Opinion
Yes, we are only six rounds into the competition, but it already seems that some teams are streaking away from the pack to assert their dominance as premiership contenders.
And it seems those teams who have recruited well will go a long way towards hoisting the Provan-Summons trophy come October 25th.
This list will outline five recruits for the 2020 season and explain why they have become a focal point of their teams’ early success. A recruit can go a long way in influencing a team both on and off the field, and these players have certainly shown that.
However, before we get into the top five, some honourable mentions include Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Jesse Ramien, Luciano Leilua and Valentine Holmes.
5. Reece Robson (Cowboys)
Any fan who watched the lower grades of rugby league will know of this young hooker’s skill. And for those who didn’t get the chance to see him carve his name out for the Dragons, you’ll certainly know his name by now.
After starting on the bench for the Cowboys at the start of the year, Robson has played so well he has even pushed premiership-winning hooker Jake Granville out of the top 17 altogether. Robson is a crafty dummy-half whose playmaking abilities have added another dimension to the Cowboys attack, who have felt the loss of their captain and halfback Michael Morgan.
In the five games he has played this year, Robson has amassed two tries, one try assist, two line breaks, nine tackle busts and over 200 running metres. Compare that to Granville, who has built his name on his fast running game and has only 100 running metres and two tackle busts.
With the Cowboys currently sitting in eighth place, they are in sn an awkward position. With Valentine Holmes out with an ankle injury and Morgan still sidelined coming off shoulder surgery, Robson’s role and load within the team will only increase. And if they are to have any shot of making the finals this year, Robson will be key.
4. Kyle Flanagan (Roosters)
There wouldn’t be too many players in the NRL who could step into the shoes of one of all-time greats and do a great job at replacing them. But that is exactly what Kyle Flanagan has done for the Sydney Roosters in replacing Cooper Cronk.
Stepping into the Roosters’ 7 jersey would be daunting for any young player, especially with them coming off the back of two consecutive premierships. However, Flanagan has shown poise and class in his combination with Easts five-eighth Luke Keary.
While he hasn’t had to bear the brunt of the load when it comes to leading a team around the park, Flanagan has still performed admirably for the red, white and blue. Not only does he lead the competition in points scored, but he has also tallied three tries, three try assists, two tackle busts and over 1000 kicking metres.
Not to mention his right-side combination with Angus Crichton and Joey Manu has been instrumental in the Roosters’ demolition of sides since the competition has resumed.
Flanagan was recruited from Cronulla not to set the world alight with highlights, but to partner Keary in the halves and to give the Roosters the best possible chance at three premiership trophies in as many years. And from what we’ve seen in the opening six rounds, he has certainly done that.
(Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
3. Apisai Koroisau (Panthers)
Not many players are given a second shot with another club, but Panthers fans should be thanking their front office for signing Apisai Koroisau once again. Since Peter Wallace’s retirement midway through 2018, Penrith have struggled to identify a hooker that could form formidable partnerships with the likes of young stars Nathan Cleary and Dylan Edwards in the spine.
Both Wayde Egan and Stone Katoa were used as a tandem but were too inconsistent to allow Panthers to gain any success or momentum and placed too much pressure on the young hands of Cleary.
However the shrewd signing of Koroisau has done exactly that. Not only has it added another dimension to the Panthers’ attack, but it has allowed Cleary to pick and choose when he can dominate a game.
Cleary knows he doesn’t have to be the focal point of attack every play, and with an experienced mind like Koroisau’s playing at dummy-half, it is no wonder why Penrith have only lost one game from their opening five matches.
The importance of Koroisau’s running game can’t go unnoticed too as he not only leads the league in both running metres and tackle busts for all hookers, but also tackles with 239. The premiership-winning dummy half has allowed Penrith to flourish once again in 2020 and will be a focal point of their attack leading them to another run at finals glory this year.
2. Ryan Matterson (Eels)
Ryan Matterson finished 2019 as one of the best signings of that season. He became a leader of the Wests Tigers’ forward pack and seemed like the perfect fit to lead them back to finals glory. However, events quickly turned south and Matterson has now ended up with Parramatta.
In the end, it doesn’t matter how he got to the Eels. What only matters is if he is performing, and only fools would argue otherwise.
With his ball-playing ability unmatched on the right side of the park, Matterson has quickly become a key part of the Eels’ early-on success. Having gone undefeated to start the year – the first time since 1984 for the mighty Eels – much of that can be attributed to Matterson.
Matterson’s right-side combination with Mitchell Moses, Waqa Blake and Blake Ferguson has quickly become one of the best edges in the competition. With 16 offloads to his name in only five games, Matterson ranks second on the list for second-rowers in the competition and his great ability to link up with Blake on his outside was shown dramatically in the Eels’ comeback win over Penrith in Round 5.
1. George Williams (Raiders)
If the 2019 NRL decider showed us anything, it’s that the Canberra Raiders were one piece short of claiming the games ultimate crown. And that piece was George Williams.
Arriving from Wigan in the off-season, Williams has been able to become the perfect foil for Raiders five-eighth Jack Wighton and has added another spark to an already deadly Canberra attack.
(AAP Image/Lukas Coch)
Backs from the English Super League have long had tumultuous times in the NRL, from Sam Tomkins to Dan Sarginson and Joe Burgess. They arrive with much hope and promise, but fail to deliver on it.
And while it may be too early to crown Williams as Canberra’s English saviour, the early signs are promising. You only have to cast your mind back to the first round since the competition resumed, where Williams led the Raiders to a 16-point win over the Melbourne Storm on their home ground.
Williams is equal first for try assists and is equal first for tackle busts for halfbacks with ten. Aidan Sezer performed admirably for the Canberra Raiders in his four years there, but couldn’t get them over that final hurdle.
If the early signs are any indication, Williams will certainly go a long way in helping the Green machine claim their first trophy since 1994.
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