NRL Finals Rabbitohs v Eels Player Ratings: ‘Best game in NRL’ for Souths’ sensation Jaxson Paulo
The South Sydney Rabbitohs had plenty of top performers in their big semi-final win over the Parramatta Eels, but this youngster out-did himself.
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The South Sydney Rabbitohs have knocked Parramatta out of the race for the 2020 NRL premierships. See who starred – and who didn’t – on Saturday night.
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EELS
Clint Gutherson – 8
Gave his team belief when they needed it the most, but his error on the Damien Cook kick was costly.
George Jennings – 6
Finished two chances and did as well as could have been expected.
Waqa Blake – 4
The last man standing in the backline. They needed more from him.
Brad Takairangi – 5
Solid without starring. Did what he could to spark the backs.
Haze Dunster – 5
Debuted under incredible pressure and held up his end well.
Dylan Brown – 5
Did all he could to spark his side but he’ll be better for the run.
Mitch Moses – 5
Not his night. Souths read him like a book and that penalty miss was a tough look.
Reagan Campbell-Gillard – 6
Carried the ball well, especially early.
Reed Mahoney – 6
Defended well but couldn’t find the attacking touch.
Junior Paulo – 8
Tried to carry his team but not even his back isn’t big enough. A terrific showing.
Shaun Lane – 7
Backed up last week with another strong showing.
Ryan Matterson – 6
Solid without being spectacular. Did what he could.
Nathan Brown – 7
Helped fire up the Eels early. Was always in the game.
Will Smith – 3
Only came on late and couldn’t turn the tide.
Andrew Davey – 5
Looked likely but the game was a bit quick for him.
Kane Evans – 4
Didn’t show his best. A tough exit for his Eels career.
Ray Stone – 4
Did his job with minimal time.
TOTAL: 94
SOUTHS
Corey Allan – 6
Had some nice touches but also dropped a few balls. Still improving each week.
Alex Johnston – 5
Didn’t get a shot at the line.
Campbell Graham – 6
Looked likely when he got some clean ball.
Dane Gagai – 6
Worked hard and defended well but didn’t get many chances.
Jaxson Paulo – 7
His best game in first grade. Ran for the most metres of anyone.
Cody Walker – 5
Not the form we’ve become accustomed to, but his best may bet yet to come.
Adam Reynolds – 7
Steered the team around well when they needed it. Showed great touch on the ball.
Tevita Tatola – 6
Solid again. A big improver over the last 12 months.
Damien Cook – 9
Two excellent displays in a row. Ran for more metres than any other Souths forward. He’s hitting form at just the right time.
Tom Burgess – 7
Did plenty of tough work in the middle of the field.
Jaydn Su’A – 5
More quiet than we’ve come to expect.
Bayley Sironen – 6
A real success story. Has found a home on the left edge.
Cameron Murray – 6
Tackled well and backed up to score a try. Wasn’t his sort of game but still made an impact.
Mark Nicholls – 6
Another big improver. Does all the little things well.
Liam Knight – 6
Made a great impact off the bench. His try proved crucial.
Jed Cartwright – 3
His inexperienced showed a little.
Keaon Koloamatangi – 5
Ran hard, as is his wont.
TOTAL – 101
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Originally published as NRL Finals Rabbitohs v Eels Player Ratings: ‘Best game in NRL’ for Souths’ sensation Jaxson Paulo