,550)

Aloiai moved into the starting line-up last week and produced his best performance of the season by far. He ran 84 metres, broke six tackles and scored a try against a strong Sydney Roosters edge defence. Defensively, he made 31/34 tackles and held his own despite getting peppered at stages. He gets another chance to start this week and with Elijah Taylor out, he will see plenty of minutes once again.

Centre

Michael Chee-Kam ($7,750)

Having a back-rower available in the centres is always great news and Chee-Kam is no exception. His foot speed makes him a dangerous commodity on the edge and it resulted in a handy line break last round. Playing in the back-row means he is asked to do more defensively, with the utility increasing his season average of 15.5 tackles per game to 23 in the last three games.

Half

Ben Hampton ($6,400)

Hampton has been named at fullback for the second week in a row after a reasonable effort last round against the Sharks. His positioning was good in attack, and he managed to assist on a try and make a line break. He settled into the position defensively as the game went on and he should be better for the run this week. Unfortunately, Lachlan Coote has been named on an extended bench, so check final teams before locking in Hampton!

Wing/Fullback

James Tedesco ($15,300)

Tedesco is certainly putting his hand up for the Kangaroos’ number one jersey later this year, thanks to some great form since Origin. Last week he scored a try, assisted on another, made two line breaks, broke six tackles and ran 150 metres. That’s a lot of impact from one guy. He hasn’t dropped below 50 Draftstars points in his last six outings and he will be looking to capitalise on an understrength North Queensland side.

David Nofoaluma ($12,700)

Nofo was quiet last week, but he should bounce back strongly against an understrength Cowboys side. When these teams met in round six, Nofo scored a try, made an assist and ran 163 metres in a strong performance that netted him 53.3 Draftstars points. He’s a tackle breaking and offloading machine, so coming up against an ever-changing defensive combination should see him rack up plenty of points.

The Line Up

FR-F: Jason Taumalolo ($16,450)

FR-F: Matthew Eisenhuth ($11,900)

HOOK: Matt McIlwrick ($7,800)

2R-F: Coen Hess ($11,950)

2R-F: Josh Aloiai ($8,550)

C: Michael Chee-Kam ($7,750)

HALF: Ben Hampton ($6,400)

W/FB: James Tedesco ($15,300)

W/FB: David Nofoaluma ($12,700)

Salary Remaining: $1,250