APN’S NRL team of the week: Round 1
UPSETS, comebacks, controversies, concussions and stunning tries launched the 2014 NRL season. Here is the APN Team of the Week from round one.
Fullback: GREG INGLIS (Souths): Three tries. Scary stuff for opposition sides and especially NSW Origin coach Laurie Daley.
Winger: SEMI RADRADRA (Eels): This Fijian flyer's three-try performance had tongues wagging and rival Origin camps plotting to get him into a Blue or Maroon jersey.
Winger: DANIEL VIDOT (Broncos): Scored a try, made two tackle busts and 152m from 19 carries. Another winger in the Sailor/Tuqiri mould?
Centre: STEVE MATAI (Sea Eagles): His aggressive power game got Manly off to a flying start against Melbourne with two tries.
Centre: DANE GAGAI (Knights): Had an excellent game in a side down on troops, making more than 100m with the ball.
Five-eighth: GARETH WIDDOP (Dragons): Eight-from-eight with the boot and four try assists on debut for the Dragons.
Halfback: ADAM REYNOLDS (Souths): Round one wasn't a big one for halfbacks, but Reynolds overshadowed Roosters and NSW Origin halfback Mitchell Pearce.
Prop: SAM BURGESS (Souths): Bashed out a tough 172m and laid the platform for Souths' upset over the Roosters.
Hooker: ANDREW MCCULLOUGH (Broncos): A toss up with Storm's Cameron Smith. McCullough's 54 tackles against a massive Bulldogs pack got him the nod.
Prop: NIGEL PLUM (Panthers): Upstaged the big names with 20 hit-ups and 152m as Penrith made a big opening round statement.
2nd Row: JASON TAUMALOLO (Cowboys): His effort against Canberra was Sonny Bill Williams-like. Taumalolo went 207m and made 22 tackles in 80 minutes.
2nd Row: MANU MA'U (Eels): (pictured) Eye-catching game with 168m, five tackle busts and two line breaks, which led to a contract upgrade.
Lock: ADAM DOCKER (Eels): Narrowly took the honours from Souths lock John Sutton with 81m and 23 tackles.
Do you agree with our selection? Have your say in the comments section below.
