Kiwis player ratings: How Stacey Jones’ side rated in Rugby League World Cup win over Cook Islands
Ben Francis rates the Kiwis players in their 82-16 Rugby League World Cup win over the Cook Islands
1. Keano Kini – 6
Got his chance back in the No 1 jersey with Kalyn Ponga injured, but endured a mixed outing. Threw an intercept that led to the Cook Islands’ third try and struggled with handling errors, finishing with six in total. However, he showed plenty of class with the ball in hand, capping his performance with a slick try.
2. Jamayne Isaako – 9
A much-improved effort this week in front of his home crowd where he claimed a hat-trick while nailing 13 of his 14 shots at goal for a personal haul of 38 points, which is a Kiwis record.
3. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad – 5
Was kept very quiet and didn’t have many chances with the ball until the final minutes, where he scored the last try of the game, which would have been special due to his Cook Islands heritage. Also had three try assists, but his performance wasn’t enough to force his way into the starting side long term.
4. Casey McLean – 8
Proved once again why he belongs in the test arena by continuing his incredible run of scoring in every match he’s played for the Kiwis. His brace brings him to 11 tries in six tests. Proved tough to handle for the Cook Islands defence.
5. Ronaldo Mulitalo – 7
Other than getting out-jumped in the air for the Cook Islands’ second try he didn’t really put a foot wrong. Led the way with 208m and claimed a brace for good measure.
6. Kodi Nikorima – 7
Didn’t make the best of starts by throwing two intercepts – one of which led to a try – but bounced back well by setting three up and scoring one himself.
7. Jahrome Hughes – 7
The Kiwis halfback looked more in control this time around and looked lively running the ball, setting up two tries, while his kicking game was also strong.Did cross the line to score himself, although it was waved off for double movement.Was given an early break, with an eye on the finals.
8. James Fisher-Harris – 6
The captain was his typical physical self in the middle, helping lay the platform, although the other props did have better outputs.
9. Jeremy Marshall-King – 6
Very slick out of dummy half. Made a team-high 26 tackles before being given an early rest.
10. Joseph Tapine – 7
Looks much better in the front row, where he quietly led all forwards with 180m and also made 20 tackles.
11. Xavier Willison – 7
In his first test start, he proved to be a handful for the Cook Islands defence. He finished with 167m, 108 of those post-contact.
12. Scott Sorensen – 6
Marked his return to the test side with a try. Ran some nice lines on the edge and finished the game at hooker.
13. Erin Clark – 8
Surely justified his future selection as the Kiwis’ starting lock after a strong display in the middle, carrying on his form from the NRL season. His offloading created lots of second-phase play. Just a typical Erin Clark performance.
Interchange
14. Te Maire Martin – 6
Came on to play hooker before finishing in the halves. Had some nice moments with the ball – scored a try and set another one up.
15. Leo Thompson – 6
Marked his return to the test arena with a powerful performance. Carried the ball well for 134m.
16. Tanner Stowers-Smith – 9
A debut for the ages with the prop following in the footsteps of his great-grandfather, Pat Smith, by representing New Zealand. Carried the ball with conviction, making six tackle breaks and finishing on 174m with the ball. What made it more special was that he claimed a brace of tries, which is remarkable considering he hasn’t scored in 34 NRL matches.
17. Jacob Laban – 5
Another making his test debut. Came on in the second half and played the last 32 minutes. Had some nice moments with the ball but did make an error and gave away a penalty.
Interchange players not used: Isaiah Papali’i, Briton Nikora.
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.