Papalii, Cook donate to grassroots clubs after sterling performances

They're completely contrasting players, but Josh Papalii and Damien Cook were both similarly influential in propelling their teams to preliminary finals.

For their efforts last week, the duo were named the Bundaberg Rum Man of the Match for their respective games and, thanks to Bundy, donated $1000 each to senior grassroots clubs.

Powerhouse Raiders prop Papalii donated to Logan Brothers, where he cut his teeth in Queensland, while dynamic Rabbitohs hooker Cook opted to give back to the Helensburgh Tigers in southern Sydney.

The impacts of bushfires and COVID-19 have been felt by many grassroots clubs and Bundaberg Rum is determined to help. The Man of the Match in each finals fixture so far has nominated a senior club to donate to during a post-match interview on Fox League. The initiative will conclude after the preliminary finals.

Papalii was enormous in Canberra's 22-18 victory over the Roosters on Friday, barrelling his way over for the opening try in the fourth minute and setting the platform through the middle as always.

He carted the ball for almost 200 metres and made 29 tackles in an outstanding 55-minute display at the SCG.

Cook, meanwhile, helped spark South Sydney into action as they overcame an 18-8 half-time deficit to beat Parramatta 38-24 in Saturday's clash at Bankwest Stadium.

The diminutive No.9's standout showing was underlined by the fantastic breakaway try he scored at the end after racing down the right touchline. Cook also set up two tries and ran for over 150 metres.