RLPA.com.au each week provides an update on NRL rookies around the Clubs, highlighting the best performers in the lead-up to the Rookie of the Year medal at the annual Players’ Champion awards night.
Two more players made their first grade debuts in Round 13, with Brandon Smith (Melbourne) and Esan Marsters (Wests Tigers) both impressing for their respective sides.
A total of 35 players have now made their debut during the 2017 season, with 15 of those taking the field over the weekend despite Cronulla and South Sydney having the bye.
Smith managed to score a try in his first NRL match, barging over from dummy half in the Storm’s 40-12 win over the Newcastle Knights.
On Saturday, Marsters set up a try in a short but impressive stint alongside fellow rookie Moses Suli who amassed 186 metres for the Wests Tigers in their narrow loss to the Dragons.
Later that night, Gold Coast Titans forward Morgan Boyle played his first 80-minute NRL game, making 37 tackles in his side’s 20-8 loss to the Cowboys.
Rounding out the weekend was another impressive performance from Penrith Panthers rookie forward Corey Harawira-Naera who scored his fourth try of the season as his side cruised past the Bulldogs.
NRL – ROUND 13
Storm vs Knights
Brandon Smith* (Storm) – 40 minutes, 18 metres, 16 tackles, 1 line-break, 1 try
Sam Stone (Knights) – 32 minutes, 9 metres, 18 tackles
Luke Yates (Knights) – 50 minutes, 29 metres, 30 tackles,
Eels vs Warriors
No rookies played.
Dragons vs Wests Tigers
Hame Sele (Dragons) – 22 minutes, 56 metres, 10 tackles
Moses Suli (Wests Tigers) – 80 minutes, 186 metres, 11 tackles
Esan Marsters* (Wests Tigers) – 43 minutes, 88 metres, 13 tackles, 1 try-assist
Broncos vs Roosters
No rookie played.
Cowboys vs Titans
Morgan Boyle (Titans) – 80 minutes, 70 metres, 37 tackles
Max King (Titans) – 42 minutes, 18 metres, 27 tackles
Sea Eagles vs Raiders
Brian Kelly (Sea Eagles) – 82 minutes, 76 metres, 15 tackles, 1 try-assist
Nick Cotric (Raiders) – 82 minutes, 80 metres, 2 tackles
Bulldogs vs Panthers
Marcelo Montoya (Bulldogs) – 80 minutes, 89 metre, 5 tackles
Matt Frawley (Bulldogs) – 80 minutes, 26 metres, 30 tackles
Francis Tualau (Bulldogs) – 23 minutes, 25 metres, 10 tackles
Corey Harawira-Naera (Panthers) – 80 minutes, 118 metres, 29 tackles, 1 line-break, 1 try
Viliame Kikau (Panthers) – 9 minutes, 16 metres, 4 tackles
* Debut in Round 13
