News Rookie Watch – Round 8 25/04/2017 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 Players’ Champion awards night. Cameron Murray was the only debutant in Round 8, with the utility coming off the bench in the Rabbitohs narrow 25-24 loss to Brisbane on Friday night. The total number of players to debut in 2017 now stands at 28 players, with many those impressing during Round 8 of the competition. The standout over the weekend was Panthers second rower Corey Harawira-Naera, who made an outstanding return to first grade after missing NRL selection in the previous round. The 21-year-old made a whopping 173 metres against the Eels, whilst also crossing for his third try of the season in the 77th minute. Other notable performances from the weekend’s action included Bulldogs winger Marcelo Montoya, who crossed for his fourth try in just six appearances. Melbourne’s Joe Stimson also featured heavily against the Warriors, while Newcastle’s Sam Stone and Luke Yates paired up as the starting second rowers for their side against the Roosters. NRL – ROUND 8 Raiders vs Sea Eagles Nick Cotric (Raiders) – 85 mins, 39 metres Brian Kelly (Sea Eagles) – 85 mins, 78 metres, 12 tackles Rabbitohs vs Broncos Cameron Murray* (Rabbitohs) – 17mins, 17 metres, 9 tackles Eels vs Panthers Corey Harawira-Naera (Panthers) – 80 minutes, 173 metres, 30 tackles, 2 line-breaks, 1 try Cowboys vs Knights Corey Jensen (Cowboys) – 22 minutes, 76 metres, 12 tackles Luke Yates (Newcastle) – 58 minutes, 50 metres, 41 tackles Sam Stone (Newcastle) – 80 minutes, 88 metres, 37 tackles Sharks vs Titans Jayden Brailey (Sharks) – 74 minutes, 37 tackles Wests Tigers vs Bulldogs Moses Suli (Wests Tigers) – 80 minutes, 94 metres, 13 tackles Marcelo Montoya (Bulldogs) – 80 minutes, 94 metres, 1 line-break, 1 try Matt Frawley (Bulldogs) – 50 minutes, 8 tackles Roosters vs Dragons Hame Sele (Dragons) – 15 minutes, 41 metres, 12 tackles Storm vs Warriors Joe Stimson (Storm) – 64 minutes, 54 metres, 22 tackles Ryley Jacks (Storm) – 4 minutes, 2 tackles *NRL debut in Round 8 Post navigation Next Post We Are... Social Media Campaign Previous Post Kiwis name squad for ANZAC...