NRC team of the week

[RugbyFuture]

Thought since we're looking out for talent we should spot who should be in the team of the week.

Starting off I'd put:

• Kellaway at 11
• Debreznic at 10
• Stirzaker at 9

 

[GaffaCHinO]

Paraka from city with a double and Frisby.

DHP was dominate at 15 for the spirit.

 

[Inside Shoulder]

good idea

 

[Wilson]

I haven't watched the rising vs stars yet but here are my picks:

1. Paraka (can't ignore double meat for a big man)
2. Lala lam
6. Tala grey
8. Stephen hoiles
9. Frisby
11. Kellaway
12. Ant faianga

I'll probably add more when I watch the rising stars tonight, might check out the video for the country clash to see what I missed in person.

 

[Train Without a Station]

Will admit I only watched the one game and was at the ground by I thought Sam Jeffries at lock and Sean McMahon at 7 were very good and potentially up there. Happy to be told there was a better performance from anybody who may know better though.

Inman and English were also good, but not as good.

 

[Brumby Runner]

Butler was MOTM for Vikings against the Rams, so presumably should be considered. Also Ah Wong was very good. Both Smiths played strongly but only for one half, so maybe ought not be considered for team of the week. Agree that Lala Lam played solidly despite a YC; put some big hits on Jarryd Barry who was one of the Rams' best imo. Holloway would deserve a spot at No8 as well.

 

[Forcefield]

Both 10s McIntyre and Leyds in the QLD City vs Spirit game played very well.

Call me biased, but man of the round to Nick Frisby for sure.

 

[Tangawizi]

Would be good to see some sort of NRC All Stars side named based on blokes who play at least 4 matches in the comp.

Kerevi would be a shot at 13.

 

[Train Without a Station]

Kerevi is looking red hot

 

[Brumby Runner]

Just post the whole of the Rising the way they are playing atm.

 

[Pass it to Dunning!]

I think Tala Gray is a definite inclusion this week. Kellaway as well.

 

[Wilson]

The bot has a point, it might be a good idea to sort out some sort of players rating system for building a forum voted team of the week/season before the season starts. Maybe 321's each team? Each game? Or nominate a player per position each round?

Also doreamon.



Sent from my D5833 using Tapatalk

 

[RugbyReg]

That'll work if we can get every game live streamed. Otherwise we are just working off the TV games and they are going to be weighted towards the Sydney and Qld teams.

 

[Hugh Jarse]

To help with selections and wang for the 2015 NRC Team of the Year, I thought I'd put a copy of the Team of the Week from the Blog front page here.

2015 NRC Team of the Week - Week 1
http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/?p=84905
1. Haydn HIRSIMAKI (QLD Country)
2. James HANSON (Sydney Stars)
3. Sef FA’AGASE (QLD Country)
4. Steve CUMMINS (Melbourne Rising)
5. Ned HANIGAN (NSW Country)
6. Dave DENNIS (Sydney Stars)
7. Liam GILL (Brisbane City)
8. Angus COTTRELL (Perth Spirit)
9. Ben MEEHAN (Melbourne Rising)
10. Jono LANCE (NSW Country)
11. Dom SHIPPERLEY (Melbourne Rising)
12. Tom HILL (North Harbour Rays)
13. Karmichael HUNT (Brisbane City)
14. Harry JONES (Sydney Stars)
15. Junior LALOIFI (Brisbane City)

1. Haydn HIRSIMAKI (QLD Country)

One of the few things QLD Country could hang their hat on last year was a strong scrum, and Hirsimaki was a big part of this at loose head prop. The team showed plenty more this week, but the scrum was again dominant. Haydn lead the way from Loose Head Prop, causing the Rising front row great concern, whilst also making plenty of tackles across the park.

2. James HANSON (Sydney Stars)

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure I guess. Now I would never even think about ‘trash talking’ Chibba Hanson, but considered surplus to the Wallabies’ RWC campaign he’s become a bloody good pick up by the Sydney Stars. A barnstorming game, including a try, was enough to show our committed he is to his third team in ARC/NRC history. Honourable mention to Heath Tessman who was the Spirit’s best on Thursday night.

