In a decision that has caused a similar reaction as Billy Slater winning the Wally Lewis Medal in this year's State of Origin, Shaun Johnson was named man of the match as the Kiwis ran out 26-24 winners over the Kangaroos.
Johnson was solid, and put on some of his patented brilliant footwork in the lead-up to a crucial second half try, but there were plenty of others who stood out.
Joseph Manu was exceptional on debut.
Coming up against his much more hyped Roosters teammate Latrell Mitchell, Manu didn't take a backward step.
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There were a couple of early defensive hiccups, but Manu put on a powerful fend on Mitchell in crossing for a first-half try.
The Bunker robbed him of a hand in a second try, to Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, but his off-load game was on-point in the second half as Jordan Rapana scored in the corner.
Brandon Smith, also playing on debut, didn't miss a beat.
His emotional reaction to the national anthem was just one highglight as the Melbourne Storm hooker scored a try and went close to scoring another in an impressive performance.
Watene-Zelezniak, who rose to the occasion in his first Test as captain, was another player in with a chance.
Even Johnson was surprised by the award.
"I thought it could've been one of our forwards - take your pick - they were awesome," Johnson said afterwards.
"Joey Manu on my side was deadly and Dallin bringing the ball forward as well."
Rugby league fans on both sides of the ditch weren't happy.
How did Manu not get man of the match ? #AUSvNZ #RoosKiwis
— Nikki (@Easts4Life) October 13, 2018
Shaun Johnson man of the match? 😕#NZLvAUS #RoosKiwis
— Andy Pan (@Rewster7) October 13, 2018
Nah! The Waiheke kid #hooker should have got Man of the Match !!! 😳 @NZRL_Kiwis !!!
— Ali Leonard (@AliLeonardMC) October 13, 2018
SJ man of the match 😂 #RoosKiwis
— Orma (@TheRealOrma) October 13, 2018
How the hell did Shaun Johnson get Man of The Match it should have been Brendan Smith or DWZ #NZvAUS
— Darren Coleman (@DazzaColeman) October 13, 2018
Joseph Manu should of been the Man of the match!👊🏽#RoosKiwis
— Junior Lemalu (@junzlemalu) October 13, 2018
How did Dallin not win Man of the Match.#KiwisRoos
— Bullbardanger (@LucerneUp) October 13, 2018
Ummm Joseph Manu or Isaac Liu was my man of the match.. #KiwisRoos #TeIwiKiwi
— Wade Brunsdon (@wadey_bee) October 13, 2018
My man of the match would have been the Cpt or Joseph Manu 👀 #KiwisRoos
— R. (@rfolau) October 13, 2018
Shaun Johnson MOTM? How?
— BIGBOYNRLBOSS (@Moonboot10) October 13, 2018
Solid tweet.
Billy Slater man of the match #RoosKiwis #NRL
— Pat 🐉 (@LeFIash) October 13, 2018
