The Mole's round 17 Team of the Week: 'Superb' performance that sealed 'journeyman's' Origin debut
Six month glow-up
At the start of this season, Gehamat Shibasaki was on a train-and-trial contract at the Broncos.
Now, he has been given a shock Origin debut for the decider in Sydney next week.
He was superb against the Warriors, which cemented his selection in Billy Slater's Queensland team.
He is among The Mole's team of the week for round 17.
1. Dylan Edwards (Panthers)
Ran for nearly 300 metres and was safe under intense pressure as the Bulldogs threw everything at him in Thursday night's thriller.
2. Reuben Garrick (Sea Eagles)
Enjoyed the switch out to the wing, and made the most run metres of any player on the field against the Tigers. He also scored a try and booted some fine goals.
3. Gehamat Shibasaki (Broncos)
One of the year's great stories - this journeyman emerged from the wilderness to cement a centre spot for the Broncos and against the Warriors bagged another two superb tries to gain a Queensland Origin spot.
4. Valentine Holmes (Dragons)
Proved the difference between the team in a thrilling win over the Eels with two tries and 150 run metres.
5. James Schiller (Knights)
A fine performance in a beaten team with two tries, four line breaks and over 250 run metres.
6. Jahrome Hughes (Storm)
The game's form halfback week in, week out. He simply crushed the Sharks with his ball skills, running and kicking game. He may well be the best Kiwi league player ever.
7. Nathan Cleary (Panthers)
Despite a groin injury, scored his team's only try and steered them over the line in a high-quality, low-scoring affair against the Bulldogs.
8. Reuben Cotter (Cowboys)
Played second row but returned to his best form in the narrow win over the Titans with a non-stop 80-minute effort for his team.
9. Mitch Kenny (Panthers)
In the toughest club game of the year, set a season high 64 tackles in 80 minutes to lead the premiers to an invaluable win over the Bulldogs.
