Round 9 Recap: British Players Shine in NRL Action
In the latest round of the NRL season, several British players made a significant impact on the field, with England international Elliott Whitehead leading the way for the Canberra Raiders.
Whitehead’s Triumphant Return
Elliott Whitehead marked his return to the Raiders lineup with two tries in their 26-24 victory over the Manly Sea Eagles. The Bradfordian played the full 80 minutes, contributing 10 carries, 29 tackles, an assist, two offloads, and four tackle breaks in an impressive all-around display.
Other Standout Performances
“The England international prop played 33 minutes, making seven carries, 24 tackles, and four tackle breaks, while also uncharacteristically kicking the ball in general play.”
Tom Burgess featured off the bench for the South Sydney Rabbitohs in their heavy defeat against the Penrith Panthers.
Canberra’s Morgan Smithies once again topped the tackle charts for the Raiders, racking up 43 tackles at an impressive 95% efficiency rate in the win over Manly. However, the Wigan Warriors academy product was charged with a Grade One crusher tackle and faces a potential $1,500 fine.
The towering Dom Young continued his impressive run of form for the Sydney Roosters, scoring a try and providing an assist in their 40-18 triumph over the Brisbane Broncos. The England winger also made 131 meters from 16 carries and added two offloads to his stat line.
Canterbury Bulldogs prop Max King, who was born in Huddersfield while his father David was playing for the Giants, started in the front row and produced a solid performance, making 121 meters from 12 carries and 34 tackles in their 22-14 victory over the Wests Tigers.
John Bateman played the full 80 minutes at loose forward for the Tigers in their defeat to the Bulldogs, finishing as the game’s top tackler with 48 tackles at 90% efficiency. The former Bradford Bulls and Wigan Warriors man also made 11 carries and a tackle break.
Kai Pearce-Paul continued to establish himself as a key member of Newcastle Knights’ forward pack, making 141 meters from 14 carries, including two tackle breaks, in their 14-8 win over the New Zealand Warriors.
Overall, it was a strong showing from the NRL’s British contingent, with several players making significant contributions to their respective teams’ performances.
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