The Intrust Super Cup has been run and won, and we’ve already discussed the how Redcliffe won, and the key moments, so now it is time to focus on a few of the players with the 2018 Intrust Super Cup Grand Final Player Watch.
We have a quick rundown of the key players that we names to follow before the game, and those that caught the eye during the Grand Final.
Here then is the 2018 Intrust Super Cup Grand Final Player Watch.
SAM KASIANO (Easts)
Kasiano was the big NRL name to feature in the 2018 Intrust Super Cup Grand Final on Sunday, and you could argue he was one of the least effective on the field, and certainly the most disappointing.
Coming on around the 20th minute, his first real impact on the game was a misdirected offload that ended up in Redcliffe hands, and not much later he gave away a penalty for a high shot. A repeat set later and the Dolphins were in and leading. The first try in the second half came not after Kasiano dropped the ball on the first tackle.
Not that it was all dropped ball, and poor offloads, but in general he looked a little disinterested and frustrated. Maybe it was just slightly more noticeable because he was a big name.
Perhaps that frustration was caused by thinking he was playing in the wrong Grand Final, but on the form that was on show at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday, it’s no wonder that Orange became the new Purple for Big Sam in 2018.
TOBY RUDOLF (Redcliffe)
The big second rower for Redcliffe with the long locks was named man of the match, and it was certainly deserved. Although you could argue the Redcliffe fullback Trai Fuller ran him pretty close.
He was huge for Redcliffe in the first half, with some devastating runs leading to points. The first set up the first points of the game as Redcliffe kicked a penalty goal. The first Redcliffe try came on the back of another quality charge from Rudolf.
The quality continued throughout the game in both attack and defence. Rudolf was taken off in the last ten minutes getting the rest he had earned, knowing his contributions set up the Dolphins nicely.
BILLY WALTERS (Easts)
Sadly Billy Walters became a player to watch for the wrong reasons as a injury saw him leave the field around the 30 minute mark.
Walters have battled hard to make the Grand Final, only making his comeback from injury the previous week against Burleigh as he helped steer the Tigers into the Grand Final.
Seeing the footage of him dejected in the dressing rooms is a sad reminder of the personal side of rugby league remaining.
Who knows what the end result could have been had he stayed on the field.
TRAI FULLER (Redcliffe)
Redcliffe’s custodian at the back certainly put on a good show in the Intrust Super Cup Grand Final, scoring two tries and providing plenty of excitement with his kick returns.
His first try was good back up play as he benefitted from a great offload close to the line in attack. His second was when he turned on the speed 10 metres out after receiving what looked like a high tackle from Scott Drinkwater and Easts defenders seemed to hang off.
But tries aside, his kick returns were fierce, and was solid under the high ball for all of the game. His runs were full of velocity, and particularly impressive was his 360 degree spin after breaking out of a Tiger tackle.
Must have been a close second for best on ground.
SCOTT DRINKWATER (Easts)
A big month for Scott Drinkwater, who has dazzled all year of the Tigers, made his NRL debut for the Storm and had a big hand in getting Easts to the Grand Final.
He was still good in most parts yesterday, initially in his starting position at fullback as Easts were the better side early in the Grand Final. Drinkwater threw the perfect cut out to Carey on the wing for the Tigers first try, and almost scored in the 22nd minute himself.
After Billy Walters went off he moved to five eighth and Linc Port took over at fullback, and Drinkwater was the one who missed the tackle for Redcliffe’s opening second half try. But Drinkwater grew into the second half and scored a vital try in the 65th minute to get the Tigers within 10 points. He tried hard thereafter to spark the Tigers, but luck wasn’t on their side.
He still looks a good thing to take over the number one from Billy Slater next year. And perhaps he might play on NRL Grand Final after all, even if his Tigers teammates will not.
TOMMY BUTTERFIELD (Easts)
There’s a lot to like about Tommy Butterfield, one of the competition’s finest hookers.
He was his usual effective self from dummy half, with the occasional dart from the ply the ball causing Redcliffe a few problems. He was on the spot to scoop up a loose Redcliffe ball in the first half and ran a good 40 metres before being caught. Sadly he lost the ball
Butterfield went off after receiving a cut to his head attempting to make a tackle and went off under HIA rules.
When he returned he was back to business, almost crashing over a few times in the second half as Easts tried to get back into the game.
Despite the riches of number 9’s for PNG, you would have to think he would go close to spot in the 17 for the upcoming PNG International clash with the PM’s team.
