NRL 2022, Ryan Matterson, Joe Ofahengaue stand out in Round 11 VB Hard Earned Index data

Author: NRL.com
Timestamp: Mon 23 May 2022, 02:05 PM

Parramatta forward Ryan Matterson continues to mount his case towards a potential State of Origin debut by dominating the VB Hard Earned Index in his side's Round 11 win over the Sea Eagles.

Promoted to the run-on team after coming off the bench, Matterson made the most of his prominent role for Brad Arthur's side — making 21 runs (11 of which were for more than eight metres) and 31 tackles without missing as the Eels came from behind for a thrilling 22-20 victory at CommBank Stadium.

No player in the competition made more offloads (6) than Matterson, who finished atop the weekly VB Hard Earned Index score for the first time this year with 103.

Wests Tigers lock Joe Ofahengaue has flown under the radar in recent weeks but produced arguably his best effort of the year to help his team get the job done against Canterbury — setting up the first try of the night to go with his 18 runs, 28 tackles, two tackle busts and seven line supports to finish a 95-point haul.

Ofahengaue was joined in the top five by teammate Luke Garner (83 points), who he set up for his side's first try, who himself had a strong all-round performance with three tackle busts, 25 tackles and nine runs of eight-plus metres.

Garner powers over

Manly wingers Christian Tuipulotu and Reuben Garrick made more eight-plus metre runs than any other players in the round — chalking up 16 and 15 respectively — while Broncos young gun Selwyn Cobbo broke an incredible 12 tackles.

Sharks debutant Lachlan Miller was impressive in his first NRL game, scoring 74 points courtesy of 14 runs of eight-plus metres and nine tackle busts.

Magic Miller shines on debut

In terms of the overall leaderboard, Panthers skipper Isaah Yeo remains the man to catch as he slightly extended his lead ahead of Parramatta forward Isaiah Papali'i. Broncos forward Payne Haas sits in third after his return from injury, with Wests Tigers duo Ofahengaue and Alex Twal behind him to round out the top five.

Injured Rabbitohs skipper Cameron Murray (717 points) has dropped down to sixth but is expected to return to the field shortly to begin his climb back up the ladder.