Four Eels, three five-eighths – including a memorable debut for one young Panther – and some old favourites headline NRL.com's Team of the Week for Round 3.
1. Lachlan Coote (Cowboys)
Instrumental in the Cowboys' 40-0 victory, Coote scored one try and set up another two against a struggling Roosters outfit.
2. Semi Radradra (Eels) (c)
The Eels winger was destructive in his side's 14-point win over the Bulldogs. Radradra popped up everywhere and made the opposition pay through the middle, ending proceedings with two tries and an amazing assist.
3. Sione Mata'utia (Knights)
In his first game for the season Mata'utia was targeted by the Raiders' defence and stood tall for the majority of it, as the Knights and Canberra played out a 24-all draw.
4. Kevin Naiqama (Wests Tigers)
In his 50th NRL game Naiqama's try-scoring treble was not enough to beat the Titans as the Wests Tigers fell to a 12-point loss.
5. Shaun Kenny-Dowall (Roosters)
SKD stood head and shoulders above his teammates, managing to break nine tackles despite his side's heavy loss.
6. Te Maire Martin (Panthers)
Martin's long-anticipated NRL debut was what dreams are made of. The young five-eighth scored a late try and field goal to help Penrith steal a one-point victory over the previously undefeated Broncos.
7. Johnathan Thurston (Cowboys)
Thurston's kicking game had the Roosters in all sorts, but it was his two try assists that will be most remembered by the North Queensland faithful.
8. Junior Paulo (Eels)
Producing the most metres for an Eels forward, Paulo again exhibited his commitment to Parramatta in his final season at the club.
9. Matt Parcell (Sea Eagles)
With Trent Barrett dropping Apisai Koroisau before Manly's 10-point victory over Cronulla, Matt Parcell would prove an almighty replacement considering the hooker's try and 55 tackles.
10. Jesse Bromwich (Storm)
Bromwich's 71-minute effort allowed him to produce a try assist and 150 metres in Melbourne's seven-point win over the Warriors.
11. Beau Scott (Eels)
The hard-nosed back-rower Scott took no prisoners against the Bulldogs and finished the game with 35 tackles despite carrying an injury for most of the contest.
12. Sia Soliola (Raiders)
A late call-up to the back row, Soliola showed his days as a starting player aren't numbered by producing 140 metres and 43 tackles against Newcastle.
13. Jake Trbojevic (Sea Eagles)
A rock in the middle for the Sea Eagles Trbojevic has thrived in his newfound lock position with his try and 46 tackles showcasing his worth against the Sharks.
Interchange
14. Anthony Milford (Broncos)
An almost unstoppable Milford scored two tries, set up another and produced 10 tackle breaks in his side's late defeat.
15. Jarrod Mullen (Knights)
In his 200th game Mullen ensured it would be a memorable one by orchestrating a a stirring Knights' comeback in their eventual draw with the Raiders.
16. Ryan James (Titans)
James's impact from the bench was second to none and coincided with the big man scoring a try and making 160 metres.
17. Jack de Belin (Dragons)
A late-inclusion into the Dragons' starting side, de Belin played almost the entire game and finished his side's two-point win over South Sydney with 170 metres and 45 tackles.
This article first appeared on NRL.com
