NSWRL Junior Reps: Top eight performers from Matts, Fiaola, Ball, Gale finals week three

Spots in the grand finals were on the line in the NSWRL Junior Reps preliminary finals round. Who came up clutch to help their team advance? We rate the eight top performers from the weekend action.

Tess McWilliams takes Parramatta forward in the Tarsha Gale Cup prelim against Canterbury. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

Spots in the grand finals were on the line in the NSWRL Junior Reps preliminary finals roiund.

Who came up clutch to help their team advance?

We rate the top performers from the weekend action.

HAROLD MATTHEWS

COOPER TOWNSEND (NEWCASTLE)

Played the entire 60 minutes in the middle in a true captain’s knock, leading from the front with his tough carries and hard-hitting defence. Linked the side well, timed his involvements and was rewarded early in the contest with a try.

Bishop Neal. Picture: Sean Teuma

BISHOP NEAL (NEW ZEALAND)

Was one of a host of Warriors that stood up against the Rabbitohs. Caused headaches all game for defenders and he turned the game right on the stroke of halftime when he powered his way over the top of four defenders to score.

LISA FIAOLA

MIA VAOTUUA (CENTRAL COAST)

The five-eighth held all the aces in the Roosters’ thrilling win over the Tigers.

She barged over after the break to give her side a handy 12-point buffer and was there in defence to save her side’s season with arguably the finest cover tackle of the season.

MiaVaotuua puts on a play for Central Coast against Wests Tigers. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

BAILEY MA-CHONG (PARRAMATTA)

More often than not, the scheming hooker in headgear is among Parramatta’s best.

It was no different against Canterbury. Smart out of dummy-half, the skipper crossed for her side’s opening try and continued to dictate terms around the ruck.

With the game on the line, Bailey soaked up the pressure before landing the winning penalty goal.

SG BALL

Cameron Bamblett. Picture: Sean Teuma

CAMERON BAMBLETT (PARRAMATTA)

The Eels had an up-tempo gameplan that the Rabbitohs had no answers for, and the clever fullback played his role to perfection. Chimed in with some lovely involvements and two try assists saw him dominate the contest along with his halves.

DARCY SMITH (SYD ROOSTERS)

Along with second-row partner James Finegan, Smith had a wow of a game. Got through plenty of work, particularly in the first half where he helped lay the platform for Toby Rodwell to shine. Played the full 70 minutes.

TARSHA GALE

MAHLIE CASHIN (SYDNEY ROOSTERS)

In a strong team performance it was hard to single out one for the Roosters, but smart hooker Mahlie Cashin showed why she’s a crucial cog in the Tricolours’ wheel.

Always a danger behind a dominant pack, she crossed for two tries and continued to take the right options out of dummy-half.

Parramatta’s TessMcWilliams dives over for the winning try. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

TESS MCWILLIAMS (PARRAMATTA)

The tireless prop was immense in her side’s win over Canterbury.

Took a power of stopping and carried the Eels forward all day before showing desire and anticipation to chase down a kick for the winning try.