NRL $500+ Raiders v Dragons Line-Up

After a red-hot start to the season, the Dragons are beginning to stumble, losing three of their last four games with their only win coming in a tight comeback over the lowly Knights. The Raiders, who were widely considered a certainty to make the finals, have lost their last four games and have slipped to eleventh on the table. This game looms as a must-win contest for both teams.

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Here is a team you may consider for the NRL $500+ Raiders v Dragons competition

Front Row Forward

Junior Paulo ($12,050)

Paulo has been a running machine for the Raiders this season, averaging 149.1 metres per game and getting off an offload in all but one contest. His massive frame allows him to bust tackles and makes him tough to get to ground which allows for plenty of second-phase action for Canberra. If the Raiders are to come away with a victory in this contest, it will be on the back of a massive attacking effort from Paulo and the other forwards.

Jacob Host ($7,250)

The 20-year old back-rower has slotted in perfectly to the Dragons pack in the last couple of weeks, playing 50 and 48 minutes respectively. With Tyson Frizell not named in the 21-man squad, Host retains his spot for this week and presents fantastic value for Draftstars coaches. He gives everything in the minutes he gets and his defence has been solid which would make him a coaches favourite. If he puts in another solid performance, he’ll see big minutes and will be a bargain buy in this contest.

Hooker

Josh Hodgson ($12,850)

Hodgson returns to the starting line-up this week after being a late out last round. Although he hasn’t reached the lofty heights of last season, Hodgson has still been pivotal for the Raiders when it comes to creating chances out of dummy-half and organising the defence. He’s averaging 35.7 tackles per game and will be asked to do plenty of work on defence this week against a Dragons team that usually looks to roll through the middle of opponents.

Second Row Forward

Leeson Ah Mau ($13,850)

Assuming Paul Vaughan is not a late inclusion, Ah Mau is the best forward option in this contest. In the last two weeks, he’s racked up 78 tackles, eleven tackle breaks and 277 metres in the absence of Vaughan. Those numbers have led to him averaging 69.6 Draftstars points, which is a massive upgrade over his season average of 39.6. If Vaughan returns he’s a handy option at a similar price tag, but if he doesn’t, Ah Mau is a great choice.

Tariq Sims ($12,250)

With Tyson Frizell out, Sims will get the chance to start in the back-row for the second time in the last three weeks. When Sims plays extended minutes his production is fantastic thanks to his solid running game and workmanlike defence. He rarely makes an error and he doesn’t miss many tackles, so when he gets more playing time he sees an increase in metres and tackles but his scoring isn’t compromised by any mistakes.

Centre

Taane Milne ($6,400)

As long as Josh Dugan doesn’t back-up from Origin on Friday night, Milne is a great option at a cheap price. The future-Tiger has had some poor performances from the bench in recent times but in his one start in the centres this season he was phenomenal, recording a try, a try assist, five tackle breaks, two offloads and 139 metres against the Warriors. The Raiders have some of the worst flank defence in the league and Milne will be looking to capitalise on any defensive errors out wide.

Half

Gareth Widdop ($11,700)

After starting the season in career-best form, Widdop has struggled to impact games in the same way since returning from a knee injury. Despite this, he showcased his brilliance a fortnight ago against the Knights, when he managed to create four tries, make three line breaks and assist on two others in a performance which kick-started the Dragons comeback. The Raiders have a shaky defence and Widdop’s pinpoint kicking game and accurate and aggressive passing game will undoubtedly cause plenty of problems.

Wing/Fullback

Jordan Rapana ($14,450)

Rapana has been the standout winger in the competition this season, which is a phenomenal effort in a bad team. He currently leads the league in line breaks, tackle breaks and is second in tries which shows just how damaging he is in attack. He is also a phenomenal metre eater and has run the fourth most metres of any back in the league. His ability to break a game open is unparalleled in this contest and not picking him could end up costing you dearly.

Jack Wighton ($9,200)

Wighton has had a shocking couple of weeks recently, making errors at crucial times and costing the Raiders a try or two. However, with a week off to refresh, Wighton is every chance to have a big game against a struggling Dragons outfit. At his best, Wighton is brilliant, with speed, footwork and great passing instincts that allow him to break tackles and set up tries. If Canberra can get a good performance out of their custodian, it will go a long way towards them winning this game.

The Line Up

FR-F: Junior Paulo ($12,050)

FR-F: Jacob Host ($7,250)

HOOK: Josh Hodgson ($12,850)

2R-F: Leeson Ah Mau ($13,850)

2R-F: Tariq Sims ($12,250)

C: Taane Milne ($6,400)

HALF: Gareth Widdop ($11,700)

W/FB: Jordan Rapana ($14,450)

W/FB: Jack Wighton ($9,200)

Salary Remaining: $0