Another round of reserve grade action came to a conclusion yesterday when Canterbury downed Parramatta 30-20 to cap a memorable day for the club. Elsewhere, there was a welcome return from injury for a luckless Rooster, while a young Canberra forward seems to have grown in confidence after having a taste of first-grade action last week.
Here are some of the standout performers from another entertaining week of reserve grade action.
Jackson Topine
Coach Mick Potter is unlikely to want to change a winning side after his first-grade team put on their best performance in years against Parramatta. However, Chris Patolo was ruled out with a head knock and Joe Stimson and Zach Dockar-Clay didn’t offer much off the bench. Topine looms as a potential x-factor after he ran for over 100m, made 33 tackles and scored a brilliant individual try.
Sam Verrils
Verrils made a welcome return from injury, with a short cameo off the bench for the victorious North Sydney Bears. The 23-year-old, who has struggled to string a run of games together in the top grade, set up a try and made a linebreak assist as he is eased back from a broken collarbone. The hooker may well have to bide his time in reserve grade, but his eventual return will be a boost for the Tricolours in the second half of the season.
Trey Mooney
After making his NRL debut in the last round, Mooney took his form back to reserve grade where the Raiders beat Penrith 34-12. The big forward put in an all-round performance with over 150 running metres and 25 tackles. The 20-year-old’s impressive power was also on display, as he busted through eight tackles in a dominant game that will have done his chances of earning another call-up no harm.
Tyron Wishart
In a losing side, Wishart put in an impressive amount of work from five-eighth. He notched a double and recorded two linebreaks, as the Sunshine Coast Falcons went down to the Burleigh Bears 32-22. If Craig Bellamy wants to have some back-up for Ryan Papenhuyzen upon his return, the versatile Wishart may well be the man selected on the bench.
Brendan Piakura
Given the shocking amount of injuries Brisbane's first-grade side suffered against Canberra, plenty of young Broncos are in with a shot of a call-up. Playing in the backrow, Piakura's Norths Devils narrowly held on to beat Northern Pride 26-22. The exciting young forward scored his side's only try in the second half which ultimately proved to be the match-winner.
