Petero Civoniceva Medal update: Cup debutant takes lead after Round 3
- Author
- Timestamp
Young PNG Hunters sensation Morea Morea has rocketed to the top of the Petero Civoniceva Medal tally after the opening three rounds of the Hostplus Cup.
The 22-year-old fullback has fast become a fan favourite after exploding onto the Cup scene this year, scoring four tries in three appearances - including a hat-trick against the Brisbane Tigers last week - and was named the Hastings Deering player of the match in Round 1.
His efforts for the Hunters have already earned him nine points, meaning he has polled the maximum amount of three points per game so far.
Coming in at joint second on the medal tally is Central Queensland Capras lock Lachlan Hubner and Wynnum Manly Seagulls five-eighth Josh Rogers, both sitting on six points.
With both teams undefeated so far this season, it is no surprise to see either player among the competition leaders.
Central Queensland is the club with the most representatives among the top 18 - alongside Hubner, Trey Browne (four points) and Bailey Butler (three points) are also in the running while Dolphins NRL utility Kodi Nikorima also polled three points in his sole appearance for the club in Round 1.
The standings following Round 3 are below, with the top 18 players listed.
Voting will go behind closed doors at the conclusion of Round 12.
Top five: Hostplus Cup Round 3
Petero Civoniceva Medal standings after Round 3
| Name | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Morea Morea | PNG Hunters | 9 |
| Lachlan Hubner | Central Queensland Capras | 6 |
| Josh Rogers | Wynnum Manly Seagulls | 6 |
| Trey Browne | Central Queensland Capras | 4 |
| Toby Sexton | Tweed Seagulls | 4 |
| McKenzie Baker | Townsville Blackhawks | 3 |
| Bailey Butler | Central Queensland Capras | 3 |
| Rory Ferguson | Souths Logan Magpies | 3 |
| Jack Gibbons | Sunshine Coast Falcons | 3 |
| Klese Haas | Tweed Seagulls | 3 |
| Guy Hamilton | Burleigh Bears | 3 |
| Jock Madden | Norths Devils | 3 |
| Matthew Milson | Wynnum Manly Seagulls | 3 |
| Jaymon Moore | Northern Pride | 3 |
| Kodi Nikorima | Central Queensland Capras | 3 |
| Riley Price | Townsville Blackhawks | 3 |
| Tyson Smoothy | Wynnum Manly Seagulls | 3 |
| Tom Steadman | Burleigh Bears | 3 |
The winner will be unveiled at this year’s end-of-season QRL awards which will also reveal the Hostplus Cup team of the year as well as other major awards.
*Points tally collated by QRL scores coordinator Ken Cooper
Main image: Morea Morea in action for the PNG Hunters. Photo: Erick Lucero/QRL
