After much thought, I calculated there are eight NRL players I like watching more than any others and I definitely got a mixed bag – or nothing – from them in the recently completed Round 2 of the premiership.
I will tell you my ‘Elite Eight’ and how I think they went in a few moments, but I’d like Roarers to put in a little homework on this topic and name your eight favourites and what you expect to glean from them as the season gets serious.
Brett Stewart (Sea Eagles)
Not ready for action (hammy) and did not play against the Tigers but he is the x-factor the Sea Eagles need to get off the bottom of the ladder.
This guy has experience, speed, try-scoring nous, vastly underrated kicking skills and tremendous defence. Manly could use all of the above this week.
Shaun Fensom (Raiders)
Got knocked into Disneyland in the first set of the game against the Roosters and took no further part. Pity that, he missed an epic Raiders’ win and deserves to be there when the going is good. He could be a top class bench-man for the NSW Blues.
Johnathan Thurston (Cowboys)
Always tries to produce every trick in the book but got out-gunned against the Parramatta Eels. He will not be happy with his efforts. I am disappointed as well.
Michael Morgan (Cowboys)
Another Cowboy, yes, but this player could be the game’s next superstar category player and will go close in the Dally Ms this year. Didn’t get many chances to show his incredible array of skills. The Eels’ defence was way too good and nullified him.
Cameron Smith (Storm)
Grabbed the game by the throat against the enthusiastic Titans just before halftime, laying on two tries. A class act who never lets anyone down.
I love watching him scheming, he is the best captain in the game by a fair stretch. Has skills we haven’t even seen yet.
Bryce Cartwright (Panthers)
Could turn into the most creative forward we’ve enjoyed since, well, his uncle John Cartwright. I really like his enthusiasm, speed, vision and sublime ball skills. Got a few chances against the Bulldogs last Thursday but they were just too hot to trot.
If you haven’t studied him before, suggest you do so this week. Carty: unique, special talent.
Shaun Johnson (Warriors)
Did he even play against the Broncs? Huge game, but he was hardly sighted from minute one until the last play. The stats say he took the line on once in the 80 minutes.
Does he have a hang-up from last year’s serious injury? Is he playing to his coach’s instructions? Is five-eighth alien to his game? Is he dummy-spitting because he’s not in No.7? Does he even give a fig?
I was bitterly disappointed with what we didn’t see from this incredible footballer. He can be a 10, we saw a 3. I’d drop him from the starting team. Seriously.
Wade Graham (Sharks)
This is another vastly unheralded player who should be at the forefront of Origin back-row, or even bench considerations.
He turned in a typically strong display against neighbours St George Illawarra. Graham doesn’t turn heads, yet can change the course of any game he plays in.
Feel free Roarers, to nominate your eight NRL favs and I’d be interested to read how you felt they went at the weekend.
I’ll throw in a post-script – someone in my top eight might have to become my ninth sooner than later.
Monday night’s exhilarations by the Wests Tigers’ full-back maestro James Tedesco, was, in the words of the late and great Robert Palmer, simply irresistible.
Lift your game Shaun Johnson. The Warriors need you this week. Or plummet to a nine, or worse, on this list of favourites.
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