NRL Round Three: Team of the Week

The action from down under certainly has not disappointed and Round Three was no different. Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks dispatched St George Illawarra Dragons in the opening match before New Zealand Warriors opened up their 2022 account over the winless Wests Tigers.

South Sydney Rabbitohs once again claimed the bragging rights over their nearest and dearest, plus Penrith Panthers made it three from three meanwhile Parramatta Eels edged the Melbourne Storm in golden point.

Canberra Raiders pulled off an unbelievable comeback over the Gold Coast Titans and North Queensland Cowboys tamed the Brisbane Broncos before Manly Sea Eagles edged the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs to get their season up and running.

Full-back: Tom Trbojevic
This man is no stranger to such accolades. The reigning Dally M holder Tom Trbojevic is named at full-back. “Turbo” as he is nicknamed, was the stand-out for the Sea Eagles, helping them to their first win of 2022 in some style. He not only scored a try but managed four tackle busts and 237 metres from 25 carries, helping to overturn an early deficit and perhaps renew some confidence into his side.

Wingers: Matt Ikuvalu & Taylan May
Settling into his new club, Matt Ikuvalu has helped the Sharks to two wins from three and on Thursday we saw him arguably give his best performance so far. Scoring a try as well as seven tackle busts and 194 metres from 22 carries, he was heavily involved throughout and will remain a key figure for them going forward. As for May, the 20-year-old scored a hat-trick of tries in the Panthers’ win, even providing a try assist as well as four tackle busts and 162 metres for good measure.

Centres: Izack Tago & Stephen Crichton
Penrith duo Izack Tago and Stephen Crichton are selected for good reason. Tago scored two tries against the Knights, provided as many try assists, put in 12 tackles as well as 117 metres from 10 carries. Crichton meanwhile scored a try, provided an assist, slotted over six goals and amassed 184 metres from 18 carries proving to be a handful throughout as the reigning champions again look like the real deal in 2022.

Stand-off: Dylan Brown
A very difficult choice but edging in at stand-off is Dylan Brown. He faced stiff competition from Cameron Munster and Tom Dearden but here is why Brown made it. He provided two try assist in the Eels’ win over the Storm. Adding to that, he registered six tackle busts, three kicks, 126 metres and a staggering 36 tackles. Brown was here, there and everywhere and is still one of the best half-backs in the competition.

Scrum-half: Nicholas Hynes
Retaining his spot from last week is new Cronulla signing Nicholas Hynes. Similar to Ikuvalu, Hynes is another who has settled into life at the Sharks rather handsomely with another impressive performance. Hynes scored a try, provided an assist, added six goals in the win but also made 102 metres from 17 carries and made 24 tackles.

Props: Reagan Campbell-Gillard & Junior Paulo
Parramatta Eels duo Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Junior Paulo line-up in my front row. Both juggernauts helped the be compete with last year’s Minor Premiers and eventually get the better of the Storm in their thrilling win. With 389 metres between them from 40 carries as well as 60 tackles, both were consistently sensational, need any more be said?

Hooker: Damien Cook
At hooker is Australian international Damien Cook. Third time “lucky”, South Sydney Rabbitohs claimed the two points and Cook was one of their main men. A try assist, 42 tackles put in, six busts and 90 metres made, Cook was involved throughout and helped the Bunnies remain in control throughout the contest over the Sydney Roosters.

Second-row: Keaon Koloamatangi & Jeremiah Nanai
An interesting choice perhaps in the back row as South Sydney’s Keaon Koloamatangi is joined by North Queensland youngster Jeremiah Nanai. Koloamatangi edged out team mate Jai Arrow funnily enough; having scored a try against the Roosters as well as putting in 34 tackles and 146 metres, an all-round consistent performance in attack and defence. Nanai is another up and coming player and the teenager starred for the Cowboys in their easy win over the Broncos. A hat-trick of tries was his main highlight but he put in a lot of hard work, with 25 tackles and 117 metres to his name displaying the bright future ahead of him in the sport.

Loose-forward: Cameron Murray
Rounding things off is South Sydney’s dependable Cameron Murray. The Rabbitohs controlled the battle in the forward pack and Murray further demonstrates this. Scoring a try, providing two assists as well as 42 tackles, three busts and 152 metres from 17 carries, Murray really stepped up when they needed him most and will remain an important plyer throughout this season.