With Origin looming, seven teams were on a bye, but there were still plenty of performances to pick from the 10 teams that took to the field. Here is our Round 12 Team of the Week.
Prop | Joseph Tapine
Always a big presence on the field, Tapine had an impressive 70+ minutes for the Raiders in the loss to the dolphins. Big on defence with 40 tackles, aggressive on attack with 164 run metres, three offloads and two tackle breaks against the Dolphins.
Prop | Leo Thompson
A good day out for the Dogs in their win over Melbourne Storm and an historic day for Leo Thompson recording his most minutes on the field for the Dogs this season with a massive 51 tackles, 2 offloads, 2 tackle breaks and 114 run metres.
Hooker | Damien Cook
75 minute shift from the veteran. Recorded 48 tackles against the Wahs with two try-saving efforts, two tackle breaks, and 84 run metres — his second highest of the season.
Second Row | Jacob Laban
A full 80 minute stint for Laban this week and he stepped up big time. 38 tackles, four tackle breaks, three turnovers and 151 run metres against the Dragons.
Second Row | Heilum Luki
Luki was a big body for the Cowboys, with 4 tackle breaks, a try and a try saving effort against the bunnies. Bounced off the Bunnies defence before going over for his try. Luki also recorded 34 tackles, and 92 run metres.
Lock | Ryan Couchman
Three Tackle breaks, 55 post-contact metres, two offloads, 39 tackles and 142 run metres in his 71 minute performance against the Warriors. One of the youngsters consistently leading the way for the Dragons with his brother Toby, and teammate Dylan Egan all digging deep and continuing to put in strong performances for the Dragons, regardless of their position on the table.
Half | Clifford
Has been in serious form of late and was on point against the Bunnies with his performance. Securing a two-pointer on the bell of half-time, almost had an intercept try if not for the pace of Penitani. Kicked for 495 metres, went 4/5 on conversions, had a try assist and two turnovers.
Half | Matt Burton
A massive career-high record of 252 run metres for Burton against the Melbourne Storm in the Dogs 30-20 victory after being down 12-0. Burton was instrumental on attack, with 7 tackle breaks and two tackle breaks, and 341 kick metres. He also put in a defensive effort with his 21 tackles, his second-most of the season and went 5/6 on his kicking game.
Centre | Tom Chester
249 run metres for Chester with a try and a try save to his name, was elusive on attack and a strong run down the right edge, could have had an assist to his name if he gave the ball early. Had three tackle breaks, two offloads, and three turnovers in the match.
Centre | Bronson Xerri
239 run metres for Xerri against the storm, with an impressive 11 tackle breaks, bouncing off the defence and created space for his team to attack. Had a try assist and two line break assists in a solid performance, made Rinakama’s job easier on the left-edge.
Winger | Moses Leo
Leo has been looking dangerous on the wing for the Storm, scored a double against the Dogs, bumping off two defenders for his first. He had 10 tackle breaks, two line breaks and recorded a season high of 237 run metres against the Dogs. Arguably had a try saving tackle on Tuala, reading the play after learning from his missed tackle.
Winger | Talanoa Penitani
The pace of Penitani on debut for the Bunnies, turned on the jets for his first NRL try, then turned the jets again for a try saving tackle on Clifford after his almost run away interception. Broke through the defence for his second try of the match. In addition to the two tries and the try saver, recorded 199 metres, 3 line breaks, 5 tackle breaks before injuring his hamstring in the final seconds of the match.
Fullback | Faulalo
After a great first appearance at fullback for Faulalo last week, he lands back-to-back spots in our team of the week with his performance against the Titans. Had a beautiful cut-out pass over the top for Blake Wilson for Manly’s first, and cut through the Titans defence for their second, fending off two players before dotting over the line. Recorded 241 run metres, 1 try, 1 assist, three tackle breaks and 2 Line break assists.