HEAD TO HEAD: three compelling head-to-head matchups anticipated for this Saturday’s SEMIFINAL showdown
HEAD TO HEAD: three compelling head-to-head matchups anticipated for this Saturday’s showdown
This Saturday’s Eastern Conference Semifinal will witness the 9th encounter between the Free Jacks and Old Glory, solidifying this matchup as one of the most storied rivalries in MLR history. The victor of this pivotal clash will secure a spot in the Eastern Conference Final, edging closer to their ultimate goal of the MLR Championship Final and winning the MLR Shield in San Diego.
With stakes this high, both teams are fielding top-tier starting lineups, drawing from their impressive performances throughout the Regular Season. Utilizing MLR player performance data, let’s delve into three compelling head-to-head matchups anticipated for this Saturday’s showdown.
FLYHALF:
Jayson Potroz and Jason Robertson stand out as two of the premier flyhalves in the MLR. Both recipients of the coveted MLR Player of the Year award, they boast impressive statistics from the 2024 regular season. Leading the league in points scored and minutes played, Potroz and Robertson are renowned for their prowess as both playmakers and goal-kickers. Fans can anticipate every penalty being utilized to its fullest potential this weekend.
Beyond their on-field contributions, Potroz and Robertson are exceptional leaders and tacticians, akin to masters in a chess match. They will be instrumental in guiding their respective teams, analyzing opponents’ weaknesses, and capitalizing on strategic opportunities throughout the game.
Jayson Potroz
Position: Flyhalf
AGE: 32
HEIGHT: 6’0″
WEIGHT: 198LBS
HOMETOWN: New Plymouth, nz
minutes played
Jason Robertson
Position: Flyhalf
AGE: 29
HEIGHT: 5’7″
WEIGHT: 187LBS
Hometown: Mt Maunganui, NZ
minutes played
POINTS: potroz
- POINTS SCORED: 119 | MLR RANK: #3 13%
- TRIES SCORED: 5 50%
- CONVERSIONS: 29 | MLR RANK: #3 100%
- PENALTIES KICKED: 12 | MLR RANK: #5 54%
- DROP GOALS: 0 99%
POINTS: Robertson
- POINTS SCORED: 124 | MLR RANK: #2 92%
- TRIES SCORED: 2 20%
- CONVERSIONS: 27 | MLR RANK: #2 93%
- PENALTIES KICKED: 19 | MLR RANK: #3 73%
- DROP GOALS: 1 10%
ATTACK: POTROZ
- BALL CARRIES: 93 49%
- METERS GAINED: 730 100%
- DEFENDERS BEATEN: 47 50%
- PASSES MADE: 261 60%
- PASS ACCURACY: 89% 11%
ATTACK: ROBERTSON
- BALL CARRIES: 73 40%
- METERS GAINED: 450 61%
- DEFENDERS BEATEN: 15 30%
- PASSES MADE: 262 40%
- PASS ACCURACY: 86% 86%
DEFENSE: POTROZ
- TACKLES COMPLETE: 42 83%
- DOMINANT TACKLES MADE: 0 99%
- DEFENSIVE TURNOVERS: 1 97%
DEFENSE: ROBERTSON
- TACKLES COMPLETE: 103 42%
- DOMINANT TACKLES MADE: 1 6%
- DEFENSIVE TURNOVERS: 5 16%
MLR AWARDS: POTROZ
PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2023
TOP POINT SCORER 2023
ROUND 6 • FIRST XV
ROUND 16 • FIRST XV
ROUND 18 • FIRST XV
MLR AWARDS: ROBERTSON
PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2020
CENTER:
Wayne Van Der Bank and William Talataina-Mu have been standout performers this season, showcasing their excellence on both offense and defense. They have accumulated some of the most impressive statistical achievements in the league, underscoring their versatility and impact.
Despite William Talataina-Mu starting on the bench this weekend, his presence promises to deliver one of the most impactful matchups of the year once he enters the field.
Wayne van der Bank
Position: Center
AGE: 27
HEIGHT: 5’11”
WEIGHT: 194LBS
HOMETOWN: Pretoria, SA
minutes played:
William Talataina-Mu
Position: Center
AGE: 28
HEIGHT: 6’2″
WEIGHT: 227LBS
HOMETOWN: Samoa
minutes played:
POINTS: Van Der Bank
- POINTS SCORED: 37 73%
- TRIES SCORED: 7 | MLR RANK: #9 30%
POINTS: Talataina-Mu
- POINTS SCORED: 25 18%
- TRIES SCORED: 5 50%
ATTACK: VAN DER BANK
- BALL CARRIES: 111 | MLR RANK: #5 40%
- METERS GAINED: 943 | MLR RANK: #6 100%
- DEFENDERS BEATEN: 92 | MLR RANK: #1 100%
- CLEAN BREAKS: 7 | MLR RANK: #4 37%
ATTACK: Talataina-Mu
- BALL CARRIES: 59 53%
- METERS GAINED: 472 50%
- DEFENDERS BEATEN: 20 21%
- CLEAN BREAKS: 3 27%
DEFENSE: VAN DER BANK
- TACKLES COMPLETE: 143 40%
- TACKLES SUCCESS: 93% 7%
- DOMINANT TACKLES: 8 | MLR RANK: #5 100%
- DFNS TURNOVERS: 7 75%
DEFENSE: Talataina-Mu
- TACKLES COMPLETE: 99 70%
- TACKLES SUCCESS: 90% 90%
- DOMINANT TACKLES: 3 20%
- DFNS TURNOVERS: 12 | MLR RANK: #5 40%
MLR AWARDS: VAN DER BANK
ROUND 12 • PLAYER OTW
ROUND 2 • FIRST XV
ROUND 7 • FIRST XV
ROUND 8 • FIRST XV
ROUND 12 • FIRST XV
ROUND 14 • FIRST XV
ROUND 15 • FIRST XV
ROUND 18 • FIRST XV
MLR AWARDS: Talataina-Mu
ROUND 4 • FIRST XV
ROUND 10 • FIRST XV
back row
Jed Melvin, one of the Free Jacks’ recent recruits, has made a significant impact despite limited playing time, totaling just 75 minutes in the regular season. His immediate influence has seen him achieve statistics that rival many players with more extensive game time in the league. On the other hand, Cory Gilliland-Daniel has demonstrated his high-impact capabilities by earning a place in the MLR XV team sheet on seven occasions this season.
