Upsets were everywhere in Round 4 of the NRL season, with a few new names emerging as the stars of the round, so the Team of the Week has a slightly different look compared to the first three rounds.
Let’s take a look at how the side shaped up after the Round 4 action.
Prop | Jacob Saifiti
The Knights prop was an absolute workhorse on the weekend, getting stuck into just about every facet of the game, which allowed his team to flourish and upset the Bulldogs. In his 52 minute shift, Sifiti made 35 tackles, missing only two, while also providing key go forward with 138 metres gained.
Prop | Naufahu Whyte
His propping partner for this weekend is Roosters starter Naufahu Whyte. He was devastating with ball in hand, gaining 170 metres against Manly, while also making all 20 of his tackles.
Hooker | Connor Watson
Whyte’s teammate Connor Watson also had a strong outing against their cross town rivals, helping conduct the Roosters’ attack while getting through a mountain of defensive work. He scored his first try of the season, while also chipping in with 39 from 40 tackles in his 69 minutes.
Second Row | Arama Hau
The Titans were in need of a boost, and their edge Arama Hau gave them exactly that in their maiden win of the season. He was sublime in his full 80 minute display, scoring two much needed tries, built around his ability to break lines and shred the Dragons’ defence on his way to 166 metres.
Second Row | Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
One of the most consistent performers to start the season, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki has been everywhere for the Dolphins. It was no different this weekend, and even in a loss to the Broncos, he was superb, making 36 tackles and, most of all, proving to be one of the most powerful ball runners in the competition with a season high 222 metres.
Lock | Alex Twal
The Tigers were running rampant against the Warriors this week, and plenty of it had to do with the play of their lock, Alex Twal. He was able to get his hands on the ball often and playmake from the middle of the park, while also doing plenty of the dirty work for his side on their way to a massive upset on Friday night.
Half | Adam Doueihi
Partnering with Twal as one of the key players in that upset win in Auckland was Tigers halfback Adam Doueihi. Without Jerome Luai, there was plenty more onus on Doueihi to get the job done and lead the Tigers around the park. The halfback did just that, finishing with two try assists and line breaks, while also showing off his dangerous running game with 210 metres.
Half | Jayden Campbell
In the other half position, we have back to back appearances in the Team of the Week for Titans talisman Jayden Campbell. Against the Dragons, he showed just how irreplaceable he has become for his side, leading them to their first win of the season. He performed all of his core roles well and also had a hand in a couple of the Titans’ tries on Sunday evening.
Centre | Casey McLean
One of the league’s budding stars had his fingerprints all over the Panthers’ demolition of the Eels. That, of course, is Casey McLean, who scored a try, saved one, and set up two others, while also running for over 200 metres for good measure.
Centre | Tolutau Koula
Another of the league’s rising stars is Manly’s 23 year old centre, Tolutau Koula. In a losing effort against the Roosters, Koula was still dominant and, in classic fashion, scored a phenomenal solo try from about 60 metres out, carving the Roosters’ defence open with a finish not many others in the league could dream of scoring.
Winger | Dom Young
What a day out for Dom Young, who played like a man possessed. To start with, he shattered his season high for run metres with 269, but he was also a hat-trick hero in his side’s upset of the Bulldogs, taking his season tally to six tries in four games.
Winger | Will Warbrick
What a time for the Warriors to announce the signing of their future winger, Will Warbrick. The Kiwi-born Storm winger was at his prolific best, scoring four tries against the Cowboys in a performance that serves as a great advertisement for the player the Warriors are signing from next season.
Fullback | Reece Walsh
At fullback, it’s one of the game’s best, with Reece Walsh back to his best this weekend and involved in just about every good moment for the Broncos. Walsh saved a couple of tries against the Dolphins, while also setting one up and finishing a phenomenal move to score his third try of the season.