A huge game kicks off Friday Night Football, as two teams pushing hard for a spot in the top 8 go head-to-head, as the Sharks host the Roosters at Shark Park. In the night cap, the hot Penrith Panthers look to keep up their momentum and a push for the top 4, as they take on the stumbling Rabbitohs at CommBank Stadium. Plenty of stars on offer, should be a great two game slate.
Draftstars have several contests on offer for Friday night, including single-match contests, and combined matchups. These include:
NRL $6,000 – Sharks v Roosters
NRL $6,000 – Panthers v Rabbitohs
NRL $3,000 – Friday Night doubleheader
There are plenty of other contests that will tickle your fancy, so get involved and make the greatest game of all even more exciting. And if you're new to the Daily Fantasy scene, simply join Draftstars via this link!
NRL Daily Fantasy Lineup Tips: Round 20 Friday
NRL Friday Round 20: Our Value Fantasy Picks
Siosifa Talakai ($9,360) keeps his place in the centres for the Sharks, where he has been impressive in his three games starting. With scores of 46.6, 28.7, and 45.4 in games against the Broncos, Storm, and Dolphins. With only one try and one line break in that time, it shows he has a decent floor in the centres, and with a bit of attacking luck could have a really good score on his hands. This week, he will be attacking the Roosters right edge, which has chopped and changed a little over the past few weeks with Robert Toia in and out of the squad. Whilst he has obviously shown he can handle the best of attacking centres, Talakai is a different beast and will attack Toia more with strength than skill and guile. A solid pick up without a try, and a potentially great one with a try.
Brad Schneider ($10,400) gets the start this week again with Cleary out, and he is way underpriced given his performances in the 7 jersey for the Panthers this season. With Cleary out, Hynes struggling against the Roosters historically, and Sam Walker still feeling his way back, this is a great chance to take a shot on a cheaper half option in this slate. Schneider’s average looks poor due to the number of games he has played off the bench, however if you look at the games where he has started at halfback, he averaged a superb 59.5 points per game. This is even more impressive in games where he played the entire 80 minutes at halfback, where he has averaged 64.9. At close enough to base price, Schneider is a tremendous selection in my opinion, in a game where the Panthers sit as 8.5-point home favourites.
NRL Friday Round 20: Our Mid Price Fantasy Picks
Billy Smith ($12,120) has looked brilliant over the last two weeks, and with the Roosters taking on a Sharks right edge defence that has struggled all season, I’m all in on the Roosters left centre this week. Whilst his average over the season (37.4) hasn’t quite lived up to expectations, his past three-week average of 47.3 is much more in line with what we would expect from Smith. Whilst he probably doesn’t have the outright ceiling of some other outside backs, he manages to have a decent floor, and I believe he will score at least one try this week. Would be an interesting stack with Tedesco and/or Tupou, who will be attacking the same edge as Smith, with Angus Crichton also a consideration on the left edge for the Roosters.
Luke Garner ($12,540) gets the start for now for the Panthers, however, as was the case last time we did a write up on Garner, make sure he is confirmed to start in the back row before selecting. I can see a scenario where Isaiah Papali’i is shifted to the right edge, and Lindsay Smith or Matt Eisenhuth starting at lock. However, if you look at Garner’s output over the Origin period where he has played an average of 70.5 minutes over the past six weeks, averaging a very respectable 49.5 points per game. I believe if he starts and plays close to 80 minutes, you can expect a minimum 40 points from Garner, with the possibility of 60ish with a try. Solid bye.
NRL Friday Round 20: Our Premium Fantasy Picks
Mark Nawaqanitawase ($16,460) had a down week last week, however I believe he will bounce back this week. In the two weeks prior, Marky Mark punched out massive scores of 78 and 87, showing he has potentially the highest ceiling in this entire slate. Whilst he is obviously a great try scorer, he also has a tremendous ability at breaking tackles, and busting offloads, two things that obviously help fantasy scores in a major way. Whilst the Roosters are likely to attack the right edge defence of the Sharks more often, I still believe they will go right enough when it matters for Nawaqanitawase to benefit from some big attacking stats. Leave out at your own risk.
Angus Crichton ($16,070) has struggled this season compared to seasons past, but I get the feeling he’s ready to have a massive end of season for the Tri-colours. With six scores this season of 55+, Crichton is consistent enough to back without being overly concerned, however his upside has lacked this season, with a high score of just 70.6. The exciting thing is the fact Crichton has just ONE try this season, yes you read that correctly, Angus Crichton has one try all season. Always known as a great finisher, it’s easy to see why the old adage of “he’s due” fits perfectly for Crichton here. With out stacking of the Roosters left edge, I love Crichton here and would not be surprised in the slightest to see him score a try against the Sharks.
Here’s Our Suggested Draftstars Lineup For NRL Friday Round 20
NRL Betting Markets: Round 20 Friday
Sharks ($1.67) vs Roosters ($2.20)
Panthers ($1.40) vs Rabbitohs ($3.00)
Also, be sure to check out our full NRL Previews and Betting Tips for each match. Our experts break down each individual game and highlight some key bets that you can follow!
