NRL Finals 2020: Raiders v Sharks player ratings | Who starred and who stunk?
After suriving an early charge from the Sharks, a second-half masterclass from Jack Wighton has guided the Raiders through to grand final re-match with the Roosters. Check out James Phelps’ player ratings.
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After suriving an early charge from the Sharks, the Raiders are through to the second week of the NRL Finals and a grand final rematch with the Roosters awaits.
Jack Wighton was a standout for Canberra, but who else stepped up under pressure and who failed to fire? James Phelps gives his take on each player.
MATCH REPORT: THE MOMENT IT ALL FELL APART FOR SHARKS
RAIDERS
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad – 7.5
Weathered first-half storm to run more meters than anyone.
2 Semi Valemei – 5.5
Rarely sighted. Left the hard work to others.
3. Jarrod Croker – 7
Solid as always. Led from the front.
4. Jordan Rapana – 6
Let in a try and kicked the ball dead in first-half horror. Made up for it with a strong second half.
5. Nick Cotric – 7.5
Hardest-working Raiders back. Took all the tough carries.
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6. Jack Wighton – 9
Man of the match. Scored two tries and set up another to prove himself the gamebreaker.
7. George Williams – 8.5
Only Wighton was better. Also scored two tries and put Wighton over for his double.
8. Josh Papalii – 7
Well-contained and did not have his usual impact. But still did plenty of hard work.
9. Tom Starling – 7.5
Good service and topped tackle count.
10. Iosia Soliola – 6
Not the impact he should have had after being promoted to the starting side.
11. John Bateman – 6
Only had one run in the first half. Defended well but was rarely sighted with the ball.
12. Elliott Whitehead – 6
Made errors and also had a poor work rate. Scored a try late in the match.
13. Joseph Tapine – 8.5
The Raiders’ best forward. Didn’t let up after scoring their first try.
INTERCHANGE
14. Dunamis Lui – 8
Rivalled Tapine as the Raiders’ best in the middle.
15. Siliva Havili – 7.5
Also had huge impact off the bench.
16. Hudson Young – 6
Made some costly errors but also set up a try with a break.
17. Corey Harawira-Naera – 4
Saw little match time.
TOTAL: 118
SHARKS
1. William Kennedy – 6
Safe at the back but had few opportunities.
2. Sione Katoa – 5.5
Went close to scoring late but was the Sharks’ second-best winger.
3. Josh Dugan – 6
A couple of line-bending runs early. Worked hard until the end.
4. Jesse Ramien – 6
Contained Crocker and was strong in defence. Little impact with the ball.
5. Ronaldo Mulitalo – 7
Scored moments after pulling off a one-on-one strip. One of the Sharks’ best.
6. Connor Tracey – 6.5
Set up a try with some fancy footwork. Troubled the Raiders with a strong running game.
7. Chad Townsend – 6.5
Bombed a try but steered the Sharks to a shock lead at half-time.
8. Braden Hamlin-Uele – 7.5
Got the better of the Raiders’ star-studded pack with a blockbusting opening stint.
9. Blayke Brailey – 5
Scored the first try and looked like a veteran in his first final until he was forced from the field with a leg injury.
10. Toby Rudolf – 6
Didn’t have his usual impact but worked hard.
11. Briton Nikora – 5
Let in a try on the line and made just 38 running metres.
12. Wade Graham – 5.5
Tried hard but not his game-breaking self. Threw an intercept that led to crucial try.
13. Siosifa Talakai – 7
Had a storming first half. Only Hamlin-Uele was better for the Sharks.
INTERCHANGE
14. Aaron Woods – 6
Lots of runs, lots of tackles but little impact.
15. Scott Sorenson – 5
Played in an unfamiliar role after being sent in for Brailey.
16. Andrew Fifita – 6
Warmed into the match and had an impact in the final 40min.
17. Jack Williams – 5.5
Topped the tackle count after replacing Sorenson at No.9.
TOTAL: 102
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Originally published as NRL Finals 2020: Raiders v Sharks player ratings | Who starred and who stunk?