Ricky Ricardo: Team of the Week

July 28, 2010

Ricky’s NRL Team of the Week for Round 20 of the National Rugby League:

Fullback: Jarryd Hayne – This isn’t bias towards the Eels by any means, but you can’t deny that the man was yet again the form fullback of the round. Scored two tries in 6 minutes, one a brilliant solo effort, not to mention setting up two tries for Inu with brilliant cut-out balls. The highlight of his game though was an excellent try-saving tackle to deny David Stagg a try.

Winger: Fetuli Talanoa – Having bulked up and worked on his speed before the start of the season, it seemed his form was going down and in a big way, but he has worked hard in the last few weeks to improve his game in many different ways. As a result, he was rewarded with two tries (albeit a contentious one) and some damaging runs down the sideline.

Centre: Shaun Kenny-Dowall – Under fire in recent weeks for not stepping up in attack, he answered his critics with an incredible four tries in the Roosters narrow win. Has improved greatly in the last year particularly with his defence and his general awareness of the Roosters attack.

Centre: Jamie Lyon – Perhaps the form centre of the competition right now. A consistent performer for Manly, and rewarded for it with an Origin berth for NSW, there seems to be no stopping him. Scored two tries and ended up with a total of 22 points out of the Sea Eagles 38. Incredible effort!!

Winger: Akuila Uate – Has continued his strong try-scoring prowess with two tries despite the Knights loss. The Fijian flyer has a knack for getting over the try-line and will no doubt score plenty more over the next few rounds.

Five-Eighth: Mat Rogers – Just recently back from injury and seeking a new contract in the NRL, Rogers proved what he can bring to the table for any side with a last minute field goal in extra time in the Titans upset win over the Dragons. Whilst he might be older than most players, he feels he can continue playing for quite some time, and with a performance like his, who’s to deny him that?

Halfback: Chris Sandow – Personally, I’ve been critical of Sandow and his style of play at times, but the past week has given us a glimpse of what he is capable of. Scoring tries, setting them up, hard-hitting defence and solid runs. The question is whether he can maintain it in Souths charge to the finals.

Prop: Luke Bailey – Yet again, the veteran prop has shown his worth to the Titans side. The Titans are fortunate he remains in their ranks after considering a return home to the Dragons for a final fling. Amassed 181 metres this week, continues his workhorse tradition and is vital in big games for the Gold Coast.

Hooker: Travis Waddell – The young Canberra hooker could be on the outer, but he didn’t let that phase him with a strong performance in the Raiders win. Scoring a try and topping the Raiders tackle count, he proved how valuable he can be to any side.

Prop: Fui Fui Moi Moi – Wow! Can you imagine what it would be like trying to tackle this man? It’d be like trying to stop a bus at speed. Regularly pokes his head through the opposing line and makes quality metres consistently. Last week was no different, he set the foundation for the Eels from the opening set.

Second Row: Corey Parker – Whilst he generally plays lock, the forward utility had a very strong game and was perhaps the Broncos best player in a beaten side. He makes large numbers of metres, he makes many tackles, not to mention his handy goal-kicking skills. Kind of reminds you of Craig Fitzgibbon kicking doesn’t it?

Second Row: Paul Gallen – While he’ll never shrug the ‘grub’ tag, you can’t deny the effort that he puts in every week in both attack and defence. It’s a shame he can’t control himself during a Rugby League game though, because he could offer so much more to his side.

Lock: Luke O’ Donnell – Not wanted by the Cows and forced to go to the UK, O’Donnell answered his criticas with a top-shelf game in his last hurrah. Scored two tries, and kept busy all game.

Player of the Week: Jarryd Hayne/Shaun Kenny-Dowall



Written by NRL News · Filed Under NRL News 

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