Cody Walker

Back again for another week with our team of the week put together by key contributor Ricky. It was a round of upsets, strong performances and interesting games but just who cut the mustard to make it this week in our top team.

Once again, as we will do every week with this, we stress that our selections are based on the respective points that we give out to the respective players after each individual game.

  1. Tom Trbojevic – Ater a quiet Rd 1 game, Trbojevic came to the fore with a strong performance for his Manly side despite their Rd 2 loss. The tall, lanky fullback has the potential to become an elite player and Manly fans will be hoping that is just the case.

2. Nathan Ross – A fan favourite at the Knights, Ross is a key figure in their solid start to 2017. He loves scoring tries and the club’s Rd 2 win over the Titans was no different. He works hard, plays hard and is loved and revered by fans, the club and his team-mates.

3. Tyrone Peachey – Not traditionally a centre, Peachey has made the position his own and he produced a stellar performance in the position in a comfortable win over the Tigers. Whether it was making metres, breaking tackles or making line-breaks, he was doing it all.

4. Cameron Munster – Thrust into the vacant fullback role in the absence of Billy Slater, Munster has taken the role in his stride and performed brilliantly. Rd 2 was no exception as his crafty play and link-up from the back echoed the very same effect of Slater in back-line movements.

5. Semi Radradra – Although the weight of his pending court case might be on his mind, Semi did not show it at all. He scored a remarkable four tries in the club’s romp of the Dragons and seemed to be enjoying his footy again.

6. Cody Walker – Needing someone to step up in the absence of Inglis who is out for the season, it was a masterclass by Walker playing at 5/8 who was the catalyst behind Souths impressive win. One of the craftiest players you will see, his running game is perhaps the most impressive aspect to his game.

7. Corey Norman – With big expectations to meet – both set by himself and the outside rugby league landscape – Norman has started the season impressively with two tremendous displays. The focal point of the Eels attack, he is leading from the front and taking it upon himself to guide the side.

8. Viliame Kikau – Better late than never to make a debut but Kikau was just as impressive as everyone knew he would be. A hard-runner, a spirited player and a committed worker, Kikau’s efforts will not have gone unnoticed.

9. Jayden Brailey – With much hype surrounding his entry into first-grade, Brailey has not disappointed to date. Size is no issue as he puts his body on the line in defence, trying to emulate the success of Michael Ennis in the role. Scoring a debut try was a handy sweetener for him.

10. Jack Stockwell – A surprise packet of the Knights side and the NRL in general, Stockwell is producing the form that many believed he was capable of during his Dragons days. The fact he comes off the bench to achieve such good form is even more impressive.

11. Boyd Cordner – One of the game’s elite back-rowers, Cordner’s play on the edge has always been remarkable and as the Roosters find their mojo, there will only be more opportunities for him to excel. One of the best line-runners you will see on the edge, Cordner thrusts himself into his work and comes out on top.

12. Wade Graham – A rare hat-trick for Graham this week and a much deserved one. Biding his time patiently for Origin duties, he is a quality player in his own right on the flanks and is the man touted for future captaincy honours once Paul Gallen retires.

13. Jason Taumalolo – Without question, he is the man of the moment right now. Amassing more than 500m in just two games, there is seemingly no-one that can stop Taumalolo in his tracks. A hulking figure in the Cowboys pack, he leads from the front and sets the tone.

14. Coen Hess – The young buck of the Cowboys go-forward has so much promise and looks the goods to reach the promised land. With more opportunity likely to come now after some injuries, he is the sort of player that you would expect to make the most of it.

15. Brock Lamb – One of the under-rated figures in some ways at the Knights club, the young half has performed well in the opening two rounds since being thrust into the 5/8 role after Mullen’s departure due to drug issues. Linking well with Hodkinson, the two are forming a nice combination.

16. Brenko Lee – Yet another surprise packet to start the season. Not many thought he would start in the centres for the Bulldogs this year but he has grabbed the opportunity with both hands with nice touches and nice plays.

17. Suaia Matagi – An early contender in the eyes of some for buy of the year, Matagi runs as hard as a mack truck on every carry, a trait that Eels fans have been crying out for. Complementing the other Eels forwards well, Matagi runs hard and hits just as hard as well.

Player of the Round: Cody Walker

By ricky

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