Team of the Week: ‘Devastating’ performance puts finals rivals on notice
In the last round of the home and away season, several superstars warmed up for finals with big performances. None moreso than the Dolphins fullback who will have any premiership contender sitting up and taking notice.
The Mole
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1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (Dolphins): Sent a warning to all the finals teams with a devastating warm-up to the big games against the Titans on Friday night, scoring two tries and running for more than 260 metres.
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2. Lehi Hopoate (Sea Eagles): One of the best wingers in the NRL shone in an unlucky Manly team in Auckland with two tries, three line breaks and 250 run metres.
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3. Latrell Mitchell (Rabbitohs): Although still looking troubled by his back injury, warmed up for the finals with an awesome display against the rookie Roosters, scoring a try and laying on several others.
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4. Casey McLean (Panthers): Sent a shot over the bows of all the wide defenders in the finals with his first career hat trick in Sunday’s big win over the Tigers. The perfect centre with speed, swerve and class.
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5. Josiah Karapani (Broncos): Saved his best performance of 2026 for last, decimating the Bulldogs with two tries and a series of strong runs with the ball to get the Broncos out of trouble when pinned deep in their own half.
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6. Jayden Campbell (Titans): Outstanding in a beaten team on Friday night, scoring 16 of his team’s 20 points with two solo tries and four goals. A shining light for the Titans in another tough season.
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7. Coby Black (Raiders): Boy oh boy… where has Ricky been hiding this kid? An amazing 26 points on debut against the Cowboys - the most in premiership history - as well as laying on several more. A star is born.
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8. Josh Papalii (Raiders): Scored a determined try - almost scored two - and made several fine runs in the last game of an illustrious career in the upset win over the Cowboys… enjoy retirement, Big Papa - you deserve it!
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9. Damien Cook (Dragons): In the final match of a fine NRL career, topped the tackle count and gave good service out of dummy half to help the Dragons to a narrow win over the Eels in Wollongong.
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10. Stefano Utoikamanu (Storm): Led the way in the Storm’s dramatic late win over the Sharks with two try assists and a series of strong runs. In a poor season for the club, he was solid throughout.
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