Stat Attack: Bullemor at a gate - Bronco equal-fastest NRL forward
Broncos prop Ethan Bullemor has equalled Dragons star Tyson Frizell as this season's fastest forward after being clocked by the Telstra Tracker at 34.2km/h.
Bullemor's surprising top speed, which Brisbane confirmed as correct, was the highest of anyone in round 16.
The 20-year-old is just the third running forward all year to crack the weekly top five, with Frizell reaching the summit in round nine. Cowboys back-rower Coen Hess (33.9) came fifth in round two.
Bullemor outpaced the likes of Eels winger Blake Ferguson (34km/h), Roosters veteran Josh Morris (33.9), Cowboys five-eighth Ben Hampton (33.6) and Knights fullback Kalyn Ponga (33.4).
The result continues the trend of forwards upstaging backs, with Canberra prop Josh Papalii hitting his season best of 31.7km/h when he pulled off an incredible 60-metre chase and ankle-tap to stop Titans halfback Jamal Fogarty from scoring last Saturday.
Two Panthers covered plenty of distance in their 38-12 win against Cronulla. Halfback Nathan Cleary (9.8km) topped the maximum distance category ahead of second-rower Liam Martin (9.7).
St George Illawarra halves Adam Clune and Corey Norman worked hard during their victory over Brisbane to rank equal with Eels captain Clint Gutherson on 9.5km, rounding out the top five.
Manly back Tevita Funa recorded the most high-speed efforts (bursts of 20km/h or more) with 37, beating Gutherson (35), Melbourne's Ryan Papenhuyzen (35), St George Illawarra's Zac Lomax (34) and Canterbury's Will Hopoate (33).
