NRL $2,000+ Panthers v Sharks Line-Up

The Sharks and Panthers will both be looking to bring home the chocolates in the standalone Easter Sunday game. Penrith will be looking to get a quality win over a top eight team as they welcome back four players from club-imposed suspensions, whilst the Sharks will want to solidify themselves as a top eight team with a big win away from home.

PLAY NOW

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

Front Row Forward

Andrew Fifita ($18,350)

Fifita has continued to be one of the most damaging players in the competition this season with his unmatched power making him one of the most dominant ball-runners in the league. Despite question marks over his commitment and attitude off the field, it is impossible to knock his performance on the field, with his huge running metres, tackle busts and offload numbers showing just how dangerous he is.

Reagan Campbell-Gillard ($9,200)

It’s been an incredible comeback for Campbell-Gillard who had legitimate fears over his playing career after a Ryan James cheap shot left him with a broken back last season. This season, the front-rower has delivered on the promise he showed prior to the injury, with solid performances in both attack and defence. His tackling numbers are consistently good and he is frequently used as a ball runner in early sets which allows him to get points from his metres. Out of the cheaper forwards, he is the safest bet to provide value.

Hooker

Jayden Brailey ($5,100)

Brailey has regressed to the mean slightly after some standout early performances, but nonetheless, he is still too cheap to ignore. After playing 71 and 80 minutes in rounds two and three, his minutes have settled in the low 50s which has seen a slight decrease in his scoring. His thirst for tackling is unquestionable though, and with the Panthers propensity to get the ball in the hands of their props and lock, Trent Merrin, don’t be surprised if Brailey makes over 40 tackles this week.

Second Row Forward

Wade Graham ($13,200)

James Maloney has really started to trust Wade Graham this season, giving him more opportunities as a creator and ball player which has resulted in some huge numbers for the back-rower. The increase in his attacking workload has resulted in a lift in his attacking stats and running metres, which should continue against the Panthers who are vulnerable on the edge. Expect Graham to target James Fisher-Harris who is returning from a fractured cheekbone.

Isaah Yeo ($12,250)

There is a lack of decent back-rowers in this contest, with value option James Fisher-Harris playing his first game after a long term injury and Corey Harawira-Naera relegated to the bench. Going with either of them would be a massive gamble considering there is no certainty over their minute loads. Yeo on the other hand comes with nothing but certainty. Consistency has been paramount for him this season, with the workhorse continuing to play full-games and make tackles while also adding more of a running to his arsenal. Yeo never makes costly errors, rarely misses a tackle and often will step up in big moments when the team needs a leader to stand up and make a gut run.

Centre

Tyrone Peachey ($13,000)

After previously being used in a utility role, Peachey has been a revelation since moving into the centres full-time last season. Despite never having previously played there, Peachey has become the primary centre at the club which is no small feat considering he is keeping nine-time New Zealand representative Peta Hiku out of the side. Peachey’s speed and power allows him to be used as a ball runner and has made him a tackle breaking machine despite his 183cm, 94kg frame. Picking him does come with an element of risk though due to his recent fractured ribs and him being the most expensive option, but considering he should be the highest scoring centre and there are no decent cheap options, it is easy to justify the risk.

Half

Te Maire Martin ($9,650)

Unless you are willing to fork out nearly $16k for Nathan Cleary, Martin is a good way to find value in a contest that doesn’t have many cheap options. Cleary and Martin are still working on their combinations and are starting to show glimpses of chemistry amidst some difficult moments. Considering both are so young it may take time for them to click, but for now 19 year old Martin has shown superb composure in the last few weeks, finding various ways to impact games. His strong running game has led to an ability to find the try line and create for others, which is reflected in some good Draftstars form.

Wing/Fullback

Matt Moylan ($11,250)

Moylan has seen some serious scrutiny this week, with calls for him to be replaced as captain after being suspended for one game after violating team protocol. As such, Moylan will have extra incentive to produce a standout performance and lead his side to victory. Expect him to be right in the thick of the action, running the ball, busting tackles and hopefully finding the try line in order to will his team to victory.

Dean Whare ($6,700)

Whare is the cheapest and best value outside back in this contest due to the discount he has received after missing all of last year with a calf injury. The utility back has been used predominantly on the wing this season, but was moved to the centres last round to cover the suspended players and has been named there again this week. The Panthers have locked him up for the next five years and have continued to select him over Peta Hiku, which shows their faith in the Kiwi regular.

The Line Up

FR-F: Andrew Fifita ($18,350)/strong>