Round 13 Team of the Week: Hoeter hat-trick ignites Wynnum Manly

An attacking masterclass from Wynnum Manly centre Delouise Hoeter has capped off yet another week of inspirational performances across the Hostplus Cup.

Round 13 saw a few upsets and a couple of close calls recorded across the competition, as fullbacks and hookers in particular stood up to lead the way.

Souths Logan fullback Tristan Sailor was electric yet again, with his game-winning performance against the Ipswich Jets earning him Hastings Deering player of the match honours on Sunday.

But it was Brisbane Broncos affiliate Hoeter who has picked up the captain's title for Team of the Week in Round 13, after a stunning effort against the Mackay Cutters helped the Seagulls to their biggest win of the season so far.

Each round, Queensland Rugby League recognises the 17 best performers and names the Hostplus Cup Team of the Week, presented by Hostplus. These team selections are based not only on statistical data, but also take on board live and broadcast viewings of the games.

Round 13 Team of the Week

1. Jack Ahearn – Norths Devils

The battle of the fullbacks was one of the most hotly-contested this week in the Hostplus Cup, but it was a hugely influential captain's knock that saw Jack Ahearn earn the starting spot. Norths were pipped at the post in their Round 13 clash with second-placed Burleigh, losing by a converted try in the 74th minute. But prior to this, the Devils were primed to take an upset and that was largely thanks to the attacking masterclass from Ahearn. The 30-year-old scored a double, set up another try for close mate Jon Reuben, and ran for 148 metres, made three tackle breaks, two line breaks and one line break assist. On the other side of the paddock, young Keano Kini made a massive impact, setting up two tries, running for 245 metres and recording seven tackle busts. Sualauvi Faalogo and Morea Morea were also strong for Sunshine Coast and PNG respectively.

2. Kaleb Ngamanu – Tweed Seagulls

Young gun Ngamanu was on fire for Tweed in their surprisingly convincing win over Central Queensland. In what was expected to be a close battle, the Seagulls' outside backs were unstoppable. Ngamanu crossed three times, amassed 171 metres and had six tackle breaks and two line breaks.

3. Delouise Hoeter – Wynnum Manly Seagulls (C)

The Brisbane Broncos affiliate was an absolute sensation against the Mackay Cutters on Saturday. Hoeter showed his class and skill in a dominant performance, that has earned him captaincy honours this week. Not only did he score a hat-trick, but he ran for 165 metres, had seven tackle busts, six offloads and two line breaks, proving very difficult to handle for the Cutters.

4. Treymain Spry – Tweed Seagulls

Alongside Ngamanu, Gold Coast Titans talent Spry was involved in absolutely everything against the Capras on Saturday. The 23-year-old nabbed a double and set up another, and was extremely dangerous with the ball in hand, running for 190 metres and recording three tackle busts, one line break, one line break assist and one offload. His fellow centre, Lee Turner, also produced a massive effort, earning his own four-pointer and setting up another. Rodrick Tai meanwhile was huge for the PNG Hunters on Saturday, making a jaw-dropping 12 tackle busts.

5. Jodeci Baker-Tiraha – Townsville Blackhawks

It was a big effort from Baker-Tiraha in an upset victory over the Sunshine Coast Falcons on Saturday. The North Queensland Cowboys development player crossed twice on the Sunshine Coast and ran for 171 metres, with one tackle break and one line break. Elsewhere, Brenton Baira also nabbed a double for the Redcliffe Dolphins as they moved into third place with a win over the Brisbane Tigers.

6. Gerome Burns – Ipswich Jets

The Ipswich Jets fought to the death in their loss to the Souths Logan Magpies on Sunday and it was playmaker Burns who led the way. One of the best on the field at Davies Park - and in his second straight appearance in the Team of the Week - Burns was a constant threat against the Magpies. He scored two tries and set up a brilliant third to put his side within striking distance against the competition leaders. He also ran for 197 metres, had five tackle busts, one line break and 11 tackles, and kicked for 268 metres. On the opposite side of the park, Radean Robinson was strong for the Magpies while elsewhere, Josh Rogers continued his red-hot form for the Wynnum Manly Seagulls.

7. Brendan O’Hagan – Wynnum Manly Seagulls

The Seagulls were extremely dominant against the Cutters in Round 13 and O'Hagan combined beautifully with Rogers to deliver the 62-0 win. O'Hagan scored a try and set up another, and also ran for 124 metres and had a line break and line break assist, as well as 13 tackles. Elsewhere, Jack Campagnolo helped the Magpies to their ninth win of the season with 118 run metres, two try assists and two line break assists.

