Souths star ‘won himself a contract’ with vintage display
In a round where some team’s finals hopes were dashed, South Sydney and North Queensland regrouped to hold their top-eight spots, while the Warriors put the NRL on notice. The Mole names his team of the week for round 23 below.
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Scott Drinkwater (Cowboys): After a shocker against the Roosters last week, turned it all around with a slick attacking game in the defeat of the Titans on Thursday night that has put the Cowboys right back in contention for finals honours.
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2. Billy Smith (Roosters): In a dour finals-like struggle, scored two tries and made two line breaks to get his team home against the Bulldogs on Friday night at Allianz Stadium. Finally having some luck with injury and showing his undoubted class.
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4. Dane Gagai (Knights): Newcastle will regret letting this classy veteran go - he was in top form again in the win over the Raiders in wet and windy Canberra, scoring a try and having a role in a couple more.
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5. Moses Leo (Storm): Been a big improver for the Storm this season and was superb in the comeback win over Manly in Perth on Saturday afternoon, scoring a try and helping out in a couple of others.
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6. Cody Walker (Rabbitohs): May well have won himself one last contract for 2027 with a blistering display in the last-gasp win over the Eels, setting up two tries and then kicking a late 40/20 to ensure victory on Saturday night.
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7. Luke Metcalf (Warriors): A fantastic return from a long layoff with injury, scoring two tries and laying on another in a statement win by the Wahs over premiership leaders Penrith at a pumped up Go Media Stadium in Auckland on Friday night.
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8. Naufahu Whyte (Roosters): Fast becoming one of the most feared props in the league, ran for nearly 200 metres in the win over the Bulldogs as well as pulling off some big hits in defence on Friday night.
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9. Jacob Liddle (Dragons): Played the full 80 minutes in the upset win over Cronulla, marshalling the Rev V attack with his smart work out of dummy half. Will thrive with more quality players in the spine around him next season.
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10. Stefano Utoikamanu (Storm): Led the way up front in Perth as the Storm came from 14-0 down to score an impressive 42-20 win over Manly on Saturday afternoon. A real force in the engine room.
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