Here we go, round 2 of the NRL resumption and the last week of NRL being the biggest DFS sport in the land. Time to strike while the iron is hot and the prizes are large. We start the round with a marquee matchup between the Roosters and the Broncos, with the teams getting off to very different starts in these post-corona times. The Roosters had a resounding win over the Rabbitohs, while the Broncos were torn to shreds through the middle in the second half against a rampaging Eels team.

Let’s dive right in and break down this MASSIVE $40,000 Draftstars slate. I’ll run through the options at each position to give you a feel for where you can find great value, and where you can differentiate from the field.

A reminder if you have not played NRL DFS before or looking to brush up on your fantasy game make sure you check out our helper articles.

 

 

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Markets

 

Broncos 4.00 v Roosters 1.25

Total Points Over/Under - 38.5

Spread - 10

 

Weather

 

Brisbane - Cool, Light Winds and a minimum of 12 degrees (night game)

Smatho's Mini Preview

 

 

 

Fantasy Plays

As the odds suggest, last week's results are every chance to be repeated, mostly thanks to a very depleted Broncos outfit now missing Dave Fifita, Kotoni Staggs and Alex Glenn, as well as trying to get Matt Lodge back to full fitness. They also still give Darius Boyd a game, and I will never get tired of mentioning that. The Roosters are looking strong and have Siosiua Taukeiaho listed in the reserves who would only make them stronger if ready to return. Get your Roosters stacks ready to go.

 

WFB: First of all, the BIG news today that James Tedesco $15,980 is OUT of the game due to illness. According to Buzz Rothfield one of the Morris brothers will take the role of fullback, with Brett Morris likely. Ryan Hall $8,860 should come into the side on the wing. Jamayne Isaako $9,770 has been scoring well, but I don’t think this is a great match for him. Instead focus on Daniel Tupou $9,500 and Brett Morris $7,990 who can get on the end of a try or two and become great value. The 3 Broncos priced at $7000 are all contrarian punts if you want to back the Broncos or think they can jag a try in defeat. This position got cheap really quick.

 

CTR: It’s a similar story at centre where you should be focusing on Joseph Manu $9,070 and Josh Morris $8,640, with both capable of big scores. Darius Boyd $7,000 and Jesse Arthars $7,000 are much less likely to hit a big ceiling score, so I can’t recommend playing them.

 

HALF: A nice big price drop for Anthony Milford $12,940 has me very interested in him, as he is the type of player I can see trying to win the game himself and breaking a lot of tackles in the process. Having said that, I think that Kyle Flanagan $12,350 and Luke Keary $11,020 are the best plays given the likely Roosters win. Flanagan is likely the higher owned, so Keary is a strong GPP play. UPDATE - Cory Paix $7,000 gets the start playing at Hooker and is now in serious consideration. Should play at least 60 minutes here. Rendering all other players as GPP plays only.

 

2RF: Now things start to get a little interesting. Angus Crichton $14,440 was good last week, and should be again unless Mitch Aubusson $11,690 strolls back into the team and pushes him to the bench. Boyd Cordner $12,100 and Victor Radley $11,910 were similarly good, and both are safe in their roles. I trust Radley the most. The Broncos starting second rowers are Jamil Hopoate $9,720 and Ethan Bullemor $8,800. These are both young, unproven guys, and I don’t think either of them has much of a ceiling in this contest. One of them might provide good value, but your guess is as good as mine. If you want to play a Bronco, Pat Carrigan $13,800 is your man. He’s a stud, he’s going to make 50 tackles, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him trying to spark the team in attack.

 

HOK: Interesting options here. If you didn’t use Radley at 2RF, you can use him here. UPDATE - Jake Turpin $11,660 has been ruled out due to injury thus bringing a debut to young Cory Paix. However he is a half back and is not eligible in this position. Jake Friend $14,810 had a massive 75 points last week, but needed a rare try to get there. He’s a fine play but I much prefer the two cheaper options.

 

FRF: Whoa, take a look at that price on Payne Haas $20,200. The fantasy GOAT at just 20 years of age, even $20,200 isn’t too steep here. He’s not a lock, but he’s hard to leave out with cheap options everywhere else. If Lindsay Collins $9,510 starts again, he’s the best value at the position. Thomas Flegler $10,970 seems unsafe with Matt Lodge $12,420 working his way into bigger minutes. Waerea-Hargreaves $13,500 is a little expensive for me, I’ll be playing Carrigan instead.


Final Word: It’s the biggest slate of the weekend, and the competition is intense for that $5000 top prize. If you want to get it, you’ll have to find a way to do things a little differently. Good Luck!

 

 

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