NRL $5,000+ Broncos v Panthers Line-Up

After a tight loss to the Roosters last week, the Broncos will host the Panthers in a do or die battle which will see the winner advance to a preliminary final against Melbourne. Penrith were impressive last week against Manly, but will face a much tougher test against the Broncos, who have been dominant at Suncorp Stadium this season.

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Here is a team you may consider for the NRL $5,000+ Broncos v Panthers competition

Front Row Forward

Reagan Campbell-Gillard ($10,200)

After spending seven weeks as an impact player from the bench, Campbell-Gillard has returned to the starting line-up for the last two weeks. He’s given Penrith his usual production – plenty of metres and tackles. The Panthers know that if they’re going to cause damage in this finals series, Campbell-Gillard, Tamou and Merrin will have to dominate teams through the middle of the park. Given Campbell-Gillard is around $3k cheaper than both of those guys, he’s a good option.

Herman Ese’ese ($9,100)

Ese’ese has been a standout for the Broncos this season, providing them with plenty of energy and go-forward in attack. His ability to make repeat runs in short minutes is exemplary, and it frequently sees him rack up over 100 metres. He’s playing nearly half a game at the moment, which has allowed him to consistently score around 35 Draftstars points per game. Given Trent Merrin costs nearly $15k and scored less than Ese’ese last week, it’s clear that there is value to be had in the young Bronco.

Hooker

Peter Wallace ($11,000)

Wallace hasn’t produced massive scores recently, but there is every chance he steps up in a big final against his former club. Wallace is a workhorse defensively, who is averaging 40.5 tackles per game if you subtract his injury affected eight tackle game in round eleven. Last week he didn’t make a single run, but he reads the game beautifully and understands when to pass, run and kick; if the opportunity opens for him to attack the line, he’ll take it. With Ben Hunt being significantly more expensive, Wallace is a great option at hooker.

Second Row Forward

Josh McGuire ($14,350)

Injuries to Korbin Sims and Tevita Pangai Junior opened up an opportunity for someone in the Broncos’ pack to stand up, and Josh McGuire has been that man. In the last six weeks he’s averaging 54.3 Draftstars points per game. This has largely come from his strong fundamentals; McGuire frequently makes over 35 tackles and runs over 150 metres. In fact, when these two teams met in round nine, he did exactly that.

Alex Glenn ($11,650)

Glenn has proven to be a pivotal player for a depleted Broncos pack, with his ability to play 80 minutes per game allowing Wayne Bennett to keep his front-rowers fresh. Glenn was big last week, making 42/46 tackles and running 136 metres with two tackle breaks. His ability to do the dirty work, making runs and backing it up with tackles, allows him to rack up consistently good Draftstars scores. He’s also scored three tries in the last four weeks, which shows he’s got a handy upside too.

Centre

James Roberts ($12,050)

Last week Jimmy the Jet was threatening without breaking the game open, scoring one try, making two tackle breaks and running 113 metres. When these two teams met earlier this season, Roberts scored a try, made a line break and ran 180 metres in a strong performance attacking the Panthers’ edge. Given the propensity for Penrith to lapse defensively, it makes sense to have one of the most dangerous centres in the competition in your team to capitalise on their mistakes.

Half

Benji Marshall ($9,100)

The options in the halves are seriously enticing, with Nathan Cleary, Ben Hunt and Anthony Milford all offering significant upside, albeit at a significant price tag. Marshall is perhaps the most intriguing, though, given his resume in big games and his ability to break the game open. Last week his game management was phenomenal and Brisbane turned to him in all the big moments, including a massive 40/20 attempt to the opposite side of the field that allowed Corey Oates to stroll in for an easy try. The Panthers’ defence doesn’t come close to that of the Roosters, so Benji is a massive chance to have an even bigger impact this week.

Wing/Fullback

Dylan Edwards ($12,000)

Penrith have unearthed an absolute gem in Edwards, who has had a debut season to remember. He receives a handy discount in this contest thanks to an injury that restricted him to just 40 minutes against the Dragons a few weeks ago. In his return last week, he ran 160 metres and made five tackle breaks in a solid performance that has come to be expected of the youngster. His best game of the season was against the Raiders in round fourteen, when he ran 231 metres, made 15 tackle breaks and assisted on a try. Having that sort of upside at $12k is phenomenal, so lock him in.

Tautau Moga ($9,900)

Moga has scored under 35 Draftstars points just once in the last ten weeks, yet he’s available at under $10k. His form has been scintillating, with his powerful running game exploiting gaps created on the edge. His ability to break the line is up there with the best centres in the competition, and there is no doubt he will have plenty of the ball as the Broncos attempt to target any overlaps or errors from the Panthers defence.

The Line Up

FR-F: Reagan Campbell-Gillard ($10,200)

FR-F: Herman Ese’ese ($9,100)

HOOK: Peter Wallace ($11,000)

2R-F: Josh McGuire ($14,350)

2R-F: Alex Glenn ($11,650)

C: James Roberts ($12,050)

HALF: Benji Marshall ($9,100)

W/FB: Dylan Edwards ($12,000)

W/FB: Tautau Moga ($9,900)

Salary Remaining: $650