You may have seen it around previously and we have decided to bring it back, Ricky’s Team of the Week! So sit back, relax and enjoy our team of the week.
Just note, it is based upon the points we dish out Dally M style each week based on what we view as the best players every game so it may differ from other teams of the weeks. Also note, players may be picked slightly out of position based on the players we chose to accrue their respective points.
So here it is, Ricky’s Team of the Week for Rd 1:
- James Tedesco – Many would argue that he is the best fullback in the game at present and their views would not be far off the mark. A tremendously talented player, Tedesco is a crucial player for the Tigers and showed just how good he is with a dominant display in the side’s win against Souths.
2. Moses Suli – A rookie out to impress, Suli did just that and put many fans on notice with a display that would have impressed the most veteran player. If Suli continues such form, being named rookie of the year might be a mere formality.
3. Corey Oates – A versatile player, Oates is often one of the more under-rated players in the Broncos setup, he performs strongly on the wing with big carries, big runs and more often than not, scoring tries for fun. His presence on the wing gives the Broncos a big advantage.
4. David Fusitu’a – Not a household name at the Warriors, the utility back does not have to be as he goes about his business with pride, heart and ability. A hat-trick to boot in the game against the Knights, that sort of form will see him retain his spot for games to come.
5. Josh Addo-Carr – Making a huge impact in just his first game for the Storm, his form has many of them excited. His first touch led to a very good break and he continued those good touches throughout. He could be the x-factor in the Storm side to replace Marika Koroibete.
6. Anthony Milford – One of the most exciting players to watch in open play, many thought Milford would fail to emulate his success in recent years or start out slow but he showed that he is still quality and ready to make an impact in 2017 with a very strong performance.
7. Shaun Johnson – Yet another exciting player in the game, Johnson is one of the few players that can win a match on his own either with a run or a pass and that actively excites the Warriors fans. Fans across the NRL love him and enjoy watching his game-breaking ability which he showed against the Knights.
8. Matt Scott (C) – An elite prop in the game, Scott is as consistent as they come and sets the tone for the Cowboys in every game he plays in, their win against the Raiders included. A powerful runner, he teaches the younger brigade how to perform as a forward.
9. Luke Keary – Making a strong early impression for the Roosters – one that surprised many – Keary performed brilliantly in an easy win for the Roosters, easily the club’s best on ground in that clash. Form like that and linking with halves partner Pearce puts the Roosters in a great position.
10. Suaia Matagi – One of the surprising performers of the round, Matagi’s runs, efforts and performance was a huge catalyst in the Eels win. Perhaps surprising many fans with just how good he was, his selection in the team of the week is justified.
11. Joel Thompson – A surprising candidate for many in a list such as this, it is deserved. A hard-worker with determination, his good work is a testament to that as he ran good lines and ended up with three tries in the process, a first for Thompson.
12. Josh Papalii – Another elite back-rower, Papalii goes from strength to strength each season and despite the loss to the Cowboys, it was no different. Whether it is breaking the line or assisting a play, Papalii simply continues to impress as his status as an elite forward grows.
13. Jason Taumalolo – The reigning Dally M medallist of the year picked up where he left off with another blistering display. Amassing over 200m, he just seems to do no wrong on the field, nor can anyone seem to stop he and his powerful carries. Keep it up, he might win another Dally M.
14. Corey Norman – With 2016 behind him, Norman is keen to make amends and perform well for the Eels and he did that, guiding the side in attack and producing a sound performance to record the club’s first win of the season to kick-start their campaign. He looms as the predominant figure in the Eels side.
15. Jordan McLean – Forced to step up in the absence of Bromwich who left the field, McLean did so and guided the Storm forwards towards a hard-fought win. A highly-rated player, his form is crucial alongside Bromwich’s in the Storm’s season.
16. Ava Seumanufagai – Another surprise performer, Ava’s game has gone from strength to strength as he cements a permanent spot in the Tigers team. Scoring a surprising try, his carries set the bar for the rest of the Tigers forward pack and should continue as the season goes on.
17. Jack Stockwell – An interesting selection perhaps but a deserved one in the eyes of the author, for his impact off the bench in very nearly producing a Knights win. Much of the focus shifted to other forwards but it was Stockwell who stood up and made his presence known.
Our Player of the Week: Luke Keary.