The Mole's round 23 Team of the Week: 'One of the best buys of the year' set to end grim drought
The Mole's round 23 team of the week
Round 23 saw some big scorelines as teams unleash their final bids to make the eight.
The Sharks delivered a timely statement to cement their spot in the top four.
Meanwhile, Manly's buy of the season, Luke Brooks, looks set to get his first taste of finals footy.
Let's see who made the cut in the Mole's Team of the Week.
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen (Storm)
Getting back to his best for the ladder leaders coming up to the finals, scoring a try and creating another in Thursday night's win over Souths.
Just pipped Daine Laurie and Reece Walsh to this spot.
2. Brian To'o (Panthers)
Showed again why he is the most dangerous winger in the game with two tries and 170 run metres as Penrith ran down the Eels in the last moments of Friday night's classic.
3. Jesse Ramien (Sharks)
Fast becoming one of the most feared centres in the game with his big hitting and power running. He was in his element against the tackle-shy Titans on Friday night.
4. Kotoni Staggs (Broncos)
Reminded fans that he can be one of the most dynamic centres in the NRL, destroying the Cowboys defence with his power running game in the upset win in Townsville.
5. Fletcher Sharpe (Knights)
In just his second feature on the wing, Sharpe became the latest hometown hero as he joined a list of legends who have scored four tries for Newcastle.
6. Luke Brooks (Sea Eagles)
One of the buys of the year, continued his great run of form, scoring a try and having a hand in three others as Manly flexed their muscles in Canberra, moving him a step closer to his first finals series.
7. Nathan Cleary (Panthers)
Produced another of his Houdini-like escape acts with two try assists, two line break assists and 95 running metres to get the Panthers over the line in the thriller against the Eels on Friday night.
8. Toby Rudolf (Sharks)
Led the way up front in the big win on the Gold Coast on Friday night, scoring the opening try and troubling the defence all game.
9. Max Plath (Dolphins)
One of the most under-rated players in the competition. He made an amazing 63 tackles and was great in attack too in the golden point win over the Wahs.
View more galleries
Most viewed in NRL
NRL finals as it happened: Knights claim ‘famous victory’ as crazy rise continues
Tips: Warriors on notice as Dolphins given blueprint to win blockbuster
Mole’s season review: ‘Spectacular failure’ led Eels to Luai gamble that might backfire
Questionable sin-binning in spotlight as Roosters feast on hamstrung Dogs