Kiwi NRL Stocks Round 3
Stocks Up
Manu Ma'u - The Warriors really struggled defensively on their right edge, especially went Ben Henry went to right centre but a lot of this had to do with Ma'u who continues to look like a beast. First of all he's a power player who plays with aggression, but he plays 80 minutes and every week he plays he looks to be a step above. 80 minutes, three tackle busts, an offload, 32 tackles and 142 metres.
Ben Matulino - There's a few guys who have set up shop in the Stocks Up list with Matulino and Manu Vatuvei joining Ma'u. Matulino has started the season extremely well for the Warriors and we need to reward consistency. Matulino once again got through plenty of work with 17 carries (only Ma'a and Vatuvei had more) for 143 metres, but his ball playing and offloads will see the Warriors be a difficult opponent.
Manu Vatuvei - I'm not sure what's click for our main man Manu but once again, consistency is rewarded. 19 carries for 203 metres is a monster effort for a winger and points to plenty of involvement off the wing and when you're making seven tackles busts in those carries, you're doing your team a huge service. Manu is making his way into the best winger conversation which is awesome.
Justin Horo - You're back on the park mate so stocks are up.
Jordan Kahu - He looked a bit iffy at fullback last week but this week he was not only fantastic under the high ball but also up in the front line when at centre. Kahu definitely made hay while the sun was shining against the Cowboys with a try, two try assists, six tackle breaks and 115 metres carrying the footy. He looks to be nailing an NRL spot and there will come a time when the Broncos are at full strength where it's going to be pretty difficult to leave him out of the side.
Kodi Nikorima - Grew his game from bench hooker to a bit of fullback as well, versatility is always handy.
Bill Tupou - The Raiders were pretty average but Bill was back on the field. With Ricky Stuart likely to keep the changes flowing as the Raiders try nail some better performances, it'll be interesting to see where Bill features in these plans.
Tohu Harris - This kid goes good. Two tries on a Melbourne Storm left edge that looked lethal with 140 metres, eight tackle breaks and a few line breaks as well. He's going to be a huge part of the Storm as they look to keep reinventing themselves.
Sam Tagatese - Another lad who is back on the NRL field, that's good enough for me.
Jeremy Smith - His productivity has definitely dropped over the years but he still does a very good job for the Newcastle Knights. Smith only got through 44 minutes but got himself a meat pie as well as two tackle breaks which is funny for a player like Smith.
Siosiua Taukeiaho - The rise of this young man can only make you smile as he's having a huge impact off the bench for the Roosters. Four tackle breaks in 24 minutes of footy, Taukeiaho is looking more and more at home in the NRL.
Stocks Down
Benji Marshall - The Dragons got the win which was lovely but when you're missing six tackles in the NRL, your stocks can only head one way.
Jesse Bromwich - You know you're a fantastic prop when your stocks slide despite notching an offload and running for 95 metres. That's a drop on his usual numbers so it's a bit rough but Bromwich has set his bar high.
Sam Kasiano and Frank Pritchard - They both have an impact on the game when they come on, but they simply aren't playing enough minutes. I don't doubt that this is a very smart strategy though as I reckon Des Hasler will build their minutes up as the season goes on but as a pure selfish kiwi, I'd like to see these two get much more footy.
Gerrard Beale and Ricky Leutele - These two need to desperately find some better form or else they could see their NRL game time cut. Leutele wasn't too bad and was up against one of the best in Will Chambers but both he and Beale epitomise the Shark's struggles.
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak - I poor put down contributed to the Panthers loss against the Roosters ... we'll just completely ignore the effort to get in that position and those funny bugger referees.
Martin Taupau and Bryson Goodwin - First of all I'd like to point out that Taupau had a great game, he made 39 tackles which more mostly made chopping a Burgess brother down around the legs. We're all going to remember his effort for the cheeky altercations, but a mountain of defensive work and three tackle breaks have shown how he's developed from simply being a powerful impact forward. Now, these two have seen their stocks slide because we can't have our kiwi brothers bringing the ruckus upon each other. Just bully an Aussie bloke, not one of our own. Chur.