Which players stood out in Round 2 games?

A number of teams secured quarter-final berths by picking up their second win of the tournament over the past week, while for some sides it was a chance to bounce back after first-up disappointment.

NRL.com takes a look at the individual standouts from the second round of group play at the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.

World Cup Team of the Week: Round 2

1. Sunia Turuva (Fiji)

The Panthers youngster showed glimpses of what he was capable of on the Test scene earlier this year, and against Italy he starred once again, making 230 run metres, 11 tackle breaks and setting up a try. Penrith have themselves an excellent back up to Dylan Edwards here. 

2. Brian To’o (Samoa)

Wingers really stole the show through the second week of group games, but To'o was arguably the best of the lot. His 371 run metres and 16 tackles busts were remarkable stats, and he went looking for work constantly v Greece. 

3. Peta Hiku

Played his part in the man outside him, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, going over for four tries, and contributed plenty elsewhere on attack. An underrated part of this Kiwis side, his work out of yardage is important too. 

4. Kevin Naiqama

A classy display by the veteran, which included racking up 234 metres of running. Held his side of the field together well defensively. 

5. Josh Addo-Carr

The Foxx appears in the Team of the Week for the second time at the tournament, this time following a four-try showing. Made 195 metres with ball in hand for good measure. 

6. Jarome Luai

Pulled the strings beautifully for Toa Samoa, laying on five try assists and scoring one himself. Off the back of a strong running performance from his side, Luai did the rest. 

7. George Williams

Led England around the park well and was dangerous when he opted to run the ball. If he can keep this form up, he's going to be a huge factor for England come the playoffs. 

8. Patrick Carrigan

After an impressive debut off the bench in Australia’s opener, the Brisbane forward went to another level in a starting role against Scotland. In just 38 minutes on the field Carrigan ran for 183 metres.

9. Soni Luke (Tonga)

Made a big contribution defensively, with a team-high 41 tackles and in general led the team around the park nicely. 

10. Makahesi Makatoa (Cook Islands)

Kept showing up in the face of an onslaught through the middle from the Kumuls. Came up with 38 tackles and made more yardage (120 metres) than any other Kukis forward. 

11. Rhyse Martin (Papua New Guinea)

Missed his first kick in 42 attempts to start the game, which cruelly just happened to deny him a new world record for most successful conversions in a row. But that was the only blight in an otherwise excellent showing from the former Bulldog, who earned man of the match honours. 

12. Elie El-Zakha (Lebanon)

Really hurt Ireland with his ability extend plays. Of his 192 total metres gained, 95 came after contact. 

13. Ben Garcia (France)

A defensive beast for France, under heavy pressure from the England pack. Made 41 tackles in an hour on the field.

14. Mitchell Moses (Lebanon)

The key man in a crunch clash for the Cedars, Moses provided the final touch for two of his side's tries and kicked them into good positions on the field. 

15. Isaah Yeo (Australia)

Chugged through for 192 metres and didn’t miss a single tackle against Scotland. Has picked up right where he left off for Penrith at the back end of the year and looks set to be a must-pick for Mal Meninga going forward.

16. Daniel Tupou (Tonga)

Another of the outstanding wingers from the second round of group play, the towering Roosters veteran got over the line three times and ran for the most metres (217) of any Tongan player. 

17. MacKenzie Yei (Papua New Guinea)

In many ways he is the perfect impact player off the bench, coming on to hit hard, run with intent and switch the tempo. Very effective in a 25-minute stint, earning 108 metres with ball in hand and setting up a try.