NRL Round 20: Five standout performers in NSW Cup and QLD Cup

Joshua Mayne

NRL Round 20: Five standout performers in NSW Cup and QLD Cup image

We have a new ladder leader in the NSW Cup, with the North Sydney Bears taking top spot from the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs after the two sides faced off.

There were no major changes north of the border, with the Souths Logan Magpies holding firm at the summit of the Queensland Cup.

Here's who caught our eye across the reserve grade competitions this round.

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David Armstrong (Newcastle Knights)

The Knights got Round 20 of the NSW Cup off to a flying start, thrashing the Magpies 46-10 on Friday night.

Their fullback David Armstrong was the star of the show, scoring a hat trick within 60 minutes.

He also ran for 172 metres, picked up one try assist and made five tackle breaks.

Whilst Armstrong wasn't utilised much defensively, he didn't miss a single of his six tackles.

Terrell May (North Sydney Bears)

It's always impressive to see a prop lead a game in running metres, and May did just that on Saturday.

The Bears enforcer was ultra-efficient in his side's 30-6 victory over the Bulldogs, running for 222 metres in just 48 minutes.

He made three tackle breaks and also picked up a line break assist.

Defensively, he was equally impressive, making 20 tackles without a miss.

Ryan Couchman (St George Illawarra Dragons)

Couchman has been a top performer for the Dragons' NSW Cup team this season, and he put on another commendable showing on the weekend.

He was reliable defensively, making a team-high 42 tackles at 91.3 per cent efficiency. 

With the ball in hand he was devasting as well, picking up 144 run metres, making three tackle breaks and even recording a try assist.

His 80-minute effort in the second row helped St George pick up a strong 36-16 win over the Panthers.

Lachlan Hubner (Central Queensland Capras)

It was a demolition in the Queensland Cup this week when the Capras defeated the struggling Jets 46-6. 

Hubner led a dominant forward pack, running for a game-high 234 metres in a strong 60-minute showing at prop.

As part of his versatile performance, he made four tackles breaks, recorded 95.96 per cent tackling efficiency and made a one-on-one strip.

An honourable mention must also go to Capras fullback Blake Moore who scored a hat trick.

Jodeci Baker-Tiraha (Mendi Blackhawks)

It was clinical showing on the wing from Baker-Tiraha on Sunday as the Blackhawks cruised past Clydesdales, winning 42-12.

He bagged a try in each half, made one try assist and picked up four line breaks - the most of any player.

Whilst he only made eight runs, he brought up an efficient 127 run metres.

Joshua Mayne

Joshua Mayne Photo

Joshua Mayne is a content producer for The Sporting News Australia based in Sydney, Australia. He has previously worked as a newsreader at 2SER and journalist at Ministry of Sport. While Joshua’s main passions are football, rugby league, basketball and F1, he will watch any sport that's on. He is still waiting for Arsenal to win the Premier League again.