Half-season report uncovers NRL heroes and villains

[Ryan]

Half-season report uncovers NRL heroes and villains according to the stats

Dean Ritchie
From: The Daily Telegraph
June 03, 2011 12:00AM
http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/...-1226068252792


THERE is the famous razzle-dazzle, world-class shimmy and unforgettable no-look flick pass. He can lay claim to being the game's most amazing player.

But with all the brilliance, Benji Marshall can also make a mistake.

A special investigation by The Daily Telegraph can today uncover the NRL's heroes and villains at the half-way point of the 2011 season through line breaks, try assists, hit-ups, tackles, errors, penalties, missed tackles and work rate.

Some of the game's biggest names have been outed.

There is the good, the bad and the ugly.

Marshall has committed 27 errors this season, the most of any player in the NRL. But to counter that, Marshall also has 14 try assists, second only to North Queensland star Johnathan Thurston (15).

"That's what we expect from Benji. His coaching staff and teammates know that is the brilliance of Benji," said Tigers legend Paul Sironen.

CLICK HERE TO SEE WHO THE HEROES AND VILLAINS HAVE BEEN FROM EACH NRL TEAM SO FAR THIS SEASON

"He can be Jekyll and Hyde I guess. But if you don't try anything, the tries don't come. All creative players have that on their report card.

"All Tigers fans love the razzle dazzle. Sometimes it doesn't come off and you shake your head but then guys like Benji do something brilliant five minutes later and you forget the previous mistake."

Our report reveals:

Canterbury's Michael Ennis has been penalised 15 times this year, the most of any player in the NRL.

Bulldogs teammate Ben Barba has the most line-breaks in the game with 14.

South Sydney mercurial halfback Chris Sandow has missed 48 tackles, more than any other player.

Darren Lockyer has committed the most errors for Brisbane with 13.

Parramatta workhorse Nathan Hindmarsh has made 476 tackles, the most in rugby league.

Cronulla hardman Paul Gallen has recorded the most hit-ups with 211.

Thurston has been simply sensational this year. There is no player in the game in better form. He has 15 try assists but he, like Marshall, has a few damning statistics.

Thurston has made 22 errors - the most for North Queensland - and missed 34 tackles - also the most for North Queensland.

Former Cowboys' grand final coach Graham Murray said: "Johnathan is in the best form of his career.

"He had a great off-season. There was no rep commitments and he didn't have any injuries. Johnathan and the Cowboys are now getting the rewards for that.

"He looks fit and is jumping out if his skin. If North Queensland can finish in top four, I think they have the team that can go all the way."

Sandow's defence is a concern for Souths - and for his prospective club Parramatta.

Penrith successfully targeted Sandow last Monday night and walked away with a good win.

"Chris gets targeted because he is Souths' best attacking player," said former Rabbitohs halfback Craig Coleman. "There is no fear in him. He will stand in front of anyone. When the big blokes keep running at you I guess in the end you miss some tackles. Chris is one of the most willing players I have ever seen. He isn't scared of anyone."

Ennis has conceded the most penalties but Canterbury fans still enjoy his aggression and niggle.

Hindmarsh's work-rate continues to amaze. Earlier this year, he crashed through the 10,000 tackle barrier and Sharks skipper Gallen leading the NRL hit-ups doesn't really surprise anyone.

[Chaos]

Hindmarsh's work-rate continues to amaze. Earlier this year, he crashed through the 10,000 tackle barrier

As much as some people like stats...what stat shows Hindmarsh's lack of attack...he slows the play down with the ball

[Coaster]

As much as some people like stats...what stat shows Hindmarsh's lack of attack...he slows the play down with the ball

He should pass more, and be a 5/8. He offers nothing else

[Chaos]

He should pass more, and be a 5/8. He offers nothing else

He's a great defender...and funny enough he has the skill to off load because of his strength but he chooses to wrestle with the ball...he's definitely not a 5/8 Coaster

[Chaos]

What was Hindmarsh's tackle count tonight against the Dragons?
He was everywhere!

[Ryan]

What was Hindmarsh's tackle count tonight against the Dragons?
He was everywhere!

71 tackles, and played the full 90mins!

[GoldCoastTitans100]

As much as some people like stats...what stat shows Hindmarsh's lack of attack...he slows the play down with the ball

Hindmarsh is a brilliant player, get over it.

[Ryan]

Hindmarsh is a brilliant player, get over it.

He's just not a 5/8 thats all.....

[Chaos]

Hindmarsh is a brilliant player, get over it.

He's a brilliant defender...his attack is terrible...anyway, get over what?

[GoldCoastTitans100]

He's a brilliant defender...his attack is terrible...anyway, get over what?

Ah sorry, i thought you were saying he isn't that good.