3. Sef FA’AGASE (QLD Country)

Combined with Hirsimaki in a dominant scrummaging performance but also produced numerous strong runs, some massive hits and two tries – one of which was a run away effort over 40 metres. Fa’agase has transferred to Country from City this year to get more game time, and in touch with his Beaudesert roots. This weekend the move paid off for both Fa’agase and Country to full extent.

4. Steve CUMMINS (Melbourne Rising)

It’s pretty hard to miss a 2.01 m plus athlete running around the rugby field (except perhaps when he’s shadowed by a 2.08m athlete in Richie Arnold). Cummins was prominent this round for more just his height. Whilst the lineout was strong, Cummins also ran with purpose and found himself in space more than occasionally. He aggression played a key role in winning the breakdown battle as well.

5. Ned HANIGAN (NSW Country)

Hanigan has accepted all challenges so far this year, stepping up to first grade with Randwick and starring with the Australian Under 20s. His form continued with an industrious display for Country against the Rams at Merrylands RSL Park on the weekend. Bustling at the breakdown with a number of powerful runs and strong defence, he handled the tough stuff required of a tight forward.

6. Dave DENNIS (Sydney Stars)

The experienced campaigner for Sydney Uni, Waratah captain and Wallaby squad member joined James Hanson at the forefront of an impressive Sydney Stars first up win this weekend against the North Harbour Rays. Formed a formidable flanker combination with skipper David Hickey which is sure to cause a lot of teams problems this year. Snagged the spot just from a busy Jordy Reid of the Rising.

7. Liam GILL (Brisbane City)

Thrust with the captaincy in the absence of last year’s leaders, Curtis Browning and Dave McDuling, Gill was a standout across the park for the reigning Premiers, Brisbane City. Massive in defence and dangerous at the ruck, he played a key role in an early front runner for the try of the season, in combination with a player still to come in this list. A tough choice this one in light of excellent performances by Hickey (Stars), Conor Mitchell (QLD Country) and Scott Fugistaller (Rising).

8. Angus COTTRELL (Perth Spirit)

The Spirit showed a hell of a lot in their first round loss to Brisbane City and fans will be crying out for more representatives in this team. Cottrell deserves his spot for his high impact game on both sides of the ball and helping to keep a lid on a charging City forward pack in the second half.

9. Ben MEEHAN (Melbourne Rising)

Was an absolute jack rabbit in attack for his Rising team in their first round win against QLD Country on the Gold Coast. Scored a deuce, and spent 10 in the bin, in an eventful match. Whilst halves partner Jack Debreczeni was calm and controlling, Meehan was a livewire at the ruck and sparked plenty of his team’s attacking plays. Ian Prior of the Spirit deserves a mention here as well for an excellent match against Brisbane City.

10. Jono LANCE (NSW Country)
This was a tight one between Lance of the Eagles and the Rising’s Debreczeni, the man from Melbourne lost ground with his goal kicking. Lance was equally impressive in his match management and leading his team around the park, but it was his goal kicking that was ultimately decisive in getting his team the win.

11. Dom SHIPPERLEY (Melbourne Rising)

A quiet-ish first half for Shippers, was made up for in the 2nd has he reminded all spectators of his class on the flank. He was elusive with every touch in an epic battle with the rookie Izaia Perese from Country. Ultimately it was some magic footwork by Shipperely down the short side that got him over the try line and secured his team the win. Just edged the impact the speedy Joel Brooks made for NSW Country.

12. Tom HILL (North Harbour Rays)

After an impressive club season with Eastwood, Hill’s early impact on his team’s match up with the Stars was significant with a nice pass putting his centre partner Michael Adams across for an early try. He would be rewarded with his own try early in the second half and was one of his team’s best in a disappointing loss.

13. Karmichael HUNT (Brisbane City)

Perhaps gets the spot by default with no real stand out performers in 13 across the first round. Jim Stewart (Stars), Ed Stubbs (NSW Country) and Chris Feauai-Sautia (QLD Country) were contenders but Hunt gets it for a polished performance based on excellent defence and some nice line running, one of which lead to the first try of the match. As the Fox Sports miked up footage shows, he’s a handy communicator as well.

14. Harry JONES (Sydney Stars)

The young Jones was snagged by the Stars when perhaps he should have been a Ray, being a good Warringah boy. But the Stars has snagged a good’un and Jones repaid the faith with a classy showing in his debut on Saturday, against his former team. He was scored a handy try and will prove an exciting wing combination with the other youngster Henry Clunies Ross.

