An inspirational performance from Dylan Walker, the return to form for some big names and a third straight standout effort from Aaron Woods highlights NRL.com's Round 3 Team of the Week.
1. Greg Inglis (Rabbitohs)
Earning man-of-the-match honours against the previously undefeated Wests Tigers, Inglis was everywhere. Whether he was setting up tries, scoring them or busting tackles Inglis had a hand in most facets of the game, finishing with three line break assists.
2. Josh Mansour (Panthers)
In his first performance of the season following off-season shoulder surgery, Mansour wasted no time picking up where he left off last season. The incumbent Australian winger made 219 metres and made nine tackle busts and his brilliant try assist for Jamal Idris wasn't too shabby either.
3. Dylan Walker (Rabbitohs)
A broken hand didn't slow down the South Sydney centre in his inspirational showing. While he will miss the next month due to injury, Walker's two tries and five tackle breaks ensured his last appearance for a while was a memorable one.
4. Blake Ferguson (Roosters)
In his finest performance since returning to the NRL, Ferguson inspired the Roosters in their second win of the season. Scoring two tries and making 178 metres and seven tackle breaks, Ferguson was a handful in attack while his defensive reads were also solid.
5. Lachlan Maranta (Broncos)
Maranta kept his critics at bay against the Cowboys with two tries and five tackle breaks, and his double century of run metres will also be looked fondly upon by coach Wayne Bennett.
6. Chad Townsend (Warriors)
You know you're going well when you're playing better than the reigning Golden Boot winner. Townsend is currently the man outshining halves partner Shaun Johnson at the Warriors, with three try assists and two line breaks against Parramatta.
7. Daly Cherry-Evans (Sea Eagles)
The Sea Eagles were disappointing but Cherry-Evans' three try assists weren't. He also took major kicking duties and was busy all night in a hard-fought loss.
8. Aaron Woods (Tigers)
For the third straight week, Woods earns Team of the Week honours after pushing past 200 metres (223 in fact) once again. The best forward on the paddock – and that's saying something considering he played the Rabbitohs – Woods made another five tackle breaks and 33 tackles.
9. Cameron Smith (Storm)
When the Storm are playing well it usually means that their captain Smith is going great guns as well. Smith was a rock in the middle for Melbourne against Cronulla and was duly rewarded with a second-half try to compliment his three tackle breaks and 36 tackles.
10. James Graham (Bulldogs)
The super-consistent Bulldogs captain was typically strong with 144 metres and 28 tackles (for no misses) in the Dogs' win over the Sea Eagles. He never seems to have a bad game.
11. Ryan Hoffman (Warriors)
With three tries in three weeks, Hoffman is quickly becoming a fan favourite across the ditch. The Warriors' trio of Hoffman, Simon Mannering and Bodene Thompson are pushing for top back row honours competition-wide, with the former Storm star making 151 metres, four tackle breaks and 21 tackles in his side's win over Parramatta.
12. Tohu Harris (Storm)
The player of the round, Harris is quickly making life easier for Melbourne fans in life after Hoffman. The Kiwis back-rower was a man on a mission against the Sharks with his two tries, 159 metres and seven tackle breaks a huge reason behind his team's second win of the season.
13. Corey Parker (Broncos)
NRL Fantasy darling Parker is back into the swing of things following his dominant display against North Queensland. The workhorse lock finished with 188 metres and 24 tackles while also setting up one try and crossing for another.
Interchange:
14. Jordan Kahu (Broncos)
The Broncos fullback produced his finest performance in his NRL career in the Broncos' huge victory. Assisting Maranta in his two tries, including a deft one-handed tap on, Kahu also ran for 139 metres and scored a try himself.
15. Simon Mannering (Warriors)
The Warriors and Kiwis captain Mannering continued his outstanding start to the year against Parramatta. Led the way as usual with a line break assist, two tackle busts, 135 metres and 45 tackles.
16. Trent Merrin (Dragons)
It's perplexing why coach Paul McGregor continues with starting Merrin from the bench when the NSW representative is capable of playing the full 80. Regardless, Merrin's try just before half-time was the catalyst behind the Red V's comeback win and he was again a massive force in the middle of the field.
17. Kade Snowden (Knights)
Snowden hasn't played representative football in four seasons, but considering his current form, that might change in the coming months. Snowden starred for the third straight match for Newcastle, who benefited from the revitalised prop's 183 metres, 33 tackles and four tackle breaks.
