The Mole's Team of the Week: David Fifita's 'devastating' reminder before Maroons Origin snubbing
Fifita's final Origin push ignored
He's been in the headlines quite a bit recently and David Fifita was once again making news on Monday after he was axed by Queensland coach Billy Slater for the 2024 State of Origin opener.
But less than 24 hours earlier, Fifita was putting in one of his best performances of recent memory against the Broncos.
It wasn't enough to keep him in a Maroons jersey, but his game didn't go unnoticed, drawing the attention of The Mole, who put him in his round 12 Team of the Week.
Scroll on to see who joined Fifita in the illustrious 13.
1. James Tedesco (Roosters)
Knowing his Origin spot was under pressure, pulled out a huge game with a role in five of his team's eight tries, including scoring a double himself as the Roosters ran riot in Canberra. Sadly for him - it wasn't enough.
2. Jacob Kiraz (Bulldogs)
Two tries, three line breaks and over 220 run metres from this highly under-rated flyer as his team put the Dragons to the sword on Thursday night.
3. Valentine Holmes (Cowboys)
Did everything but sell the hot dogs - scored two tries, kicked seven goals, made four line breaks, ran for over 200 metres… and spent time in the sin bin!
4. Tommy Talau (Sea Eagles)
One of the big improvers of 2024, scoring two powerhouse tries in the upset win over the Storm, in addition to four tackle breaks and two line breaks.
5. Joey Manu (Roosters)
Played centre but gets a wing spot here - two tries, two line breaks and more run metres than any Rooster - all class as the Roosters put on a 44-16 masterclass in Canberra.
6. Te Maire Martin (Warriors)
Took charge of a Warriors team missing 10 regular first graders to lead the Kiwi team to a famous win over the Dolphins in Auckland on Sunday night.
7. Jarome Luai (Panthers)
With Nathan Cleary still missing, led the Panthers' attack in masterful style, creating try after try in the 42-0 demolition of Cronulla.
8. James Fisher-Harris (Panthers)
Set the tone for the massacre at Shark Park by powering over for the opening try after just four minutes. Ran for 125 metres and pulled off some scary hits in defence to boot.
9. Reed Mahoney (Bulldogs)
Laid on two tries and topped the Bulldogs' tackle count in another non-stop performance in the big win over the Dragons. Unlucky not to be in State of Origin contention.
