Each week of the NRL season, the NSWRL.com.au staff writers will have their say on the round's best performing New South Welshmen. These are based entirely on the opinions of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the NSWRL or the selection process for the Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues. Captaincy is awarded based on that week’s on-field performance and is not based on club captaincy or leadership qualities.
1. James Tedesco
Club: Sydney Roosters; 2019 TOTW selections: 2
Backed up his attacking masterclass in Round 3 with another strong display on Thursday against the Broncos with a try, 208 running metres and seven tackle-breaks.
2. Nick Cotric
Club: Canberra Raiders; 2019 TOTW selections: 1
Has been quiet to start the 2019 season but was back to his best in the Raider's big win over the Cowboys. Damaging as always with the ball with 109 total metres and four tackle-breaks while scoring a try and having a hand in another.
3. Kerrod Holland
Club: Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs; 2019 TOTW selections: 1
The Bulldogs defied an early Storm onslaught and it was largely thanks to Holland's efforts in the first-half. He stormed onto a Lachlan Lewis pass for the first try of the afternoon before offloading to Okunbor shortly after to give his side an unlikely 12-0 lead.
4. Joseph Leilua
Club: Canberra Raiders; 2019 TOTW selections: 1
There are few players in the game who are more damaging than Leilua at his best and he produced a barnstorming display on Saturday. His try was the icing on the cake after running for 115 metres and breaking five tackles in the process.
5. Jayden Okunbor
Club: Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs; 2019 TOTW selections: 1
In just his second game of first-grade, Okunbor proved unstoppable for the Bulldogs in their nail biting loss to the Storm. Scored his first career try before recording three line-breaks and six tackle-breaks en route to 290 running metres.
6. Josh Reynolds
Club: Wests Tigers; 2019 TOTW selections: 1
While he didn't guide his side to a win on Friday it was a masterful return from the tenacious No.6 with two classy grubbers on either side of half-time for the Tigers only two tries of the game. Tried his heart out as always.
7. Mitchell Moses (C)
Club: Parramatta Eels; 2019 TOTW selections: 1
It was arguably one of the most complete performances of Moses' career and he was instrumental in the Eels' victory over the Sharks. He had a hand in each of the Eels four tries – recording two try-assists, and one line-break and maintained a perfect kicking record with 4/4 conversions.
8. David Klemmer
Club: Newcastle Knights; 2019 TOTW selections: 3
It was a disappointing result from the Knights but you can't knock Klemmer's effort in a losing side. Recorded 198 run metres, 74 post-contact metres and 43 tackles in another dominant performance.
9. Jayden Brailey
Club: Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks; 2019 TOTW selections: 1
The Sharks may have struggled without a handful of their stars but the shining light was in their dynamic No.9. He was defiant in defence with 37 tackles, including some try-saving efforts, while also running for 85 metres.
10. Paul Vaughan
Club: St George Illawarra Dragons; 2019 TOTW selections: 3
Continues to lead the way for the Dragons with another incredible display on Sunday night. At his rampaging best with 20 runs, 224 metres and 41 tackles, but it was his strong carry in the lead-up to Corey Norman's field-goal that stood out among the rest.
11. Tyson Frizell
Club: St George Illawarra Dragons; 2019 TOTW selections: 1
Was certainly not expected to set the world on fire in his return from injury and although coming off the interchange bench he was inspirational alongside Vaughan. Recorded 130 metres, 33 tackles and scored a crucial try in the first half.
12. Angus Crichton
Club: Sydney Roosters; 2019 TOTW selections: 1
Produced his best performance of 2019 on Thursday with a powerful display on the right edge. Scored a try with a relentless effort from close-range in the first-half before recording 122 metres and 29 tackles.
13. Jake Trbojevic
Club; Manly Warringah Sea Eagles; 2019 TOTW selections: 2
Little surprise that Trobjevic finds his way into the TOTW another dominant performance for the Sea Eagles. Ran 110 metres from 19 carries whilst making 45 tackles to help the Sea Eagles to a golden point win over the Rabbitohs.
14. Clint Gutherson
Club: Parramatta Eels; 2019 TOTW selections: 2
Continues to inspire the Eels from week to week and produced another Captain's knock on Saturday night. Recorded 249 metres, one line-break and one try-assist – enough to suggest he's right up there among the form fullbacks of the competition.
15. Cameron Murray
Club: South Sydney Rabbitohs; 2019 TOTW selections: 3
It wasn't the result the Rabbitohs were after but Murray continues to come of age in another strong showing although in a losing side. Ran for 162 metres and recorded 41 tackles in another hard-working performance.
16. Matt Lodge
Club: Brisbane Broncos; 2019 TOTW selections: 1
The Roosters forward-pack may have dominated for a majority of the contest but lodge didn't die wondering with a gallant effort in the heavy defeat. Ran for 130 metres and produced 37 tackles – many of which were some brutal efforts throughout the opening exchanges.
17. Mitchell Aubusson
Club: Sydney Roosters; 2019 TOTW selections: 2
The Roosters 'Mr. Fix It' was at it again with his first two-try performance in five years. Worked hard as always from the bench and ingited the Roosters to a big win over the Broncos. Reliable as always.
