The Round 21 “Team of the Week’ features several Norths Devils players, after they managed an upset win over competition leaders Townsville Blackhawks in last Saturday’s TV game. Northern Pride players were also prominent in selection after registering an impressive 38-10 victory over the CQ Capras.
Take a look below at which players QRL Media's Nathan Jones thought made some outstanding contributions for your favourite teams last weekend.
>> Each round, QRL Media recognise the 17 best performers and name the Intrust Super Cup ‘Team of the Week’*. These team selections will be based not only on statistical data, but will also take on board live and broadcast viewings of the games, with the standout performer of the week to be named captain.
1. Zac Santo (Townsville Blackhawks)
Whilst Blackhawks were unable to come away with the win in Round 21, the Townsville Blackhawks fullback was a standout for his side. Santo troubled Norths defence with his speed and footwork at the line, registering 224 running metres and scoring a sensational try in the 70th minute.
2. Gideon Gela-Mosby (Northern Pride)
A great performance from the Northern Pride flyer, scoring two tries, running for 122m and busting five tackles, in what was a convincing win for the NQ side.
3. Sami Sauiluma (Burleigh Bear)
Sauiluma terrorised Wynnum Manly’s right edge defence with his powerful running game, scoring a breakaway try, running for 147m, busting 9 tackles and setting up a try for winger Troy Leo in the 32nd minute.
4. Luke Pollock (Norths Devils)
It was a huge game for Norths centre Luke Pollock, as he ran in two tries and set up the winning one as well to seal the 27-24 victory over competition heavyweights, Townsville Blackhawks.
5. Junior Rau (PNG Hunters)
Hunters strike weapon Junior Rau was outstanding in Round 21, registering 181 running metres, nine tackle breaks, two line breaks and a key try in the 12th minute.
6. Todd Murphy (Norths Devils )
Returning from injury after seven weeks on the sideline, Murphy produced his best game of the season with a Hastings Deering Man of the Match performance, scoring a try, running for 126m, and leading Devils to victory over an experienced Townsville side.
7. Jack Campagnolo (Northern Pride) (c)
In just his fifth Intrust Super Cup appearance, the 20-year-old produced a dominant performance, scoring a try, kicking five goals, setting up three tries and kicking for 188m, leading Pride to a 38-10 victory over the Capras.
8. George Fai (Souths Logan Magpies)
Fai was a shining light for Magpies as he led from the front against a solid Hunters forward pack, scoring a try, running for 157m and busting five tackles.
9. Jayden Connors (Ipswich Jets)
Dynamo hooker Jayden Connors was standout performer for the Jets last weekend. His speed out of dummy half was key for Ipswich in securing a 32-28 victory over the Sunshine Coast. Connors registered 140 running metres, scored a try and set up another for Billy McConnachie in the 18th minute.
10. Darryn Schonig (Northern Pride)
The Northern Pride front-rower had arguably his best game of the year in Round 21, running for a huge 171m, and laying a platform for his halves to play off the back of.
11. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (Easts Tigers)
The 18 year-old, 107kg Easts Tigers forward (pictured below) was unstoppable in Round 21, running for 112m and busting eight tackles, in just 29 minutes of game time.
12. Bennett Leslie (Mackay Cutters)
A huge game for Cutters back-rower Bennett Leslie; scoring two tries, busting nine tackles, running for 154m and making 44 tackles.
13. Jamil Hopoate (Redcliffe Dolphins)
Yet another solid performance for the Dolphins middle forward, running for 183m, making 41 tackles and scoring a try in the 69th minute.
14. Jaelen Feeney (Townsville Blackhawks)
Easily Townsville’s best on field in Round 21, running in two sensational tries, setting up a try for forward Andrew Davey, and controlling the game nicely with his kicking game.
15. Brodie Croft (Easts Tigers)
Instrumental for Tigers in their 30-22 victory over Tweed Heads, scoring two tries, kicking five goals, running for 146m, busting eight tackles, and kicking for 217m. Croft’s experience was vital as his side were under pressure after having a player sent off late in the first half.
16. Tom Eisenhuth (Sunshine Coast Falcons)
While this was just his fifth game in the Intrust Super Cup, the 100kg edge backrower (pictured below) has been a standout since joining the Sunshine Coast, and was again impressive in Round 21 with a try, try assist, four offloads and 45 tackles to his name.
17. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown (Norths Devils)
Coming off the bench for Norths, he provided go forward against an experienced Blackhawks pack with 122 running metres, 10 tackle breaks and a try.
*The team selections are the opinions of QRL Media only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the QRL.