15. Junior LALOIFI (Brisbane City)

This young Sunnybank flyer lit up the 2014 NRC Grand Final with an incredible run to score the match sealing try, as a replacement to make a name for himself in the competition’s inaugural year. Thrown the starting fullback jersey in the opening match against the Spirit. Once again Laloifi had the Ballymore crowd on their feet with a number of magical runs, setting up Hunt for an early try and then combining with Gill for one of his own.

 

[Hugh Jarse]

2015 NRC Team of the Week - Week 2
http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/nrc-rnd-2-team-of-the-week/
1. Haydn HIRSIMAKI (QLD Country) – 2 Weeks in The TOTW
2. James HANSON (Sydney Stars) – 2
3. Jermaine AINSLEY (Perth Spirit) – 1
4. Caderyn NEVILLE (Brisbane City) – 1
5. Ned HANIGAN (NSW Country) – 2
6. Dave DENNIS (Sydney Stars) – 2
7. David HICKEY (Sydney Stars) – 1
8. Ita VAEA (UC Vikings) – 1
9. Josh HOLMES (North Harbour Rays) – 1
10. Sam GREENE (QLD Country) – 1
11. Izaia PERESE (QLD Country) – 1
12. Lloyd JOHANSSON (Melbourne Rising) – 1
13. Nigel AH-WONG (UC Vikings) – 1
14. Harry JONES (Sydney Stars) – 2
15. Tom KINGSTON (Sydney Stars) – 1

1. Haydn HIRSIMAKI (QLD Country)

For the second week in a row, ‘Schmaki’ was the cornerstone of a wonderful QLD Country scrumming performance. One again his team suffered a loss, however Haydn gets his second ‘Team of the Week’ Cap. Not just for his scrummaging either, as Hirsimaki tackled tirelessly in a hell of a tiring game.

2. James HANSON (Sydney Stars)

Chibba Hanson once again stood out across the park for the Stars this week past, up against many of his former Reds team mates. Hanson was a real handful ball in hand, throwing the last (forward) pass for an early try, and generally being a strong presence across the park. His reward is a trip to Chi-town as part of the wider Wallaby training squad.

3. Jermaine AINSLEY (Perth Spirit) – 1

The rugged Ainsley gets his NRC TOTW debut this week after a powerful all round performance in the Spirit’s first home loss of the season. Whilst the Spirit were run over by the Rays, the Perth team’s scrum was once again a weapon with the kiwi born Ainsley at the forefront of it. Ainsley JUST gets the spot from Sam Talakai of Brisbane City who was very good v the Rising.

4. Caderyn NEVILLE (Brisbane City) – 1

New Reds’ signing Neville proved he was ‘someone’ with a busy game against his former team mates, and his work rate was integral in City successfully challenging for the Horan Little Shield. Dominant in the line out, Cadeyrn was also prominent at the ruck and was rewarded with a try in the 2nd half.

5. Ned HANIGAN (NSW Country)

Another very busy performance by the young gun Hanigan, for the defeated Eagles, was enough to secure him back to back TOTW selections. Hanigan’s robust play is definitely getting noticed by the fans, and is sure to be equally talked about by elite coaches. The Tahs surely have a plan for him next year considering their number of departing players.

6. Dave DENNIS (Sydney Stars)

Dennis is another, like Stars team mate James Hanson, who some thought was unlucky to miss a Wallaby RWC spot. Like Hanson, though, Dennis has been able to funnel his disappointment into another team in yellow (or Australian Gold) in the Sydney Stars. Dennis was a key player in his pack’s hard and fast approach on Thursday night when they created havoc in QLD Country’s defensive line. Jordy Reid from the Rising deserves a mention for a relentless showing v Brisbane.

7. David HICKEY (Sydney Stars) – 1

As a Queensland fan, Stars skipper David was like most hickies – pretty hard to miss and a bloody annoying. The man was just everywhere. With fellow TOTWer Dave Dennis, the Stars physicality in attack through the pack caused no end of problems for the QLD Country outfit. Scored a crucial try early in the first half, but was busy all game. Boyd Killingworth from the Rays was very close to snagging this spot for his strong showing in the west.

