SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES - APRIL 04: Will Hopoate of the Bulldogs runs the ball during the round five NRL match between the Canterbury Bulldogs and the Canberra Raiders at Belmore Sports Ground on April 4, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)
SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES - APRIL 04: Will Hopoate of the Bulldogs runs the ball during the round five NRL match between the Canterbury Bulldogs and the Canberra Raiders at Belmore Sports Ground on April 4, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)

7. Will Hopoate (Bulldogs)

Hopoate’s time at the Eels was criminally underwhelming, but his time at the Dogs has helped rid many fans of those memories. Thrust into the fullback spot following an injury to Brett Morris, Hoppa has played above expectation. He has scored six tries, including a try in each of his first five games, and has put on two further. He will miss plenty of footy coming up due to religious beliefs which may affect his overall value, but to date Hoppa has been an astute signing.

6. Matt Parcell (Sea Eagles)

Although the majority of recruits who ended up on the northern beaches have failed to match the hype in which they arrived, Matt Parcell has stood head and shoulders above. Although he missed two games through injury, his efforts across his seven games to date have given Manly fans something to smile about in a tough opening two or so months. Although he only has one try and one try assist to his name, his defence has been top quality and his distribution has been very good.

5. James Maloney (Sharks)

Maloney, despite being a little down on form compared to his late 2015 for the Roosters, has helped lead the Sharks to a seven and two start to the 2016 season. Encouragingly for the Sharks he seems to play better every week, and probably sits favourite to claim a return to NSW rep honours. Four tries and four try assists go a long way to proving why the Sharks made him their top priority after missing out on Cherry Evans. Looking at the start to the season, the Sharks look as though, with a little luck, they made the right call.

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