Which players stood out in Round 3 games?

As the group stages concluded a couple of sides ran up big scores on their way to the quarterfinals, with some fine individual performances across the nations. 

Here's NRL.com's pick of the bunch from the third round of action at the Rugby League World Cup 2021. 

World Cup Team of the Week: Round 3

1. Adam Doueihi (Lebanon)

Standing in at fullback for the injured Jacob Kiraz, the Wests Tigers playmaker was outstanding for the Cedars. Set up five tries and scored one himself. His performance leaves coach Michael Cheika with a nice selection headache ahead of Kiraz's likely return for the quarterfinals. 

2. Brian To'o (Samoa)

Wingers from several nations have starred through the group stages, but there is an argument to be made that To'o has been the best of the lot. Not only did he score a couple of nice tries against France, but he made a series of effort plays when his side needed them and had 265 metres of running to his name by the end of the match. 

3. Will Penisini (Tonga)

After an impressive season with the Eels, this was Penisini's best game at Test level, and he had a four-try tally to show for it. In addition to that he set up three line breaks and laid on a try assist. 

4. Jimmy Ngutlik

Rocked Wales on the edge and was strong across the 80 minutes, along with his centre partner Justin Olam. Broke seven tackles, score two tries and churned through 170 metres in possession. 

5. Dom Young (England)

Emerging as one of the tournament's biggest stars. Greece had no answer for Young, who scored a England record-equaling four tries and set another one up. Newcastle Knights fans must be watching on with glee as their man finds a new gear at Test level. 

6. Daly Cherry-Evans (Australia)

Playing alongside Nathan Cleary - his rival for the contested halfback spot - DCE didn't miss a beat against Italy. Early on his left side was on fire, with the Manly captain at the heart of the action. Set up four tries and had a key involvement in another two. 

7. Jahrome Hughes (New Zealand)

Was in everything during his 61-minute return from injury, breaking the line three times, assisting three tries and scoring one. This Kiwi side are a different attacking beast with him back in action. 

8. King Vuniyayawa (Fiji)

Helped lay a solid platform for The Bati, contributing 152 run metres. The one-time Warrior is an underrated part of the puzzle for Fiji.

9. Andy Ackers (England) 

Had a hand in four of England's tries and killed Greece at the ruck, amassing 233 run metres as he took advantage of a tiring defence. A try-scoring double was a nice bonus for the Salford dummy-half. 

10. Addin Fonua-Blake (Tonga)

Along with Jason Taumalolo, he dominated the middle of the park and never really gave the Kukis a chance to get into the game early on. Made 144 metres in 47 minutes on the field. 

11. Liam Martin (Australia) 

While player of the match honours went to his starting second-row partner Jeremiah Nanai, Martin was super impressive despite only playing 64 minutes. Carried for 129 metres, made 23 tackles and scored a nice try. 

12. Nelson Asofa-Solomona (New Zealand)

Looked dangerous in a new role on the edge of the field, and is every halfback's worst nightmare come true when he runs the ball out there. 

13. Taniela Sadrugu (Fiji)

A busy performance from the Cowboys' wider squad member, after scoring the first try of the game. Chewed through 134 metres and made 18 tackles.

14. Nathan Cleary (Australia)

While he started the game a little slower than Cherry-Evans, Cleary had some big numbers by the end of it, including four line-break assists and three try assists. Didn't make Mal Meninga's impending decision around who partners Cameron Munster in the halves any easier with another strong showing. 

15. Louis Senior (Ireland)

One of the Woolfhounds' best players at this tournament, Senior caused genuine issues for the Kiwis down his side of the field. His try-scoring double against the world's No.1 ranked side will be a memory of a lifetime. 

16. Junior Paulo (Samoa)

Solid as ever in the middle. Dented the French line with his carries and had some nice moments of ball-playing at the line. Will be one of the key men in the quarterfinals against the star-studded Tonga pack.

17. Jaxson Rahme (Lebanon)

The South Sydney big man brought plenty of punch to the game off the bench, finishing with 150 run metres. He wasn't what a tiring Jamaica pack wanted to see when he entered the field.