It’s Tuesday Morning, so time for another installment of The Roar‘s NRL MVP series. Round 4, to say the least saw some games that won’t really be making any highlight reels and a grand final rematch on Good Friday that may go down as the best match of the season so far.
So, who did our team of bloggers vote for this week as the leaderboard takes shape.
South Sydney Rabbitohs 12 defeated by Canterbury Bulldogs 42
Blogged by: Scott Pryde
3: Josh Reynolds – Reynolds was one of the major reasons the Bulldogs got away to the fast start they did in the first half. He was involved in everything, having a hand in plenty of tries.
2: Moses Mbye – Mbye was a little quiet early on as Reynolds took over, but came into his own at the end of the second half setting up Josh Morris for a try and playing a hand in others. Also kicked the Rabbitohs out of the game as they tried to bounce back in the second.
1: James Graham – Graham played a spirited game on Friday. He looked to be in a different league and was easily the best forward on the field, running the ball hard and regularly clearing the advantage line. As always, was solid on the defensive end.
Brisbane Broncos 21 defeat North Queensland Cowboys 20
Blogged by: Alan Nicolea
3: Anthony Mlford – Milford kicked the field goal in Golden Point that got the Broncos home. Before that though, he came up with a try and created one for Roberts, looking dangerous with his kicking and running. Definitely the difference out there.
2: Michael Morgan – Easily the most dangerous player for the Cowboys. Had a try disallowed and scored another in the second half, while he set one up for Lowe.
1: James Roberts – Best game for Roberts so far this season. Two line-breaks in the first half, setting up Milford’s opening try before scoring from long distance in the second to level the scores.
Canberra Raiders 20 defeated by Gold Coast Titans 24
Blogged by: John Coomer
3: Ryan James – Might have come off the bench, but James had a massive impact running for 159 metres to produce a try and coming up with 36 tackles.
2: Josh Hodgson – Hodgson picked up where he left it last week, making two try assists out of some good dummy half running and came up with 42 tackles. Always looked a threat.
1: David Shillington – Came up with the try that got the Titans back into the match with 15 minutes to go with a determined effort from a quick tap. Also had 42 tackles.
Sydney Roosters 20 defeated by Manly Sea Eagles 22
Blogged by: Jarrod McGrouther
3: Matt Parcell – Parcell added a lot to the Manly attack across the 80 minutes when the halves couldn’t. His defence was also incredibly strong, and he held the middle third together well.
2: Shaun Kenny-Dowall – Easily the best in a beaten side. Made more runs than anyone else on the park, always throwing his hand up bagging two tries for his efforts in his 200th game.
1: Jackson Hastings – Controlled proceedings well with his kicking game, getting the Roosters out of trouble on a number of occasions. Really stepped up with not much other creativity on the park.
St George Illawarra Dragons 14 defeat Penrith Panthers 12
Blogged by: Riley Pettigrew
3: Josh Dugan – Was dangerous all match, threatening every time he had the ball and strong in defence, saving some certain tries. He made 205 metres from 22 runs, including two line breaks and the match winning try with a determined effort.
2: Jack De Belin – Played 80 minutes, ran the ball hard and made a massive 51 tackles, contributing on that end when the Dragons needed it most.
1: Trent Merrin – Made an impressive effort in his first trip back to Wollongong. 34 tackles and a total of 139 metres with a line break.
New Zealand Warriors 40 defeat Newcastle Knights 18
Blogged by: Alan Nicolea
3: Shaun Johnson – Johnson had a slow start to the match as the Warriors struggled through the first half in attack, but he sprung to life at the start of the second. Set up a try for Blake Ayshford and had a big hand in Tuimoala Lolohea’s. Scored a try of his own as well in what was a return to form.
2: Ben Matulino – Ran for nearly 140 metres and scored what was an absolutely vital try on the stroke of halftime to get the Warriors back in the contest.
1: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck – Set up the opening try of the match and ran for nearly 200 metres, showing glimpes of his form last year.
Wests Tigers 0 defeated by Parramatta Eels 8
Blogged by: Jack Aubrey
3: James Tedesco – His defence was what was most impressive in this low scoring, painful match against the Eels. Saved a Semi Radradra try and nearly stopped one for Paulo.
2: Junior Paulo Ran strongly all game long, making 144 metres and scoring the only try of the match. Tackled hard as well, making 25.
1: Aaron Woods – Played big minutes in this one, tackling hard and always putting his hand up to carry the ball forward for the Tigers.
Cronulla Sharks 14 defeat Melbourne Storm 6
Blogged by: Jack Aubrey
3: Chad Townsend – Townsend continued to build on what has been a strong start to the season, scoring a try with some strong support reply and almost send Valentine Holmes for a double. Stayed strong in defence as well with 25 tackles.
2: Ben Barba – Scored a try, saved another with some strong defence and was safe as a house at the back. Ran the ball strongly all night.
1: Andrew Fifita Made the second most metres on the ground and looked a threat every time running hard and drect at the line. Ended up with 30 tackles.
1. Anthony Milford (Brisbane Broncos) – 8 points
2. James Tedesco (Wests Tigers) – 7 points
3. Chad Townsend (Cronulla Sharks) – 7 points
4. Moses Mbye (Canterbury Bulldogs) – 6 points
5. Josh Hodgson (Canberra Raiders) – 6 points
6. Josh Reynolds (Canterbury Bulldogs) – 5 points
7. Shaun Johnson (New Zealand Warriors) – 5 points
8. Ryan James (Gold Coast Titans) – 5 points
9. Mitchell Moses (Wests Tigers) – 4 points
10. Jack De Belin (St George Illawarra Dragons) – 4 points
11. Andrew Fifita (Cronulla Sharks) – 4 points
12. James Graham (Canterbury Bulldogs) – 4 points
So then, according to our bloggers Anthony Milford retains his outright lead of the NRL MVP after four rounds. James Tedesco retains his grip on equal second place, this week sharing it with Chad Townsend as Mitchell Moses, Josh Hodgson and Moses Mbye fall away.
Chad Townsend and Josh Reynolds the big mover up into equal second and sixth place respectively.
So, there you have it Roarers. Let us have it! Did we get it right this week? Who would you have awarded votes to?
Follow Scott on Twitter @sk_pryde
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