Friday Night NRL in Round 4 delivers another fascinating Draftstars double header, with key matchups expected to create strong fantasy scoring environments across both games. The New Zealand Warriors host the Wests Tigers in the early contest, a game that projects to feature heavy yardage involvement from outside backs and significant defensive workloads for middle forwards. Both sides are capable of generating second phase play and quick play the balls, which often translates into strong base stat production through tackles and run metres, two of the most reliable scoring avenues on short DFS slates.
The late game sees the Brisbane Broncos clash with the Dolphins in what shapes as one of the more open attacking games of the round. Brisbane’s explosive spine meets a Dolphins side that prefers to move the ball quickly through the middle before attacking edges in space. That combination creates upside for halves, fullbacks, and edge forwards, while also boosting the fantasy appeal of workhorse middle forwards expected to play big minutes.
With multiple premium options and several key value plays emerging through role changes and early season form, lineup construction will be critical. Draftstars contests on offer include:
NRL $6,000 – Warriors v Tigers
NRL $8,000 – Broncos v Dolphins
NRL $3,000 – Friday Night doubleheader
Identifying players with both role security and ceiling potential will be key to climbing the leaderboards and winning that sweet cash.
NRL Daily Fantasy Lineup Tips: Round 4 Friday
NRL Friday Round 4: Our Value Fantasy Picks
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak ($8,970) profiles as one of the better salary saving outside backs on the slate thanks to his elite yardage role for the Warriors. DWZ has averaged decent early season Draftstars production through base stats, averaging just over 100 metres per game and four tackle busts. DWZ is likely a better FLX than OB though, with his upside tied to try scoring. Without a try, he’s not going to push into your final teams.
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad ($11,350) profiles as one of the better mid-priced Draftstars plays this week due to his elite run metre base and growing attacking upside. CNK is averaging around 120 running metres and five tackle breaks per game, giving him a strong floor through kick returns and early carries, while his support play around the middle creates opportunities for line breaks, try assists and tries. The matchup against the Tigers suits his fantasy profile, with Wests often conceding metres on kick returns and struggling to contain fullbacks in broken play. With both safe base production and genuine attacking ceiling, CNK shapes as a strong option at the price point capable of pushing beyond value if he finds the try line.
NRL Friday Round 4: Our Mid Price Fantasy Picks
Xavier Willison ($12,220) shapes as a genuine upside middle forward play thanks to his shift to the middle with Payne Haas out this week. Willison has shown in the past when he gets a starting middle role, he can put together decent base stats. The upside though lies in his hole running close to the line. The giant forward has tremendous try scoring potential, and at a relatively low price for a starting front rower, is a great option this week.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow ($13,830) remains one of the premier outside backs thanks to his explosive speed and dual scoring profile of base metres plus attacking stats. The Dolphins fullback has already produced a Draftstars score of 63.5 this season, and once again has that sort of genuine upside with his attacking ability. With elite upside through long range tries and strong yardage returns, he offers one of the highest ceilings in the mid-range and is capable of delivering slate breaking performances.
NRL Friday Round 4: Our Premium Fantasy Picks
Patrick Carrigan ($16,500) profiles as one of the safest premium forward anchors due to his elite base production and huge minute load in Brisbane’s middle rotation. Carrigan has consistently produced Draftstars scores in the 50–60 range through tackles, run metres and offloads, even without crossing the try line. The matchup with the Dolphins should again create a high base stats, and with no Haas his minutes and role as forward leader are not in question. With the ability to push beyond 65 minutes in tight contests, Carrigan offers both reliability and ceiling through second phase involvement and attacking link play near the line, making him a strong building block for balanced lineups.
Jackson Ford ($18,090) shapes as the premium forward with arguably the highest base stat ceiling on the slate due to his locked in role and enormous work rate. Ford has already produced two scores of 75+ this season through relentless defensive output and strong running metres, highlighting one of the safest fantasy profiles among forwards. Facing the Tigers should provide another opportunity for heavy involvement, as Wests frequently attack through their middle rotation. While expensive, Ford’s combination of floor and upside makes him a strong premium option, particularly for players choosing to fade other elite forwards and build lineups around consistent producers.
Suggested NRL Friday Draftstars Lineup
NRL Round 4 Friday Match Info & Betting Odds
Warriors ($1.24) vs Tigers ($4.10)
Line: Warriors (-13.5)
Points: 46.5
Broncos ($1.65) vs Dolphins ($2.25)
Line: Broncos (-3.5)
Points: 50.5
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!
