Team of the Week Round 14: Pene's powerful performance

Central Queensland Capras powerhouse Aaron Pene was destructive in Biloela on Saturday night; the prop running a whopping 248 metres, the most by a forward this season.

Each round, Queensland Rugby League recognises the best 17 performers and names 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

The competition's leading metre-eater was welcomed back from injury with open arms by Wynnum and delivered another standout performance for his beaten side.

The recently-selected PNG Kumul scored a try and recorded 161 metres from his 16 runs, including one linebreak and seven tacklebreaks that amassed 35 post-contact metres, making him one elusive fullback that every defensive line fears.

2. Tom Hughes - Easts Tigers

The 23-year-old flyer was on song in the Tigers' 300th win over the Cutters.

Hughes' 13th Intrust Super Cup appearance saw him bag a four-pointer and play a hand in another, in addition to his 136 running metres and four support plays.

3. Izaia Perese - Redcliffe Dolphins

The Queensland Reds-convert has found his niche playing rugby league, running over 200 metres for the third-consecutive week and busting through 14 tackles to contribute to Redcliffe's 20-12 win.

4. BJ Aufaga-Toomaga - Central Queensland Capras

Even though its been a difficult year for the Capras, there have been some glimmers of hope - one of those being BJ Aufaga-Toomaga's efforts.

The Samoan-born centre is now fourth in the competition for runs with 218 carries and chalked up 16 of the Capras' 24 points on Saturday, scoring a first half double and kicking the crucial penalty goal to split the points in Biloela.

5. Richie Kennar - Wynnum Manly Seagulls

Kennar's recent Broncos debut against the Titans has been a big confidence-booster for the Seagulls' winger and that showed in his performance against the undefeated Falcons.

The Queensland Residents representative was crucial in the first Seagulls try and played an error-free 80 minutes in the top of the table clash.

6. Manaia Cherrington - Souths Logan Magpies

Usually the Magpies' backup rake, a late switch to five-eighth by coach Jon Buchanan almost paid dividends in their 24-24 draw - opposition coach Dave Faiumu describing that "he carved us up through the middle in the second half".

Cherrington dominated the middle-third as a half and hooker in the 80 minutes, assisting in the scoring of two late comeback tries and making a crucial 28 tackles to salvage one competition point from the 16-6 halftime deficit.

7. Corey Paix - Redcliffe Dolphins

The Broncos-contracted half was back to his best on Sunday, scoring two tries and directing traffic in the Dolphins' all-important victory against the Pride to now only be one win outside the eight.

The flurry of recent triumphs is a by-product of the new halves pairing between Paix and five-eighth Bryce Donovan really starting to gel, with the young halfback evolving to lead the red and white around the park.

8. Moses Meninga - PNG Hunters

PNG's favourite Meninga was inspirational in the Hunters' second half comeback win against the high-flying Tweed Seagulls.

The experienced forward scored the first try to kick-start the resurgence and was destructive up front, making 151 metres over 15 runs and topped the tackle count, aiding in 40 defensive efforts.

9. Josh Chudleigh - Townsville Blackhawks

Celebrating 50 games in the Intrust Super Cup, Josh Chudleigh ensured this milestone match was to be a winning one after back-to-back season-ending knee injuries.

The Townsville number nine made 42 tackles and provided pinpoint dummy-half service to his fellow Blackhawks, helping them on their way to a 14-6 win against the Jets.

10. Aaron Pene (c) - Central Queensland Capras

A barnstorming all-round performance by the destructive Capras prop has earned him this week's captaincy, making a phenomenal 248 metres from his 20 runs - topping this season's 'most metres by a forward in a game' honour roll.

He also aided his side's defensive efforts with 28 tackles and crossed for their most important four-pointer in the final quarter.

11. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui - Sunshine Coast Falcons

'Big Tino' is destined for a long, esteemed career in the NRL after another standout performance for the Falcons in their one v two clash ... and to make things even sweeter, he's eligible for the Maroons!

The 19-year-old powerhouse played a full 80 minutes in the back-row, making 28 tackles and running 122 metres, 58 of them post-contact.

12. Alex Barr - Wynnum Manly Seagulls

Two tries and a try assist easily earned the bay side second-rower a place in this week's team of the week, despite the undefeated Falcons scalping the 'Gulls.

Barr was instrumental on the right edge, topping the tackle count with 35 and providing plenty of options in an attempt to mystify the Falcons' line.

13. Jamil Hopoate - Redcliffe Dolphins

Picking up this week's Hastings Deering man of the match, Hopoate's switch from the edge to the middle-third was a stroke of genius from coach Adam Mogg.

Running almost 200 metres, he was able to bust through six tackles to make 73 post-contact metres, and was equally strong in defence, leading the Dolphins' efforts with 38 tackles.

14. Kierran Moseley - Ipswich Jets

The Ipswich rake loves to run the footy and did just that on Saturday night, recording the most number of dummy-half scoots this season with 17 to make 139 metres overall.

He also topped the tackle count with 41 in a comprehensive 80 minute performance.

15. Temone Power - Townsville Blackhawks

The Blackhawks forward has continued to impress since his call-up to the Queensland Residents side, getting through another strong 80 minutes on Saturday.

Power asked questions of the Jets' defence and was strong without the ball, making 30 tackles to help the Blackhawks sneak into the top four.

16. Luke Page - Burleigh Bears

The reliable Burleigh front-rower was strong once again in the Bears' 26-12 win to keep Pizzey Park a fortress.

DJ Moey Fresh ran 110 metres, 33 of those post-contact with four tackle busts and contributed without the ball, making 30 tackles in the front line.

17. Chris Lewis - Sunshine Coast Falcons

With Wynnum trying avoid Fa'asuamaleaui on the left edge, Lewis was just as reliable on the right side, with the Seagulls struggling to get through the Falcons back-rower.

It was a complete 80 minute performance for the top-tackler, who also sealed the match with a four-pointer in the 69th minute to keep the Falcons undefeated after fourteen rounds.

*The team selections are the opinions of QRL Media only and do not necessarily reflect the views of QRL.