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

With prelim finals spots on the line, who performed best when it was all on the line? We rate the top eight performers from NSWRL Junior Reps finals week two.

Zaylen Ekepati was brilliant for Central Coast in their Harold Matthews Cup win. Picture Sue Graham

The race for junior reps glory continued with eight matches from two venues as the finals rolled into a second week.

In a stunning weekend of results, the cream rose to the top in spectacular style.

See who held their nerve and edged their team closer to the grand final as we rate the top eight performers from all four grades.

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HAROLD MATTHEWS

CLAYTON MCGOON (SOUTH SYDNEY)

Became an instant hero when he latched onto a kick to win the game in the concluding stages for the Rabbitohs. That was an insanely good effort that was the highlight of another strong game from the centre who is really coming into his own this season. Deserved a moment like that.

ZAYLEN EKEPATI (CENTRAL COAST)

There were a number of standouts in the Central Coast side as they kept their dream season alive. But there was a lot to like about the efforts of Ekepati. He’s a busy fullback who chimes in at the right time, evidenced with a try assist and another involvement as a genuine strike weapon for the halves to use.

ClaytonMcGoon (No.3) flies high during the winning play for South Sydney. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

LISA FIAOLA

ALIANA FASAVALU-FA’AMAUSILI (WESTS TIGERS)

The Tigers were slow out of the blocks against Cronulla, but turned the corner on the back of several barnstorming charges from the energetic front-rower. The Sharks returned serve, but when the Tigers needed something special Aliana stepped up again, striking the decisive blow in the final minute when she struck from close range to seal the result.

KAIZEN MORGAN-PRITCHARD (PARRAMATTA)

A force on Parramatta’s right-edge, Kaizen put on a show for fans at Parker Street Reserve. The backrower was on hand to score in a tense first half, and with Penrith still in the mix after the break, the rangy No.11 showcased her skills. Wrapped up by two defenders, she found unmarked winger Freedom Crichton Ropati with a freakish overhead pass.

MaxPopo delivered another strong showing for the Eels. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

SG BALL

MAX POPO (PARRAMATTA)

Punched out a 52-minute stint in the middle in hot conditions out at Penrith, and didn’t miss a beat. Scored the try of the game when he carried a host of Storm defenders over the line and was outstanding in defence. Continuing to grow and is becoming a key part of this impressive side.

JESSE MILIN (CANBERRA)

After kicking off the season with a stunning four-try performance against Canterbury, the towering Raiders prop returned to haunt the Bulldogs in the do-or-die clash at Leichhardt. Barged across to open the scoring, and with the game still in the balance after halftime, he struck again as the Green Machine surged, edging one game closer to the decider.

JesseMilin had another massive game against Canterbury. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

TARSHA GALE

LOGAN FLETCHER (SYDNEY ROOSTERS)

The Roosters got home in arguably the best finish of the season, and they couldn’t have done it without their star fullback. In an epic comeback, the No.1 turned it on in the closing stages. She banged over a sideline conversion to level the scores, and before playing a key role in the winning try, she put on a match-saving tackle at the opposite end of the field.

LoganFletcher was everywhere for the Roosters in the Tarsha Gale Cup victory. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

FONTAYNE TUFUGA (PARRAMATTA)

An elite-level talent who rose to the occasion with a big second half in Parramatta’s win over Penrith. Set up a try and scored one of her own to cap a classy showing on an edge, with her opposite Matoisha Kalepo also putting in a great shift on the left.

Made some big carries and was tough to bring down.

Originally published as NSWRL Junior Reps: Top eight performers from Matts, Fiaola, Ball, Gale finals week two