Lima Sopoaga – Southland (age 23, 46 points after three rounds)
Sopoaga has been a great acquisition for Southland following his switch from Wellington this season. He's a first-five who likes to attack the line but he also shows good tactical awareness to kick for territory when it's required and turn the opposition around. He has a super pass which has already set up several tries for the Stags this year. His goal-kicking has been the biggest boon for the Stags as it has earned his side wins over Bay of Plenty and North Harbour.
You may not know that...Sopoaga has a better goal-kicking success rate than any other player to attempt 10+ shots at goal so far (17/22 – 77%).
Hayden Parker – Otago (age 23, 41 points after three rounds)
A steadier first-five than his Highlanders team-mate Sopoaga, Parker plays the territory game well and is willing to put his body on the line in defence. He does the basics well and gets his back line going without being overly flamboyant. He's a very handy goal-kicker too. He fits perfectly with the Otago game plan.
You may not know that...No fly-half to make 3 apps this season has produced fewer turnovers (2) than Parker.
Marty McKenzie – Taranaki (age 22, 50 points after three rounds)
In his rookie season McKenzie has quickly become a key figure for Taranaki. He kicks his goals but is a big threat with ball in hand as his four tries highlight. Because he likes to have a dart himself he keeps defences guessing which also opens up opportunities for team-mates like Seta Tamanivalu, Charlie Ngatai and Waisake Naholo. His brother Damian is having a similarly impressive start to his ITM Cup career as Waikato's No.10.
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You may not know that...The joint-top try scorer (4) in the competition, McKenzie has also assisted more tries (3) than any other #10 so far.
Marty Banks – Tasman (age 24, 52 points after three rounds)
Banks had an excellent season with the Makos last year and has picked up where he left off despite getting very little action with the Hurricanes this year. Again, he is his side's first-choice goal kicker and is a points machine off the tee, but he also leads his team around the park well, has a smart pass and a willingness to take on defences. This is Tasman's first year in the premiership so he'll face some tougher outings than the ones he's had so far. But expect him to step up.
You may not know that...He has kicked the most goals (19/25 – 76%) this season, with the distance of one his successful shots standing at 56 metres.
Ihaia West – Hawke's Bay (age 22, 26 points)
West may not have as many points on the board as his rivals but he's scored the ones that matter. His last-gasp drop goal after the siren gave the Magpies a thrilling victory against Taranaki and he was on-target again when Hawke's Bay wrestled the Ranfurly Shield off Counties at the weekend. He's another first-five who is not afraid to run at defences and definitely has the X-factor. His game management has improved since he got a crack in the No.10 role with the Blues but he probably needs to improve his goal kicking consistency to become the all-round package.
You may not know that...West averaged three defenders beaten per game so far
