NRL Round 2: Standout performers from NSW Cup and QLD Cup

Tom Naghten

NRL Round 2: Standout performers from NSW Cup and QLD Cup image

Several NRL teams will be licking their wounds after some lacklustre performances in round two.

The Dragons in particular could be looking to reserve grade to spark them next week, while the Tigers, Roosters, Bulldogs and Rabbitohs could also swing some changes.

In reserve grade, the Panthers, Raiders, Bears and Roosters all had big wins in NSW Cup, while the Pride, Capras, Cutters and Jets will be happy with their work in Queensland.

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The Sporting News delves into the performances of some of the standouts across NSW Cup and QLD Cup below. 

Soni Luke - Penrith Panthers

In just 41 minutes, Panthers hooker Soni Luke scored a try and set up another as his side claimed a 24-4 win over the Eels.

It was a big day for a number of his teammates as well, with Isaiah Longi running for 241 metres, scoring a try and recording 11 tackle busts, Paul Alamoti scoring two tries, making two offloads and 19 tackles and Riley Price running for 190 metres.

James Schiller - Canberra Raiders

Canberra speedster James Schiller was the star of the show as his team put 50 on the Wests Magpies.

Schiller crossed for three tries in the big win, showcasing his turn of foot while dominating at right centre.

A mention must also go out to Heath Mason in a losing effort for the Magpies after the fullback went the distance to score an eye-catching kick-return try.

Christian Tuipulotu - St George Illawarra Dragons

The Dragons had a dirty week in first grade and coach Shane Flanagan could be tempted to swing the axe.

If he wants to make a change in the outside backs, Christian Tuipulotu did his chances of a first-grade call-up no harm with a solid performance in a 30-16 win over the Knights.

Tuipulotu scored a try and broke nine tackles in the win.

Young backrower Ryan Couchman will also be walking away happy after crossing for two tries.

Angus Crichton - Sydney Roosters

Some players are just too good for reserve grade and that looked to be the case with Angus Crichton on Sunday. 

The former NSW and Australian rep recorded 183 run metres (72 post-contact), two line breaks, two try assists, three tackle busts and four offloads in his side's 34-12 win.

It was a big day for several Roosters, with halves Zack Docker-Clay and Hugo Savala combining for five tries between them, while Connor Watson made 50 tackles.

Jodeci Tiraha - Northern Pride

Blessed with pace to burn, Jodeci Tiraha starred as Northern Pride defeated Brisbane Tigers, 38-12.

Tiraha ran for just under 200 metres, including 93 post-contact, making a line break and a try assist to push his case for a first-grade debut for North Queensland.

Joshua Patston - Burleigh Bears

The Bears claimed a big 30-10 win over the Blackhawks and backrower Joshua Patston had a big say in the result.

In 61 minutes, he scored a try, ran for 132 metres, made two linebreaks, a try assist, five tackle breaks and three offloads.

Tom Naghten

Tom Naghten Photo

Tom Naghten is a senior editor at The Sporting News Australia where he's been part of the team since 2017. He predominantly covers boxing and MMA. In his spare time, he likes to watch Robbie Ahmat's goal against the Kangaroos at the SCG in 2000.