Kiwi NRL Stocks Round 7
Stocks Up
Kodi Nikorima - He took another step up this week, playing 40 minutes , mostly at fullback and was his exciting, busy usual self. Nikorima's stocks are going in one direction and he looks to be getting better with each week in the NRL.
Adam Blair - How will Blair's return impact the Broncos who had a pretty settled forward rotation without him? He's too good to leave out and he made a return to the NRL, so at least his stocks went up a notch this week.
Curtis Rona - Try scoring comes pretty easily for Rona, so does breaking tackles. Two tries, five tackle busts and 120 metres carrying the footy is a great return for a winger and Rona's making it impossible to contemplate leaving him out of the Doggies side.
Frank Pritchard - It hasn't been smooth sailing for Frank the Tank recently, but we saw the impact that we love from him as the Bulldogs defeated the Sea Eagles. In 46 minutes Pritchard had 20 touches, 16 carries for 133 metres and an offload which when you compare it to Greg Eastwood who also played 46 minutes is pretty impressive; 13 touches, 11 carries, 85 metres.
Peta Hiku - I'm not really sure what else to write about Hiku, besides the fact that he's nearly impossible to tackle. 107 metres and 4 broken tackles is another solid effort from Hiku, who is never really celebrated ... we love you Peta.
Ligi Sao - Sao's stocks will continue to rise most of the season as Manly's forward pack struggles with a lack of ruthless forwards. He's earning a nice reputation though, coming off the bench to offer some punch for Manly.
Josh Hoffman - We're starting to see Hoffman really prove his value as he starts to build on his combinations with his play-makers at the Titans. Two tries, 5 broken tackles and 122 running metres should excite Gold Coast fans.
Sika Manu - It was a rough day for the Panthers but Manu logged 114 metres, 3 broken tackles and 2 offloads. A shining light for the Panthers indeed.
Sam Lisone - Coming off the bench, Lisone is taking his form from the Under 20's and reserve grade to the NRL. He only played 29 minutes but ran for 95 metres off 9 carries and had 2 tackle breaks, which is a great sign for a young prop learning the ropes.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck - Another 200 metre game for RTS, plus the usual 5 tackle busts. Easy.
Siosuia Taukeiaho - Starting at lock, Taukeiaho is continuing to impress with the Roosters. He's probably been one of the most impressive 'Stocks Up' players we've got and with more minutes; 61, Taukeiaho was able to make 160 metres and break 2 tackles.
Martin Taupau - Back on the wagon is the only way to describe Taupau's effort against the Raiders. 122 metres, 2 tackle busts and 2 offloads in 56 minutes of footy is what we like to see form Marty.
Jordan Rapana - Back on the wing for the Raiders, Rapana ran for 102 metres and broke 8 tackles while also managing 2 offloads and 2 line breaks. He's someone who is flying under the radar, but as the Raiders continue to impress, Rapana should get a few more eyes on him.
Bureta Faraimo - When you watch Faraimo, it's impossible to not notice how bloody hard he is to tackle. I'd love to see him continue to get NRL game time as he's good enough and offers plenty of power as well as finishing.
Stocks Down
Alex Glenn - Less minutes, less impact and less production from his usual high standards.
Sam Perrett - Most fullbacks are trumping the 100 metre mark, but Perrett toiled away for 67 metres and didn't have much impact.
Agnatius Paasi - Poor lad left the field injured, right when he was settling into NRL footy.
Jason Taumalolo - He broke 6 tackles but could only managed a horrible 99 metres, c'mon Jason. C'mon.
Kevin Proctor - It was another quiet week for Proctor, he just wasn't really in the action out on that right edge.
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves - He'll be on the sideline for a few weeks, again, just as he was finding his groove.