Darwin Rugby Union 2023-24: Top performers & point scorers

The NT News sport team has compiled a list of the top performers and point scorers from week 1 of the Darwin Rugby finals. SEE THE FULL LIST.

Rabbitohs' Joe Sorowale scored the winning try in his sides dramatic victory over the Dragons. Picture: From The Sideline Sports Photography.

The NT News has selected the top performers and point scorers from an action-packed round of the Darwin Rugby Competition.

Find out who from your club and team made the list below.

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FINALS WEEK 1

7. ANTHONY BUSH (Katherine Roos, B-grade)

Unable to get his side over the line, the scrum-half did all he could with the boot, slotting four penalty goals and kicking one conversion for 74 per cent of the Roos’ total points.

6. ELLIE NIKI (Darwin Dragons, Women)

Bringing her terrific regular season form into the finals, Niki sprinkled some magic across the field to the tune of two tries and a conversion in her team’s 36-17 win over the Pirates.

5. WAISALE SEKITOGA (University Pirates, A-grade)

The Pirate proved a headache for the Cougars’ defensive efforts, scoring a double in his side’s dramatic victory.

4. ASIVELI RAUGA (Casuarina Cougars, B-grade)

The flying ‘Ice’ man came up clutch against a defiant Roos’ in their knockout clash. The Cougar snagged two five pointers in the hard fought 23-19 win.

3. JOE SOROWALE (South Darwin Rabbitohs, A-grade)

Crushing the hearts of the Dragons faithful, the Bunnies’ fullback delivered the killer

blow as he ran through a hole in the 73rd minute, dolphin-diving behind the uprights to score a try. He ended up with a brace in his side’s 21-20 victory.

2. ROB BUTCHER (University Pirates, A-grade)

The ever consistent fullback was at his best again in the major-semi. Despite kicking 2/4 from the spot, his four penalty goals, in particular his game winner, were indispensable, leading his Pirates to the grand final.

1. MARK GILLAM (Swampdogs, B-grade)

Off a penalty five metres out, the captain charged off his mark, caught the pill and crashed over the chalk in the final play of the game to seal the win for his team in a tight 15-12 scoreline over the Pirates, to book his club a ticket to the big dance.

ROUND 15

7. OWEN POTTER (Palmerston Crocs, A-grade)

Cashing in on the scoresheet once more, the dominant number 8 crossed for a brace against the Pirates.

6. STYLIANOS VRONTOS (University Pirates, B-grade)

The speedster carved up the Bunnies at the weekend, crossing for two meat pies in his side’s cruisy 20-point victory.

5. ROB BUTCHER (University Pirates, A-grade)

With his golden boot laced up, the fullback slotted five from the spot and crossed for a try in a 45-19 scoreline over the Palmy Crocs.

4. JAYDEN BERTO (Katherine Roos, B-grade)

Berto’s kicking complimented his teammates nicely at the weekend, slotting 3/4 from the tee in a 26-19 win over the Dragons.

3. CALLUM DUBBELD (Swampdogs, B-grade)

Living up to his name sake, Callum crossed the paint for a ‘Dubbel’ in his team’s hard fought 18-7 win over Casuarina.

2. KATE TEINAKI (University Pirates, Women)

A key cog in her sides demolition job over the Crocs, Teinaki had her kicking dialled, slotting five conversions and also scored a try in a 52-0 scoreline.

1. TREY CROWLEY (Casuarina Cougars, A-grade)

On the wing at the weekend, the form player of the comp was on song in his sides 39-10 triumph over the Bunnies. Crowley crossed the line for a brace, kicked four from the spot and slotted two penalties, leading his side to the minor premiership in the process.

ROUND 14

7. RHYS VENTURIN(University Pirates, B-grade)

While the fly-half didn’t score a bag of points, his two penalty goals proved the difference in a narrow 16-14 win against the Roos.

6. OWEN POTTER (Palmerston Crocs, A-grade)

The barnstorming number 8 had another day-out against the Cougars scoring a hat-trick un a 34-20 loss.

5. TREY CROWLEY (Casuarina Cougars, A-grade)

It was another dominant performance from the Pirate at the weekend, notching up two tries and two conversions during a 34-20 point victory against the Crocs.

4. VINCENT MEHN(South Darwin Rabbitohs, A-grade)

The scrum-half was everywhere for the Bunnies during their convincing win over the Dragons. Mehn scored a try, kicked two from the tee and slotted a penalty for good measure.

