NRL $500+ Saturday Line-Up
Plenty of eyes will be on the Titans after they sacked their coach this week. They will be reinvigorated, but come up against the Bulldogs who surprised all with a win over Manly last week, so they might not have it all their own way. Storm v Rabbitohs follows that game, before the match of the day between the Sharks and Roosters kicks off with both teams looking to secure their spot in the top four.
Here is a team you may consider for the NRL $500+ Saturday competition
Front Row Forward
Dylan Napa ($10,950)
The fiery red-head has been red-hot recently after an increase in his minutes in round 22. Since then, he’s averaged 56.3 minutes per game, which has resulted in more runs and a heavier defensive workload for Napa. Last week he ran 134 metres from 14 runs and made 34 tackles without miss. Both the Roosters and the Sharks have been hot and cold recently, so the battle of the forwards will be crucial in deciding the outcome of this contest. There is no doubt that Napa will be at the forefront of the action for Sydney.
Cameron Murray ($9,500)
Murray was phenomenal in his first stint as a starting lock, playing 80 minutes and ending up with a whopping 84.2 Draftstars points. Last week he scored a try, made five tackle breaks, ran 122 metres and made 47/49 tackles in an incredibly well rounded performance. He played so well, in fact, that superstar forward and captain Sam Burgess has been named in the front-row this week for the first time this season, with Murray holding his spot at lock. His talent is phenomenal and so are his leadership qualities (he captained the NSW under-20s this season), so to have him available at under $10k is an absolute steal.
Hooker
Damien Cook ($13,450)
Since returning to the Bunnies’ starting line-up, Cook has been excellent, giving his side a threat around the ruck. His speed makes him a threat when running the ball and allows him to rack up massive metre numbers for a hooker. In the last three weeks, he’s averaging 36.3 tackles, 4.3 tackle breaks and 106.7 metres per game. The Storm have a full contingent of forwards back this week, so Cook will be heavily relied on to continue his strong defensive performances.
Second Row Forward
Felise Kaufusi ($11,300)
Kaufusi is as solid as they come, with his season average of 47.1 Draftstars points per game being comprised mostly of scores between 40 and 50. He plays significant minutes in each contest and it allows him to build his tackling numbers in order to lay a foundation for his scoring. In the last three weeks, Kaufusi has made 102/103 tackles which further highlights his reliability in defence. He has the ability to score as well, and from round 13 to 15 he scored four tries in three weeks with barnstorming runs close to the try line.
Nelson Asofa-Solomona ($9,400)
After starting the previous four games, Asofa-Solomona returned to the bench last week but it didn’t impact his scoring in the slightest. He made twelve runs for a whopping 171 metres gained, breaking three tackles and looking threatening with every carry. He crossed over for only his third try of the season as well, which added to his impressive game in attack. With a dearth of cheap options in the back-row, Asofa-Solomona is a good option due to his massive upside.
Centre
Will Chambers ($10,650)
Chambers hasn’t dropped below 40 Draftstars points in the last four weeks and should continue that streak against the lowly Rabbitohs. His running game has been a highlight and last week was no exception as he ran 163 metres with four tackle breaks. He scored a try as well; a habit that has become familiar for Chambers recently, with four in the last five weeks. With a World Cup at the end of the year, Chambers has almost certainly cemented his spot in the centres but will be looking to continue his good form in the lead up to finals.
Half
Cameron Munster ($13,800)
After a standout performance for Queensland in Origin, Munster has returned to club football with some solid but unspectacular contributions. Last week he returned from an ankle injury and his passing game was brilliant as he ended the game with three line break assists that resulted in two tries. The Storm should win big against the Rabbitohs and if they do, Munster will be in the thick of the action which will see him end up with a massive Draftstars score.
Wing/Fullback
Josh Addo-Carr ($11,000)
Addo-Carr relies heavily on his try scoring for his big scores, but that shouldn’t be an issue against an inexperienced South Sydney flank defence. At his best, Addo-Carr is one of the most damaging players in the competition – a speedy, agile and powerful winger that can break a game open with one run. He’s a tackle breaking and line breaking machine when he runs the ball in space and he should have a field day on Saturday.
Marcelo Montoya ($9,850)
The Titans have been giving up plenty of points recently, so picking the most in-form player in their opposing backline is usually a good call. Montoya was brilliant against Manly, scoring two tries from three line breaks in a dominant performance that was set up beautifully by a strong forward pack. The Bulldogs should have plenty of opportunities close to the line, so Montoya will be looking to capitalise with a try or two to cement his spot in first grade next season.
The Line Up
FR-F: Dylan Napa ($10,950)
FR-F: Cameron Murray ($9,500)
HOOK: Damien Cook ($13,450)
2R-F: Felise Kaufusi ($11,300)
2R-F: Nelson Asofa-Solomona ($9,400)
C: Will Chambers ($10,650)
HALF: Cameron Munster ($13,800)
W/FB: Josh Addo-Carr ($11,000)
W/FB: Marcelo Montoya ($9,850)
Salary Remaining: $100
NRL SCORING SYSTEM
Try Scored = 8 points
Goal = 2 points
Field Goal = 5 points
Try Assist = 5 points
Line Break = 4 points
Line Break Assist = 2 points
Tackle = 1 point
Tackle Break = 3 points
Missed Tackles = -2 points
Offload = 2 points
Run Metres Gained = 0.1 points
Kick Metres Gained = 0.05 points
Error = -2 points
NRL