GPS were too good for CAS in both the 1st XV and 2nd XV fixtures on Tuesday afternoon at Shore. 

On a dry afternoon, both GPS’ backlines were outstanding and proved to be the difference in the two matches. 

With representative honours up for grabs, a number of players stood out. We’ve picked eight of the best performances from Tuesday afternoon’s action. 

Max Jorgensen (Joeys) – GPS I No.15

The kid can seriously play and showed it on Tuesday with a near perfect all round performance at the back of the GPS backline. An exciting talent who will likely play plenty of rep footy in the months ahead. 

Lipina Ata (Newington) – GPS I No.2

The big, strong ball carrying hooker has a bullet lineout throw, which he hit at the back fairly consistently, particularly in the first half. The GPS backline benefited from this clean ball and were able to attack in wider channels on first phase as a result.

Lachlan Hooper (Barker) – CAS I No.8

Hooper was the standout in a CAS forward pack that didn’t get many opportunities on Tuesday afternoon. He regained possession off two kick offs in the first half, was solid at lineout time and directed the CAS maul well early in the match. Never stopped trying. 

Ben Dufficy (Kings) – GPS I No.10

Controlled the match brilliantly in the first half, showing impressive game management and a strong kicking game. Dufficy had lots of talent around him and knew exactly when to control the game and when to feed the players outside him. 

Hadley Tonga (Kings) – GPS I No.11

Only in year 11, Kings’ outside back Hadley Tonga did everything he needed to do on the end of a very good back line. Tonga made the most of every opportunity he got out wide and looks to be a real talent.  

Jesse Mclean (Newington) – GPS II No.13

The standout of the earlier game, Mclean used speed, footwork and a handy offload to impress with just about every touch against CAS II. Finished the afternoon with two tries. 

Aden Ekanayake (Barker) – CAS II No.4

The big, rangy lock has plenty of mongrel about him and stood out in the CAS II forward pack. Ekanayake carried well and did plenty of work around the park. He has a big frame already and will only get better as he grows into his body. 

Joey Fowler (Joeys) – GPS II No.10

Considering the limited preparation, the Joeys playmaker controlled the earlier match extremely well, which was probably the difference between the two sides. The No.10 from Narrabri has a lovely pass and a solid kick and showed good speed to set up a try in the first half.