3. KANAE GIMINI (South Darwin Rabbitohs, A-grade)

Out on the wing, Gimini had hot hands on Saturday, snagging three five pointers in his team’s 37-8 win.

2. ELISA NIKI (Darwin Dragons, Women)

Always in the action, Niki was an unstoppable force at Marrara. The Dragon netted 23 of her team’s points with a hat-trick and four conversions in a 38-0 scoreline against Souths.

1. NELLY THOMAS (Casuarina Cougars, Women)

The Cougars gun crossed the paint for a match defining hat-trick in her sides hard fought 26-14 victory over a gritty Crocs outfit.

ROUND 13

7. DARWIN DRAGONS (Women)

An honourable mention again this week. The Darwin women can’t stop winning. Now 10 from 10 and with a positive points differential of 319, the Dragons look like a sure thing to take out the premiership again.

6. TREY CROWLEY (Casuarina Cougars, A-grade)

While not cashing in on the scorecard to the same extent he usually would, the Cougar did step up when needed, kicking two game winning conversions helping his side avoid the upset, defeating Darwin 19-16.

5. KATE TEINAKI (University Pirates, Women)

The strike force in her sides bounce-back performance, Teinaki got on a roll, crossing for two tries and kicking a conversion, leading her team to a 22-12 win over the Rabbitohs.

4. ROB BUTCHER (University Pirates, A-grade)

Perennial top performer Butcher was at it again against South Darwin on Saturday.

The fly-half kicked 4/4 from the spot and added three penalty goals for good measure.

3. TAARIQ SALIH (Casuarina Cougars, A-grade)

Scoring a tad over half his team’s points, the big number 8 channelled his inner back and snagged two meat pies in a tight 19-16 win over Darwin.

2. ANTHONY BUSCH (Katherine Roos, B-grade)

Delivering the goods, Bush was a one man show on Saturday. The fly-half kicked three from the spot and crossed for a brace in a 26-5 win against the Bunnies.

1. HAYDEN AUSTINE (Swampdogs, B-grade)

Hitting them like a sniper, Austine was a man on a mission at the weekend.

The scrum-half crossed the paint for a try, kicked a penalty and slotted six from the tee in his sides 50 victory over the Dragons.

ROUND 12

7. DARWIN DRAGONS (Women)

Not even a bye could halt the momentum of the Dragons as they cruised to their 10th win of the season. Against the second-placed Pirates, Darwin scored 24 points while keeping University pointless.

6. NICKI HICKMEN (South Darwin Rabbitohs, Women)

Hitting them sweetly off the laces, Hickmen kicked 3/3 in a comfortable 21-10 win over the Crocs.

5. OWEN POTTER (Palmerston Crocs, A-grade)

The number 8 found himself on the scoresheet not once but twice in a loss to South Darwin.

4. JOE SOROWALE (South Darwin Rabbitohs, A-grade)

The fullback had hot hands against the Crocs on Saturday, crossing for a brace in a 32-19 victory.

3. ROBERT BUTCHER (University Pirates, A-grade)

The ever consistent Butcher had another great outing with the boot at the weekend. The fullback kicked 3/3 from the spot and added a penalty for good measure in a 24-14 win over Darwin.

2. JAMES DE DASSEL (South Darwin Rabbitohs, B-grade)

Facing a rampaging Crocs, de Dassel was the determining factor in a narrow win. The bunny crossed for a try and slotted two from the tee in a 24-20 contest.

1. LIAM POLLARD (Casuarina Cougars, B-grade)

The fullback came in clutch at the weekend for his team, kicking four penalty goals in a very close 17-15 win over the Roos.

ROUND 11

7. PALMERSTON CROCS(B-grade)

The Palmy Crocs caused the upset of the round on Saturday with a remarkable eight point victory over the Pirates. The fifth placed Crocs handed a reality check and a second loss to University in a 25-17 scoreline.

6. LAURA LUCHETTI (Casuarina Cougars, Women)

The Cougar had her kicking dialled in on Saturday, kicking four conversions in 48-0 thrashing against the Rabbitohs.

5. DANNY POIVA(University Pirates, A-grade)

The flanker had hot hands during his sides win over the Crocs, cashing in on two meat pies in a 36-0 scoreline.

4. JETT PATERSON (Swampdogs, B-grade)

Scoring a brace, Dogs’ Patterson was huge in his team’s hard fought victory over the Roos, in a second and third place clash and a 27-11 scoreline.

