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
