NRL $500+ Broncos v Rabbitohs Line-Up

The Broncos will face off against the Rabbitohs at Suncorp Stadium this Friday night and the Bunnies will start behind the eight-ball considering Brisbane have lost just once at home all season. After sneaking home in a Golden Point thriller earlier this season, the Broncos will be looking to send a message to the rest of the competition against the lowly Rabbitohs.

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Here is a team you may consider for the NRL $500+ Broncos v Rabbitohs competition

Front Row Forward

Herman Ese’ese ($9,750)

Ese’ese has been a big improver for the Broncos this year, going from a limited minute role to an occasional starting role that often sees him play over half a game. This increased trust shown by Wayne Bennett has led to improved performances from Ese’ese in both attack and defence. His running game is impactful – he averages 103.2 metres from 11.5 runs per game – and his defence has been solid all season, as evidenced by his 21.3 tackles to just 1.2 missed tackles per game. Against a struggling Bunnies pack, Ese’ese should be in his element.

Thomas Burgess ($9,700)

Burgess has had a solid season, but struggled against the Eels last round as he made just 84 metres from his ten runs. His running game has usually been his calling card and he had made over 100 metres in each of his five prior games. The Bunnies rely heavily on him to gain them field position and against the Broncos in round eight, Burgess made a massive 173 metres from 16 runs. Combine this with the fact that his minutes have been increased from 37.3 in his first six games this year to 50.25 in his last four matches and it is clear that Tom is a handy pickup in this contest.

Hooker

Andrew McCullough ($17,100)

Brailey has been a massive find for the Sharks this year, almost seamlessly stepping up to replace Premiership star Michael Ennis. His ability to play big minutes out of dummy-half has been impressive and has resulted in some big tackling numbers, including three performances of 50+ tackles. His attacking game leaves a bit to be desired and he has almost no self-creation out of dummy-half, but given his consistently big minutes and his massive work rate on defence it’s worth picking him and saving nearly $6k on Cam Smith.

Second Row Forward

Matt Gillett ($13,300)

Although Sam Burgess and Angus Crichton have been in excellent form, their price tags are simply too much when a guy like Gillett is available for up to $6k less. After a lean couple of weeks, Gillett was solid against the Roosters, laying 38 tackles and making 96 metres in a tough match. His ability to be used as both a ball runner and ball player in attack will be crucial to the Broncos as the Bunnies have struggled to get good defensive production out of their back-row and centres at times.

Tevita Pangai Junior ($7,900)

Apart from an injury affected game against the Titans in which he played just 10 minutes, Pangai Jr. has been a force for Brisbane off the bench. His low minute totals allow him to be supremely impactful when he’s on the ground, with massive metre-eating runs a specialty. Aside from his injury game, he averages 8.7 runs per game for a massive 89.7 metres. These runs frequently result in tackle breaks and line breaks and Pangai Jr. also has the ability to dish out offloads from the tackle. At under $8k, he’s the best option in this contest.

Centre

James Roberts ($13,150)

Roberts has been sublime this season and according to plenty of past players, the speedster can consider himself unlucky to miss out on Origin selection. His incredibly speed and burst allows him to be one of the most impactful ball runners in the league and has seen him average 178.2 metres per game in the past six rounds. These runs frequently result in tackle breaks (he’s 9th in the NRL), line breaks (=16th) and most importantly tries (3rd). When these two teams met in round eight, Roberts ran an incredible 203 metres, so ensure you have him because he could go huge.

Half

Kodi Nikorima ($11,400)

After it was revealed today that Ben Hunt was training with the reserves and that Nikorima would likely start at halfback, the speedy utility rocketed himself back into consideration. In the five games that Nikorima started at halfback, he averaged 51.14 Draftstars points thanks to some crafty offensive performances that saw him score four tries and assist three line breaks. Considering his speedy running game has often been a calling card as well, it is clear that Nikorima has the multi-faceted attacking game needed to succeed in the halves. Watch final teams, but as long as he starts in the halves, lock him in.

Wing/Fullback

Hymel Hunt ($8,150)

Hunt has been solid for the Bunnies all season and has stood up with good showings from both the wing and the centres. Aside from round one, where he played just 21 minutes, Hunt has averaged 27.9 Draftstars points with a lowest score of just 22.4. This sort of consistency is impressive for a wing/fullback option and will undoubtedly continue given he’s been named in the centres again which makes him a safe bet given his cheap price.

Jordan Kahu ($8,350)

Kahu has been reliable for Brisbane this season and has been in good form when they’ve been at full strength recently. Aside from two games in rounds 10 and 12 where he was asked to play out of position, Kahu has averaged 36.5 Draftstars points per game in his last three games on the wing. This has largely come from the Broncos forward pack getting on top and allowing the backs to flourish, which has seen Kahu get free on the wing for a couple of tries. Against the Rabbits, he will be looking to take advantage of some shaky defence and find the line again.

The Line Up

FR-F: Herman Ese’ese ($9,750)

FR-F: Thomas Burgess ($9,700)

HOOK: Andrew McCullough ($17,100)

2R-F: Matt Gillett ($13,300)

2R-F: Tevita Pangai Junior ($7,900)

C: James Roberts ($13,150)

HALF: Kodi Nikorima ($11,400)

W/FB: Hymel Hunt ($8,150)

W/FB: Jordan Kahu ($8,350)

Salary Remaining: $1,200