3. JAMES CARDWELL(Casuarina Cougars, B-grade)

Putting up stats more akin to a back, the number 8 was unstoppable against the Dragons recording a hat-trick of tries in a 34-5 victory.

2. NELLY THOMAS (Casuarina Cougars, Women)

With one of the performances of the round, Cougars’ Thomas terrorised the Rabbitohs defence, scoring four tries, 41 per cent of her team’s total points.

1. TREY CROWLEY(Casuarina Cougars, A-grade)

Making the list for a fifth time this season, the fullback was in and around the action yet again at the weekend during his team’s 42-17 win against South Darwin. Crowley scored a try, kicked three from the tee and slotted three penalties for a total of 20 points. Interestingly, this game also saw a penalty try awarded to both sides.

ROUND 10

7. DARWIN DRAGONS (Women)

It was another brilliant performance for the Darwin side in their Round 10 clash against the Casuarina Cougars with a resounding 53-5 victory. The Dragons are now head and shoulders above the rest of the competition with 44 points and a points differential of +295. For reference, the Pirates sit in seconod on 22 points and a difference of +14.

6. TREY CROWLEY (Casuarina Cougars, A-grade)

The fullback was in among the action once again chipping in with a handy 12 points: two conversions, a try and a penalty.

5. TERRY GILLETT (Katherine Roos, B-grade)

The fullback had his golden boot on against the Crocs, slotting 4/5 from the spot in his side’s 33-12 win.

4. CRYSTAL MCCOURT (University Pirates, Women)

McCourt had the magic touch for her Pirates in their 29-17 win over Casuarina, contributing three meat pies.

3. HOSEA FOTUKAVA (Casuarina Cougars, A-grade)

Cougars A grade 2 three tries vs. Darwin in 42-10 win – now top of the table with a point over the pirates

2. NATHAN THOMSON-FINN (South Darwin Rabbitohs, B-grade)

A hardy effort from fullback Thomson-Finn lead his team to just their third win of the season in a 29-15 effort against the Dragons. The back scored two tries and kicked two from the tee.

1. DANNY POIVA (University Pirates, A-grade)

It was the heroics of flanker Povia that helped Uni scrape their way to a four point victory. The forward crossed for a hat-trick in their 23-19 win over the Rabbitohs, and a crucial four points to put them second on the ladder, and one point back of the Cougars.

ROUND 9

7. KEISHA HUMES (Darwin Dragons, Women)

Ever reliable Humes got herself on the scoresheet with two tries as her Dragons cruised to a comfortable 39-0 win over the Crocs.

6. COURTNEY TAMATI (Darwin Dragons, Women)

The Dragons scrum-half was in the action against the Crocs, snagging two tries in their seventh win in as many games.

5. ROB BUTCHER (University Pirates, A-grade)

Butcher was once again the main source of points for his side, crossing for a try, kicking one from the spot and slotting two penalties in a 22-13 loss against title challengers Casuarina Cougars.

4. KAYLEM GREENWOOD (South Darwin Rabbitohs, B-grade)

In the upset of the round, Greenwood was electric for his team scoring two tries as his side claimed their second win of the season in a 24-0 scoreline over the Swampdogs.

3. STANLEY TUIPULOTU (Palmerston Crocs, B-grade)

The Crocs’ flanker found the try line twice at the weekend, and was the side’s leading point scorer in their seven-point loss to the Dragons.

2. CALEB NIKI (Darwin Dragons, B-grade)

The league star was huge for his side during their clash with the Crocs on Saturday. Niki scored a brace and a vital 10 points in a close 34-27 victory, their first win of the season.

1. MEGAN DENNIS (University Pirates, Women)

Keeping their top two hopes alive, Dennis and her Pirates toppled the Cougars 15-7, with Dennis crossing for a double in a terrific performance.

ROUND 8

5. STYLIANOS VRONTOS (University Pirates, B-grade)

Becoming a regular on our lists, Uni’s fullback was the only member of his team to get on the scoresheet in their 10-9 loss against the Swampdogs, kicking three penalties.

4. ALEX PARSONS (Palmerston Crocs, B-grade)

A key cog in his side’s big win over the Roos, the inside centre cross for a brace, leading his team to a 25-7 scoreline and their second win of the season.

3. ROB BUTCHER (University Pirates, A-grade)

The fly half was at the centre of the action once again at the weekend. Butcher crossed for a try, kicked three conversions and scored two penalties in a 27-17 win against the Dragons.

