Kiwi NRL Stocks Round 9
Stocks Up
Alex Glenn - In a forward pack that features some of the best grafters in the league, Glenn is doing a great job for the Broncos on their left edge. Against the Panthers he broke five tackles and made 120 metres, which is a great effort. He plays big minutes and his 42 tackles helped the Broncos keep the Panthers try-less.
Kodi Nikorima - Re-signed with the Broncos despite having a bunch of clubs after his signature, nice work.
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak - He started out on the wing, but DWZ has looked pretty comfortable in the centres for the Panthers as well. He ran for 112 metres and squeezed a few offloads out in their loss to the Broncos.
Sam McKendry - He only played 33 minutes but McKendry averaged 11.22 metres with his carries which is pretty impressive for Dargaville's finest.
Lewis Brown - I thought Lewi deserved a bit of a mention as he didn't play in the ANZAC Test but had earned his call up to the squad with some fine performances. This continued against the Broncos as he ran for 120 metres, broke four tackles and offloaded twice. Many think his value is his ability to cover a bunch of positions, but he's showed time and time again that he can handle himself in the back row.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck - Another monster game with 192 running metres, standard.
Shaun Kenny-Dowall - First of all he's re-signed with the Chooks, but that's because he's playing some great footy. He was heavily involved against the Tigers, running for 139 metres, breaking three tackles, two offloads and a line break.
Siosiua Taukeiaho - Boyd Cordner and Daniel Tupou broke the same number of tackles as Taukeaiho - four, but the both played 80 minutes. Taukeiaho played 31 minutes and ran for 99 metres with his tackle busts.
Jordan Rapana - Some have included Rapana's name in Canberra's buys of 2015 list, but the truth is he was very impressive last season as well. He scored a try and notched a try assist, tackle bust, offload and line break, all from the wing.
Iosia Soliola - With Josh Papalii on one edge and Soliola on the other, Canberra have two dangerous threats to beware of. Soliola crossed the 100 metre mark, had try assist, broke two tackles, had three offloads and a line break and even found time to get three line break assists.
Shaun Johnson - When you win a game for your side, your stocks rise.
Bodene Thompson - No stats are needed here, Thompson's showing himself to be a nice workhorse for the Warriors on their right edge and his three one on one tackles in combination with only one missed tackle are helping to improve that side's defence.
Mathew Wright - The Cowboys are enjoying the ability of Wright on the wing and he's one of the best low-key wingers in the NRL. He scored a try, ran for 124 metres, had a tackle bust and a line break as well as two offloads in a solid all round effort.
John Asiata - Starting at lock, Asiata showed that the Cowboys might not miss Jason Taumalolo as much as many had thought. His 122 metres came at an average of 11.09 metres per carry which is pretty damn fine.
Curtis Rona - In nine games, Rona has scored 10 tries. You do the math.
Peta Hiku - Plenty of touches, two try assists, two tackle busts, an offload and a line break make for pretty good reading from my favourite Kiwi player.
Ligi Sao - In 35 minutes, Sao was a busy man as he scored a try running a beautiful line and broke 3 tackles as he continues to impress with the Sea Eagles.
Kevin Proctor - He threw a delightful final pass to Billy Slater and put in another very solid performance on both attack and defence in his 80 minutes. With 127 running metres and 35 tackles, Proctor is one of the Storm's unsung heroes.
Benji Marshall - Once again, Marshall showed that he can still make play in the NRL and that the Dragons would be rude not to try hold on to him despite his salary. Marshall set up Jason Nightingale and continues to work well in tandem with Gareth Widdop.
Stocks Down
Mark Ioane - He's been a bit of a yoyo this season, playing in both the NRL and Intrust Super Cup and his 25 minutes off the bench for the Titans don't make for lovely reading. 25 minutes and two carries of the football might I add.
Gerard Beale - Making six tackles and missing four, Beale almost missed more tackles than he actually made. That would have been a laugh.
Sam Kasiano - 28 minutes isn't what you want from someone who showed what a monster they can be in the Samoan jersey. He even managed to miss a few tackles in that short stint on the field as well.
Manu Ma'u - Whether it was Melbourne's defence or Ma'u just slightly off his game, he only ran for 56 metres off nine carries while also not getting many touches.
Issac Luke - Leaving the Bunnies and then being benched leaves a stinky stench.