Draftstars preview: Friday NRL fixtures, Rd 20

• FINAL WORD: SuperCoach awards for 2020 season
• STAT ANALYSIS: Vital decisions to beat the best

Draftstars is back for Round 20 of the NRL season and with it comes the chance to back your fantasy knowledge to win some cash.

For those unfamiliar with the concept, you can enter competitions for each game from as little as 50c and win major jackpots.

Let’s take a look into today’s fixtures.

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TITANS v KNIGHTS

OVERVIEW

This should be a really free-flowing game of footy and should provide great viewing for punters.

Needing to knuckle down with a win securing a home final, I expect a strong Newcastle outfit to prove too strong in this one.

However, the Titans are playing some exceptional footy of late, while the Knights have been up and down at times, so an upset wouldn’t shock.

I just think the Titans are relying a little too much on points scoring. Can their defence stand up to the threat of Kalyn Ponga?

With points expected, I’ll be loading up on attacking players from both sides.

GUNS

Kalyn Ponga

KP is in sublime touch and I can’t not own him in a likely high scoring contest.

Kurt Mann

The K.Mann returns from a one week suspension and has been a superb Draftstars asset all season.

He’s available at hooker and in the halves, I’ll throw him in at hooker as it’s a weaker position in this contest and there’s potential in the halves if the points flow.

He’s been encouraged to play to his strengths since the shift to hooker which is running the ball, so attacking stats could easily be added to his workload at No.9.

STARS TO AVOID

David Klemmer

I say this very lightly as I don’t think there are many stars to avoid in this contest, but I’ve tried to find one.

My only knock on Klemmer is that if the Knights get a comfortable lead he’s a huge chance at an early shower having played big minutes all season.

You’d think Adam O’Brien would also want to get some additional game time into NSW prop Daniel Saifiti having recently returned from injury.

Klem will be a very popular pick for good reason, so it could be a crafty play to leave him out.

VALUE

AJ Brimson

Brimson has been at the heart of the majority of the Titans attack since they’ve hit form (coinciding with his return from injury), so he’s another exciting inclusion.

Based on his form and how integral he is to their attack he’s extremely cheap at under $10k.

COMBINATIONS

Ponga and the left centre

I wanted KP and left winger Edrick Lee, but I can’t own that pair and Brimson. I’m unsure at this stage if Bradman Best returns at left centre or right, so I’ll be tuning into the pre-game to add either Best or Enari Tuala.

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RABBITOHS v ROOSTERS

OVERVIEW

Like most games this weekend, wait until final team lists are named before entering your side.

There is likely to be late changes across most games in Round 20.

It’s a very strong Roosters outfit who are peaking at the right time of year as they always do, so I’ll be favouring their players.

GUNS

James Tedesco

Simply because if you don’t own him it could cost you the contest…

Damien Cook

It’s encouraging that there’s no other noted hooker in the squad, so Cook should see his regular 80 minutes regardless of match scenario.

While I actually think he could score below his Draftstars average, he’s the best hooking option in this fixture by a mile.

STARS TO AVOID

Cam Murray and Cody Walker

If the Knights knock off the Titans in the game prior, the Rabbitohs are playing for nothing in regards to ladder position.

As such, I’d be hesitant to pick the likes of Murray and Walker who may see early spells.

Further, if the Roosters were to take a comfortable lead it could also lead to reduced game time.

VALUE

Matt Ikuvalu

Ikuvalu comes into a near full strength Roosters side who will do all the hard yards inside him, he just adds the finishing touches and it’s simple points for Draftstars.

Liam Knight

Keep an eye on final teams, but I’m expecting Cam Murray to shift to the edge in place of the suspended Jaydn Su’A and Knight to start at lock.

Knight hasn’t exactly thrived under the new rules which has led to a faster ruck, but he’s cheap and should see increased game time if starting.

COMBINATIONS

Boyd Cordner and James Tedesco

I love the sight of Teddy sweeping out back, Keary hitting Cordner short, who pops a ball to his fullback to cruise over the line.

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Stat	Points value
Try	8
Try-assist	5
Field goal	5
Linebreak	4
Tackle break	3
Goal	2
Linebreak assist	2
Offload	2
Tackle	1
Run metre gained	0.1
Kick metre gained	0.05
Error	-2
Missed tackle	0.05

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