8. Ita VAEA (UC Vikings) – 1

Last year Ita Vaea used the NRC, playing for NSW Country, to prove he was over a career threatening illness to pick up a renewed contract with the Brumbies. Ironically, making his debut for the Vikings this year, he came in like a wrecking ball against his former team at a usually peaceful Woollahra on Saturday. Strong runs, big metres and massive hits – that’s what we love from our 8-men.

9. Josh HOLMES (North Harbour Rays) – 1

The experienced Josh Holmes and his team mates flew to Perth very much the underdogs after a first round loss to the Stars. The Rays bounced back though and downed the Spirit convincingly with no small thanks to Josh Holmes. Holmes was busy across the park, as all NRC 9s must be, but it was his control and his enthusiasm that proved decisive for his team’s win.

10. Sam GREENE (QLD Country) – 1

The Reds are busy looking for a replacement flyhalf for Quade Cooper next year. They’ve locked two youngsters up, in Jake McIntyre and Greene and the performance of the Country flyhalf this week would have given Reds fans some confidence. In a losings side he kicked effectively, set up his outside men and scored a smart try. His willingness to stand flat and take on the line was perhaps the most pleasing aspect of his play. Meanwhile, Jono Lance was again very good for the Eagles.

11. Izaia PERESE (QLD Country) – 1

The Reds are supposedly set to sign two current NRL wingers. The question that must be asked is simply, “why?” Why, when we have talent such as this teenage sensation who has stood out in his both his NRC matches this year. His performance v the Stars showed enough for this lowly fan to suggest he is Super Rugby level already. Fast, strong and seemingly smart. Pretty valuable commodities for wingers. Bloody rare in 18 year olds. Between him and Gibbon, of Brisbane City, I reckon the Reds have two pretty damn good rugby wingers ready to go now.

12. Lloyd JOHANSSON (Melbourne Rising) – 1

The big LoJo came pretty close to getting the 12 jersey in last week’s TOTW, after a powerful game against QLD Country. Well his claims couldn’t be denied this week after he backed it up with another strong showing, this time against Brisbane City. The former Wallaby has proven to be a real go forward man for his team and sure he’s using his bulk, but some deft footwork is also helping. Managed to keep on top of Samu Kerevi this week, at least for the first half.

13. Nigel AH-WONG (UC Vikings) – 1

There is no doubting that Nigel Ah-Wong is a super talented rugby player. He was a long time star with the Sunnybank club in Brisbane and made the Reds squad as a backrower. But after seeing him clock 40m times faster than the backs, coach of the time Ewen McKenzie considered playing him in the backs. And that’s where the Vikings are getting their worth out of him with a barnstorming game from Nigel on the weekend more of the same that he produced in the 2014 NRC. Next step – doing it at Super Rugby level.

14. Harry JONES (Sydney Stars)

The Stars are blessed with a couple of flyers out wide, unfortunately a bad injury to Henry Clunies-Ross v Country, may have robbed them off one. On the other wing, however, Jones continues to shine with his class and speed. Having time on your hands is normally a claim to be made of a flyhalf or scrumhalf, not of a winger. But it’s something Jones seems to possess as he demonstrated in a beautifully taken try against QLD Country. Time and space. Wonderful to watch.

15. Tom KINGSTON (Sydney Stars) – 1

Whilst the Stars pack was strong, and the aforementioned Jones classy, Tom Kingston put in a Man of the Match performance for his team in their FOX SPORTS broadcast game last Thursday night. Settling in to the fullback spot very handily, Kingston proved dangerous every time he managed to get his hands on the ball at Leichhardt Oval. Kingston has always had a lot of promise and will be hoping for repeat showings to secure a new contract for next year.

