Injuries and suspensions continue to cause havoc across the NRL with players in reserve grade looking to push their claims for a spot in the big time.
The NSW Cup staged its own Magic Round with all six matches played at North Sydney Oval.
Penrith slipped to their second straight defeat as they were toppled by the New Zealand Warriors 22-10, while Newtown piled on 40 points in the second half to batter Newcastle.
Elsewhere, the Bulldogs slipped to a shock loss to the Blacktown Workers as Watson Heleta grabbed a hat-trick and the Bears edged the Rabbitohs 30-20 in a high-scoring affair.
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In the QLD Cup, Brisbane bounced back from last week’s hammering to secure a win over Souths Logan in an entertaining battle.
Meanwhile, Northern Pride put 52 points on the Mackay Cutters in a resounding victory and the Devils outlasted the Blackhawks at Bishop Park.
Ethan Sanders – Parramatta Eels
Ethan Sanders reacted to his demotion from Brad Arthur’s side for Magic Round in the best way possible as he had his fingerprints all over the Eels’ 36-14 win over the Magpies.
The halfback crossed for a four-pointer on the stroke of halftime, while also providing two assists and two linebreak assists during a dominant display.
The playmaker got through his work from the boot as he launched bomb after bomb on the Magpies’ backline, while offering a constant threat through his running game as he registered just shy of 150 metres from 17 carries.
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Billy Burns – Newton Jets
Billy Burns has been on the peripheries of Cronulla’s ladder-leading side in first grade as he has featured just two times off the interchange bench so far this year, since his switch from St George Illawarra.
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Against Newcastle, Burns was a clear standout in the backrow as he ran riot in the second half to bag a double in the 52-12 demolition.
Burns crossed for his tries in a brilliant three-minute spell, while he also laid on two assists for the match.
The 25-year-old finished with two tries, two assists, four linebreaks, 178 run metres and 17 tackles.
Dean Matterson – Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles
A number of forwards put their hand up for selection for Manly as Anthony Seibold attempts to snap a three-game losing streak in the NRL this week.
Lehi Hopoate was electric at fullback, Clayton Faulalo registered two assists and Heleta crossed for a treble during a day out for the Blacktown Workers’ backline.
However, with injuries to Matt Lodge and Nathan Brown, Seibold may be looking for options in the forward pack.
Dean Matterson was tireless in the backrow, running for 132 metres, providing a try assist and making 22 tackles.
Veteran Aaron Woods was solid through the middle as he topped his team’s tackle count with 33, while Caleb Navale also impressed at lock.
Tristan Hope – Brisbane Tigers
Tristan Hope contributed 24 points to his side’s total as the reigning premiers got back to winning ways with a 40-34 win over the Magpies.
The hooker scored a first half hat-trick in the space of just eight minutes as the two teams exchanged blows in a 13-try battle.
"I've been really disappointed with the way I've started the season," Hope told QRL.com post-match.
"Obviously, I've been suspended as well so just trying to get some consistency and stay on the park, at the moment.
"It's my job as the hooker to lead the team around and I really think I've taken a big step forward today with my performance. I'm really pleased."
The No.9 nailed five of his seven conversions before also adding a last-minute penalty goal to secure the win.
Judah Rimbu – PNG Hunters
Judah Rimbu played a major role in the Hunters’ hard-fought 36-18 win over Ipswich in Port Moresby.
The hooker got his side on the board in the 20th minute after a fast start from the Jets saw them race into an early lead.
And he then touched down again heading into halftime as the home side went into the break with a narrow 16-14 lead.
Rimbu grabbed his hat-trick late on during a dominant second stanza for the Hunters as he finished with three linebreaks from his eight carries to go with seven tackle busts and a game-high 37 tackles.
