“It’s hard to name only one to be honest,” McCormack said.

“Jaiden Christian and Paddy James have been outstanding for us along with a few others at Brothers. Rhian Stowers at Bond is electric. Kohan Herbert for Souths and Shaun Anderson from GPS have also been standouts so far this year.”

Simon Craig – Easts 

“The most influential player in the comp is Finn Prass at Brothers,” Craig said.

“He can crush a team by turning them around 70 odd metres with his booming boot.”

Sio Kite – GPS

“It’s easy to point to the contracted guys – for instance, we got taught a lesson by a Test player in James O’Connor last weekend, but of the non-contracted guys and not including and of my GPS players, my picks are:

• Brad Hemopo – I’m not sure how or why he isn’t playing rugby for a job, he’s a good hard footballer.
• George Francis – Everyone sees him fold people like a letter in scrums but in the loose, he’s very difficult to handle as well
• Tyler Campbell – Tyler is exceptional on both sides of the ball. He is a nightmare to deal with and I hope he takes the week off on the beach when we play Bond in round 2.”

Dan Ritchie – Norths

“I’d say Tyler Campbell from Bond. He has a big influence on their performance each week,” Ritchie said. 

“He has moments when he puts the team on his back and takes the game head on. Then at other times, it’s his game management and the organisation of his team that is equally impressive. For me, he’d be one of the smartest players in QPR.

“Equally, I’d put Paddy James from Brothers in a similar category.”

Garrick Morgan – Souths 

“I’d have to say Harry (McLaughlin-Phillips),” the coach said of his young flyhalf.

“I can’t imagine that he isn’t going to be picked in the Australian U20s squad, so we’ll lose him for a few weeks, but we’ve built some cover there (at flyhalf) and will look forward to him giving us a boost in the run towards the finals.”

Elton Berrange – UQ

“There are some outstanding candidates. Brad Hemopo, Conor Andersen, Matt Giquel & Kohan Herbert all have the ability to win games of their own back but I think the most influential player is Rhian Stowers. He can turn a game in a moment.”

Elwee Prinsloo – Wests

“Identifying the most influential player is tough, as several have been pivotal for their respective teams,” Prinsloo said.

“Kye Oates has been outstanding for UQ, Brad Hemopo has been massive for Brothers and Liam McNamara has brought Sunnybank back into finals contention.

“Matt Gicquel has also done an exceptional job leading GPS from the front as captain and Harry McLaughlin-Phillips has been crucial in directing Souths from the fly-half position.

“If I had to pick one, it would be Harry McLaughlin-Phillips. There’s a notable difference in Souths’ performance when he plays.”

Total Mentions: 

Tyler Campbell (Bond) – 3

Rhian Stowers (Bond – 3

Brad Hemopo (Brothers) – 3

Paddy James (Brothers) – 2

Harry McLaughlin-Phillips (Souths) – 2

Kohan Herbert (Souths) – 2

Kye Oates (UQ) – 2

Matt Giquel (GPS) – 2

Jaiden Christian (Brothers) – 1

Shaun Anderson (GPS) – 1

Finn Prass (Brothers) – 1

George Francis (Souths) – 1

Conor Anderson (Wests) – 1

Liam McNamara (Sunnybank) – 1