 

[Hugh Jarse]

2015 NRC Team of the Week - Summary to Week 2
1. Haydn HIRSIMAKI (QLD Country) – 2 Weeks in The TOTW
2. James HANSON (Sydney Stars) – 2
3. Sef FA’AGASE (QLD Country) - 1, Jermaine AINSLEY (Perth Spirit) – 1
4. Steve CUMMINS (Melbourne Rising) - 1, Caderyn NEVILLE (Brisbane City) – 1
5. Ned HANIGAN (NSW Country) – 2
6. Dave DENNIS (Sydney Stars) – 2
7. Liam GILL (Brisbane City) - 1, David HICKEY (Sydney Stars) – 1
8. Angus COTTRELL (Perth Spirit) - 1, Ita VAEA (UC Vikings) – 1
9. Ben MEEHAN (Melbourne Rising) - 1, Josh HOLMES (North Harbour Rays) – 1
10. Jono LANCE (NSW Country) - 1, Sam GREENE (QLD Country) – 1
11. Dom SHIPPERLEY (Melbourne Rising) - 1, Izaia PERESE (QLD Country) – 1
12. Tom HILL (North Harbour Rays) - 1 , Lloyd JOHANSSON (Melbourne Rising) – 1
13. Karmichael HUNT (Brisbane City) - 1, Nigel AH-WONG (UC Vikings) – 1
14. Harry JONES (Sydney Stars) – 2
15. Junior LALOIFI (Brisbane City) - 1, Tom KINGSTON (Sydney Stars) – 1

 

[Hugh Jarse]

2015 NRC Team of the Week - Week 3
http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/?p=85920
1. Allan Ala'alatoa (UC Vikings) – 1 Week in The TOTW
2. Andrew REDDY (Brisbane City) – 1
3. Sef FA’AGASE (QLD Country) – 2
4. Rory WALTON (Perth Spirit) – 1
5. Matt PHILIP (Sydney Stars) – 1
6. Jordan SMILER (UC Vikings) – 1
7. Liam GILL (Brisbane City) – 2
8. Ita VAEA (UC Vikings) – 2
9. Jake GORDON (Sydney Stars) – 1
10. Jack DEBRECZENI (Melbourne Rising) – 1
11. Chris KURIDRANI (Brisbane City) – 1
12. Campbell MAGNAY (QLD Country) – 1
13. Tom CARTER (Sydney Stars) – 1
14. Jerome NUIMATA (UC Vikings) – 1
15. Junior LALOIFI (Brisbane City) – 2


1. Allan Ala'alatoa (UC Vikings) – 1 Week in The TOTW
http://cdn.greenandgoldrugby.com/804F73/gagr/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Ala'alatoa-Allan-63x80.jpg
Ala'alatoa worked hard as part of a strong Vikings scrum in a dominant wider pack performance. The set piece worked a treat for the Vikings and the tries directly from the lineout is evidence of this. Whilst Allan’s brother Mike has decided to ply his trade in the ITM Cup in New Zealand, Allan sticks to his guns in Australia and the Vikings are reaping the reward.

2. Andrew REDDY (Brisbane City) – 1

In one of many individual match ups between Reds squad members, this was a bell ringer. Saia Fainga'a, for Country, gutsed it out after taking a knock trying to stop Liam Gill from scoring, but Reddy was the one putting the big hits in for City. Reddy was at his aggressive best in Toowoomba, hitting hard in defence and running with intent.

3. Sef FA’AGASE (QLD Country) – 2

As predicted the set piece battle in the City Country clash on the Downs was a cracker. There were no questions asked nor given at scrum time and Fa’agase took it up to fellow Reds prop Pettowa Pararka. Fa’agase once again was busy in attack and strong in defence and is making a real claim for a Reds front row spot in 2016. Young Sam Needs from the Rams gets recognition for being the third tight head prop to score a brace of tries this NRC.

4. Rory WALTON (Perth Spirit) – 1

Despite the Spirit losing all three games this year, the physicality of lock forward Rory Walton has been a real stand out so far in 2015. Once again on the weekend against the Stars Walton was off-loading and shedding tackles and put his side in with a big shot in that tight first half. Big Rory Arnold from the Vikings had a busy game including scoring a well-taken try.

5. Matt PHILIP (Sydney Stars) – 1

The Stars have continued on their winning way this year and look to be a unit that will be hard to stop. Lock Matt Philip, from Sydney Uni, has been a key contributor in all three games this season. Against the Spirit he worked hard all day, and made some good breaks, reminiscent of Dean Mumm, and scored his second try of the season.

6. Jordan SMILER (UC Vikings) – 1

The Brumbies received a boost last month when Smiler turned his back on a French contract to stay at the Brumbies for two more years. His performance at blindside for the UC Vikings on weekend should make Canberra fans very happy he’s staying. His physicality at the breakdown earned his team a number of turnovers and a massive hit towards the end of the match will make the season highlights package without a doubt.

