1. Tom Trbojevic
After a slow start to the season, Tommy Turbo hit some form against a struggling Canberra side who are yet to pick up their first victory of the season. In a dominating display, Trbojevic recorded six tackle busts, four try assists, three line breaks, three offloads, three line break assists and a try to go along with his 205 running metres. Wow!
2. Phillip Sami
The unknown Philip Sami became a cult hero after a starring performance to lead his side to an upset win over the Brisbane Broncos. In just his eighth first grade appearance; Sami scored a hattrick, set another up and recorded 200 run metres.
3. Solomone Kata
Scored a try and broke five tackles against a Roosters side who never really got out of the blocks. Kata was strong defensively and ran for 170 metres as he hits back to form after a disappointing 2017 season.
4. Esan Marsters
Marsters has proved to be the form centre in the competition in the opening rounds of the season. Set up two tries, ran for 170 run metres and was once again Wests go to source for their second phase play with five offloads.
5. Nene Macdonald
If Esan Marsters has been the form centre of the NRL over the opening month of football, then Nene Macdonald has been the form winger. Scored another two tries and ran for 180 metres in a scintillating performance.
6. Blake Green
New Zealand’s upset victory over the Sydney Roosters had much to do with Green’s calmness under pressure and exceptional kicking game. Green recorded 330 kick metres and forced two dropouts in a display which has seen him touted for State of Origin honours.
7. James Maloney
Wound the clock back to put in his best performance in recent seasons. Scored 21 of Penrith’s 33 points in a dominating display which saw him outplay his counterpart Johnathan Thurston from the get-go. Two-try assists and a mammoth 500 kicking metres. Stood up in the absence of Nathan Cleary; may find himself partnered with Blake Green in the halves for New South Wales this season.
8. Ryan James
Returned to form in a near 80-minute performance. Made 40 tackles, ran for 130 metres and set up a try.
9. Issac Luke
It’s great to see Issac Luke return to playing the football we all know he’s capable of. Ran for 117 metres from dummy-half, was influential in attack and was strong in defence too with an effective tackle rate of 100 percent.
10. James Graham
James Graham has proved the critics wrong in the opening month of the season. With many thinking the big brit may have been done after an injury-riddled two seasons at the Bulldogs, Graham has responded in fashion. Against Newcastle, he ran for 180 metres and recorded 40 tackles in a 60-minute performance.
11. Tohu Harris
The signing of the season. In another strong performance, Harris ran for over 100 run metres with the ball in hand, showcased his ball playing skills with yet another try assist and broke three tackles.
12. Viliame Kikau
The breakout performer of the season thus far. Came back to haunt his former club with a barnstorming try and his strong carries.
13. Jake Trbojevic
Tried his best to match his younger brother’s form with a try of his own, 34 tackles and 120 run metres. Also managed three tackle breaks and two offloads in his best performance of the season to date.
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