Team of the Week: Round 2

1. Kalyn Ponga

Was influential yet again in Newcastle’s second win of the season. Two try-assists and a hand in another.

2. Blake Ferguson

For the second week in a row, Blake Ferguson ran for over 200 metres and scored a try. Currently, in the best form of his career, Ferguson may actually deserve his representative honours this season.

3. Esan Marsters

Esan Marsters finds himself in the team of the week for the second week in a row. Was strong in both attack and defence, while his goalkicking bought the Tigers home in the end.

4. James Roberts

Was back to his best at Suncorp Stadium. Assisted in a try and was unlucky to score one of his own. His speed was once again his strongest asset, troubling the Cowboys defence every time he received the football.

5. Nene Macdonald

Scored one of the best individual tries we’ve seen in recent seasons which quickly spun all momentum of the game. The Papua New Guinean dominated the left flank all contest with his strong running game (209 metres).

6. Benji Marshall

Benji Marshall’s class was on display once again after showing glimpses it had returned against the Roosters in Wests season opener. It was his exceptional kicking game once again which kept the Tigers in the matchup against Melbourne.

7. Daly Cherry-Evans

Without a dominant halves partner next to him, many thought Daly Cherry-Evans would go backwards this season – much as he had when Keiran Foran left the club in 2015 – this has not been the case thus far. In the 54-point romping against Parramatta, the man they call DCE scored 22 of those points himself with a try and nine goals.

8. Dylan Napa

Had his best game for the Roosters since his breakout performance against South Sydney a couple of seasons ago. Demoted to the bench, Dylan Napa hit back with a 150-metre performance from just 13 carries.

9. Andrew McCullough

Didn’t miss a beat in his first full 80-minute performance back from an ACL tear. Two try-assists and 49 tackles in a near man of the match performance.

10. Tevita Pangai Junior

Outshone the world’s best forward in Jason Taumalolo. Scored a try and almost scored another. Ran strongly all night and dominated the Cowboys middle forwards in defence, which is quite the feat to achieve.

11. Lachlan Fitzgibbon

A fantastic line runner, Lachlan Fitzgibbon knows how to find a hole. Scored a try, defended well and give Canberra’s right edge nightmares all contest with his strong running.

12. Tohu Harris

Another player featuring in the team of the week for the second week in a row. Tohu Harris’ impact has been felt across the ditch already with the skilful backrower running for over 100 metres and recording 35 tackles.

13. Jake Trbojevic

After putting in a performance well below his best in Round 1, Jake Trbojevic was back to his best against Parramatta. Ran for over 154 metres, recorded 22 tackles, scored a try and set one up himself in a man of the match performance.