Round six of the NSW Cup began on Good Friday as the South Sydney Rabbitohs beat the high-flying Newtown Jets 32-10 at Accor Stadium.
Penrith’s strong second-half showing led to a big win over Mounties, while on Sunday the exciting St George Illawarra side had a number of young stars once again stake their claim for a chance in first-grade.
(The Queensland Cup will resume next week from a hiatus with a top of the table clash between the Central Queensland Capras and Brisbane Tigers.)
Here’s a wrap up of the most eye-catching performances from reserve grade over the Easter weekend…
MORE: Last week's five standout performers from NSW Cup and QLD Cup
Jaxson Paulo
After a tough start to his NRL season, where he moved from left centre to right wing to being out of the side completely, Jaxson Paulo showed the type of form which could see him re-join the Rabbitohs first-grade side.
Paulo helped get the Bunnies off to a quick start against the Jets, who came into the contest full of confidence after a perfect start to the season. He scored an early try, before capping a dominant display with his second from a grubber kick into the in-goal.
His strong carries and footwork had the Jets defence scrambling to keep him contained. He presents as an option for Jason Demetriou to recall onto the wing against Wests Tigers next week.
Jarrod Croker
As Ricky Stuart’s Raiders continue to struggle, it is surely only a matter of time before their leading point-scorer returns.
Despite the Bears triumphing 28-20 in a close affair, Jarrod Croker got on the scoresheet with an early try and generally showed enough in attack to trouble the ladder-leaders.
His leadership may be just what Canberra needs right now, after Stuart labelled his side ‘pathetic’ after their third loss in four games on Thursday night.
Jayden Sullivan
At WIN Stadium on Sunday, Jayden Sullivan put on a strong showing as the Dragons battered Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles 42-4.
The diminutive Sullivan bossed proceedings; setting up a number of tries while also getting his own name on the score sheet.
The halfback showed a number of nice touches to set up his team-mates, including a deft short ball which allowed Jackson Ford to stream through a hole.
Along with Tyrell Sloan and hattrick hero Jonathan Reuben, the Dragons attack proved far too strong for the Sea Eagles. However, he may have to bide his time in reserve grade, after Anthony Griffin's men were victorious against the Knights.
Mavrik Geyer
After an eye-catching performance in the pre-season, Mavrik Geyer’s injury halted any momentum that he had along with any chance of breaking into the Panther’s first-grade side.
However, as was proven on Friday night in the NRL, their bench is made up of strong forwards who often go under-rated. Geyer could have a chance of making some appearances from off the pine this season.
He scored a crucial try in the second half as Penrith eventually ran out 42-16 victors against Mounties. The tall backrower is definitely a wild card, but his high work-rate and strong carries appear to be ideally suited for Ivan Cleary and his young Panthers team.