7. Liam GILL (Brisbane City) – 2

Gill’s in the form of his life. Reds’ Player of the Year. Man of the Match in the first Round of the NRC, off to star for the Barbarians v the Samoa, and then back to again stand out for City on Sunday. It was just more of the usual in Toowoomba, with turnovers, decisive runs and big hits. Two big plays as well were his well worked try around the front of the lineout and his, what, 35m quicklineout throw in the first half. Quite a bloody talent.

8. Ita VAEA (UC Vikings) – 2

Like Gill, Vaea seems in career best form at the moment and how lucky are we to have the NRC for him to be showcasing it. He pretty much terrorised the Rams on the weekend including setting up an early try with a big run and an outrageous offload to Jerome Niumata, before scoring himself late in the day to close out the victory. He’d look very good with a gold jersey on his back. Colby Fainga’a of the Rising was also excellent, but it was too hard to go past Vaea this week.

9. Jake GORDON (Sydney Stars) – 1

The 2016 Waratahs recruit has shown himself to be an astute signing by Daryl Gibson. The Stars have built their success on the linking of their hard running pack with their pace out wide, with Gordon being a key link in the middle. On the weekend he again showed great vision in guiding the Stars around the field, together with some good positional kicking as well. His try in the 69th minute sealed the match.

10. Jack DEBRECZENI (Melbourne Rising) – 1

The Rising didn’t get it all their own way in the Thursday night FOX SPORTS game last week, but flyhalf Debreczeni lead the way throughout the match. He was a steady hand in this match, showed excellent management skills, had a great night with the boot, was involved in multiple tries including one of his own. He showed once again what a valuable asset he is to the Rising and Rebels and what he could potentially be down the track for the Wallabies.

11. Chris KURIDRANI (Brisbane City) – 1

Kuridnrani has a wonderful connection with centre Samu Kerevi both on and off the field. They play together at club, NRC and state, and the combination is evident at all levels. It was this game that saw Kuridrani, the Panther, in full flight though and full of running. He was instrumental in a number of City’s long range tries and ran strongly all match, proving a real danger on the counter attack. He scored a try himself, his first for the season after topping Brisbane’s try scoring tally in 2014.

12. Campbell MAGNAY (QLD Country) – 1

Magnay’s return from injury to the Country team could not have been timed better, given injuries to other Reds backs Anthony Fainga’a and JJ Tualagi. It resulted in Magnay having to play in the relatively unfamiliar position of inside centre and take on added seniority when Chris Feauai-Sautia and Radike Samo went off injured. The 18 year old Magnay stepped up and produced a busy, and aggressive display including a strongly taken try in the second half.

13. Tom CARTER (Sydney Stars) – 1

The enigma that is Tom Carter came on for the Stars early in the 2nd half, for the injured Jim Stewart and his impact was immediate. Just a couple of minutes later he made a break down left touchline which almost resulted in a try to Harry Jones. Later in the match, after some pick and go attack the ball came to Carter again who sold everyone a dummy and crossed the try line himself. His experience for the high-flying Stars will prove invaluable as they head home against some of the tournament’s top teams.

14. Jerome NUIMATA (UC Vikings) – 1

The experienced Nuimata is one of a few Vikings without a Brumbies contract, but his display on the weekend was very reminiscent Joe Tomane and Henry Speight. Nuimata was rewarded for his busy display at Viking Park with two well taken tries, the first was a brilliant effort supporting an Ita Vaea break and the second sealed the game late in the game. Stacey Ili of the Rising showed his wares, exhibiting a nice step and good agility, a strong finisher who did a sound job replacing Jonah Placid at fullback.

15. Junior LALOIFI (Brisbane City) – 2

First round stand out, Junior Laloifi was at it again for Brisbane City scorching the barren looking Clive Berghoffer Stadium turf on Sunday and helping to secure his team’s third straight victory. Whilst his first try was very much a team effort travelling 60m up the field, his second effort was all him – a 95m break away effort having picked up a loose ball near his own try-line. The man they call Prince is proving to be one of the real exciting machines this NRC season. Paul Asquith for the Rams deserves a mention as his team’s most dangerous runner against the Vikings.

