Each week of the NRL season, the NSWRL.com.au staff writers will have their say on the round's best performing New South Welshmen. These are based entirely on the opinions of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the NSWRL or the selection process for the Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues. Captaincy is awarded based on that week’s on-field performance and is not based on club captaincy or leadership qualities.
1. Clint Gutherson
Club: Parramatta Eels; NSW Origin appearances: 0; 2019 TOTW selections: 3
The Parramatta fullback was in sizzling form against the hapless Wests Tigers at the opening of Bankwest Stadium on Easter Monday. He ran for 190 metres (second only behind winger Maika Sivo with 196m), had two try assists, two linebreak assists, one linebreak and one tackle bust.
2. Daniel Tupou
Club: Sydney Roosters: NSW Origin appearances: 3; 2019 TOTW selections: 2
The Sydney Roosters winger has been in good form this season and while he might not have crossed for a try against Melbourne he still managed to have an impact. He ran for 182 metres and helped set up the first try for Latrell Mitchell.
3. Latrell Mitchell (C)
Club: Sydney Roosters; NSW Origin appearances: 3 2019 TOTW selections: 2
The Sydney Roosters centre was at his absolute menacing best for the Good Friday blockbuster against Melbourne. He scored a try, set another one up for James Tedesco after swatting away two Storm defenders, and landed the match-winning field goal in golden point from a long way out. Deserves the captaincy.
4. Joseph Leilua
Club: Canberra Raiders; NSW Origin appearances: 0; 2019 TOTW selections: 2
The Canberra centre can be a handful when he is switched on and that was certainly the case against Brisbane on Easter Sunday. He scored two tries, including one where he barged his way past four defenders on his way to the line, had two linebreaks and six tackle busts.
5. Josh Dugan
Club: Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks; NSW Origin appearances: 12; 2019 TOTW selections: 2
Dugan started the season for Cronulla in the centres, shifted to fullback to cover for the injured Matt Moylan and was shifted again to the wing to face the Panthers. While he didn’t have his strongest game after a couple of early errors he redeemed himself after sending teenager Bronson Xerri on his way to score a memorable try before popping up in support to grab the match-winner.
6. Tyrone Roberts
Club: Gold Coast Titans; NSW Origin appearances: 0; 2019 TOTW selections: 1
The Gold Coast five-eighth has been hampered by an Achilles problem this season but showed no sign of discomfort against Newcastle. He scored two tries, set up another, had one linebreak, one linebreak assist and kicked for 647 metres.
7. Mitchell Moses
Club: Parramatta Eels; NSW Origin appearances: 0; 2019 TOTW selections: 2
The Parramatta halfback tormented his former club Wests Tigers with a dazzling display at Bankwest Stadium. He had the distinction of being the first NRL player to score a try at the new ground, set up three others, had two linebreak assists, one linebreak, landed seven goals and even kicked a field goal at the end to rub salt into the Tigers’ wounds.
8. Jordan McLean
Club: North Queensland Cowboys; NSW Origin appearances: 0; 2019 TOTW selections: 3
The North Queensland prop turned in a tough performance against the Warriors at Mt Smart Stadium to help get his team a much-needed win. He had 18 carries for 182 metres and made 25 tackles.
9. Damien Cook
Club: South Sydney Rabbitohs; NSW Origin appearances: 3; 2019 TOTW selections: 3
The South Sydney hooker got caught up in a dour contest against the Bulldogs on Good Friday but still managed to shine. He ran for 109 metres and set up a try for flying fullback Alex Johnston with a perfectly timed grubber kick.
10. Payne Haas
Club: Brisbane Broncos; NSW Origin appearances: 0; 2019 TOTW selections: 1
The Brisbane prop has only recently returned from a club suspension and was rewarded for a strong game against Wests Tigers with a spot in the starting side. He played for 80 minutes, had 19 carries for 170 metres, three tackle busts and made 36 tackles. Not bad for a 20-year-old.
11. Shaun Lane
Club: Parramatta Eels; NSW Origin appearances: 0; 2019 TOTW selections: 1
Parramatta was keen to land the former Manly backrower to lend some punch to their team into attack and he didn’t disappoint in the Easter Monday demolition of Wests Tigers. Lane ran for 123 metres, scored a try, set up another, had two linebreaks and two tackle busts.
12. Boyd Cordner
Club: Sydney Roosters; NSW Origin appearances: 11; 2019 TOTW selections: 3
The Sydney Roosters backrower led by example in the top of the table clash against Melbourne. He had 14 carries for 124 metres, came up with 29 tackles and was still there at the end to take the final hit-up for Latrell Mitchell to land the match-winning field goal.
13. Cameron Murray
Club: South Sydney Rabbitohs; NSW Origin appearances: 0; 2019 TOTW selections: 4
The South Sydney lock only played 59 minutes against the Bulldogs but made them all count. He had 18 carries for 166 metres, one linebreak assist, two tackle busts, two offloads and made 39 tackles.
14. Michael Jennings
Club: Parramatta Eels; NSW Origin appearances: 18; 2019 TOTW selections: 2
The Parramatta centre turned back the clock in a memorable performance against the Wests Tigers. He scored two tries (including one where he ran back infield to make the defence look silly), ran for 157 metres, made two line breaks and five tackle busts.
15. Jake Trbojevic
Club: Manly Warringah Sea Eagles; NSW Origin appearances: 6; 2019 TOTW selections: 4
The Manly lock is the heart and the soul of the club and was strong again in the heartbreaking loss to St George Illawarra. Over the course of 80 minutes he had 17 carries for 164 metres, one tackle bust and 31 tackles.
16. Paul Vaughan
Club: St George Illawarra Dragons; NSW Origin appearances: 3; 2019 TOTW selections: 5
The Dragons prop went into the match against Manly under an injury cloud but turned in a strong display. He had 17 carries for 154 metres, two tackle busts, two offloads and 33 tackles.
17. Junior Paulo
Club: Parramatta Eels; NSW Origin appearances: 0; 2019 TOTW selections: 1
The human wrecking ball has been in good form this season after returning to Parramatta and was a handful for the Tigers defence on Easter Monday. He had 18 tackles for 164 metres, one linebreak assist, two tackle busts, two offloads and 21 tackles.
