A handful of standout individual showings lifted teams to upset victories in Round 17 of the NRL Telstra Premiership, while the Roosters' stars hit top gear as they trounced the Wests Tigers.
A dazzling debut from Will Pryce stole the show on Saturday after Matt Burton's golden point heroics had earlier continued the Bulldogs' 2024 rise with a clutch win over the top-four Sharks.
1. James Tedesco (Roosters)
The fullback was at his electrifying best in Sunday’s dominant victory over the Wests Tigers, popping up everywhere around the park and posing problems for opposition defenders. Tedesco finished with a try, 286 running metres, two line breaks and a try assist as the Roosters ran rampant at Allianz Stadium.
Teddy's tops
2. Daniel Tupou (Roosters)
Scored a second half double to add to a fine performance on the flank, as he continues to impress in season 13. Went looking for work and had 20 carries for 200 metres and was error free on both sides of the ball.
3. Selwyn Cobbo (Broncos)
Brisbane’s most likely attacking weapon in Auckland, he threatened to drag the Broncos back into the contest on a number of occasions and was a fingertip away from scoring a crucial try in the second half. The Maroons need a replacement for the injured Xavier Coates now, and Cobbo’s making all the right moves.
4. Bradman Best (Knights)
With the game hanging in the balance and the Eels hammering his side of the field, Best came up with a couple of huge plays inside the final 10 minutes to close down opposing attacks and instead turn them into long-range tries of his own. His two late runaways lifted him to a whopping 357 metres on the night, but there was plenty of tough stuff involved along the way as well as well. Laid on two assists for in addition to his personal brace and had a game-high 10 tackle breaks.
5. Greg Marzhew (Knights)
Combined brilliantly with his left edge partner in Bradman Best as the Knights picked up a crucial two points against the Eels. Doubled his try total for the year with four-pointers either side of the break, while producing a typically strong effort coming out of his own end with 210 metres from 22 runs, eight tackle breaks and an offload.
Two tries for Marzhew
6. Matt Burton (Bulldogs)
Tormented the Sharks’ back three all night with his towering kicks and threatened the defence with his running game as the Dogs climbed to fifth on the ladder. Burton ran for 133 metres and kicked for 693 metres as he took control of the big moments, eventually stepping up to nail the match-winning field goal from 35 metres out in golden point.
7. Te Maire Martin (Warriors)
With Shaun Johnson out injured, Martin assumed the key playmaking role and delivered three try assists and a four-pointer of his own as the Warriors buried the demons of a 60-point loss to the Titans a week prior. Martin combined brilliantly with halves partner Chanel Harris-Tavita to guide the Warriors around the park as the home side sent the Go Media Stadium faithful home happy.
Te Maire Mastery
8. Terrell May (Roosters)
He may not have played the full 80 minutes like he did last week, but that didn’t stop Terrell May from having a major impact on the field. The prop provided plenty of go forward during an action packed 48 minutes, charging through the Wests Tigers defensive line to cross for a try and finishing with 126 running metres and five tackle busts.
9. Reed Mahoney (Bulldogs)
Gave it everything he had for the full 84 minutes in defence and finished with 54 tackles to his name, but it was his gritty effort to get over the line in the first half that really stood out. A courageous dart saw the fiery dummy-half rewarded with his second four-pointer of the season. Was up to his usual tricks trying to get under the opposition’s skin, and at times it worked.
Reed Mahoney Try
10. Mitch Barnett (Warriors)
Named in the second row originally before being a late switch to prop, Barnett owned the middle of field in Auckland in a 72-minute stint. Had a team-high eight tackle busts as part of a 184-metre running effort and provided some spark on attack with a couple of timely offloads and a try assist. Has found another level in an already career-best season after being called into the New South Wales wider squad.
11. Victor Radley (Roosters)
A move to the edge this season has allowed Radley to show off a different type of skillset. Ran a good support line to score a try off Dom Young’s break late in the game and as usual worked tirelessly on both sides of the ball, with 128 metres and 34 tackles.
12. Jaydn Su’A (Dragons)
Backed up from Wednesday’s Origin defeat with an inspirational effort from the Dragons. The Maroons star shifted into centre after winger Mat Feagai was ruled out with a shoulder injury but Su’a didn’t miss a beat, finishing the match with 216 run metres - 107 of which were post contact – made eight tackle breaks and laid on a try for Tyrell Sloan.
Su'a backs up brilliantly
13. Nelson Asofa-Solomona (Storm)
Played only 33 minutes against the Raiders but made every single one of them count with a mammoth effort on the ball. Put his hand up for 20 carries and churned through 176 metres, 73 of which came after contact. His ability to lay such a strong platform early allowed Jahrome Hughes to get his running game going and it was then that the Storm looked best.
14. Jahrome Hughes (Storm)
In a low-scoring grind at AAMI Park it was Hughes that provided the Storm with the winning edge in attack. Laid on the assist for Melbourne’s last try which sealed the victory and earlier caused real damage with his running game, breaking through nine would-be tackles across 16 carries. Sharp with the boot too, kicking for 341 metres to limit the impact of Canberra’s back three.
15. Daine Laurie (Panthers)
Filled in admirably for Dylan Edwards at fullback and did everything in his power to try and will the under-strength premiers to victory. From 24 carries he made 220 metres, with a stunning 112 coming after contact thanks to nine tackle breaks.
Laurie looks good in cover
16. Connor Watson (Roosters)
Backed up from his Origin debut with a typically busy performance for the Tricolours – starting the match at lock before shifting to hooker and then centre to cover for an injured Joey Manu. Played the full 80 minutes in the end, racking up 192 metres from 18 runs, three tackle breaks, an offload and a linebreak assist.
17. Will Pryce (Knights)
Made quite the entrance to the NRL with try on 18 minutes that came after he popped up right on the shoulder of Daniel Saifiti to crash over in front of a raucous Newcastle crowd. Had a busy night on the whole with 12 carries for 98 metres to cap off a performance which should ensure he gets another shot to make the Knights’ No.6 jersey his long term.
Will Pryce Try
