Round 24 was 'Turn to Me' Round – highlighting the issues of mental health and wellbeing, and reinforcing the message of mateship with teams that did not make the finals entering the off season.
The round also saw premiership favourites Redcliffe Dolphins and Burleigh Bears flex their muscle, with both teams registering big wins, and deservedly earning themselves Week 1 of the finals off.
>> 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. Trai Fuller (Redcliffe Dolphins)
Young gun Dolphins fullback Trai Fuller continues to go from strength to strength, with another standout performance in Round 24. Fuller scored two tries, busted nine tackles, and registered 219m in a dominant performance.
2. Daniel Ogden (Wynnum Manly Seagulls)
The Seagulls winger capped off his illustrious Intrust Super Cup career with two tries, a try assist, 178 running metres, and a huge 14 tackle breaks. Ogden finished season 2018 with 19 tries to share top try scoring honours with Jets flyer Michael Purcell.
3. Sami Sauiluma (Burleigh Bears)
The powerful centre terrorised Easts right edge with his running game, scoring two tries, registering 127 running metres and busting eight tackles in a Hastings Deering Man of the Match performance.
4. Kotoni Staggs (Redcliffe Dolphins) (c)
His performance helped secure the minor premiership for Redcliffe Dolphins, with his dominant individual showing seeing him rack up 24 points via four tries, four goals. He also made 171 running metres, five line breaks, and nine tackle breaks.
5. Kalifa Faifai-Loa (Townsville Blackhawks)
Another solid performance from the Townsville flyer, scoring two tries, and helping Townsville to a 26-22 victory over Wynnum Manly.
6. Guy Hamilton (Souths Logan Magpies)
The Magpies scored a 22-14 victory over the Mackay Cutters with Hamilton helping them on their way after setting up a try, kicking three goals, and scoring sensational individual try.
7. Jamal Fogarty (Burleigh Bears)
Lead the Burleigh Bears to a convincing 48-12 victory over the Easts Tigers, locking down second place on the competition ladder. Fogarty contributed 20 of the 48 points scored, kicking seven from eight goal attepmts, and scoring a try in the 38th minute.
8. Jet Key (CQ Capras)
Having run for more than 200m in three consecutive outings, it's no surprise to see the Capras forward has come a familiar face in the Intrust Super Cup 'Team of the Week'. Key was outstanding against a powerful Hunters pack, registering 202m, including 66 post contact metres, and producing five offloads, nine tackle breaks, 30 tackles, and a try assist.
9. Jayden Connors (Ipswich Jets)
His speed help secure a finals berth for Ipswich Jets, after he scored two important tries, including a length-of-the-field intercept try early in the game.
10. Nat Neale (Ipswich Jets)
If there was one man who was going to lead the Jets to a place in the finals, it was going to be Nat Neal. The 29-year-old Jets forward put in a powerhouse effort, running for 196m, in a dominant 80-minute performance.
11. Bill Cullen (CQ Capras)
Finished off the 2018 season on a high, scoring two tries, and rewarding fans with a convincing 38-22 victory at Browne Park.
12. Daniel Tamou (Souths Logan Magpies)
A clear standout for Souths Logan, scoring a try and registering 111m in a come-from-behind victory for the Magpies.
13. Corey Jensen (Townsville Blackhawks)
The experienced forward got the Blackhawks on the front foot, with several strong carries out of his own half. Jensen also set up the match winner with a terrific pass to his winger late in the game.
14. Scott Drinkwater (Easts Tigers)
A solid performer in a losing side, running for 109m and setting up three tries. Drinkwater capped off the regular season by leading in try assists (20), tackle breaks (138), and kick return metres (828m) for the competition.
15. Richard Pandia (Ipswich Jets) An unsung hero for the Jets in 2018, consistently registering huge running metres, with his tough running game and tackle busting ability. Pandia was again solid in Round 24, running for a huge 238m, including 71 post contact metres and 8 tacklebreaks.
16. Kurtis Rowe (Burleigh Bears)
It was a busy game at the back for Bears fullback Rowe, scoring 2 tries, running for 103m, and setting up a try for centre Sami Sauiluma.
17. Lamar Manuel-Liolevave (Tweed Heads Seagulls)
A consistent performer for the Tweed Heads Seagulls in 2018, he was again solid in Round 24. A late switch to the centres saw the 100kg forward terrorise the experienced Pride backline with his powerful running game, scoring a try and registering 194m in a dominant performance.
*The team selections are the opinions of QRL Media only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the QRL.
