The NT News rates the top performers from the 2020 NRL NT A-grade premiership so far
AT the half way point of the 2020 NRL NT A-grade premiership the NT News has rated the five most influential players of the season so far
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With five rounds down and five to go in the 2020 NRL NT A-grade premiership the NT News has picked out five of the best or most influential players of the season so far.
The unbeaten Palmerston side has been the obvious standout this season, boasting strong forwards and punishing backs. Though reigning premiers Litchfield are far from out of the fight with their consistent veterans offering plenty of firepower.
5. SAM MCAULEY (LITCHFIELD BEARS)
A try scoring machine in the Litchfield forwards who knows how to pick the right line at the right time. His work alongside his side’s big units Brody Race and Dillan Vanderburg has stood out this season and given the side the momentum needed to score the big 66-10 win over Nightcliff in Round 5.
4. LEON ROTUMAH (DARWIN BROTHERS)
Despite only playing two rounds in the Brothers outfit the veteran has been an almost instant standout. Managing four tries on his 2020 debut against South Darwin and then inspiring the side’s second win over Sharks proves the five eighth is in good form. But his presence has also seen Brothers tighten up in focus and discipline, both areas they struggled with in earlier rounds.
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3. SHANE SMITH (PALMERSTON RAIDERS)
Forwards win games and the work of Shane Smith upfront has certainly helped Palmerston remain undefeated. His hard nosed defence and his ability to get over the ball has brought his side plenty of time with ball in hand. He was pivotal for the Raiders’ against both Brothers and Dragons giving the side plenty of go forward in crucial moments.
2. MATT GOODFELLOW (LITCHFIELD BEARS)
There’s rarely a list of NRL NT players that doesn’t contain the veteran halfback and dual Frank Johnson medallist and there’s no change here. Goodfellow’s kicking from both hand and tee has been second to none with his pinpoint accuracy putting many an opposition on the back foot. Injuries to captain Luke Mahood has also seen Goodfellow step in to steer the ship on more than one occasion.
1. WILL SMITH (PALMERSTON RAIDERS)
Number one had to go to the unbeaten Raiders and Smith has been in the centre of a lot of what has made the side tick this season. His strong running lines both in support and with ball in hand has inspired many a team try, alongside his work on the counter-attack in tandem with full back Alex Johnson. While he has been a consistent standout this season his performance against Litchfield was perhaps his best working hard to give his side the edge in the heavyweight matchup.
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Agree or disagree, let us know what you think. Who has been your standout so far this season?
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