They’re not household names or NRL stars from the favourites, but here are five players who have caught the eye after the opening round of the Rugby League World Cup.
Raymond Nasso, Italy
The burly hooker was outstanding in Italy’s 32-18 win over Wales in Cardiff.
The Australian-born rake, who plays his footy in France for Avignon, came off the bench and gave the Azzurri a real boost.
Nasso made 22 tackles, one tackle bust, two offloads and 67 metres with the ball in limited minutes, constantly probing the Welsh defence.
For a player who has bummed around at NSW Cup level with several NRL clubs, but never cracked it, it was a tremendous display.
A qualified PE teacher, Nasso has represented Italy since 2009.
The All Saints Rebels junior was also superb in the Azzurri’s warm-up victory against England and backed it up on Saturday.
If the 25-year old keeps this up, higher honours beckon.
William Barthau, France
Well known to regular watchers of Super League’s Catalan Dragons, William Barthau kicked the field goal that secured France’s tight 9-8 win over Papua New Guinea.
Despite giving away a late penalty that almost gave the Kumuls a chance to steal the game, Barthau put in a match-winning performance at halfback.
He directed the play smartly and showed cool compsure to slot the drop goal in difficult conditions.
Making 130 metres from his 24 carries, Barthau demonstrated he is a young player of promise.
The 23-year old will be key to Les Tricolores chances in this tournament.
James Hasson, Ireland
The Irish might have been outclassed against the Fijians but forward James Hasson was not.
The 21-year old Manly prop or back-rower, who made 11 appearances in his debut NRL season, has thrown off the disappointment of missing out on the Sea Eagles grand final squad by making Ireland’s World Cup team.
And the England-born, Australian-raised back-rower, who has Irish parents, made a real impact in the opener against the Bati.
Intimidating in defence and a strong ball-runner in attack, he gave the Wolfhounds some punch in the middle.
With a bullocking try towards the end of the game and some run-ins with Fiji’s Sims brothers, Hasson showed he would not be intimidated and seemed to relish his maiden Ireland appearance.
Expect the Cronulla junior to feature more prominently for Manly in the NRL next season.
Matty Russell, Scotland
He couldn’t break into the Gold Coast Titans’ first-grade side but Matty Russell has become a star for Scotland.
Russell was simply sensational for the Scots against Tonga on Tuesday, helping the underdogs to upset the NRL-ladden Pacific Islanders.
Russell scored two tries, showing brilliant footwork, strength and speed to evade the Tonga defence on both occasions.
His second meat pie in the final stages equalised the scores and allowed Danny Brough to put the Bravehearts ahead to snatch a famous victory.
A Wigan junior, Russell had made a handful of appearances in Super League for the Warriors and Hull FC before heading to Queensland in 2013.
He was part of the Titans Under-20s team but has signed a deal to join the Warrington Wovles, replacing Brett Hodgson, next year.
The Wolves look to have a gem on their hands and, at just 20 years of age, his best footy is ahead of him.
Craig Priestly, USA
This 26-year old hooker/half stood out in the Tomahawks’ epic 32-20 win over the Cook Islands in Bristol.
The headgeared one notched one try, one try assist and provided invaluable direction and a smart kicking game for the American minnows.
Priestly plys his trade for the Southampton Dragons in New York, where he is also co-owner and president, but used to be a regular for Redcliffe in the Queensland Cup.
Teaming well with man of the match Joseph Paulo, Priestly slotted between the 7 and 9 positions seamlessly and threw a lovely cutout pass for the USA’s opening try.
He was on hand to score the Tomahawks’ final four-pointer, after racing through to claim a Paulo bomb and grounding the ball spectacularly.
A personal trainer by trade, Priestly and the USA have already caused two upsets so far and are out to stage a few more.
Follow John Davidson on Twitter @johnnyddavidson
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