Rookie Watch – Round 8

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 77^th 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