Team of the Week: Star ‘adding dollars’ to next deal as rivals circle
He is becoming one of the most important forwards in the competition but is allowed to negotiate with rival clubs for 2027, and his performance in round 21 will only add to his value. See who made The Mole’s Team of the Week.
1. James Tedesco (Roosters): Produced one of his vintage displays in the 23-22 win over the Knights in Newcastle on Friday night, scampering over for a hat trick to win it for the Roosters.
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2. Brian To’o (Panthers): The controversial omission from Origin III played like a man with a point to prove against the Eels, running for 215 metres - 100 more than any other Panther, continually getting his team out of trouble after Mitch Moses’ deep kicks pinned Penrith in their own territory.
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3. Simi Sasagi (Raiders) One of the few Canberra players NOT to score against the toothless Tigers, but more than made up for it with a game high 200 run metres and two try assists. Enjoying a great year.
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4. Enari Tuala (Bulldogs): A real quiet achiever who shone in the win over the Warriors on Saturday night, justifying his selection ahead of big-name centre Bronson Xerri.
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5. Braidon Burns (Cowboys): Possibly the most under-rated winger in the league - ran for more metres than anyone in Townsville and set up a crucial try in the derby win over the Broncos.
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6. Jayden Campbell (Titans): His dad won the Dally M Medal, but this kid will go one further - he’ll play for Australia - remember where you heard it first. Bamboozled the Dragons with a try and three assists.
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7. Nicho Hynes (Sharks): Gave perhaps the dominant playmaking display of the year to date, carving massive chunks in the Manly defence at Brookvale Oval. Give him time and space and he will destroy you… and he did.
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8. Corey Horsburgh (Raiders): You can see why so many rival clubs want to sign Big Red - he destroyed the Tigers pack up front in the capital on Saturday afternoon in both offence and defence. The Raiders have given him permission to speak to other clubs and he is only adding dollars to his next contract with performances like these.
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9. Soni Luke (Cowboys): Started on the bench and probably thought he wouldn’t play - but was called on against Brisbane in the first 10 minutes when Reed Mahoney took a heavy head knock and grabbed his chance with a sparkling performance.
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10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (Titans): Led his team in fine style with 200 run metres and a determined try in the impressive win over the Dragons at Kogarah.
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