Each week of the NRL season, nswrl.com.au staff writers will have their say on the best-performing players in the state. They are based entirely on the opinion of the staff writers and do not reflect the opinions of the NSWRL or the selection process for the Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues. Captaincy is based purely on performance and not on club captaincy or leadership qualities and players are chosen from the positions they played that round.
1. Tom Trbojevic (C)
Club: Manly Warringah Sea Eagles; Origin appearances: 3; 2019 TOTW selections: 1
It was incredible performance from Tom Trbojevic in his first game for 2019 with two tries, three linebreaks and two try-assists to go with 171 run metres. Simply unstoppable.
2. Anthony Don
Club: Gold Coast Titans; Origin appearances: 0; 2019 TOTW selections: 1
Don became the greatest try-scorer in Gold Coast Titans history with his four-pointer in the second-half. Caused plenty of havoc for the Souths defence with 152 total run metres.
3. Jesse Ramien
Club: Newcastle Knights; Origin appearances: 0; 2019 TOTW selections: 1
Scored a great try in the first-half and posed as a constant threat for the Knights with five tackle-breaks and 117 total run metres.
4. Josh Morris
Club: Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks; Origin appearances: 14; 2019 TOTW selections: 1
Wound back the clock with two tries in the second-half to guide the Sharks to a comfortable win over the Cowboys. Was defensively strong as always with 11 tackles.
5. Campbell Graham
Club: South Sydney Rabbitohs; Origin appearances: 0; 2019 TOTW selections: 1
Playing well beyond his years with his second TOTW selection for 2019. His two tries was matched with 142 run metres and four tackle-breaks.
6. Cody Walker
Club: South Sydney Rabbitohs; Origin appearances: 0; 2019 TOTW selections: 1
Playing with plenty of confidence and was instrumental in the Rabbitohs win over the Titans. Had a hand in two tries, one of which being a pinpoint cross-field kick for Graham for a vital try in the second-half.
7. Chad Townsend
Club: Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks; Origin appearances: 0; 2019 TOTW selections: 1
Engineered an attacking masterclass for the Sharks in their second-half blitz with two tries and a long-range run which lead to another. Reliable as always.
8. Paul Vaughan
Club: St George Illawarra Dragons; Origin appearances: 3; 2019 TOTW selections: 2
Well and truly matched the stature of the Broncos forward pack with a barnstorming display at Suncorp. Ran for 189 metres and made 38 tackles.
9. Cameron McInnes
Club: St George Illawarra Dragons; Origin appearances: 0; 2019 TOTW selections: 1
Inspired an upset victory for the Dragons with an impressive individual try to open the scoring and laid on another for Korbin Sims. Was relentless in defence with 45 tackles.
10. Jordan Mclean
Club: North Queensland Cowboys; Origin appearances: 0; 2019 TOTW selections: 2
Starred for the Cowboys despite the loss with a try and 134 run metres. Worked tirelessly in defence with 25 tackles.
11. Tariq Sims
Club: St George Illawarra Dragons; Origin appearances: 1; 2019 TOTW selections: 1
Along with Vaughan, he stunned the Broncos forward pack with some brutal defensive efforts and ran for 83 metres. His 24 tackles topped off a dominant Man of the match performance.
12. Joel Thompson
Club: Manly Warringah Sea Eagles; Origin appearances: 0; 2019 TOTW selections: 1
Helped the Sea Eagles bounce back in fitting style with some strong carries helping him to 112 run metres. Showed great desparation with an impressive put-down for his try in the first-half.
13. Adam Elliott
Club: Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs; Origin appearances: 0; 2019 TOTW selections: 1
Few tipped the Bulldogs to run riot over the Tigers and this man was key in doing so. He provided significant impact off the bench with 164 run metres, 25 tackles and scored a powerful try to ice the win.
14. James Tedesco
Club: Sydney Roosters; Origin appearances: 7; 2019 TOTW selections: 1
Tedesco was a key figure in the Roosters victory over the Eels and he took the game by the scruff of the neck when his team needed it most. He was dynamic at the back with two tries, one try-assist and 11 tackle-breaks.
15. Josh Jackson
Club: Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs; Origin appearances: 9; 2019 TOTW selections: 1
He admitted he was out of form to start the 2019 season but Jackson responded in only the best way he knew how. He inspired the Bulldogs to an upset victory with 104 run metres and 43 tackles. A true captain's knock.
16. Matt Prior
Club: Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks; Origin appearances: 1; 2019 TOTW selections: 1
The game was well in the balance shortly after half-time but Prior took it upon himself to spark his side with 111 run metres and a handy try-assist. Integral to the Sharks outfit.
17. Dale Finucane
Club: Melbourne Storm; Origin appearances: 0; 2019 TOTW selections: 2
Produced a typical hard-working performance for the Storm with 137 run metres, 25 tackles and 59 post-contact metres.
