We kick things off on Sunday with a bottom of the table clash when the Bulldogs (14th) host the Titans (15th) at CommBank Stadium. The Dogs will come into the clash high on confidence, despite losing their past 2 games. They take on a Titans side that hasn’t won a game since mid-May in round 10. Then we close out round 19 with the high-flying Cowboys hosting the bottom of the table Tigers. Yes, we have the bottom 3 teams on this slate, however there’s always a chance to make some cash in Draftstars.

Draftstars has a $3000 contest with $411 to first place. The single game contests are set at $6000 and $8000 respectively. There are also several other contests including the Minis, Micro and 6 man contests.

Team News

Bulldogs’ fullback Jake Averillo has been ruled out with Covid, with a replacement not yet named. The likely scenario is Matt Dufty earning a recall, however there is a chance rookie Declan Casey may get a run at fullback, with Aaron Schoupp returning at centre. No other changes expected.

The Titans have stuck solid after plenty of upheaval last weekend, with the only changes being Tino Fa’asuamaleaui returning to the starting side at lock, and Erin Clark benched, whilst Jayden Campbell returns on the bench at the expense of Paul Turner.

The Cowboys welcome back a host of stars, including Origin trio Jeremiah Nanai, Val Holmes and Tom Dearden. They replace Luciano Leilua (prop), Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (bench) and Ben Hampton (dropped). Winger Murray Tualagi also returns, with Brendan Elliott missing out. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown reverts to the bench, with Connelly Lemuelu and Tom Chester both dropping off the bench.

As for the Tigers, they have refrained from making any major changes after their loss to the Panthers’ reserve grade side last week. Brent Naden (suspension) returns on the wing, dropping Junior Tupou out of the side, whilst Alex Seyfarth and Tyrone Peachey join the bench, at the expense of Justin Matamua and Jake Simpkin.

Betting Odds

Bulldogs $1.60 vs Titans $2.35

Cowboys $1.10 vs Tigers $7.00

Bet now at Ladbrokes!


Overview

Despite the loss of Averillo, I believe the Bulldogs will be far too good for the Titans. I expect plenty of points, with the Bulldogs turning into a relative attacking juggernaut since the demise of Trent Barrett. The Titans can also put up points in bunches, and unless the weather is horrific, we could see both teams scoring 20+.

The second match is surely one way traffic. The Tigers look every bit wooden spooners, and the Cowboys will surely use this clash as a tune up for their attack heading towards the finals. They will possibly be a little scratchy early on, with several players out over the Origin period, however, should click into gear in the second half and put plenty of points on the board.

 

Love It – Matt Burton - $21,860

His club form suffered slightly over the Origin period, however with the representative season now firmly in the rear-view mirror, I expect Burton to push on and have a quality end to his season. His price has dipped nicely on account of his drop in form, however against the worst right-side defence in the competition, I see Burton putting on a clinic on Sunday. Weather may scupper how high he can go; however, he will still secure you with plenty of points.

 

Love It – Declan Casey - $9,000

As mentioned above, with Jake Averillo out there is a chance Casey starts at fullback, where he could score plenty of points. However, even if he plays at centre he will be on the left side with Burton and Josh Addo-Carr, giving him a real chance to score tries and make line breaks. Looks an exciting prospect for the Bulldogs, and should have a real chance to score well against the Titans this week.

 

Love It – David Fifita - $20,390

The million-dollar man is always a concern, however after playing his first 80-minute game for close to 3 months last round, Fifita is once again on the radar. There’s been plenty of negative press surrounding the Titans edge back rower, and he will have as good a chance as any to silence those critics against a mediocre Bulldogs defence. Always good for a tackle break or 10, if he can barge over for a try, you’re looking at a good score.

 

Hate It – Luke Brooks - $14,880

Had the 7 on his back last week, but played like a left-right out with Hastings and Doueihi doing all the playmaking. Wasn’t even the main kicker for the Tigers, with Doueihi kicking for over 500 metres, compared to the 131 for Brooks. Looks like the odd man out for the Tigers and is not involved anywhere near enough to trust with your money.

 

Hate It – Jeremey Marshall-King - $19,750

Overpriced for what he offers, JMK is a solid contributor for the Bulldogs, particularly defensively, however without the added attacking stats he is a mid-range purchase at best. At the price point for HH he is well below Burton and Doueihi, and you may even be better of spending the money on Titans hooker (Booth) and Tigers hooker (Brown) to save some cash, whilst still producing 30-40 points.

 

Who Knows – Tevita Pangai-Junior - $13,460

An easy pick in this position, the big man is capable of being the best player on the field, the dumbest player on the field, or both at the same time. Always a roller coaster of emotions when he’s in your side, he’s never far from the action and never far from a brain snap that could get him sent off and suspended for 8 weeks. Awesome to watch, but sometimes you just shake your head at the neanderthal type play from the Bulldogs number 13.


Draftstars Suggested Team

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