What a belter of a weekend of NRC rugby we’ve just had. Two arguable upsets and two very near things. Let’s take a look at some of the standout individual performances of Round 2.
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1. Pettowa Paraka (Brisbane City) – 2nd TOTW appearance
Paraka stepped up from his impressive form in Round 1 with a Man of the Match performance against a massive Rams pack. Made crucial metres with the ball with some deft passing. Rory O’Connor (Rays) and James Slipper (QLD Country) also had their moments.[/one_third]
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2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa (Western Sydney Rams) – 1
Let’s just call him Brandon. With flowing long-haired and built like a brick outhouse, BPA was a massive contributor to an impressive Rams showing v Brisbane City. Damien Fitzpatrick (Rays) continues to impress while Pat Leafa (Melbourne) was strong off the bench.[/one_third]
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3. Taniela Tupou (QLD Country) – 1
Tupou was the go to man for a hot QLD Country first half of rugby. His influence on the side’s attack I’d suggest has never been seen from a prop at elite level. When he left the field, QLD Country lost their way.[/one_third]
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4. Ned Hanigan (NSW Country) – 2
Same old, same old. Hanigan is our first of many Eagles players to make the TOTW. His rugged running caused heartache for the Vikings team all day long.[/one_third]
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5. Sam Jeffries (Melbourne Rising) – 1
Whilst his team were slow out of the blocks, Jeffries played with intent throughout pulling off four or five massive hits. His opposite number Izack Rodda had a cracker too. [/one_third]
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6. Michael Wells (Sydney Rays) – 1
Wells had to fill the big shoes of Jack Dempsey who was so impressive for the Rays last week. He managed it easily with a busy game, full of strong runs, in the wet of North Sydney Oval on Friday night.[/one_third]
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7. Rohan Perry (NSW Country) – 2
Perry was huge for the Eagles this week, as he was last week. You know how good he was? He beat out Tupou Sopoaga who was borderline incredible for the Rams, and Will Miller who was bloody handy for the Rays.[/one_third]
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8. Sam Ward (NSW Country) – 1
Was this Sam Ward or Mark Loane? Ward must have ran for more metres than most Vikings backs with numerous damaging runs tearing the Vikings apart. Tyrone Viiaga was influential for the Rams as well. [/one_third]
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9. Nick Frisby (Brisbane City) – 1
Frisby only played 60 minutes or so but his influence in Brisbane City’s win was significant. The touch of class he adds to that team is difficult to measure but easy to see. Matt Lucas had strong game in the wet for the Rays. [/one_third]
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10. Andrew Deegan (NSW Country) – 1
While the score in the Eagles v Vikings game may indicate a running rugby extravaganza, the win was built on the composure of Deegan at 10. He controlled play masterfully with a smart kicking game. Melbourne’s Ben Meehan really impressed with the late call up to flyhalf. [/one_third]
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11. Tom English (Melbourne Rising) – 1
Like Jeffries, English was a constant performer for the Rising even in their poor first half. Ran strongly and always looked dangerous. Alex Gibbon for Brisbane City was a contender for this spot after another strong game.[/one_third]
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12. Seb Wileman (Sydney Rays) – 1
The fast-paced centre from Warringah was always looking to get involved in conditions that weren’t condusive for running rugby. He showed that he know where the line is and impressed with his determined defense. QLD Country’s Tyrone Lefau looked dangerous whenever he got the ball as well.
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13. David Horwitz (NSW Country) – 1
Horwitz justified his coach’s call to play him at outcentre with a dominant performance for the Eagles. He seemingly made breaks at will and produced an inch perfect cross field kick for a memorable Reece Robinson try.[/one_third]
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14. Alex Newsome (NSW Country) – 1
Two tries from intercepts. Things could have gone oh so wrong, but Newsome actually read the play perfectly on both occasions to snaffle the Vikings pass and race away to score. A lightning quick finisher. Speaking of which can I throw a mention here for another two try winger in Mitch Felsman’s cameo off the bench for Brisbane City? [/one_third]
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15. Tom Banks (QLD Country) – 1
Banks has had a stellar year of rugby in 2016 and let’s hope the trajectory continues to ramp upwards. He was damaging from the back for QLD Country today as they ran the wringers through the Rising in the first half. Dare I say he was Latho-like?
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