2. VICTORIA ALLEY (Palmerston Crocs, Women)

Coming in clutch for her side, Alley scored one five pointer and kicked two, leading her side to a 19-14 victory over the Bunnies.

1. SOUTH DARWIN RABBITOHS (A-grade)

The Rabbits were on fire when they clashed with the Crocs at the weekend. The side combined for nine different try scorers with Gimini and Joe Sorowale crossing for two tries each in their mammoth 62-3 victory.

ROUND 7

7. JACOB RAINGER (South Darwin Rabbitohs, B-grade)

In a losing effort, Rainger scored his team’s only points of the match, crossing for a brace in a 24-10 loss against the Swampdogs.

6. PHAYZEN MARSHALL (University Pirates, B-grade)

The scrum-half had another great outing, scoring two tries in his side’s convincing 31-12 win over the Dragons. The showing helped his Pirates remain undefeated through their six games so far.

5. JESSE NORRIS (Darwin Dragons, A-grade)

The Dragons’ lock constantly popped up at the right place at the time, crossing the line for two ties in his team’s 13-point win over Souths.

4. BRODIE MORCOM (Swampdogs, B-grade)

The Swampdogs’ fly half was solid in his side’s 24-10 victory over the Rabbitohs, crossing for a double, helping secure his team’s fourth win of the season.

3. SHANE CROWLEY (Casuarina Cougars, B-grade)

A major cog in the Cougars offensive dominance, Crowely was hitting them sweetly from the tee. Slotting five out of seven, and with seven different try scorers on the sheet, the Cougars steamrolled their way to a statement 45-8 win over the Crocs.

2. CALEB NIKI (Darwin Dragons, A-grade)

Ever in the thick of it, Niki was enjoying himself, crossing for a try and kicking two from the spot in his team’s 28-15 victory over Souths.

1. ETHAN DOUGLAS (Palmerston Crocs, A-grade)

The fly half was on a mission in Round 7. Douglas led his side’s charge against the Cougars scoring 15 points, a try, two conversions and two penalties. However, his efforts weren’t enough in the end to help his side avoid their 31-27 defeat.

ROUND 6

8. ANTHONY BUSCH (Katherine Roos, B-grade)

The Roos’ number nine had the ball on a string at the weekend, slotting 4/4 from the tee, guiding his Roos to a comfortable 28-0 win over the Bunnies, and the team’s fourth of the year.

7. LACHLAN RAYCHAUDHURI (Darwin Dragons, A-grade)

The Dragon had a solid game in his side’s loss to the Crocs during their Round 6 clash, bagging a double.

6. AMY FISCHER (Casuarina Cougars, Women)

The Cougar was a standout performer on Saturday, scoring two tries in a losing effort against University

5. KEISHA HUMES (Darwin Dragons, Women)

Part of the juggernaut that is the Dragons Women, Humes got in on the action in her side’s 34-5 win over the Crocs, snagging a double.

4. VAKAMEILALO TUIFUA (Palmerston Crocs, A-grade)

The Crocs’ outside had safe hands during his side’s 31-17 win over the Dragons, scoring a double.

3. THOMAS ROE (Palmerston Crocs, A-grade)

An absolute weapon at the weekend on and off the ball, the big number 8 crossed for a double in his team’s statement victory over the Dragons. The big man also received a well earned player of the mach by his club.

2. STYLIANOS VRONTOS (University Pirates, A-grade)

The winger did it all at the weekend. Vrontos crossed for a meat pie, kicked two from the spot and converted three penalties for 18 points. Unfortunately for Vrontos his stellar effort was in vain as his side went down 23-28 against the Cougars.

1. CRYSTAL McCOURT (University Pirates, Women)

A brilliant day at the office, the Pirate was unstoppable on the offensive side of the ball. Crossing for a hat-trick, McCourt led her side to a well earnt 29-17 win over the Cougars, and their third win of the season.

ROUND 5

7. KATHERINE ROOS (B-grade)

The Katherine Roos played out an emotional and proud win at the weekend.

Taking on the Darwin Dragons at home, the Roos bested the Darwin side in a 26-12 scoreline.

6. HAYDEN SCHATZ (Palmerston Crocs, A-grade)

Schatz put together a proper all around performance at the weekend in his side’s loss to the Pirates, and was awarded the man of the match for his efforts by the club.

5. VANESSA LEE CHEU (University Pirates, Women)

A menace with the ball, Lee Cheu bagged a double over the Crocs in her side’s comfortable 20-7 win.

