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Defensive effectiveness can be measured in many ways. NRL.com takes a look at which teams and players had the best defence in Round 1 of the NRL Telstra Premiership.

The Melbourne Storm conceded the least points in Round 1, allowing just one try in their 12-6 win over the Bulldogs at Belmore on Friday night. The Storm made 351 tackles – the equal fifth most tackles in Round 1. The Bulldogs made 319 tackles – the sixth most of the round.

The Storm missed 31 tackles, for a tackle effectiveness of 91 per cent, while the Bulldogs missed 23 tackles for a tackle effectiveness of 93 per cent.

Also with a tackle effectiveness of 93 per cent in Round 1 were the Newcastle Knights. The Knights made 357 tackles in their 26-22 loss to the Warriors in Auckland on Sunday – the third most tackles of a team in Round 1.

The team with the best tackle effectiveness was the St George Illawarra Dragons with 96 per cent, but they only had to make 298 tackles – the fifth least of the round – in their big 42-10 win over the Panthers.

A special mention to the Manly Sea Eagles who defended their tryline stoically for a 13-minute period in the second half, repelling four repeat sets in a row from the Eels.

Sydney Roosters hooker Jake Friend played all 80 minutes of his side's 32-18 win over the Titans and made the most tackles of any player in the NRL in Round 1 with 59 tackles. Friend missed just three tackles in an amazing defensive performance.

Manly's Jake Trbojevic also only missed three tackles in his side's 20-12 loss to the Eels, making 51 tackles – the second most by an individual in Round 1.

The most effective tackler of Round 1 was Newcastle lock Mitchell Barnett who made 49 tackles with no misses. A 100 per cent tackling success rate.

Dragons hooker Cameron McInnes and Knights forward Jamie Buhrer also had a 100 per cent tackle success rate in Round 1, making 43 and 42 tackles respectively.

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National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.

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