Star halves, clutch plays, and one of the best defensive efforts in recent memory. The key numbers and statistics that defined Round 15 of the 2015 NRL Telstra Premiership season.
NRL's stats leaders after 15 rounds
7
Manly halves Kieran Foran and Daly Cherry-Evans have both had seasons interrupted by injury, and the pair have taken the field together for Manly just seven times from the Sea Eagles' 13 games so far this year. They were at their best against the Tigers in Round 15, with three try assists and line-break assists between them, as well as a line break each.
1
The Cowboys extended their winning run to 11 in the nation's capital on Saturday afternoon, in one of the more remarkable passages of play to close out a game we're likely to see. From scrambling defence, charge-downs, and a champion halfback who just wouldn't give in, Johnathan Thurston broke the hearts of the Canberra supporters with a field goal right on the full-time siren.
46
Titans lock Lachlan Burr was immense for his side against the Warriors on Saturday night, making an incredible 46 tackles in just 56 minutes on the field. He also produced a try, a line break and 93 metres in a fairly comprehensive performance. Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson was also at his elusive best, with two tries, two line breaks, five tackle busts and six from six conversions.
6
While young Panthers forward Bryce Cartwright is known for his ability to create second-phase play, it was his teammate Dean Whare who managed a round-high six offloads against the Bulldogs in Round 15. Not to be outdone, Cartwright had three of his own, and scored his side's only two tries of the night.
445
The Broncos put in one of the finest defensive displays in recent memory, forced into making 445 tackles against the Storm. Compare that with Melbourne's 327 for the game, and you begin to understand how much of an effort it was to come away with the win. Andrew McCullough (64), Matt Gillett (54), Josh McGuire (50) and Adam Blair (41) all picked up the slack in the absence of workhorse lock Corey Parker.
105
Shaun Kenny-Dowall scored twice against the Dragons on Monday night, taking him to 105 NRL tries for the Roosters. The Kiwi international has jumped club legend Bill Mullins (104) into outright second on the club's leading try-scorer list, but still has a few more four-pointers to go until he overtakes former teammate Anthony Minichiello (139) for top spot.
