Manly NRL

Thursday night in the NRL sees a modified fixture in lead up to State of Origin next Wednesday night. Only 4 games for the round with a game on each day of the weekend, so only single slates for this round.

After a gritty win at Parramatta last Thursday, the Panthers are at home vs the surprise team of this season so far in the Sea Eagles. Both sides will be missing key players from each side, which means more value plays for the DFS players (nightmare of season long players).

The bookies have this match up as a coin flip after Manly did lose pretty terribly to the Titans last week.

In team news, James Maloney returns from suspension with Nathan Cleary in the New South Wales side. Waqa Blake is expected to miss the next 10 weeks after suffering a medial ligament tear, while Dean Whare is battling a hamstring issue. Isaah Yeo ($9,300 DS) has been named in the centres along with new player in Brent Naden ($8,000 DS). Check the status of James Fisher-Harris ($14,030 DS) after his concussion last Thursday before kick off.

For Manly, with Jake Trobjevic and Daly Cherry-Evans on origin duty and Tom Trobjevic still out with a hamstring. It is a rather inexperienced side with Cade Cust and Kane Elgey ($9,320 DS) in the halves.

This week’s NRL DFS action include a $8,000 contest for a $15 buy-in on Draftstars and a $6,000 contest for a $15 buy-in for Moneyball.

With the Dragon saluting in a big way last week, the pressure is on to replicate last week’s advice! I am leaning towards Manly as I felt last week was an off day for the Sea Eagles and I'll be looking to attack key players from this side. Although I'll mix lineups with Panthers as well - it's a tough little game this one. Let’s have a look at my CCCC for this week.

Chalk, Champ, Cheapie and Chump!

Champ - Dylan Walker ($13,000 DS)

With an ideal matchup against the inexperience Panthers centres, Walker has the opportunity to build on his excellent start to his season (albeit only two games so far). 12 Tackle breaks in two games are the highlights for Walker and is always threat to score or setup scores himself.

Chance - Cade Cust ($10,700 DS)

Eye-catching performance last week from Cust who scored 44.1 FP on back of some great try assists including a beautiful cut out pass for Taufua against the Titans. Only his 3rd game in the NRL and has a great story in getting to the NRL. He is a chance to outshine the fellow halves available as most will look at Apisai Koroisau ($10,220 DS) who is available in the halves and is at a similar salary.

Cheapie - Brian To’o ($8,040 DS) 

Equal favourite for the bookies for 1st try scorer and a 37FP performance last week without scoring a try, I like To’o as my cheapie this week. To’o ran for 212 metres last week and with 4 tackle breaks didn’t cross the line for a try. If To’o can cross the line for a try will smash value. The issue here is that the Panthers have only scored 6 tries down the right wing all season. Fellow wingers/full backs are around the same price bracket so ownership will be spread for this matchup.

Chump - James Maloney ($9,820 DS)

I am big fan of Maloney, comes across as a humorous fellow on the television and done the Blues jumper a great service over the years. Did miss out this year and I believe Maloney make take this game by the scruff of the neck in frustration, or proceed to miss another 7 or 8 tackles which are fantasy coach killers! Will be popular though but I will have little exposure in this matchup.

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The Daily Fantasy Rankings "Dragon" has scoured the Australian sports betting markets and found some great value picks for this game. Check out his picks for the day below and click on the links to follow his betting plays!

Dragon's Picks Odds Sportsbook
Manly 1-12 $2.90 Bet now at BetEasy!
Half Time/Full time - Draw/Manly $19.00 Bet now at Neds!
To score a try - Brian To’o $2.25 Bet now at Pointsbet!
Under 37.5 Points $1.90 Bet now at Sportbet!

  

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