There was a shortage of matches in the VB NSW Cup this weekend, but still plenty of individual performances backed up by statistical analysis.
Mitch Cornish kicked a clutch conversion in the 34-all draw between Mounties and North Sydney Bears, and also led the round in try assists with three. He also made two linebreak assists, and had the best goal-kicking percentage of the round in his five goals from six attempts. Latrell Schaumkel scored a hat-trick for the Bears, while Cameron McInnes made 39 tackles along with his 40/20 kick for touch. Cody Walker was the star for the Bears as he scored a try, set two up, made two linebreak assists and kicked a 40/20. Darren Nicholls also played well with two linebreaks, a linebreak assist, a try, a chargedown, four tackle breaks and a try assist.
Illawarra Cutters’ forwards Russell Packer and Sam Coster led the tackle count for the round with 56 and 52 respectively in their 30-22 win over Wentworthville Magpies. Tyrone Cranston, Junior Vaivai, Eli Roberts, and Shannon Wakeman all clocked up over 160 metres for the Cutters, while Roberts broke an outstanding 10 tackles. Cody Nelson returned from a first grade stint to make 46 tackles for the Magpies, and also broke four tackles in attack.
Nathan Ross was outstanding for the Newcastle Knights in their 48-14 defeat of Manly Sea Eagles. He scored three tries, ran for 231 metres, made three linebreaks and broke 11 tackles – which were the leading numbers in all four of these statistic groups. Jaelen Feeney set up two tries and had two linebreak assists, while Lachlan Fitzgibbon ran for 178 metres, broke seven tackles and got two offloads away. The Sea Eagles were the worst completing team of the round with 67%, and ran a round low 1,107 metres with the ball, however Justin Horo led the way with hitups this round with 15.
