NRL player ratings: Panthers v Roosters — Who starred and who flopped?
The story of Penrith’s victory over the Roosters was far more than just Nathan Cleary. One player in particular is becoming indispensable to the Panthers cause. Check out Nick Campton’s player ratings.
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The NRL Finals kicked off in style with the Panthers edging out the Roosters in a thriller.
Nathan Cleary was a standout for the Panthers, but who else stepped up under pressure and who failed to fire? Nick Campton gives his take on each player.
PANTHERS 29 - ROOSTERS 28
Match report: Roosters three-peat on ice as Panthers come of age
PANTHERS
1. Dylan Edwards — 6
Was strong on kick returns and continues to improve.
2. Josh Mansour — 7
Some tough carries early helped turn the tide and finished well.
3. Brent Naden — 6
Recovered well after a shaky start. Didn’t see much ball but tackled with intent.
4. Stephen Crichton — 7
In his finals debut he got the better of Joseph Manu. The sky is the limit.
5. Brian To’o — 5
Had a couple of moments to forget under the high ball.
6. Jarome Luai — 8
Everything touch was golden. The most improved player in the competition in 2020.
7. Nathan Cleary — 9
Played with effort, intensity and skill when it counted. One of the best games of his career.
8. James Tamou — 5
Not a huge night on the stat sheet but his leadership would have been crucial.
9. Api Koroisau — 6
Helped exploit the space around the ruck. A tidy display.
10. James Fisher-Harris — 7
Hasn’t had a bad game all year and this was no exception.
11. Viliame Kikau — 7
Couldn’t be stopped with ball in hand and showed lovely skill to set up Mansour’s try.
12. Liam Martin — 6
Helped lift the energy with some big hits. Tackle on Morris was a match saver.
13. Isaah Yeo — 7
Penrith’s best in the torrid early stages and a standout to the end.
Interchange
14. Tyrone May — 4
His utility value is a luxury — does a lot of little things well.
15. Kurt Capewell — 3
Did his job in limited game time.
16. Moses Leota — 6
Leg speed was crucial. Penrith looked their best when he was on.
17. Zane Tetevano — 4
Victory over his former club would have been especially sweet.
TOTAL: 106
ROOSTERS
1. James Tedesco — 8
The sole constant on an inconsistent night. Stayed busy, even when things looked gone.
2. Daniel Tupou — 6
Helped bring the Roosters back into it with some strong runs in the second half.
3. Josh Morris — 7
Got the better of Naden early but had an absorbing battle with the younger man thereafter.
4. Joseph Manu — 4
One to forget. Lost his duel with Crichton and had little impact in attack.
5. Brett Morris — 6
Still safe as a bank but didn’t get much clean ball.
6. Luke Keary — 7
Always looked likely but a few of his touches weren’t as sharp as we’ve come to expect.
7. Kyle Flanagan — 4
A tough night. Was targeted heavily in defence by Luai and Kikau.
8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves — 5
Normally excels in finals football but this wasn’t his best showing.
9. Freddy Lussick — 6
Started well but didn’t see much game time past the opening quarter.
10. Siosiua Taukeiaho — 6
Powerful early but couldn’t keep the energy going.
11. Boyd Cordner — 7
Kept going hard when things looked their darkest and key part of the late fightback.
16. Angus Crichton — 8
One of his best games as a Rooster. A constant threat in attack and defended stoutly.
13. Isaac Liu — 6
Got through his work without dominating the middle.
Interchange
12. Sitili Tupouniua — 5
Didn’t see a heap of footy and his impact was limited.
15. Lindsay Collins — 6
Ran hard and gave the Panthers trouble in the second half.
18. Nat Butcher — 5
Got a start ahead of Sonny Bill Williams and did a good enough job.
19. Mitchell Aubusson — 5
Of his 305 NRL games only two have been at hooker. It was a tough ask for the veteran.
TOTAL: 94