NRL 2023: Cotter, Tabuai-Fidow, Lee, Kris & Mam

BY ALF WILSON

Torres Strait Islanders

Reuben Cotter, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Brenko Lee, Sebastian Kris and Ezra Mam were all outstanding in their games at last weekend’s opening round of NRL fixtures.

Blockbusting

Cowboys forward

Reuben ran for more than 150 metres in the Cowboys 19-18 win over the Canberra Raiders in Saturday’s match at Townsville’s Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

In addition to his many metres gained up the centre of the ruck, which was the second most by any player in round one, he made four tackle breaks and 35 tackles in 67 minutes on the field.

Sebastian lined up at fullback for the Raiders, where he ran the ball strongly and defended well.

Proud of his heritage, Sebastian was delighted to see a big contingent of family and supporters from the Torres Strait there.

He was sent for a head injury assessment for the mandatory 15 minutes despite getting treatment on a leg complaint – a decision Canberra coach Ricky Stuart was critical of. Hamiso and Brenko also shone for NRL debutants the Dolphins who scored one of the biggest upsets in NRL history to beat the quality Roosters side 28-18.

The Roosters were one of the early favourtites to win the premiership as red hot $1.10 favourites, whilst the Dolphins were $7 outsiders in a two-horse race.

Lining up at fullback, Hamiso made history when he scored the first Dolphins try whilst Brenko playing at centre fired out the last pass twice to teammates who scored tries.

TSIRC Saibai Cr

Conwell Tabuai said the community was proud of Hamiso’s game and achievements.

“To be the first try scorer for the new club coming into the NRL, he made me so proud and our Tabuai family and the community of excess charges otherwise apply)

Torres Strait,” Cr Tabuai said.

Playing at five eighth rising star Ezra had a great game in the Broncos upset 13-12 win over the premiers of the past two season the Penrith Panthers.

A highlight of NRL round two will be the mouth watering clash between the Cowboys and Broncos on Friday night at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium starting at 7pm.

These games have been traditionally close and this encounter will pit Reuben against Ezra.

On Thursday night the Panthers meet the Rabbitohs and the other Friday match has the Eels v Cronulla Sharks.

Saturday has the Dolphins v Canberra Raiders, Storm v Bulldogs and Roosters v warriors.

On Sunday the Dragons v Titans and West Tigers v Knights.

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