4. PHAYZEN MARSHALL (University Pirates, A-grade)

The quick-footed fullback crossed for a brace in Pirates’ 29-20 defeat of the Crocs. A constant danger man for University and a thorn in his opposition’s side.

3. DAVINA ISAAC (South Darwin Rabbitohs, Women)

A dynamic player, Issac was immense through her timely contributions.

Her two tries led her team to their first win of the season in a 15-14 contest against the Cougars.

2. ROBERT BUTCHER (University Pirates, B-grade)

Putting together another brilliant performance at the weekend, Butcher was once again invaluable for the Pirates. He crossed for a double and kicked one from the spot in his side’s narrow two point victory over the Palmy Crocs and the team’s fifth win in a row.

1. TREY CROWLEY (Casuarina Cougars, A-grade)

The MVP of the round, Crowley was on fire. The fullback was unstoppable with the boot slotting five from the spot and crossed for two meat-pies in his side’s tough 29-24 win over the Rabbitohs.

ROUND 4

7. ELLIE NIKKI (Darwin Dragons, Women)

Among the competition’s best once again, Nikki had another solid performance at the weekend crossing for a double in her side’s win over the Bunnies.

6. JANNA RANSOME (Darwin Dragons, Women)

The second Dragon on our list, Ransome got in on the action in her side’s Round 4 clash, also crossing for two tries in their emphatic 53-0 win over South Darwin.

5. KANAE GIMINI (South Darwin Rabbitohs, B-grade)

The Bunnies’ winger was effective at the weekend, notching up a neat double in his team’s huge 48-10 victory over the Dragons.

4. NATHAN THOMPSON-FINN (South Darwin Rabbitohs, B-grade)

The fullback had the magic touch in his Round 4 match, slotting a very handy five from the tee, plus added the extras with one penalty.

3. SETEFANO CAKAUNIVALU (South Darwin Rabbitohs, A-grade)

Crossing for two very important tries at the weekend, Cakaunivalu was ever reliable in the centres once again.

2. LAVINIA NORRIS (Casuarina Cougars, Women)

Norris was one of the weekend’s standouts. The Cougar found the line twice and was a huge catalyst for her team’s first win of the season, a solid 34-19 over the Crocs.

1. TREY CROWLEY (Casuarina Cougars, A-grade)

Player of the round, Crowley had the ball on a string, kicking three conversions and adding an invaluable 12 points from four conversions to secure 38-24 win over the Crocs.

ROUND 3

10. STYLIANOS VRONTOS (University Pirates, B-grade)

Kicking three from the tee, Vrontos’ boot was greatly needed in his side’s gutsy 33-28 win over the Cougars.

9. KENNY O’CONNOR (University Pirates, B-grade)

Taking over the kicking duties in the absence of Vrontos, O’Connor slotted his only attempt from the spot. He also crossed for a five-pointer; an invaluable seven points in a tight win.

8. SHANE CROWLEY (Casuarina Cougars, B-grade)

Despite putting up 11 of his side’s 28pts, the fly-half’s heroics weren’t enough in a losing effort against University Crowley kicked 3/3 and crossed for a try.

7. JANNA RANSOME (Darwin Dragons, Women)

Part of another well rounded performance for the Dragons, Ransome was the pick of the lot. The number 10 scored two tries in her team’s 29-0 win over the Crocs.

6. PHILLIP SCOTT (University Pirates, B-grade)

The outside centre crossed for a well earnt and much needed double in his team’s five point win over the Cougars.

5. SAM KANONGATAA (Casuarina Cougars, A-grade)

The Cougar was ever-reliable in the centre’s at the weekend, crossing for two tries in the match of the round.

4. SHAUN WAUCHOPE (University Pirates, A-grade)

It’s not every day a number 8 gets a double but Wauchope isn’t your average 8. The Pirate was good for 10 points in a winning effort.

3. DANNY POVIA (University Pirates, A-grade)

Another forward from the Pirates that had a blinder and ended up on the score sheet, Povia also snagged two tries over the Cougars.

2. TREY CROWLEY (Casuarina Cougars, A-grade)

The standout in a tough loss, Crowely was involved in everything. The fullback ended up with a try, two conversions and two penalties – half of the team’s total.

1. ROB BUTCHER (University Pirates, A-grade)

On the list for the third week in a row, Butcher had yet another great game at the weekend.

