NRL $5,000+ Saturday Line-Up

There are three cracking NRL clashes to get stuck into this Saturday , with the Sea Eagles and Bulldogs clash arguably the pick of the bunch. But who should you consider for your Draftstars line-up?

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

Front Row Forward

Andrew Fifita ($18,050)

Fifita’s running game is almost unparalleled and when you combine it with his propensity to lay around 30 tackles a game, you have a fantasy beast. This was on display last week, with Fifita scoring 59.40 draftstars points despite the defending premiers going down by six points. His propensity to rack up offloads only adds to his appeal and against a Parra team that ranks second last in the league for tackles, Fifita should be able to break a few tackles as well.

Ryan James ($17,350)

James is an ultra-consistent scorer and has averaged 56.3 points over the first three rounds after averaging 60 last season. The workhorse forward lays a ton of tackles and also breaks a ton of tackles, which is usually a pretty good combination for Draftstars. We haven’t seen him hit the scoreboard yet this season and after scoring eleven tries last year, he is a distinct possibility to score in any given game.

Hooker

Jayden Brailey ($5,200)

Being able to lock away Brailey at just over $5k has been incredible for daily fantasy this year. The young Shark is averaging 40.6 points this season, which is the second most of any hooker available in this match up behind Michael Lichaa (45.9). Obviously, at nearly $9k less than Lichaa, it’s worth conceding those 5.3 points per game in order to maximise the value of your team. The biggest lock in this contest.

Second Row Forward

Ethan Lowe ($14,100)

With $10 million dollar man Jason Taumalolo out through suspension again, Ethan Lowe is an excellent selection. Lowe saw 70 minutes of action against Manly and should see plenty of playing time again this round against the Titans. Lowe capitalised in Taumalolo’s absence by scoring 53.80 Draftstars points on the back of seven tackle breaks, 23 tackles and 158 metres. Against the Titans, Lowe should be in for another score over 50.

Coen Hess ($9,200)

Hess produced the goods last week, starting in place of Taumalolo, playing all 80 minutes and scoring 49.30 draftstars points. His ability to break tackles has been crucial for the Cowboys this season and has led to two tries for Hess himself. Add to this his work rate when it comes to running the ball or laying tackles and at just $9k you have the second biggest bargain available in Saturday’s contest.

Centre

Javid Bowen ($10,050)

The Titans have allowed the second-most points in the competition so far this year and despite an improved performance last round against Parramatta, they still look shaky. This should be great news for Javid Bowen, who will bounce back this round with a move to his favoured right centre position after Justin O’Neill’s injury. When played in the centres last year, Bowen was a tackle-breaking and line-breaking machine while also laying double digit tackles. Expect Bowen to be huge in the attacking stats if the Cows come away with the win.

Half

Clint Gutherson ($11,600)

Don’t let Corey Norman’s return throw you, Gutherson has taken his game to another level this season and proved this with a phenomenal performance last round against the Titans, scoring 71.80 Draftstars points. In every game so far this year, Gutherson has scored a try, converted goals, broke tackles and made line breaks. Against the Titans he even laid 26 tackles! Given his ability to score in literally every attacking category whilst also picking up kicking metres and laying tackles, Gutherson is the pick of the halves on Saturday.

Wing/Fullback

Akuila Uate ($5,850)

After getting dropped to reserve grade last year in the Knights’ bid to blood the youth, Aku has bounced back with an excellent start to the season. The big Fijian has been reminiscent of his 2015 self, breaking tackles and imposing himself on the game through his ball running. The matchup with the Bulldogs is a good one for Uate, who will be able to attack their defensive combination of Brett and Josh Morris.

Kalyn Ponga ($5,600)

Considering the commentators last week were criticising Ponga’s lack of involvement in the game, he still finished with 36.3 Draftstars points, this kid is certainly something special! Similarly to Javid Bowen, Ponga should be able to capitalise on the Titans defensive issues and will likely fill out the offensive categories. His seven tackle breaks were particularly impressive and if he can manage to hit the scoreboard, he will be the perfect option at just over $5k.

The Line Up

FR-F: Andrew Fifita ($18,050)

FR-F: Ryan James ($17,350)

HOOK: Jayden Brailey ($5,200)

2R-F: Ethan Lowe ($14,100)

2R-F: Coen Hess ($9,200)

C: Javid Bowen ($10,050)

HALF: Clint Gutherson ($11,600)

W/FB: Akuila Uate ($5,850)

W/FB: Kalyn Ponga ($5,600)

Salary Remaining: $3,000