NRL Finals player ratings: Josh Papalii, Jack Wighton guide Raiders to win
The Raiders got revenge and ended the Roosters’ bid for a historic NRL three-peat. Who had the safest hands when the action was at its hottest? And who struggled under the heat? See our player ratings.
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The Raiders got revenge and ended the Roosters’ bid for a historic NRL three-peat – but who starred and who struggled in their epic finals clash at the SCG?
Check out our player ratings.
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SYDNEY ROOSTERS
James Tedesco 8
Scored a double and was in everything once again, but will dwell on that Williams kick for a long time.
Daniel Tupou 7
His yardage carries are so important. One of the Roosters’ best.
Josh Morris 5
Had some chances but couldn’t finish them.
Joseph Manu 7
Always looked dangerous and scored a try out of nothing.
Brett Morris 6
Didn’t see many chances down his side but carried and defended well.
Luke Keary 7
Always looked likely, even accounting for the head knock, but it just wasn’t his night.
Kyle Flanagan 5
A bit quiet. Will have learned a lot from his maiden finals series.
J Waerea-Hargreaves 6
Dominated by Papalii in the opening stanza but got some back in the final stages.
Jake Friend 7
Made a difference and marshalled the forwards well.
Sio Suia Taukeiaho 4
Carried well when he was on but left early with an injury.
Boyd Cordner 6
Defence was uncharacteristically shaky early but found his groove. Put in some tough carries.
Mitchell Aubusson 5
Retires a Roosters legend. Didn’t stand out but didn’t do anything wrong, either.
Isaac Liu 4
Not his best. The Roosters needed more from him with ball in hand.
Angus Crichton 7
Sitili Tupouniua 5
Nat Butcher 6
CANBERRA RAIDERS
C Nicoll-Klokstad 9
Gave everything he had and then gave a little bit more. Nobody could ask for more.
Semi Valemei 6
Was heavily targeted but stood up under the pressure.
Jarrod Croker 5
Got beaten all ends up for Manu’s try but was otherwise solid.
Jordan Rapana 5
Didn’t see much ball but threw himself around.
Nick Cotric 7
Ran like a madman and showed tremendous strength in defence.
Jack Wighton 6
Didn’t dominate but was in the right place when it counted for the crucial try.
George Williams 8
Produced an SCG knock Ben Stokes would have been proud to call his own.
Josh Papalii 8
Thunderous opening helped the Raiders get on top early in the game. The best prop in the world, nevermind anyone else.
Siliva Havili 4
Tidy early but didn’t get another stint.
Hudson Young 6
One of the NRL’s big improvers this year. Has a massive future.
John Bateman 6
Played tough but couldn’t put his stamp on the game.
Elliott Whitehead 5
Not his best showing but still put in some crucial efforts.
Joseph Tapine 9
Has come of age in 2020. Helped turn the tide back to Canberra when he came on for his second stint.
Tom Starling 6
Sia Soliola 5
Dunamis Lui 6
Corey Harawira-Naera 4
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Originally published as NRL Finals player ratings: Josh Papalii, Jack Wighton guide Raiders to win