Once again, Butcher’s work from the spot was the story of the day kicking 4/4, plus a penalty, leading the charge in his side’s one-point win.

ROUND 2

10. GEOFFERY RADFORD (University Pirates, B-grade)

Crossing for one and converting one from the spot, Radford was solid in his side’s 29-5 win over the Rabbitohs.

9. ELISA NIKI (Darwin Dragons, Women)

Perennial point scorer and attacking powerhouse, Niki added to her points tally with a try and a two-pointer.

8. HAYDEN AUSTINE (Swampdogs, B-grade)

Falling agonisingly short, 20-16 against the Roos, Austine was the pick of his side kicking three penalties and one conversion.

7. AIDEN MASKEY (Darwin Dragons, B-grade)

Coming off second best at the weekend against a fierce Cougars outfit, Maskey was a shining light for the Dragons crossing for two tries.

6. MATTHEW KELLY (Casuarina Cougars, B-grade)

Integral in a dominant outing at the weekend, the towering number 8 bagged himself a double while being a huge part of his side’s scrum dominance.

5. AEYSHA KAY (Darwin Dragons, Women)

Carrying her round one form into the clash, the fullback had another impressive performance at the weekend crossing for a five-pointer and kicking three from the spot.

4. AARON POLLARD (Darwin Dragons, A-grade)

Pollard’s kicking was the difference in his side’s gutsy two-point win over reigning premiers Cougars, with one conversion and a penalty.

3. MATTHEW SANDERSON (University Pirates, A-grade)

Part of Uni’s impressive win over South Darwin, Sanderson had a great day at the office. He crossed the chalk twice in a 24-point win.

2. ROBERT BUTCHER (University Pirates, A-grade)

Another standout performance from Butcher, he crossed the line for a try and nailed three from the tee in a big 31-7 victory over the Bunnies.

1. NICHOLAS MARTSCHENKO (Casuarina Cougars, B-grade)

Putting up the performance of the round, the big-man was on fire. Scooting out of a maul, catching a sneaky inside ball and bulldozing his way through a flailing Dragons defence, the number 26 scored an impressive hat-trick in his side’s 34-12 win.

ROUND 1

10. JOE CAMERON (Swampdogs, B-grade)

Part of a cruisy 30-0 win over the Palmy Crocs, Cameron found the line two times, and came close a number of times also.

9. KANAE GIMINI (South Darwin Rabbitohs, A-grade)

Part of a second half resurgence that fell agonisingly close of winning, Gimini scored two tries against Palmy in their round 1 match-up, both in the second half.

8. JARRYD LAWTON (South Darwin Rabbitohs, A-grade)

Like Gimini, Lawton also crossed the tryline twice on Saturday. Both coming in the second half, his efforts went in vain as his side lost to the Crocs.

7. JIM PRICE (Palmerston Crocs, A-grade)

Scoring a double at the weekend and both coming in the first half, his 10 points were significant in his side’s three-point victory over Souths.

6. ELISA NIKI (Darwin Dragons, Women)

Crossing for a brace in a comfortable 24-5 win over Uni, Niki put on the gas in the second half, ripping through the defensive line for both tries.

5. ROB BUTCHER (University Pirates, A-grade)

In a close contest, Butcher proved the difference with his boot, kicking his side to a gutsy 17-13 win over the Dragons. Kicking 2/2 from the spot and one penalty, his seven points were invaluable.

4. NATHAN THOMSON-FINN (South Darwin Rabbitohs, A-grade)

In a losing effort but doing enough to get his side back on level terms, Thomson-Finn kicked 4/5 from the spot in the second half, proving he can be clutch in pressure situations.

3. ETHAN DOUGLAS (Palmerston Crocs, A-grade)

Despite being shaky from the spot when it came to converting, Douglas was nearly pinpoint with the laces from penalties. Kicking three and two from 40m plus, he nailed the kick in the final minute to win 36-33.

2. KAGUI GIMINI (South Darwin Rabbitohs, Women)

A crafty player that uses her pace in the 12-aside format, Gimini was on fire in Round 1.

The speedster crossed for four tries during her side’s emphatic 80 point win.

1. NICKI HICKMAN (South Darwin Rabbitohs, Women)

Taking out our top spot for week 1, Bunnies’ Hickman put on a show with the boot in her side’s 80-0 thrashing of the Palmy Crocs. Crossing the line three times and nailing 10 from the spot, Hickman put up 30 points or 37.5 per cent of her team’s total.