The first week is done and dusted and some wonderful rugby was played. Who were the standouts though? We take a shot at coming up with our NRC Round 1 Team of the Week.
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1. Pettowa Paraka (Brisbane City)
Big Pettowa was part of a dominant Brisbane City scrum and strong presence across the park showing some silky smooths for one so large![/one_third]
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2. Tolu Latu (NSW Country)
The scrum suffered but Latu’s work around the park was constant and dynamic. A strong running game and a menace to Brisbane City everywhere. Damien Fitzpatrick made a handy return to Oz rugby too. [/one_third]
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3. Sam Needs (NSW Country)
Again, was part of a scrum that struggled but his massive hits in attack and brilliantly taken try was enough to earn selection. Tim Metcher for the Rising was also good..
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4. Ned Hanigan (NSW Country)
Has continued on from his excellent NRC form of 2015. Hanigan was everywhere for the Eagles with only a yellow card to blight his game. [/one_third]
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5. Rory Arnold (Canberra Viking )
Big Rory made a strong claim to return to the Wallaby team with a busy game against QLD Country. Senio Toleafoa had some good involvements for the Rams.[/one_third]
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6. Tom Staniforth (Canberra Vikings)
One of the best players of last year’s NRC, Staniforth has switched clubs and positions but the class remains. Jack Dempsey‘s two yellows hurt his chances despite an otherwise fruitful game.[/one_third]
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7. Rohan Perry (NSW Country)
Plenty of standouts for this jersey however was very impressive, looked right at home at this level and worked tirelessly all day. Jordy Reid had a cracker for the Rising too. [/one_third]
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8. Harley Fox (Melbourne Rising)
Fox was part of a dominant Rising pack and made some great metres in tight for his team and pulled off some big hits. His opposite number Onehunga Havilli is one to watch while Sam Ward for the Eagles was industrious. [/one_third]
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9. Matt Lucas (Sydney Rays)
While not scoring any tries, the skippers experience proved invaluable, and his management of the troops on the field led to the victory. Joey Powell was also extremely impressive for the Vikings. [/one_third]
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10. Jono Lance (Perth Spirit)
Jono started the season exactly how he played last year, as he took the ball to line, distributed smoothly, tackled superbly. A solid reminder to any Wallaby selectors reading this.[/one_third]
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11. Lausii Taliauli (Canberra Vikings)
Lausii dominated the Qld Country defense setting the agenda for the Vikings early. Running hard, fast and straight off his flyhalf he broke first up tackles with ease.[/one_third]
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12. Jordan Jackson-Hope (Canberra Vikings)
The kid is still pretty raw but shees what an exciting talent he is! Scored a memorable try by scything through the QLD Country defensive line and then played a creative hand in a late try to Henry Speight. Irae Simone continued his club form on the the Rays. [/one_third]
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13. Sefa Naivalu (Melbourne Rising)
Wallaby selectors would have been watching with interest surely and Super Sefa didn’t disappoint. His strong runs was enough to keep his team in this game despite some dodgy ball from inside. His opposite number Billy Meakes had a handy game as well. [/one_third]
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14. Luke Morahan (Perth Spirit)
Scored two vital tries for his team including one magical one tip tip tip toeing down the side line. Classy. Fabian Goodall for the Rams was a handful while James Dargaville was strong for the Vikings. [/one_third]
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15. Manihera Eden (Perth Spirit)
The unheralded Eden was a real eye catcher at the back for the Spirit and was a constant danger to Melbourne, a couple of mistakes could’ve cost him a spot but his intent was always strong. Tom Banks for Queensland Country continued to impress with his attacking abilities.
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