3 sides eliminated from contention and 1 side clinging on for dear life greet us on Sunday to round out the action for round 23. These could be some high scoring matches, with all 4 sides more than likely throwing caution to the wind as they close out their 2022 campaigns.

First up the Dragons host the Titans at WIN Stadium. These teams met in Magic Round, with the Titans sneaking home 20-16 in a Golden Point thriller. Expect more points in this contest, with both sides ramping up their preparations for Mad Monday.

And in the final game of round 23, the Raiders travel to Newcastle to take on the Knights. The Raiders are the only side currently outside the top 8 who can make the finals, and they should have plenty of motivation to defeat the Knights this week.

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Team News

The Dragons have made zero changes to the side that narrowly went down to the Raiders last week, and with the Titans only making one change, this is a simple game to break down. Tino Fa’asuamaleui returns after missing last week to be present at the birth of his second child, with Jarrod Wallace making way.

The Knights have several changes, with multiple off field issues causing a shake up of their side from last week. Bradman Best and Enari Tuala have been dropped for disciplinary reasons, replaced by Edrick Lee and Krystian Mapapalangi, who makes his first-grade debut. David Klemmer returns, pushing Jacob Saifiti to lock and Mat Croker to the bench. Jesse Sue drops to the reserves.

Finally for the Raiders, they welcome back two big names, with Nick Cotric returning from suspension, pushing Albert Hopoate to the reserves, and Joseph Tapine returns from injury, pushing Embre Guler to the bench and Ryan Sutton to the reserves.


Betting Odds

Dragons $1.55 vs Titans $2.45

Knights $3.50 vs Raiders $1.31

Bet now at Ladbrokes!


Overview

Despite the Titans looking better last week, I see the Dragons having too much in their final game in Wollongong this year. Despite this, there are several solid options for the Titans this week, particularly in the forward pack. Look for both sides to put points on the board in a matchup that could become a track meet.

In game two, the Raiders surely have far too much to play for against the Knights. Whilst their defence has looked better the past 3 weeks, the amount of off the field distractions are growing by the week, and the job of Adam O’Brien is getting close to untenable right now. The Raiders should dominate through the middle and eventually put plenty of points on the board.

 

Love It – Jack Wighton - $17,960

The Knights have won the past 4 matches against the Raiders, including one earlier this season, however I think the Raiders have too much to play for and should win comfortably here. Wighton is due a try, having only scored 3 all year, with his last coming in round in round 8 against the Warriors. With an average HH selection in this slate, I’ll take the attacking upside of Wighton.

 

Love It – Jack Bird - $15,840

Bird was shifted to lock last week, which really increased his involvement. The more he can get his hands on the ball, the better for this Dragons attack. He has tackle breaking ability, as well as second phase play, so is always a chance at try and line break assists. Will score you a solid base with tackles and runs, and shouldn’t let you down. Loves to pop up for a try and hasn’t scored one for 4 months, so like Wighton above, is due a meat pie.

 

Love It – David Fifita - $21,920

We had the big man on our list last week, predicting a try and 75+ points. 79 points and a try later, Fifita seems to be rounding into solid end of season form. Unfortunately for the Titans, this form has come too late for them, however for us it gives us a premium option in the forwards with a high upside. With points likely to be on the table this weekend, don’t be surprised to see another try and 75+ from Fifita. Has upside that few do in the forwards, and has scored above 40 for 7 straight games.

 

Hate It – Greg Marzhew - $13,620

Whilst Marzhew’s game sets up beautifully for Fantasy NRL, unfortunately if he is kept on the bench, he simply isn’t relevant. As the most expensive OB this week, there is no way I can recommend anyone buying him. Played only 4 minutes last week from the bench, and even if the game state was different, I doubt he would be getting the minutes he needs to be relevant.

 

Hate It – Erin Clark - $17,220

Another who was on our list last week, we seem to be speaking about Clark on an almost weekly basis. Played 64 minutes last week at hooker, for a score of only 17.4, Clark is still being priced on the back of his form at lock. Don’t fall into the trap of selecting him, as at hooker he is simply ineffective and a complete waste of money.

 

Who Knows – Joseph Tapine - $23,530

Tapine has been an absolute beast this season, and the price tag is well and truly justified. However, it seems he may have been rushed back into the squad in this must-win clash for the Raiders. Whilst I don’t believe they would risk making his injury worse, there’s surely a non-zero chance that his minutes and involvement are reduced from what we are used to seeing. Despite this, Tapine is well and truly capable of putting up a massive score and winning people money.


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