It’s the first Weekend Wrap of 2016! In Round 1 we saw plenty of new faces, along with some upsets, some dominant performances and some great finishes.
Around the Grounds
The season started with a big win for Parrramata over Brisbane, with a sublime performance from Eels’ halfback Troy Dargan. On Friday, Canterbury look to put some disappointing years behind them with a dominant display over last year’s runners-up, Manly. Canberra snatched a late victory in Round 1’s televised game, scoring a last minute try to defeat Penrith. The Tigers and Sharks got off to strong starts over formidable opposition on Saturday afternoon, defeating the Warriors and Cowboys respectively. On Sunday, the Roosters put 40 past arch-rivals South Sydney, the Knights defeated the Titans by 16 and a new-look Melbourne outfit came from 18 points down to upset the Dragons on the Sunshine Coast.
Fresh Faces
Due the turnover of players in Under 20’s football, we saw 102 players make their NYC debut in Round 1. Penrith, last year’s Premiers, were the least affected club with just two debutants, while Melbourne debuted a whopping 12 players in their 20-point win over the Dragons. The Knights introduced 10 new players, while the Sea Eagles, Cowboys, Tigers and Warriors all had 8 rookies.
The Kids Are Alright
Speaking of the Storm, not only did they pull off their 20-point win with 12 rookies, but they did it after being down 24-6 after 30 minutes. They managed to score twice before half time before running in five unanswered tries in the second half. It was Melbourne’s first game at their new home base on the Sunshine Coast, against a Dragons side featuring just 4 new faces and a host of returning players. Local boy Nat McGavin was named man of the match, scoring a double and running for over 200 metres.
Back to the Future
Our first televised game for 2016 was a gripping encounter in the nation’s capital, in which the Raiders’ pipped the Panthers on the buzzer thanks to some familiar names. In the last minute, Woolford (Zac) broke from dummy half to set up Croker (Lachlan) for the game winner. Zac, of course, the son Canberra legend Simon Woolford and Lachlan, the nephew of 300-gamer Jason Croker. Lachlan will make his first grade debut , while Zac will captain the NYC side in his absence.
Shark Warning
It’s been a lean couple of years for the Sharks’ NYC side and with only one finals appearance since 2008, there hasn’t been much to write home about. But after success in the lower grades over the past few seasons are we about to see a Cronulla resurgence in the Holden Cup? A strong first up win in Townsville and plenty of depth in their squad would suggest that the Sharks are well in the hunt for the top eight in 2016.
Round 2’s Televised Game
Canberra v Sydney Roosters – GIO Stadium – Saturday, March 12
10:30am – FOX Sports 1
Just the one televised game in the earlier rounds and Canberra will make their second appearance as they host the Roosters. The Raiders have made just one change, with Zeik Foster making his debut in the halves in place of Lachlan Croker. The Roosters are unchanged after their big win over Souths, naming the same 20-man squad they did in Round 1. Keep an eye on the number four’s for both sides, Nick Cotric (Raiders) and Kiah Cooper (Roosters). Both players were impressive on debut in their side’s respective Round 1 victories. Cotric ran for 139 metres, made 2 linebreaks and set up a try, while Cooper scored a try, ran for 121 metres and broke 10 tackles.
Team of the Week
As it’s impossible to watch every Holden Cup game of the round, the team of the week is chosen statistically.
1 Matthew Dufty (SGI) [1 try, 131m, 12 tackle busts, 2 linebreaks, 1 linebreak assist]
2 Jermaine Mati-Leifi (PAR) [3 tries, 125m, 8 tackle busts, 1 linebreak]
3 Robert Jennings (PEN) [2 tries, 199m, 1 try assist, 3 tackle busts, 2 linebreak, 1 linebreak assist]
4 Nick Cotric (CAN) [139m, 1 try assist, 9 tackle busts, 1 offload, 2 linebreaks]
5 Nat McGavin (MEL) [2 tries, 213m, 4 tackle busts, 2 linebreaks]
6 Veiru Mapesone (WST) [140m, 1 try, 1 try assists, 9 tackle busts, 1 linebreak, 3 linebreak assists]
7 Troy Dargan (PAR) [1 try, 4 try assists, 1 tackle bust, 1 linebreak, 2 linebreak assists, 1 40/20]
8 Josh Kerr (MEL) [1 try, 195m, 1 try assist, 6 tackle busts, 2 offloads, 2 linebreaks]
9 Jayden Brailey (CRO) [2 try assists, 43 tackles, 3 linebreak assists]
10 Jaimin Jolliffe (CRO) [2 tries, 170m, 1 try assist, 2 tackle busts, 23 tackles, 1 linebreak]
11 Jack Williams (CAN) [1 try, 132m, 3 tackle busts, 25 tackles, 2 offloads, 1 linebreaks]
12 Esan Marsters (WST) [2 tries, 150m, 7 tackle busts, 17 tackles, 2 linebreaks]
13 Nat Butcher (SYD) [194m, 2 try assists, 2 tackle busts, 39 tackles, 2 offloads, 1 linebreak, 1 linebreak assist]
14 Jack Cogger (NEW) [1 try, 129m, 1 try assist, 5 tackle busts, 15 tackles, 2 offloads, 1 linebreak]
15 Darcy Maroske (CBY) [205m, 1 tackle bust, 16 tackles]
16 Junior Tatola (WST) [1 try, 178m, 7 tackle busts, 23 tackles, 1 linebreak]
17 Lachlan Croker (CAN) [2 tries, 1 try assist, 2 tackle busts, 1 linebreak, 1 linebreak assist]
Player of the Week
Nat Butcher (Sydney Roosters)
The former Australian Schoolboy representative was immense in his side’s win in Round 1. Against his former club, Butcher ran for a whopping 194 metres and lead the tackle count with 39. Not just a rock in defence, Butcher added two try assists, two offloads and a linebreak assist in attack as the Roosters ran out 20 point victors.
That’s it for this week’s Weekend Wrap. If there’s anything you’d like to see in future edition’s, feel free to leave any comments or feedback. If you’re heading to a game this weekend, get their early and enjoy the Holden Cup.
18TH MAN 