8. Corey Jensen – Wynnum Manly Seagulls

In his first Cup appearance for 2023, the Brisbane Broncos forward showed his experience and class with a massive performance through the middle for the Wynnum Manly Seagulls. Jensen smashed through 205 run metres and 20 tackles in an effort that helped to set the platform for the rest of his team.

9. Pat Politoni – Burleigh Bears

Alongside the fullbacks this week, the hookers of the competition really stood up and made a statement in Round 13. And it was another veteran who earned Team of the Week starting honours, with Pat Politoni inspirational for the Burleigh Bears in their win over Norths. Not only did the hooker burrow his way over to score the winning try for the Bears, but he played a hand in everything in his 66-minute performance. Politoni set up a try, made a strong 31 tackles with zero misses, had 54 run metres, two tackle busts, one line break and one line break assist. Elsewhere, Sheldon Pitama starred for Redcliffe, Kierran Moseley was key in defence for Norths, Rhys Jacks was instrumental for Ipswich and Jayden Hodges came off the bench to provide plenty of spark for Townsville.

10.   JJ Collins – Central Queensland Capras

While the Capras were unable to contain Tweed's outside backs, their forwards still produced strong performances in their loss to the Seagulls. Dolphins NRL affiliate Collins continued his impressive 2023 form with yet another impactful game. He amassed 152 run metres through the middle, had five tackle busts and made 30 tackles in a 59-minute showing. Elsewhere, Gordon Whippy was strong for Ipswich while starting front row Burleigh duo Lochlyn Sheldon and Jeff Lynch really stood up for their side against Norths.

11. Josh Patston – Burleigh Bears

In his club debut for the Bears, Patston made an instant impact. After signing with the club a month ago and spending some time in A grade, the former Tweed and Sunshine Coast backrower came back to Cup with two tries, 143 run metres, six tackle breaks, two line breaks and 28 tackles in a strong all-round performance.

12. Jeremiah Simbiken – Redcliffe Dolphins

The Dolphins have smashed their way back up the ladder in recent weeks, buoyed by the talent amongst their squad. The standout for them this week against the Brisbane Tigers was backrower Simbiken. The NRL affiliate played for 71 minutes and in that time he set up two tries, ran for 169 metres, made 27 tackles and recorded one tackle break and one line break. His fellow second rower Mason Teague was also instrumental, running for 101 metres and making 34 tackles, with zero misses. Elsewhere, Sam Elliott continued his strong form this season for Norths while Jacob Alick was once again impressive for Burleigh.

13. Lachlan Hubner – Central Queensland Capras

Just like Collins, Hubner was a shining light in a difficult night for the Capras. He scored one of the team's three tries and ran for 187 metres with three tackle busts and one line break. He was also huge in defence for Central Queensland, making 40 tackles in the middle of the park against a strong Tweed pack. Elsewhere, Souths Logan skipper Rory Ferguson led from the front for his team against Ipswich while Sam Coster continued to be Mr Reliable for the Burleigh Bears.

14. Tristan Sailor – Souths Logan Magpies (VC)

The NRL-experienced fullback needed all his skills to help Souths Logan get home against a spirited Ipswich side on Sunday. Sailor was the match-winner for the Magpies as he delivered a try and set up another two. He also recorded 179 run metres, two line break assists, a tackle break and three offloads. He also chipped in with the boot with 119 kick metres in a performance earning him Hastings Deering player of the week and Team of the Week vice-captaincy honours.

15. Oliver Pascoe – Wynnum Manly Seagulls

Pascoe steered the ship beautifully for Wynnum Manly in the team’s dominant display in Mackay. The hooker crossed for two tries, had two line breaks and seven tackle breaks but also did a brilliant job in defence with 33 tackles at 97 per cent efficiency.

16. Jesse Arthars – Souths Logan Magpies

Arthars was dynamic at centre in his return to Hostplus Cup, proving the difference against the Jets. He notched up two second half tries, had 148 metres gained, two line breaks and a massive nine tackle breaks in a classy display.

17.   Kalolo Saitaua – Wynnum Manly Seagulls

The seasoned interchange forward had a field day off the bench in a 49-minute stint for Wynnum Manly Seagulls. Saitaua scored two tries, had 122 run metres, six tackle breaks and an offload to help his side to a 62-0 victory.