Ryan Kankowski gets our vote based on a strong first 60 minutes, writes MARK KEOHANE.

Kanko's yellow card, a result of a team warning, must not detract from a good attacking display from the Sharks No 8. The nature of the game, in which the Sharks had early dominance, meant it was a no-contest between Kankowski and Lions No 8 and captain Warren Whiteley.

Kankowski was the beneficiary of the Sharks' early momentum because it allowed him to carry strongly and to play expansively.

Whiteley, in the third quarter of the game, was influential in the Lions resurgence but Kankowski's general contribution on attack and in defence wins the day.

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