Defensive effectiveness can be measured in many ways. NRL.com looks at which teams and players had the best defence in Round 2 of the NRL Telstra Premiership.
The Brisbane Broncos were the top tackling team in Round 2, with 378 tackles in their extra-time loss to North Queensland. The Cowboys made 356 tackles but also had the most missed tackles (47) in Round 2.
The Melbourne Storm made the second most tackles in Round 2 with 368 and also had the equal least missed tackles (18) of the round in their win over the Warriors. This gave the Storm a tackle effectiveness of 95 per cent, upholding their reputation of being one of the best defensive teams in the NRL.
The St George Illawarra Dragons also only missed 18 tackles in their loss against the Eels, making 328 tackles for a tackle effectiveness of 94 per cent.
Broncos hooker Andrew McCullough was the best defensive player in Round 2 with 53 tackles and no missed tackles – a phenomenal effort in extra-time against the Cowboys.
Fellow Broncos forward Josh Maguire made 44 tackles, also with no missed tackles for another solid defensive performance.
Warriors forward Bunty Afoa and Dragons hooker Cameron McInnes both made 49 tackles in Round 2, with Afoa having four missed tackles and McInnes just one missed tackle.
In terms of points conceded, the Penrith Panthers almost shut out Wests Tigers in a 36-2 win at Campbelltown Stadium. The Tigers had plenty of good chances to score tries, but the Panthers were able to prevent them from crossing the line for the full 80 minutes.
To keep a team tryless in the NRL these days is a huge defensive effort from the Panthers.
