Brits Down Under: Bateman scores, Thompson stars in defeat & Sutton making a big impact

We’ve taken a look at how the British contingent got on in round 17 of the NRL.

John Bateman

Even in a loss to the Roosters, Bateman still made the best mark he could on the game. A great individual effort saw the 26-year-old latch onto his own grubber kick to produce an outstanding try. However, it would not be enough for the Raiders as they succumbed to defeat and, in the end, missed out on a chance to take sole possession of fourth place on the NRL ladder. Overall, the dynamic second-rower made the second most tackles by a Canberra player throughout the game with 44 to his name.

Tom Burgess

The Rabbitohs have certainly been in red hot form as of late, cementing themselves firmly within the NRL finals picture with a string of offensive masterclasses. However, the Bunnies narrowly lost out to Melbourne last Friday though but even still Wayne Bennett’s men showed exactly what they can bring to the table as they made life difficult for the Storm and they still sit seventh on the ladder with the play-offs fast approaching. Even with the loss, Burgess was again a big influence in their front-row with another powerful running display alongside some crunching tackles. In total, the 28-year-old racked up the most metres by a Souths player with 146 as well as being hard-hitting defensively with 24 tackles.

George Williams

The 25-year-old was not the biggest spark offensively for Canberra this week as the Raiders struggled against the Roosters but still played a vital part in the Raiders only try of the game. The talented scrum-half again used his skill with the boot to put up a high kick towards the right flank which in turn allowed his compatriot Bateman to put himself through with an exceptional score. In defeat though, Williams even made the best effort he could defensively as the former Wigan half-back made the fourth most tackles by a member of the Raiders with 24. This season, Williams continues to lead all Canberra players in try assists with 11 as well as having the fifth most tackles at 349.

Luke Thompson

The barnstorming forward made his return to Canterbury’s match day squad in great fashion but once more Canterbury would to succumb to a heartbreaking defeat as the wooden spoon continues to look inevitable. The Bulldogs still showed plenty of fire throughout the game though as Thompson produced one of his best performances so far. It did look at one point as if he had even secured his first try in the NRL but unfortunately it was to be called back with the 25-year-old being penalised for double movement. The former St Helens prop may have been left out of last week’s side but there is still plenty of positives to take away from his time in the league so far despite being part of a struggling side. In the loss to Gold Coast, Thompson totalled 136 metres, a line break and 25 tackles.

Ryan Sutton

The former Wigan forward keeps making a great name for himself down under as his tenacity with both the ball in his hand and in the tackle have helped him put together a great string of impressive displays in the Canberra pack as of late. In great fashion Sutton made the second most metres by a Raiders player with 156 alongside 61 post contact metres in the loss to Sydney. On top of another big running display, Sutton was also a notable presence in the tackle as he notched the third most tackles by a member of the Raiders with 36. The 25-year-old now has the fourth most tackles by a Canberra player this year with 384 and the sixth most metres at 1,319.

Herbie Farnworth

Once again, the Broncos suffered another defeat, but it was still a much braver and improved performance offensively against first-placed Penrith. It is an understatement when you suggest that Brisbane have not had much to get excited about this year but there is still plenty of young talent there that continues to develop. The likes of Kotoni Staggs and Payne Haas are already solidifying themselves as out an out superstars and even though it may not be at that level just yet, Farnworth is another one of a youthful contingent that has proven to be a great and consistent addition to the Brisbane backline despite the club’s turmoil. After shifting to centre in the game against the Panthers, the 20-year-old made 85 metres from 13 carries alongside 32 post contact metres. So far this year, he has the joint second most tries by a Brisbane player with five and the third most metres with 1,426.

Elliott Whitehead

After making 23 tackles in the loss the Roosters, Whitehead still leads Canberra players in tackles for the season with 491 in total. Even in defeat, the 30-year-old was as big a work horse as what we have become all too familiar with. Alongside being the Raiders’ top tackler this year, Whitehead also has the second most line breaks (9) by a Canberra player as well as the joint fourth most tries (4).

Watch NRL and live stream every NRL game to keep up with how Tom Burgess, John Bateman, Ryan Sutton, Elliott Whitehead, Luke Thompson and George Williams and all the others are getting on Down Under.

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