Both Melvin and Gilliland-Daniel possess immense work rates and formidable physicality, setting the stage for a matchup characterized by hard-hitting encounters.
JED MELVIN
Position: Backrow
AGE: 24
HEIGHT: 6’0″
WEIGHT: 236LBS
HOMETOWN: Auckland, NZ
minutes played:
Cory Gilliland-Daniel
Position: Backrow
AGE: 28
HEIGHT: 6’3″
WEIGHT: 231LBS
HOMETOWN: Silver Springs, MD
minutes played:
POINTS: Melvin
- POINTS SCORED: 15 82%
- TRIES SCORED: 3 70%
POINTS: Gilliland-Daniel
- POINTS SCORED: 20 18%
- TRIES SCORED: 4 40%
ATTACK: MELVIN
- BALL CARRIES: 111 | MLR RANK: #5 40%
- DEFENDERS BEATEN: 4 95%
ATTACK: Gilliland-Daniel
- BALL CARRIES: 59 53%
- DEFENDERS BEATEN: 9 10%
DEFENSE: MELVIN
- TACKLES SUCCESS: 95% 5%
- DOMINANT TACKLES: 1 100%
- DFNS TURNOVERS: 3 80%
DEFENSE: Gilliland-Daniel
- TACKLES SUCCESS: 92% 92%
- DOMINANT TACKLES: 7 20%
- DFNS TURNOVERS: 4 25%
MLR AWARDS: Melvin
ROUND 16 • PLAYER OTW
ROUND 16 • FIRST XV
MLR AWARDS: Gilliland-Daniel
ROUND 3 • FIRST XV
ROUND 4 • FIRST XV
ROUND 6 • FIRST XV
ROUND 11 • FIRST XV
ROUND 15 • FIRST XV
ROUND 16 • FIRST XV
ROUND 17 • FIRST XV
As the Free Jacks prepare to face Old Glory in the Eastern Conference Semifinal, the stage is set for a clash of titans featuring some of the MLR’s most dynamic players. From seasoned veterans like Wayne Van Der Bank and William Talataina-Mu, whose impact spans both attack and defense, to rising stars such as Jed Melvin and Cory Gilliland-Daniel, known for their immediate influence despite varying levels of playing time, this matchup promises fireworks.
With so much talent and determination on display, Saturday’s game is not just about advancing to the Eastern Conference Final—it’s a showcase of the league’s best, where every play, every tackle, and every decision will shape the path towards the coveted MLR Championship Final. Fans can expect nothing less than an electrifying display of skill, strategy, and sheer determination from start to finish.
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
| Tries Scored |
Total number of tries scored by a player this season.
|
| Average Tries scored |
The average number of tries scored by a player, per game.
|
| Defenders Beaten: |
Total number of defending players that an attacking player evades in open play while in possession of the ball.
|
| Average Defenders Beaten |
The average number of defenders the attacking player evades while in possession of the ball, per game.
|
| Tackles Made |
Total number of successful tackles made on an attacking player while they carry the ball.
|
| Average Tackles Made |
The average number of successful tackles made on attacking players while they carry the ball, per game
|
| Tackler Entry Breaks |
The number of times an attacking player breaks through a defending player’s tackle, leading to the defending players’ failed tackle attempt.
|
| Clean Breaks |
The total number of times that a player breaks the defensive line resulting in a clear break up the field of the attacking player.
|
| Average Clean Breaks |
The average number of times an attacking player breaks the defensive line, per game.
|
| Ball Carries | Total number of times the attacking player is in possession of the ball and covering ground. |
| Ball Carry Meters |
Total number of meters made by an attacking player while they have the ball in hand.
|
| Average Ball Carry Meters |
The average meters made by an attacking player while they have the ball in hand, per carry.
|
| Points Scored |
Total number of points scored.
|
| Conversions Made |
Total number of conversions made.
|
| Meters Gained through in play kick per game |
Total number of meters gained by a player that kicks the ball from hand in open play.
|
The Conference Semifinal kicks off from Veterans Memorial Stadium at 10am on July 20th. Before the Free Jacks match, watch the NERFU Summer Sevens Championships, grab a beer at the Wallop! Beer Fest, listen to Live Music Turn It Up!
Gates open at 10am, kick-off starts at 5 p.m. so get to Fort Quincy early to enjoy the full day of festivities. Buy your tickets here! The match will be broadcast on FS1 and The Rugby Network.
For more opportunities to engage with the Free Jacks community, stay updated on future Free Jacks matches, festivals, and announcements through the Free Jacks’ news page: www.freejacks.com/news
Written By:
Tickets & Sales
Have questions about purchasing tickets, locations, or group opportunities? Send our sales & ticketing teams your questions.
General Questions
Have questions about the league? Do you have ways we could make your experiecne better? Fell free to drop us a note.
Partnerships & Sponsorships
Are you a company looking to create a releationship with the Free Jacks? Connect with our Business Development Team.
