Individual marks out of 10 for the Warriors’ comprehensive team performance in disposing of Penrith 30-10.
1 ROGER TUIVASA-SHECK (c): Another high-quality offering from the skipper, running for 153 metres on 19 carries and laying on a try for Patty Herbert. Still a chance of back-to-back Dally Ms if the Warriors keep winning. 8
I know Munster and Latrell are having monster years, but Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is the best player in the world right now for mine.. Won the Dally M last year but is going even better now 👌🏻 #NRLPanthersWarriors
— Angus Mead (@angusmeadvideo) May 17, 2019
2 DAVID FUSITU’A: Solid from the Fus in his second game back from injury, running for a shade under triple figures. 6
3 PETA HIKU: Busy performance with 13 carries before departing early with a head knock. Quietly cementing that left edge spot with no defensive meltdowns of late. 6
4 PATRICK HERBERT: Super try amongst an 18-point haul, which featured seven goals from as many attempts. A real Dally M Rookie of the Year hope, particularly if he ups his involvement. 7
5 KEN MAUMALO: Copped an injury late but played out the 80 minutes and ran for a game-high 165 metres. Arguably the Warriors’ most reliable performer this year and certainly one of the most valuable. 7.5
6 KODI NIKORIMA: How often do you see a mid-season recruit slot in as seamlessly and brilliantly as Kodi has at the Warriors. Dazzling line-break in the first half, magnificent solo try in the second stanza – Nikorima has found his niche without the directional responsibilities that hampered his game in Brisbane. 8
https://t.co/oLVufaGbqL "Kodi Nikorima's Shaun Johnson-esque try"
— r/NRL (@r_NRL) May 17, 2019
7 BLAKE GREEN: Much better than his last two outings, albeit in easier circumstances. Solid, understated performance from the shot-caller, which is exactly what the Warriors require moving forward. Kicking game sound. 6.5
8 AGNATIUS PAASI: ‘Iggy’ ran for 114 metres – the most of any Warriors forward – and racked up 26 tackles with no misses, while he capped an excellent outing by humiliating the Panthers’ defence with a late try from a rudimentary hit-up. 7.5
https://t.co/8yKhRZ3atM "Agnatius Paasi beast mode run"
— r/NRL (@r_NRL) May 17, 2019
22 ISSAC LUKE: Got a late reprieve with Roache’s late withdrawal and made it count. Set the tone with the first try, redeemed himself defensively with 20 tackles and no misses, and was busy and dangerous out of dummy-half. The Warriors’ best 17 surely has ‘Bully’ wearing the No.9 jumper. 7.5
10 LEESON AH MAU: Plenty of tough carries and 26 tackles in another tradesmanlike performance from the recruit. Nothing special but no complaints. 6.5
11 ISAIAH PAPALI’I: Mean new haircut and played accordingly, throwing himself into 36 tackles in a solid showing opposite Billy Kikau. 6.5
12 TOHU HARRIS: Did his job on both sides of the ball, but didn’t need to be as dominant as he has been in recent weeks. Ran nine times and made 25 tackles. 6
13 LACHLAN BURR: Led the Warriors’ tackle count with 37 and did little wrong. Not the NRL’s most dynamic lock but a reliable performer. 6
14 JAZZ TEVAGA: Outstanding off the bench with a contribution of 112 metres – second among the Warriors’ forwards – and 28 tackles. Much better for being allowed to concentrate on his role as a middle forward. 7.5
How underrated is @JazzTevaga when they talk about the new "middle forwards" such as Radley, Brandon Smith & Murray. The "small ball" the @NZWarriors are playing is gonna hurt ALOT of teams…
— Sean Opie (@kiwisean1) May 17, 2019
15 BUNTY AFOA: Nine runs for 95 metres and 15 tackles with no misses. Probably deserving of a starting spot but definitely one of the first picked in the 17 either way. 6.5
16 LIGI SAO: Not as eye-catching as last week’s dynamic effort – making 60 metres on six carries, nine tackles and no offloads in 31 minutes – but did nothing to suggest he is headed back to reserve grade. 6
17 KARL LAWTON: Impossible to repeat last week’s astonishing cameo, but had 47 minutes on the paddock at hooker and in the back-row to rack up 26 tackles. Looked good at dummy-half again – definitely TWL‘s pick for the bench utility role in a full-strength line-up. 6.5
Categories: Previews + Reviews, WARRIORS NEWS
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