Two-point thrillers, and a seven-game losing streak, round 17 had it all as we break down our NRL Team of the Week.
Prop | Payne Haas
Despite the Broncos’ slumping to a seven-game losing streak, Payne Haas was a big presence in the middle with 205 run metres, 44 tackles, four tackle breaks, three offloads, and 90 post-contact metres.
Prop | Tyrell May
Tigers certainly had their opportunities to win this game. May fronted up again for his team with 45 tackles, six tackle breaks, three offloads, 173 run metres, and a turnover in a low-scoring, six-point loss to the Knights.
Hooker | Sam Healey
This guy needs more game time, as much as I like Egans no-look passes, Healey brought the energy with his 20 minutes, managing four tackle breaks in that time (more than other Hooker this round, including those that played 80 minutes), and scored an important try for the Wahs to regain the lead pumping his legs over the line with multiple Phin’s defenders who were holding on for dear life.
Second Row | Haumole Olakau’atu
Scored the opening two tries against the Melbourne Storm in the Sea Eagles 30-4 thrashing at 4 Pines Park. Can’t believe you don’t start a player like this in the Blues jersey for NSW. In addition to his two tries, he had seven tackle breaks, made 21 tackles, two line breaks, 158 run metres and 80 post-contact metres.
Second Row | Jacob Laban
Laban was one of the best on the field no question. He has really stepped up with the Warriors, hindered by injuries. Was all over the park on attack, chasing hard, getting under the high ball, beating Cobbo in the air, scoring the first try for the Warriors. He also showed up defensively with 49 tackles and a turnover.
Lock | Cam Murray
30 tackles, 176 run metres, four tackle breaks and a try assist for Cam Murray. Had a huge run up the middle of the field getting up over the Eels’ 30m line from inside his own 10m fending off Kelly multiple times for being chased down by Volkman.
Half | Kodi Nikorima
He was very good against the Warriors, even with Katoa going off injured in the first half. He was instrumental on attack and defence, had a key strip on Pompey, winning the ball with two minutes left and two points down before the half, which h resulted in Isaako scoring in the corner to go up 16-12. Would have had added some points on the board for the ‘Phins if not for some stellar defensive work from Tanner Stowers-Smith in the corner. Made 25 tackles and ran for 72 metres.
Half | Stephen Crichton
In just his second game at five-eighth, with Burton moved to the centres, Crichton had three try assists on the day and kicked 5/5 off the tee in the Dogs’ 30-12 over the Titans. His decision-making skills and playmaking abilities, combined with short balls to Josh Curran, helped him have one of his best games this season, creating ample space for Rinakama to exploit the defence on the edges. Had three line break assists, two tackle breaks and ran for 65 metres.
Centre | Duncan
Looked good at centre for the Bunnies with a massive try-saving tackle in the first half against the Eels, followed by a double in the second. Duncan had 174 run metres, four tackle breaks, two line breaks, 15 tackles, two tries, and a try assist.
Centre | Herbie Farnworth
Nine tackle breaks against the Warriors, two line breaks and 168 run metres, scored the Dolphins’ second try of the game, made very few errors, only missing one tackle in a close victory at Suncorp.
Winger | Jethro Rinakama
A season-best 230 run metres for Rinakama with two tries, two line breaks, two offloads and two line breaks against the Titans.
Winger | Jamayne Isaako
Scored two tries, slotted 3/5 off the tee from the edge of the pitch in a game where every point mattered, ran for 213 metres, and had three tackle breaks.
Fullback | Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
If not for the Hammer, the Warriors probably have a couple more tries on the board, setting the tone early with his try-saving effort on Capewell. Had three tackle breaks, ran for 134 metres, made seven kick defuses, a turnover, and a line break in a close two-point game.