A shock result as the top-of-the-table Panthers fall to the Broncos, the Tigers forget how to score points in a thrashing from the Bulldogs, and the Knights fail to convert their tries into a win. Here is our Team of the Week for Round 20.
Prop | Toby Couchman
Massive 56 tackles in a close loss to the Warriors, strong on attack with his 167 run metres and four tackle breaks with his second-highest recording of the season with 82 post-contact metres.
Prop | Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
A season best of 187 run metres against Manly, had a great line break to get inside the opposition 10m and finished with a beautiful offload to Pascoe to level the game. Tino also had five tackle breaks, 31 tackles, two offloads, a line break and a try assist for Tino in the Titans’ victory.
Hooker | Oliver Pascoe
Two tries for Pascoe, big on defence against a dangerous Manly attack with 42 tackles, made four tackle breaks, three turnovers, and 66 run metres in his full 80 minutes.
Second Row | Hamish Stewart
The young guns continue to front up for the Dragons. Made the defence look far too easy to get past with his dummy pass, cut past three defenders looking the other way before going over for his try. He made 47 tackles in his 75 minutes on the park, two tackle breaks and a try assist.
Second Row | Jordan Riki
The Broncos stepped up this week against the top team in the comp, preventing them from scoring in the whole second half. Riki showed good speed to be the first to the ball and score the Broncos first try of the game, five minutes in. Recorded 173 run metres, made 38 tackles and three tackle breaks.
Lock | Patrick Carrigan
48 tackles without a single missed effort or any errors. Ran for 126 metres in the match and had 62 post-contact metres in what was a very close and important 2-point win for the Broncos against the top-of-the-table Panthers
Half | Tom Dearden
A Good welcome back for Dearden in his first game since the injury in round 10, scoring the opening try against the Dolphins. Had three tackle breaks, a try assist from a nice kick in behind the line for their second, a try-saving effort, a turnover, and 21 tackles in the match.
Half | Jayden Campbell
I almost just want to put Jayden in for somehow managing to bounce Olakau’atu, serious David vs Goliath energy. Made 11 tackles and was good on attack with his six tackle breaks, a try assist, two offloads, and smart play to help ensure a Manly sin bin.
Centre | JoJo Fifita
Two tries, with his first of the game showing incredible work rate and a team effort worthy of try of the week. He had three offloads, two line breaks, 136 run metres, 14 tackles, and a try assist in the Titans’ dramatic win over the Manly Sea Eagles.
Centre | Kotoni Staggs
An incredible 11 tackle breaks from Staggs in the Broncos’ shock victory over the Panthers. 151 run metres and scored a nice try in the corner.
Winger | AKP
Recorded 148 run metres, made two tackle breaks, showed great footwork and speed in scoring the Warriors 2nd try of the match to take that lead in the game. Solid try-saving effort hunting down Sloan on the wing.
Winger | Brian To’o
Really did everything he could in a close loss to the Broncos. Had two tries, ten tackle breaks, three line breaks, and 223 run metres.
Fullback | Reece Walsh
Starting to look back to his best in the game vs the Panthers. Instrumental on attack with some top draw passing ability, resulting in three try assists. Had six tackle breaks, 130 run metres, 495 kick metres (a season’s best), three line breaks, and three kick defusals.
