A pleasure dishing out scores after a brilliant team effort like the Warriors’ 36-6 caning of the Knights.
1 ROGER TUIVASA-SHECK: Absolutely vintage RTS for the second week in a row. Game-high tallies of 266 metres (105 post-contact) and nine tackle-breaks, two solo tries for his first double in more than three years, a very nice hand in another try, faultless at the back and a deft kick to force an important line dropout. Has come under fire for not being as influential as the past couple of years, but would realistically be on his way to a fourth straight Warriors Player of the Year gong (and third straight TWL Player of the Year award) if it wasn’t for Tohu Harris. And when you consider his personal sacrifices this year…he’s bearing down on Stacey and Simon in the Warriors G.O.A.T. stakes. 9
2 ADAM POMPEY: We haven’t been shy around our skepticism about Pompey’s suitability to first grade, but he was outstanding today – easily his best at NRL level. Two superb finishes for his maiden NRL double, three line-breaks (including an incredible run down the other wing) and 180 metres on top of some very good takes under the high ball. The conundrum is Pompey and Herbert are both better wingers than they are centres. 8
3 HAYZE PERHAM: Some handy runs, sound on defence and a try-assist. Arguably a better option than Pompey in the centre problem spot. 7
4 PETA HIKU: Another first-rate performance from a guy that comes in for a bit of stick from time to time. Two absolutely brilliant try-assists for Pompey – taking his tally to a remarkable seven in his past nine games – and ran for 144 metres. Still misses a few tackles, but is regularly coming up with some big defensively plays. One of the NRL’s standout centres of 2020 – re-sign him ASAP. 8
5 GEORGE JENNINGS: Please stay George! As good good as Poasa and Jack were, I’m leaning towards Jennings as the Warriors’ Loan Player of the Year. Some huge runs among 15 carries for 185 metres and ran in a well-deserved try. You know we love Ken Maumalo, but would honestly prefer him to this guy right now? 8
6 KODI NIKORIMA: Understated role from Kodi, but there was enough parry and thrust to confirm his head was sufficiently in the game. Kicking and defence was sound and created space for his outsides, including key passes to Hiku in the lead-up to both of Pompey’s tries. 7.5
7 CHANEL HARRIS-TAVITA: Felt his way into the game and did most of the fifth-tackle kicking, but really grew in confidence in the second half. Forced consecutive line dropouts, ultimately had a hand in five of the Warriors’ six tries – including wonderful passes for RTS’s first and Jennings’ try – and underlined his value with a desperate play for a loose ball near his own line when the game was in the balance. 8
8 JAMAYNE TAUNOA-BROWN: Probably Yung Manie’s best in a very good rookie season. A massive 19 runs for 150 metres (including an outstanding 84 post-contact) and 26 tackles without a mix against a big-name Knights pack. Has been among the Warriors’ top three or four most consistent in 2020. 8.5
9 KARL LAWTON: Couple of darts, good dummy-half service and toiled for 32 tackles in 46 minutes at hooker. Didn’t get the customary late-game stint in the back-row. Under pressure for the starting role after Egan’s standout effort. 6.5
10 LACHLAN BURR: By far Burr’s best performance as a Warriors starter. Had a 100-metre opening stint of 24 minutes, then come on for the last 16 minutes and finished the match with 190 metres. Massive from a guy that is supposedly on the club’s scrapheap. 8
11 ELIESA KATOA: Struggling to have the same impact with the ball without Nikorima alongside him, but was solid this week with 10 carries for 84 metres and had a team-high four offloads, plus made 23 tackles. 6.5
12 TOHU HARRIS: Others have stepped up to ease the workload on Tohu, but he’s still reeling off 150-plus metres and more than 25 tackles in 60 minutes on the park. Did a bit of ball-playing today, too. 7.5
13 JAZZ TEVAGA: How can you not love Jazz? Eighteen runs for 163 metres, 27 tackles and three offloads – all of it with passion, energy and heart – and won a late-game mini-beef with David Klemmer by plowing over for his first try in more than a year. 8.5
14 WAYDE EGAN: That was what the previously unjustified hype was about. Egan was one of the major catalysts for the Warriors’ barnstorming finish to the game. Razor-sharp dummy-half service, sniped at the right times and dished up a delicious pass for Jazz’s try. Very impressive. 7.5
15 ADAM BLAIR: Solid again off the bench besides a basic error in the first half. Racked up 29 tackles without a miss, though only ran four times in 33 minutes on the paddock. 6.5
16 DANIEL ALVARO: The best performance so far from our Parramatta loan prop, getting through a mountain of work in 34 minutes of game-time: 13 runs for 116 metres and 28 tackles. Very prominent and came within a whisker of scoring a try. 8
17 JACK MURCHIE: Huge impact immediately after coming on midway through the first half. Bit quieter thereafter but still very solid with 116 metres and 28 tackles in 58 minutes after last week’s breakout peformance. 7.5
Categories: Previews + Reviews, WARRIORS NEWS
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