Fresh off the bye, the Eels smashed a depleted Rabbitohs outfit 52-4 with Bailey Simonsson bagging a hat-trick. Simonsson also set up a try, had four linebreaks, seven tackle busts and 20 runs for 195 metres — the most of any player on the field.
The 27-year-old is a month into his return from a foot fracture and did force his way back into the NRL side, only to be dropped a fortnight ago when Will Penisini returned.
The versatile Jordan Samrani was impressive with 145 running metres and 12 tackles — no misses. Samrani, who made his NRL debut in Round 2, has played mainly in the outside backs this season but his last two games have been in the second row.
Wiremu Greig was rock-solid on both sides of the ball, finishing with 125 running metres and 24 tackles — no misses. The 25-year-old has cracked the 100-metre mark in all but three of his 13 appearances this season in NSW Cup and has finished six games with no missed tackles.
The Eels’ halves were also busy with Ronald Volkman setting up two tries, while Lorenzo Talataina particularly impressed with a try, two try assists, a linebreak and 91 running metres all while on NSW Cup debut.
Talataina is a graduate of the Eels’ SG Ball Cup side and was crowned the competition’s Player of the Year after helping steer the club to a grand final appearance.
With a few more performances like that, the teenage playmaker might put himself in the mix to replace Dylan Brown next season along with Joash Papalii and Dean Hawkins.
Star’s shock new look in stunning comeback; cruel blow for returning Rooster — Ressies Wrap
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