There were a number of strong individual performances from 2018 Wests Tigers players throughout the second week of action at the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.
From Elijah Taylor and Russell Packer both scoring in the Kiwis big win to Tui Lolohea guiding Tonga home in a thriller, there was plenty to like about the year ahead for Wests Tigers.
Take a look at all the numbers from Wests Tigers players over the weekend!
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ELIJAH TAYLOR — New Zealand
Playing out of position at hooker, Elijah Taylor made a successful return to Test football with his first appearance for New Zealand in over four years. The 2017 Kelly-Barnes Award winner played 47 minutes, ran for 60 metres and made 18 tackles, while also adding a try and a linebreak late on in the piece.
RUSSELL PACKER — New Zealand
After a starring role off the bench in New Zealand's opening game, Russell Packer continued his strong start to the tournament with another strong showing — this time chalking up 173 metres from his 15 runs, while also adding 16 tackles without any missed. In addition to running for more metres than any forward in the game, Packer also crossed for his first try at international level as the Kiwis chalked up a 72-6 win.
Russell Packer with his first international try!#RLWC2017 pic.twitter.com/FGgEHcLu4a
— Wests Tigers (@WestsTigers) November 4, 2017
TUI LOLOHEA — Tonga
Lolohea's numbers might not seem all that at first viewing, but the young playmaker played a crucial role in guiding Tonga home in their fiery Pacific showdown against Samoa on Saturday night. Praised post-match by Coach Kristian Woolf for his composure, Lolohea finished with a try-assist to his name, as well as 51 metres from his five runs as Tonga preserved their unbeaten start to the tournament with a gutsy 14-point win.
ALEX TWAL — Lebanon
Alex Twal was arguably Lebanon's best player as they pushed England all the way at Allianz Stadium — playing the entire first half without a break and all but 10 minutes of the second half to finish with incredible numbers for a prop playing in just his second Test match. Twal ended the night with 52 tackles to his name, without missing, while also running for a team-high 145 metres from his 17 carries.
52 tackles.
— Wests Tigers (@WestsTigers) November 4, 2017
0 missed.
145 metres.
And he's only 21... 💪#RLWC2017 pic.twitter.com/b1W9OZ7p4F
NATHAN MILONE — Italy
After a tough start to the World Cup, Italy got on the board with a straightforward win over the United States in Townsville, with Nathan Milone having a hand in a number of tries for the Azzuri. Milone finished the game with 98 metres from his seven carries, but will have his hands full next Friday as Italy come up against Fiji in a must-win game to stay alive in the tournament.
KEVIN NAIQAMA — Fiji
Kevin Naiqama again captained Fiji to a dominant win at the World Cup, with the fullback running for a game-high 183 metres from his 17 carries. The attack might have flowed through other outlets, but Naiqama's hard running and sharp feet certainly proved crucial for the Bati once again.
TAANE MILNE — Fiji
Taane Milne continued his impressive start to the World Cup with a hand in five tries for Fiji — two tries for himself and another three try-assists for his wing partner Suliasi Vunivalu. Milne ended the game with 141 metres from 14 runs, as well as three linebreaks, while also showed his versatility by kicking three goals in the Bati's emphatic victory. Having never really got a run at the Dragons, Milne will certainly be looking to continue his good form for Fiji in the bid of locking down a permanent first-grade spot in 2018.
Taane Milne at the #RLWC2017
— Wests Tigers (@WestsTigers) November 5, 2017
4️⃣ tries.
5️⃣ try-assists.
6️⃣ linebreaks.
🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/QEi7ZZManI
