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.
Jamal Fogarty was the only player to debut in Round 16, slotting in at five-eighth for the Gold Coast Titans on Friday night after making a mid-season switch from Parramatta.
The former Eel was part of the Titans’ 26-14 win over Wests Tigers, lining up alongside fellow rookies Max King and Morgan Boyle.
The debut of Fogarty takes the total number of debutants to 41 for the 2017 season – with a host of future stars making their way into first grade this year.
Among the best performers for Round 16 were Rookie of the Year front-runners Corey Harawira-Naera (Panthers) and Nick Cotric (Raiders) who both added tries to their already impressive scoring tallies this year.
Cowboys forward Corey Jensen crossed for the first try of his NRL career, scoring a crucial four-pointer in his side’s narrow win over Penrith.
Unfortunately, Sharks hooker Jayden Brailey suffered a broken jaw in the game against the Sea Eagles and will be sidelined for a considerable amount of time after playing every game this year.
NRL – ROUND 16
Warriors vs Bulldogs
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (Warriors) – 80 minutes, 91 metres, 5 tackles
Marcelo Montoya (Bulldogs) – 80 minutes, 132 metres, 8 tackles, 1 line-break
Wests Tigers vs Titans
Moses Suli (Wests Tigers) – 80 minutes, 65 metres, 13 tackles
Esan Marsters (Wests Tigers) – 80 minutes, 81 metres, 11 tackles, 1 line-break, 1 try
Malakai Watene-Zelezniak (Wests Tigers) – 80 minutes, 66 metres, 4 tackles
Matt Eisenhuth (Wests Tigers) – 48 minutes, 99 metres, 33 tackles
Jamal Fogarty (Titans)* – 80 minutes, 18 metres, 21 tackles
Morgan Boyle (Titans) – 44 minutes, 125 metres, 27 tackles
Max King (Titans) – 54 minutes, 100 metres, 32 tackles
Cowboys vs Panthers
Kyle Laybutt (Cowboys) – 80 minutes, 55 metres, 14 tackles
Corey Jensen (Cowboys) – 18 minutes, 57 metres, 9 tackles, 1 line-break, 1 try
Corey Harawira-Naera (Panthers) – 80 minutes, 47 metres, 44 tackles, 1 line-break, 1 try
Viliame Kikau (Panthers) – 14 minutes, 15 metres, 11 tackles
Raiders vs Broncos
Nick Cotric (Raiders) – 80 minutes, 148 metres, 2 tackles, 1 try
Roosters vs Storm
Brandon Smith (Storm) – 33 minutes, 14 metres, 17 tackles
Dragons vs Knights
Hame Sele (Dragons) – 35 minutes, 31 metres, 30 tackles
Luke Yates (Knights) – 53 minutes, 73 metres, 31 tackles
Sharks v Sea Eagles
Jayden Brailey (Sharks) – 48 minutes, 14 metres, 24 tackles
Brian Kelly (Sea Eagles) – 80 minutes, 72 metres, 14 tackles
* Debut in Round 16
