It's crunch time in the Dream Team season - we've got who you must have, who could be your point of difference and the risk takers that could win it all.
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Must Have
Andrew Fifita | FRF | $555,300
This man mountain just keeps delivering. Even though his price is floating around a bit at the moment, his 61 last week was the lowest score in a month, and that was from the bench. He’s the highest value player in the competition (taking over from Cameron Smith), and is playing big minutes in the Sharks run to the finals. If you haven’t got him in, you’re already behind!
Corey Parker | 2RF | $511,000
Since returning from Origin duties, Parker has returned to his best Dream Team form. He has pumped out scores of 65, 91, 55 and 67 in the past month, and this at a time when the Broncos have been playing somewhat inconsistent football. They have a relatively soft run home, which could mean better attacking points coming Parker’s way.
Point of Difference
Ben Creagh | 2RF | $283,600
He’s never been a noted Dream Team player, but injuries and a couple of decisions from the coach have seen him move into the front row and become a very valuable player. He’s played two weeks up front, with scores of 50 and 52, and while that might not be the massive numbers they are the type of scores that a bench forward could make the difference with.
Ray Thompson | HLF | $287,400
Now settled at dummy half with Johnathan Thurston and Rob Lui outside him, Thompson is coming into his element, particularly with a higher defensive work rate. He’s made 50 and 45 tackles in the past two weeks, and is really getting involved in attack. Even with Rory Kostjaysn on the bench last week, Thompson still played 80 minutes. An 80 minute hooker for under $300k? Get on it if you need a cheaper option!
Take a Punt
Josh Mansour | WFB | $205,300
Injury layoffs and a stint down in the NSW Cup had many people asking if Mansour would be back, but last week showed Mansour could be back! He score 67 (granted with there was two tries), but most importantly he was breaking tackles and getting heavily involved in the game. When it comes to late in the season, the big difference makers come with the cheap outside backs who score big - Josh Mansour is that man.
Anthony Milford | HLF | $327,500
The rookie Raider has been thrown into the front line this week with Terry Campese still out, and considering his form at fullback, this could be pivotal. 56 and 63 in two weeks, both losing efforts for the Raiders, and with a good spread of points across all areas rather than just tackle break or try based makes him a good prospect, and someone worth the punt if you’re starting at a finals loss this week.
Round 24 Captains - players to consider
Corey Parker | 2RF | $511,000
Paul Gallen | 2RF/FRF | $468,900
Cameron Smith | HOK | $553,300
Andrew Fifita | FRF | $555,300
Johnathan Thurston | HLF | $422,700
Wildcard: Jarrod Mullen | HLF | $458,300
