daily fantasy sports articles

A loss here will all but end the Roosters 2023 NRL campaign, whilst a win for the visiting Sea Eagles puts them squarely in the frame for a spot in the finals. It’s a huge matchup on Thursday Night Football, and what better way to celebrate and enjoy the clash than entering into some Draftstars contests!

Draftstars has a $12,000 guaranteed contest for the Roosters and Sea Eagles, with several other contests available, there’s something for everyone, so get involved and make this game even more exciting!

Team News

The Roosters are forced into a change in their starting line-up, with backrower Egan Butcher (concussion) missing out, with rookie Siua Wong named to start in his place. If Wong is named to start an hour before kick-off, he’s a must have in your teams. The only other change for the Roosters is Drew Hutchison coming onto the bench, replacing Jake Turpin as the bench utility. 

As for the Sea Eagles, they have also made two changes, with winger Christian Tuipulotu set to miss two weeks, replaced by Ray Tuaimalo-Vaega, whilst Sean Keppie is replaced on the bench by Ben Trbojevic.

Betting Markets

Sydney Roosters ($1.64) vs Manly Sea Eagles ($2.26)

Points Total: 42.5 points

Overview

Both teams were poor last week, however the Sea Eagles managed to get the two points, as they scraped by the Dragons in Wollongong. Whilst this game could go either way, the Roosters have far more on the line in this one, and the fact they have a 7-day turnaround compared to Manly’s 5-day turnaround, I like them to sneak by the Sea Eagles on Thursday night.

Love It – Tolutau Koula - $11,800

Koula will get his chance to take on Billy Smith this week, who whilst he has shown improvements defensively over the last couple of weeks, is still the weak link. There will also be a new left edge back rower in the mix for the Roosters, so the Sea Eagles should be peppering that side all night. Koula has 3 tries in his last 2 games, and seems to be hitting his straps outside DCE for the Sea Eagles.

Love It – Daly Cherry-Evans - $23,990

DCE absolutely destroyed the Roosters a month ago, scoring two tries on his way to 84 DFS points. If you take out the rounds that were Origin affected, DCE averages an amazing 67 points per game, with only two sub-50 games this season. He has a great ceiling, and with his tremendous kicking game a good enough floor that you aren’t super nervous outlaying close to $25k on your top player. Whilst I don’t see another two tries for DCE, as I mentioned in the Koula blurb, DCE will be attacking the left edge of the Roosters all night, and I like his chances at try involvements.

Love It – Haumole Olakau’atu - $19,460

The big Manly backrower gets much the same write-up as the two men above him. Stalking the right edge in attack, I’m loving this stack out on the right edge for the Sea Eagles. One of the best try-scoring backrowers in the competition, I love Olakau’atu to cross the line at least once against the Roosters. Has had a bit of an up and down season, however against a rookie edge in Wong, I like the big man to at worst get plenty of touches, tackle breaks, and offloads.

Hate It – Luke Keary - $14,480

We had Keary in this spot last Thursday night, and he continues to be over-priced in my opinion. Whilst there is probably only two elite HH options in this slate, if you want to save money on this position, I suggest looking at the Roosters hooker, Brandon Smith, or even rookie halfback Sandon Smith, ahead of Keary. Keary has one score above 50 in his last 6 matches, and just isn’t in the form to consider for your team/s.

Hate It – Victor Radley - $17,250

Rinse and repeat, last Thursday night we also had Radley in this part of the write up. Once again, he was consistent for the game, but only managed 43 points. Amazingly, his price has increased for this round, and I just can’t get in on the Roosters firebrand. His minutes weren’t affected by Brown on the bench, however, he just doesn’t have the ceiling worthy of a $17,000+ outlay.

Who Knows – Nat Butcher - $20,730

Butcher has shown to have a great ceiling in DFS, with him consistently making 50 tackles per game, as well as getting involved in attack. If he can cross the stripe, he’s well and truly worth the $21,000 outlay. However, with no tries, I’m not sure he’s worth $1,200 more than the next most expensive forward. If you believe Butcher can get a try, get him in, however you’ll more than likely have to forego DCE.

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