We're now six rounds into the 2021 competition. And it's fair to say that in any sport you'll see players exceed expectation. It's equally as fair to expect some players to fail to live up to the hype.
For the purpose of this we've picked out five players who we believe are 'Hot' - in that they've surpassed the levels expected of them, and three players who are 'Not' i.e. players who are performing below par/what's expected.
This is purely opinion and is not designed to target any players. I could list 20 of each but I have chosen a handful that have stood out to me personally.
Ryan Papenhuyzen, for mine, is the form player of the competition, but almost played Origin last year and was man of the match in the Grand Final. Hardly unexpected.
2. Who's Not?
Anthony Milford
The Broncos big-money pivot has recently lost his spot in the starting line up for the Broncos. In a contract year no less.
Kevin Walters main weapon has been blunted to the point he looks as though his short-term future may be in QLD Cup. 20 missed tackles and only two try assists doesn't make for pretty reading.
Milford has been a staple in the Broncos attack for the past few seasons and was a literal last minute play away from winning best on ground in a Grand Final victory in 2015. That now seems like forever ago.
Corey Allan
A victim of expectation perhaps, the QLD Origin fullback has seen his form drop off so much that he has been shifted into the centres. To his credit he has improved since the switch and now looks far better.
He'll come good but no tries or line-breaks and only one try assists across six appearances is not what the Dogs expected when they beat plenty of other side to Allan's signature.
To his credit Allan is learning both a new position and system so I don't mean to pile on. The quality of players surrounding him is not what Souths provided, however his talents should shine through soon.
SEE ALSO: Bulldogs showing interest in Cronulla star Toby Rudolf
Jack Hetherington
Hetherington was brought to the club to be the pack aggressor. To provide the mongrel that Napa had failed to deliver since his switch to the blue and white.
Unfortunately he has averaged less than 85 metres per game, whilst breaking only three tackles. He's given away a stack of six-agains and his send off cost his side any chance of victory against the Cowboys.
He'll have five weeks to make the changes required to live up to his new role.
