NSWRL Junior Reps Finals Wk 1: Top 12 performers from Harold Matts, Lisa Fiaola, SG Ball, Tarsha Gale

Who stood tall and got the job done in the opening round of the NSWRL Junior Reps finals? We rate the top 12 performers from the weekend.

Oliva Smith. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

A whopping 16 matches opened the NSWRL Junior Reps finals series across four venues.

Eight teams across four divisions bit the dust and are now eliminated, with 24 remaining in the hunt.

But who stood tall when it counted?

We rate the 12 top performers from Junior Reps finals week one.

MORE COVERAGE

Finals week one, day one full wrap

Finals week one, day two wrap + weekend talking points

Junior Reps Finals Gamebreakers

HAROLD MATTHEWS

BISHOP NEAL (NEW ZEALAND)

It’s not the first time the second rower has proven to be unstoppable for the opposition. Was hard to bring down all game on the left-hand edge, and rewarded with a try out of dummy half in a similar vein to David Fifita - simply out-muscling his opposites.

Carter Mareko on attack. Picture: Sue Graham

CARTER MAREKO (CENTRAL COAST)

One of the most dominant performances we’ve seen all year. Mareko scored one and had three try assists to orchestrate a miracle comeback from the Roosters. Got the ball rolling late in the second half when he stepped his way through the Eels. His elite short passing game was on full display.

TAJ AUFAI-FARANI (SOUTH SYDNEY)

Scored a brilliant hat-trick in the space of 12 minutes to keep the Rabbitohs’ season alive. Forming a great partnership with five-eighth Payton Tarau, and his final effort to beat five defenders to the tryline was class.

LISA FIAOLA

BETSY FIFITA (PENRITH)

Completely changed the game when she was injected into the game midway through the first half against Newcastle. Caused havoc around the ruck and timed her runs to perfection. Stellar outing from a promising talent.

Tanya Kavapalu Picture: Julian Andrews

TANYA KAVAPALU (CANTERBURY)

There could’ve been a number of Bulldogs in the mix, but really thought the efforts of Kavapalu were superb. The dummy half was instrumental in getting their big forward pack rolling and was rewarded with a late try.

MIA TONGA (WESTS TIGERS)

The Tigers had a slow start, but their star halfback was able to turn the tide and propel them to a handy halftime lead. Set up the opening two tries - including a perfect kick to hit Saige Tautalafua on the chest from close range.

SG BALL

TYSON WALKER (SYD ROOSTERS)

It’s fitting that his best performance of the season came on the biggest stage. Had Parramatta defenders in all sorts in a stellar first half that saw him pile on a pair of try assists. Took the game out of reach of the Eels early and never let up.

Dayne Jennings. Picture: Sean Teuma

DAYNE JENNINGS (SOUTH SYDNEY)

The Rabbitohs centre has been one of their most consistent players and turned in another big showing to help them earn the week off. Made a few big bursts that led to tries and was dangerous on both sides of the ball.

OLIVA SMITH (CANTERBURY)

The halves of the Bulldogs were superb, but though the efforts of Smith went underrated in the front row. Punched out a good stint with plenty of carries, and his effort to carry three Sharks over the line to score sparked their comeback from 16 points down.

TARSHA GALE

AYLAH MCCULLOCH (NEWCASTLE)

It’s a shame we won’t see her again this season. Turned in a brilliant performance in a losing side, finishing the game with three try assists. Her ball to set up Ava Glassie in extra time was as good as you’ll see.

Ryvrr-Lee Alo. Picture: Martin Ollman

RYRR-LEE ALO (PARRAMATTA)

Turned their contest against Cronulla on its head in a matter of minutes, scoring a double on the back of two powerhouse charges to bust the Sharks up the middle and give the Eels a big lead at halftime.

HEREWAKA POHATU (ILLAWARRA)

Made a beeline for Penrith’s left-hand attack and took them on to great effect early in the contest. Gave the Steelers a big advantage early in the contest and laid a platform that could see them go back-to-back.

Originally published as NSWRL Junior Reps Finals Wk 1: Top 12 performers from Harold Matts, Lisa Fiaola, SG Ball, Tarsha Gale