 

[Hugh Jarse]

2015 NRC Team of the Week - Summary to Week 3
1. Haydn HIRSIMAKI (QLD Country) – 2 Weeks in The TOTW, Allan Ala'alatoa (UC Vikings) – 1
2. James HANSON (Sydney Stars) – 2, Andrew REDDY (Brisbane City) – 1
3. Sef FA’AGASE (QLD Country) - 2, Jermaine AINSLEY (Perth Spirit) – 1
4. Steve CUMMINS (Melbourne Rising) - 1, Caderyn NEVILLE (Brisbane City) – 1, Rory WALTON (Perth Spirit) – 1
5. Ned HANIGAN (NSW Country) – 2, Matt PHILIP (Sydney Stars) – 1
6. Dave DENNIS (Sydney Stars) – 2, Jordan SMILER (UC Vikings) – 1
7. Liam GILL (Brisbane City) - 2, David HICKEY (Sydney Stars) – 1
8. Angus COTTRELL (Perth Spirit) - 1, Ita VAEA (UC Vikings) – 2
9. Ben MEEHAN (Melbourne Rising) - 1, Josh HOLMES (North Harbour Rays) – 1, Jake GORDON (Sydney Stars) – 1
10. Jono LANCE (NSW Country) - 1, Sam GREENE (QLD Country) – 1, Jack DEBRECZENI (Melbourne Rising) – 1
11. Dom SHIPPERLEY (Melbourne Rising) - 1, Izaia PERESE (QLD Country) – 1, Chris KURIDRANI (Brisbane City) – 1
12. Tom HILL (North Harbour Rays) - 1 , Lloyd JOHANSSON (Melbourne Rising) – 1, Campbell MAGNAY (QLD Country) – 1
13. Karmichael HUNT (Brisbane City) - 1, Nigel AH-WONG (UC Vikings) – 1, Tom CARTER (Sydney Stars) – 1
14. Harry JONES (Sydney Stars) – 2, Jerome NUIMATA (UC Vikings) – 1
15. Junior LALOIFI (Brisbane City) - 2, Tom KINGSTON (Sydney Stars) – 1

 

[Dave Beat]

Legend HJ - great work

 

[Hugh Jarse]

2015 NRC Team of the Week - Week 4
http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/nrc-rnd-4-team-of-the-week/
1. Allan Ala'alatoa (UC Vikings) – 2 WEEKS IN THE TEAM
2. Anara RANGI (Perth Spirit) – 1
3. Sam TALAKAI (Brisbane City) – 1
4. Ben HYNE (Brisbane City) – 1
5. Matt PHILIP (Sydney Stars) – 2
6. Dean OAKMAN-HUNT (UC Vikings) – 1
7. Liam GILL (Brisbane City) – 3
8. Ita VAEA (UC Vikings) – 3
9. Josh HOLMES (North Harbour Rays) – 2
10. Jono LANCE (NSW Country) – 2
11. Alex NORTHAM (North Harbour Rays) – 1
12. David HORWITZ (NSW Country) – 1
13. Charlie CLIFTON (NSW Country) – 1
14. Maalonga KONELIO (Perth Spirit) – 1
15. Karmichael HUNT (Brisbane City) – 1



1. Allan Ala'alatoa (UC Vikings) – 2 WEEKS IN THE TEAM
http://cdn.greenandgoldrugby.com/804F73/gagr/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Ala'alatoa-Allan-63x80.jpg
Back in the TOTW for the 2nd week running for Ala'alatoa as he lead a powerful Vikings pack performance in a tight win over the Perth Spirit. Became the fourth prop forward in four weeks to score two tries in a match.

2. Anara RANGI (Perth Spirit) – 1

Rangi seems to be sharing the hooking spot with the in-form Heath Tessman, having started the last two games. Rangi managed to marshal a pretty effective Spirit scrum on the weekend, against the strong Vikings pack and was prominent ball in hand and strong in defence. Luke Holmes was damn good for the Rays and deserves a mention too.

3. Sam TALAKAI (Brisbane City) – 1

Only his first appearance in the TOTW which is somewhat surprising as I think he’s been the form Tight Head Prop of the competition. His scrummaging is on point and is as much as an attacking weapon for Brisbane as is any of the all-star backline.

