NRL $2,000+ Eels v Tigers Line-Up

After an inspired victory over the Cowboys last week, the Tigers will come into this Easter Monday clash full of confidence. Off the field, there is still uncertainty about whether captain Aaron Woods and superstar James Tedesco will be at the club next season, but under new coach Ivan Cleary there is no doubt the Tigers will be looking to assert their dominance over the Eels.

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Here is a team you may consider for the NRL $2,000+ Eels v Tigers competition

Front Row Forward

Nathan Brown ($12,750)

After starting on the bench behind Beau Scott for most of the year, Brown has been given the starting nod in the last couple of weeks and has taken the opportunity with both hands. In the last three games, Brown has averaged 62.4 Draftstars points thanks to huge efforts on the defensive end, where has averaged 37 tackles in that time. His ability to break tackles and run the ball means that he has a better attacking game and thus a bigger upside than other expensive options like Elijah Taylor. Against his former club, Brown will be looking to continue his good form.

Suaia Matagi ($6,850)

Matagi isn’t the most appealing option, but he’s hard to overlook considering his price tag. With options like Aaron Woods, Elijah Taylor and Tim Grant scoring in the 35-45 range and being priced at over $4k more; it makes sense to pick Matagi who should score 30-35 and to spend the money elsewhere. Whilst his attacking game is limited, Matagi is a tackling machine who is often used as a ball runner in early sets. This means that his tackling and metre numbers are always good.

Hooker

Kaysa Pritchard ($6,800)

The choice between Pritchard and McIlwrick is fairly simple considering the latter continues to halve his time at hooker with Jacob Liddle. Pritchard has been asked to play big minutes this season after being used off the bench last year and has handled the step up with aplomb. He’s really starting to find his tackling groove as the Eels have upped their reliance on him. His runs from dummy-half are still rare, however when he does attack the line there is generally a successful result. Considering he is averaging 48 made tackles in the past three weeks and costs just $6,800, Pritchard is one of the first picked in this contest.

Second Row Forward

Manu Ma’u ($13,150)

Ma’u has been excellent once again this season, with the hard-working second-rower as he continues to press his claim for a starting spot for the Kiwis in the Anzac test. His tackling is consistently good and his ability to stand up and offload the ball during a tackle allows him to pick up two or three offloads every week. He has played the full game in four of the six rounds so far and should do so once again against the Tigers. He averages 46 points per 80 minutes and should be the best of the back-rowers in this contest.

Jamal Idris ($7,050)

After having a year off last season, Idris has made a solid return to the NRL. After originally coming off the bench, he has moved back into the centres in the past two weeks and even managed to play the full game last round. His ability to break tackles doesn’t seem to have left him, while his running game will get better with every game as he continues to build fitness. Along with Pritchard, he is an excellent value option.

Centre

Brad Takairangi ($8,150)

Takairangi moved from his customary position in the centres to the halves last round and subsequently recorded his highest Draftstars score for the season. His 23 tackles were nearly double his next best tally and considering he made 22 and 20 tackles in his two games at five-eight last year, he should make around this number this week. His ability to play as a ball runner and break tackles, whilst also being a facilitator is incredibly valuable and results in some nice attacking stats when he’s played in the halves. His availability as a centre in Draftstars only makes him more of a bargain.

Half

Corey Norman ($14,500)

Norman is easily the best half available and could be the best scoring player in this match up. Norman is at his best in high scoring, free flowing games and considering the Tigers have given up an average of nearly 28 points per game, Norman will be looking to dominate the attacking stats and lead his team to victory. Playing alongside Takairangi – who presumably is being used as a caretaker until Mitchell Moses comes – means that Norman will be relied upon to create even more of the Eels attack. Norman will also be keen to show that he is the better half in the battle between him and new signing Mitchell Moses.

Wing/Fullback

James Tedesco ($15,150)

Tedesco currently leads the league in tackle breaks with a whopping 8.83 per game. With each tackle break being worth three points, Tedesco is already at a massive advantage when it comes to scoring. Add to this his ability to consistently crack 150 metres and he has a basement for his scoring that is rare for outside backs. He is always a try scoring threat and averages nearly one line break per game, which gives him a massive ceiling as well.

David Nofoaluma ($14,050)

Nofoaluma joins Tedesco on the tackle breaks leader board as he is averaging just one less per game. He’s been used as an extra second-rower in early sets, which results in plenty of metres whilst his ability to finish from the wing whether it be in the air or on the ground makes him a try scoring threat. Rumours are swirling about Nofoaluma potentially joining the Eels with teammate Mitchell Moses after he spoke to coach Brad Arthur, which means the winger will be wanting to impress his potential new coach in this game.

The Line Up

FR-F: Nathan Brown ($12,750)

FR-F: Suaia Matagi ($6,850)

HOOK: Kaysa Pritchard ($6,800)

2R-F: Manu Ma’u ($13,150)

2R-F: Jamal Idris ($7,050)

C: Brad Takairangi ($8,150)

HALF: Corey Norman ($14,500)

W/FB: James Tedesco ($15,150)

W/FB: David Nofoaluma ($14,050)

Salary Remaining: $1,550