Following a Bye week, Fortescue Premier Grade players were eager to take to the field after a week off of game play. We saw historic rivals, Wanneroo RUFC and Joondalup Brothers go head to head for the King of the North crown and a number of teams gain essential points. Players did not disappoint, as they showed off skill and ability throughout a number of games.
Take a look at who stood out during Round 9.
1.Benjamin Solomona - Kalamunda
In a game that was one up front, Solomona stood strong for the Bulls in their must-win game of Baysie. He was solid at scrum time matched with an increase physicality in all contact areas.
2.Michael Tui - Palmyra
Its shaping to be a big year for the man at the centre of the Palmyra scrum. Saturday’s fixture proved to be an open running affair and Tui changed his game to suite. He was strong in broken play and was rewarded with a double.
3.Jayden Lynch - Associates
The young prop is really finding his feet in the FMG Premier Grade competition. He was busy around the field in defence and dominant with his ball carries.
4.Zane Herrick - Cottesloe
Herrick got through a mountain of work in a match that stretched side to side v ARKs. He has been a big part of Cottesloe finding their feet in the middle rounds of the season.
5.Andrew Sanders - Palmyra
It was a return to the form of 2019 for the physical lock from Paly. His carries were back to their block-busting best similar to when he was rewarded with a Perth Gold jersey.
6.Alexander Masibaka - Associates
The Junior Wallaby is going from strength to strength as his fitness returns. He toyed with the Cavaliers defence as he pin-balled his way up the field.
7. Connor O'Sullivan (UWA)
The PG Hampshire adapted his game to the conditions during Saturday’s top of the table arm wrestle. Wests’ defence was airtight all day, however, O’Sullivan showed his tenacity to get some much needed go-forward for the students to keep them ahead in the game.
8.Blake Phillips - Nedlands
Everyone is enjoying the return of the fireworks that the former Western Force 20s No. 8 brings to the FMG Premier Grade competition. “Bull” was unstoppable with his defence splitting carries through the middle of the field.
9.Brendan Vorster - UWA
In a tight battle, Vorster took it upon himself to continually test the Wests’ defence. He mixed his game up well with clearing passes, short passes, scoots and box kicks.
10.Ethan Reilly - Wanneroo
Again, the Wanneroo outside backs had a field-day running onto the playmaking provided by Reilly. His accuracy with his wide ball has become the key weapon for the RooDogs as they make their way up the ladder.
11.Tommy Fifitatovo - Cottesloe
The flying winger is providing the much-needed spark that is giving Cottesloe its momentum. Fifitatovo continually jigs in behind the opposition defensive line and gets his team on a roll.
12.Justin Zietsman - Neldands
Zietsman has been finding his feet at his new club in recent weeks. He took full toll of the Goats weak defence out wide and galloped into an abundance of holes.
13.Marcus Arrindell - Palmyra
In a free-flowing affair, Arrindell capitalised on the swift ball movement his team could provide. His hard running was rewarded culminated with two tries late in the game.
14.Porikapa Tukaki - Wanneroo
It was always going to be a challenge for the former Brother on Saturday, but he handled the pressure with style. “Vanilla Ice” took the game on with hard carries and some bone jarring defence.
15.Joseph Simpkins - Kalamunda
Simpkins is showing he is enjoying the switch to fullback. He slipped on the outside of Baysie all day and kept his side moving forward with this dynamic play.
