The Dragons have finally arrived! After finally securing their first win of the season, thirteen rounds deep, who would have thought it would be against the reigning champions? Rugby League continues to deliver, so here is our team of the week for Round 13.
Prop | Payne Haas
A Season-best performance from Payne Haas with his 281 run meters in the Broncos defeat to the Dragons. He also had a season-high of eight tackle breaks, 92 post-contact meters and contributed with 33 tackles and a line break in his 80 minutes.
Prop | Tyrell May
He was on the field for 64 minutes and put in an impressive 51 tackles, made 65 post-contact meters, had three tackle breaks, three offloads, and had 167 run meters against the Bulldogs.
Hooker | Tom Starling
Danced around the Cowboys’ defence and was great in supporting runs. Added 134 run meters, three tackle breaks, 29 tackles, a line break assist, a try, and a try assist to his name.
Second Row | Dylan Lucas
NSW’s 20th man scored a double for the Knights in their victory over the Eels, showed some serious speed for his second try, and pieced up the Eels defence. Recorded 154 run meters, two line breaks, four tackle breaks, and 46 tackles against the Eels.
Second Row | Xavier Willison
Willison had 187 run meters, made 80 post-contact meters, 43 tackles, scored a try that made Flanagan look disinterested in defence, two tackle breaks, and a line break against the Dragons.
Lock | Alex Twal
A welcome return from injury for Alex Twal, who had 72 minutes against the Bulldogs. He made 55 tackles, had four tackle breaks, two offloads, and 116 run meters.
Half | Braydon Trindell
Three try assists, a try, a season-high of 602 kick meters, and two line break assists, defensively sound with 20 tackles.
Half | Cam Munster
Aggressive on attack with seven tackle breaks against the Roosters, a season best for Munster. Two offloads, two turnovers, and 30 tackles in the Storms win over the Roosters. Put in a massive hit on his Origin teammate Sam Walker forcing a knock-on and set Faalogo off on a massive run to the opposite end of the pitch.
Centre | Casey McClean
Back from Origin and straight onto the pitch, Casey made it look easy on the left edge against the Warriors. Strong in the air, scored two tries, and had 158 run meters with two tackle breaks.
Centre | Valentine Holmes
Two tries for Holmes in the Dragons first win of the season 13 rounds deep against none other than the reigning champions. Scored the opening try, had a controversial run away try, recorded 158 run meters, three tackle breaks, and went 5/6 in front of the posts.
Winger | Jeral Skelton
Two tries for Skelton against the Bulldogs with his season best of 227 run meters and nine tackle breaks against his former club.
Winger | Jacob Kiraz
Although technically played at fullback against the Tigers, I simply cannot leave him off the list, so back onto the wing he goes. He scored a fantastic solo try with his elusive footwork spinning out of tackles and had an outstanding 77 minutes for the Dogs with his ten tackle breaks, 287 run meters, five offloads and was strong under the high ball, defusing 4 kicks from the back.
Fullback | Sualauvi Faalogo
An incredible 325 run meters recorded against the Roosters with multiple breaks from inside his own 20m getting over the halfway line as he cut through the Roosters defence. Had seven tackle breaks, three line breaks, and a try-saving effort pushing Ramsey over the corner, getting one back from when he was chased down.