4. Ben HYNE (Brisbane City) – 1

Cadeyrn Neville was very prominent for Brisbane, running strongly (and effectively) throughout the game, but it was Hyne’s performance that really caught the eye. The Brisbane Brothers lock never shirks the hard work in his couple of appearances this year and was tireless again last Thursday night making key contributions in defence and attack.

5. Matt PHILIP (Sydney Stars) – 2

Philip is back for his second appearance in the TOTW as he stepped up to game to compensate for some big name losses from the Stars outfit. His opposite number, Tom Staniforth, was also strong for the Eagles, but Philip just edges him for this spot because of his rugged work in tight.

6. Dean OAKMAN-HUNT (UC Vikings) – 1

In a Super Rugby laden pack Oakman-Hunt, in his NRC run on debut, really caught the eye. He created momentum for his team early on with a big hit and a turnover to set up his scrumhalf, Joe Powell, for the first try of the game. He then proceeded to spend the rest of the day making a general nuisance of himself in a Fardy-like performance.

7. Liam GILL (Brisbane City) – 3

Gill’s purple patch just continues to grow with yet another outstanding performance in his team’s bonus point win over the North Harbour Rays at Ballymore on Thursday night. His role (multiple) in the 2nd try of the match really needs to be seen to be believed. Cohen Masson for the Rams and Mark Baldwin of the Eagles were very good, but couldn’t match Gill at his best.

8. Ita VAEA (UC Vikings) – 3

Ok. I’ll say it. Ita Vaea is the best Australian Number 8 at the moment, here and abroad. I respect this is NRC and not the RWC, but Vaea is playing the type of physical footy I think the Wallabies are looking to play. Once again Vaea was almost unstoppable on both sides of the ball against Perth, who had their own bloody good 8 man performance by Angus Cottrell.

9. Josh HOLMES (North Harbour Rays) – 2

Holmes was really the stand out Ray in their big loss to Brisbane City on Thursday night and probably the reason they were still within touch of City in the 2nd half. Holmes scored his team’s first try to stop the flood of Brisbane tries and give his team some hope. He then remained a constant threat throughout the remainder of the match.

10. Jono LANCE (NSW Country) – 2

How do you make this call? Jono Lance or Sam Greene? Both scored two tries and kicked four conversions for their team, setting respective team records for most points in a match (22). Greene was almost a one man show for Country against the Rams, whilst Lance had more support through his Eagles team, but in the end I went for Lance for the bigger role he had in the Eagle’s upset victory over the Stars.

11. Alex NORTHAM (North Harbour Rays) – 1

Northam set Ballymore alight on Thursday night scoring a brilliant individual winger’s try with sublime speed and balance and proving hard to coral all night. His spark and speed ensured that it wasn’t all one way traffic to Brisbane at Ballymore and ensured that rugby fans (and opposition defence) will be watching Northam very closely for the rest of the tournament.

12. David HORWITZ (NSW Country) – 1

Horwitz has shown for Randwick and the Australian Under 20s that he is a nippy little play maker with plenty of sparkle to his game. However his game on the weekend showed he has a more physical edge to his repertoire as well, as he was more than willing to take on the defence and do a bit of line bending with some direct, physical running.

13. Charlie CLIFTON (NSW Country) – 1

The final element of the Eagle connection in the backline is outside centre Clifton. He’s played the first two games of the year on the wing but relished the chance to play a little closer to the action against the Stars, combining well with both of his Eagle TOTW team mates. Samu Kerevi really stepped up in the 2nd half of his game to seal the deal and showed his class, but for his all-game consistency Clifton gets the gong.

14. Maalonga KONELIO (Perth Spirit) – 1

The Spirit love to mix their team up each week which you’d have to think must frustrate the players and limit any combinations forming. Konelio has managed to play three of the four game so far, albeit in a different position each game. Against the undefeated Vikings, Maalonga proved difficult to tackle all afternoon and was rewarded with a try in the closing seconds of the game.

15. Karmichael HUNT (Brisbane City) – 1

Moved to fullback for the first time this NRC, Hunt seemed to relish the greater space at the back and linked superbly with his outside backs. Hunt threatened the Rays defence constantly, running delightful lines whilst throwing the last pass for three tries and going close himself a couple of times. A confidence building performance by the rugby rookie.