Norths Devils and Mackay Cutters were the standout performers in Round 3 of the Intrust Super Cup, after both sides registered strong wins against their opponents in XXXX Rivalry Round.
Each round, QRL recognises the 17 best performers and name the Intrust Super Cup Team of the Week; these team selections are based not only on statistical data, but also take on board live and broadcast viewings of the games, with the standout performer of the week to be named captain.
1. Edene Gebbie - Wynnum Manly Seagulls (c)
The third consecutive Team of the Week appearance for Wynnum Manly fullback Edene Gebbie. The former PNG Hunter was near unstoppable recording a huge 301 running metres, seven tackle breaks, and securing victory for the Seagulls with a 70m solo effort in the 70th minute. After three rounds of Intrust Super Cup, Gebbie is leading the competition for total run metres (753m), average run metres (250), and tackle breaks (21).
2. Paul Ulberg - Norths Devils
The Norths Devils flyer terrorised the Souths Logan Magpies left edge with his powerful running game and tackle busting ability. Ulberg finished the game with 196 running metres, 12 tackle breaks, and a four-pointer in the Devils' 42-16 victory over the Magpies.
3. Joe Joshua - PNG Hunters
Although PNG weren’t able to secure a victory on home soil, centre Joe Joshua was a standout performer in a losing team, crossing for three tries and busting eight tackles, in just his third game of Intrust Super Cup.
4. Sami Sauiluma - Burleigh Bears
The 108kg centre terrorised the Tweed Seagulls' right edge with his powerful running game and upper body strength, crossing for a try off the back of a barnstorming run in the 74th minute.
5. Jeremy Hawkins - Redcliffe Dolphins
Whilst reigning premiers Redcliffe Dolphins slumped to their third consecutive loss, Jeremy Hawkins was a shining light for the Dolphins with a try, try assist, eight tackle breaks and 160 running metres.
6. Dylan Phythian - Burleigh Bears
Another strong performance from the former Newcastle Knight. Dylan Phythian was again instrumental for the Bears, with a try, try assists and 139 running metres against fellow Gold Coast rivals, Tweed Seagulls.
7. Cooper Bambling - Mackay Cutters
Mackay Cutters captain Cooper Bambling looked to be back to his best in Round 3, laying on two try assists and leading Cutters to their biggest victory since Round 16, 2017.
8. Luke Page - Burleigh Bears
DJ Moey Fresh showed why he's still one of Intrust Super Cup's best forwards with a strong performance against the Tweed Seagulls. Page lead his pack from the front and finished the game with the most run metres of any forward with 137m.
9. Mitch Cronin - Wynnum Manly Seagulls
The Wynnum Manly captain was instrumental for the Seagulls in their clash against reigning premiers Redcliffe Dolphins. Cronin finished the game with a try, try assist and 29 tackles in a Hastings Deering Man of the Match performance.
10. Brandon Lee - Norths Devils
One of two Norths forwards to bag two tries in the Devils' 42-16 victory over long term rivals Souths Logan Magpies, Lee terrorised Souths' middle forwards with his powerful running game and leg speed. The 25-year-old finished the match with seven tackle breaks, two tries, and 20 tackles in a dominant display.
11. Bennett Leslie - Easts Tigers
Another standout performance for the Easts Tigers middle forward, finishing the game with a try, 30 tackles and 138 running metres against an experienced Ipswich Jets forward pack.
12. Jordan Kenworthy - Mackay Cutters
The 22-year-old was by far Mackay Cutters' best performer in Round 3, crossing for two tries and registering 126 run metres, in what was a convincing victory for Mackay at BB Print Stadium.
13. Tom Gilbert - Townsville Blackhawks
The North Queensland Cowboys-contracted forward will be pushing for an NRL debut after he put in another monster effort against fellow North Queensland rivals, Northern Pride. Despite the fact he only played 60 minutes, Gilbert recorded a massive 206m from 22 carries, made 37 tackles and even scored a try.
14. Jayden Hodges - Mackay Cutters
Former North Queensland Cowboys and Manly rake Jayden Hodges was back to his best in the XXXX Rivalry Round, laying on two try assists and scoring his own try in the Cutters' 42-20 victory over a strong CQ Capras outfit.
15. Nicho Hynes - Sunshine Coast Falcons
Young gun half Nicho Hynes was a standout performer for the Sunshine Coast Falcons in PNG. Hynes created a number of opportunities for the Falcons, with his elusive footwork and speed, whilst his kicking game proved the difference, with Falcons coming away with a two-point victory at National Oil Search Stadium.
16. Enari Tuala - Northern Pride
Former Queensland Under 20s representative Enari Tuala was a standout performer in a losing side, scoring Northern Pride’s only try, and registering an impressive 177 run metres, and eight tackle breaks from 17 carries.
17. Christopher Sio - Norths Devils
Norths Devils utility forward Chris Sio, playing alongside brother Michael for the first time, was the epitome of a 'super sub' in Round 3, crossing for two tries and recording 55 run metres in Norths Devils' 42-16 victory over fellow Brisbane Broncos feeder club, Souths Logan Magpies.
Round 3 stats info can be found in the game card of each match
Mackay Cutters v CQ Capras
Northern Pride v Townsville Blackhawks
PNG Hunters v Sunshine Coast Falcons
Souths Logan Magpies v Norths Devils
Wynnum Manly Seagulls v Redcliffe Dolphins
Ipswich Jets v Easts Tigers
Burleigh Bears v Tweed Seagulls
