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ANALYSIS

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.

In focus: Raiders star's try-saving tackle

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.

Angus Crichton made an impact for the Roosters. Picture: Getting Images
Angus Crichton made an impact for the Roosters. Picture: Getting Images

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

Sonny Bill Williams 6

Nat Butcher 6

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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.

Josh Papalii dives over the line for a try. Picture: Getty Images
Josh Papalii dives over the line for a try. Picture: Getty Images

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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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-finals-player-ratings-josh-papalii-jack-wighton-guide-raiders-to-win/news-story/6a38ee974f4f48b70021fb5dd5802624