Round 3 of the NRL saw everything from heavy thumpings to field goal heroics in another stellar week of rugby league action.
Several teams put in spirited performances spearheaded by star players while others fell by the wayside. Here is the NRL team of the week for Round 3.
Fullback: Moses Mbye (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Mbye showed why his positional switch was justified with an outstanding performance as the Bulldogs returned to the Dogs of War.
The halfback-cum-fullback scored a two-try brace with 17 tackle busts for the night, proving potent at all times throughout Canterbury’s 20-18 win over Penrith.
Winger: Jamayne Isaako (Brisbane Broncos)
Isaako was well composed as he helped the Broncos to a controversial win in extra time. The winger demonstrated raw skill of the boot with a field goal keeping Brisbane in the game before a penalty goal sealed the result for the visitors.
Centre: Dane Gagai (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Strong both on attack and in defence, Gagai didn’t step a foot wrong for Souths in their maiden win for 2018. He looked devastating with the ball, setting up a try and also proved lethal defensively with 22 tackles.
Centre: Will Hopoate (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Hopoate showed his detractors exactly what he can do with several game-breaking moments against the Panthers. Tallying up 184 running metres in addition to his one try and six tackle busts, the centre formed a formidable partnership on the right wing with Marcelo Montoya.
(AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts)
Wing: Robert Jennings (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Jennings excelled in game one of the Sydney double-header with a three-try haul in the wet against Manly. The winger was one of the stars in an impressive showing by the cardinal and myrtle.
Five-eighth: Gareth Widdop (St George Illawarra Dragons)
Widdop set up five tries and scored one of his own as the Dragons romped to their biggest win since 2004. He demonstrated he possesses the ability to be threatening now that the shackles have been released with the arrival of Ben Hunt.
Halfback: Ben Hunt (St George Illawarra Dragons)
Hunt had a game to remember against the Titans in Toowoomba showcasing his running game with 103 metres and five tackle busts. The star recruit also had a hand in two four-pointers playing a key role in the Dragons’ victory.
Prop: Nelson Asofa-Solomona (Melbourne Storm)
Asofa-Solomona stood tall for the Storm in their win over North Queensland. The prop was highly impactful despite playing limited minutes making significant contributions both in attack and on defence, even earning a try for his efforts.
Hooker: Andrew McCullough (Brisbane Broncos)
McCullough was solid with his calming influence pivotal in the 88-minute battle between the Broncos and Tigers. He carried the team defensively with his 61 tackles and provided great service out of acting half.
Prop: Daniel Alvaro (Parramatta Eels)
Alvaro made maximum impact off the bench for the blue and gold despite losing to Cronulla. The workhorse ran for 110 metres and made 52 tackles in a stand-out performance by an interchange forward.
Back-rower: Angus Crichton (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Contributed heavily for South Sydney in the back row with a massive 166 running metres and 39 tackles. Crichton proved exactly why he is considered one of the best back-rowers in the competition.
(Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)
Back-rower: Coen Hess (North Queensland Cowboys)
Hess couldn’t be stopped as he wreaked havoc in North Queensland’s loss to the Storm. He refused to back down, scoring two tries for the Cowboys and looming large as part of their right side attack.
Lock: Josh McGuire (Brisbane Broncos)
The man affectionately known as ‘Moose’ didn’t shy away in the Broncos’ controversial golden point win over Wests Tigers. McGuire dominated in the middle of the park, laying the platform for Brisbane’s halves with 176 metres gained and an outstanding 67 tackles.
Interchange: Viliame Kikau (Penrith Panthers)
Kikau continued his great start to the season hitting the line with impact, contributing on defence and providing a try assist. He terrorised the Bulldogs’ pack by leading from the front.
Interchange: Isaah Yeo (Penrith Panthers)
Set James Maloney up for a try and made three tackle busts. Yeo sparked the Panthers’ attack in their loss to the Bulldogs putting in a great all-round performance over 80 minutes.
Interchange: Luke Keary (Sydney Roosters)
With a meat pie and two try assists, Luke Keary was a shining light in their win on Sunday night over newly-minted archenemies Newcastle. The five-eighth demonstrated his enigmatic attacking brand of football in helping Cooper Cronk to steer his side to a 38-8 victory.
Interchange: Bunty Afoa (Warriors)
Strong off the bench for the Warriors in their comeback victory over the Raiders, with 167 running metres and 37 tackles the prop put in a strong all-round performance helping to revive his team following a slow start.
Roarers, who made your team of the week? Which player stood out the most in Round 3?
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