The NRL was back in full swing following State of Origin I with all 16 teams in action over the June long weekend.
The majority of State of Origin representatives backed up in Round 14, some earning a place in the team of the week while some players who were snubbed stood up with game-breaking performances.
Here is the NRL team of the week for Round 14.
Fullback: Valentine Holmes (Cronulla Sharks)
Holmes backed up successfully from State of Origin playing a starring role for the Sharks. The Queensland representative found himself in space on multiple occasions with five tackle busts and two line breaks, making 197 metres, scoring a try and inspiring Jesse Ramien’s matchwinner.
Wing: David Fusitu’a (Warriors)
The Tongan international had a field day in Christchurch scoring three tries on the wing as the Warriors’ primary attacking weapon. He combined well with Shaun Johnson and Tohu Harris on the edge.
Centre: Tyrone Peachey (Penrith Panthers)
Backing up from Origin against Canberra less than 48 hours after his debut, Peachey slotted straight back into the chocolate soldiers attack. The New South Wales utility scored two tries with five tacle busts and twelve tackles in a thrilling 23-22 victory.
Centre: Jarryd Hayne (Parramatta Eels)
The people of Darwin were treated to a vintage performance from Jarryd Hayne. He was outstanding for the blue and gold, jettisoning them to victory with two tries and five tackle busts against a struggling Cowboys outfit.
Wing: Blake Ferguson (Sydney Roosters)
Snubbed by Brad Fittler for State of Origin selection, Ferguson took it upon himself to show New South Wales what they are missing out on. He scored two tries on the wing with nine tackle busts and two line breaks.
Five-eighth: Cameron Munster (Melbourne Storm)
Munster sparked the Storm’s attack against a resilient Brisbane Broncos team. The playmaker had some amazing moments including a try, cross-field kick for Suliasi Vunivalu and a good tackle in-touch on Darius Boyd.
Halfback: Shaun Johnson (Warriors)
Johnson was the star of the show as the Warriors turned up the heat against the Sea Eagles in Christchurch. The New Zealand international set up two tries on the right edge, scored one of his own and made some great kicks including a forced drop-out.
Shaun Johnson is back to his best (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
Prop: Jarrod Wallace (Gold Coast Titans)
You could be forgiven for thinking Wallace hadn’t played Origin on Wednesday night after putting in a massive workhorse performance against South Sydney. Wallace churned through 168 running metres and made 40 tackles.
Hooker: Issac Luke (Warriors)
Luke was potent out of acting-half making some damaging runs with two tackle busts. He set up a try and made 29 tackles, inspiring a Warriors victory.
Prop: Ryan James (Gold Coast Titans)
The Titans’ Mr Reliable delivered again as he tore the Rabbitohs apart. James was a behemoth in attack with 163 running metres, seven tackle busts, two line breaks, four offloads and two near-identical tries in the middle of the park. He also turned up in defence with 46 tackles.
Back row: Felise Kaufusi (Melbourne Storm)
Kaufusi dealt plenty of damage on the right edge for the Storm, scoring a try and busting through two tackles. He ran for 125 metres and made 42 tackles.
Back row: Tohu Harris (Warriors)
Harris was outstanding on the right edge for the Warriors. The backrower has hit peak form since joining the club from Melbourne, running for 153 metres and making 42 tackles while also scoring a try and forming part of a lethal right-edge attack with Johnson and Fusitu’a.
Lock forward: Paul Gallen (Cronulla Sharks)
Gallen turned back the clock with a man-of-the-match performance against the Wests Tigers. He ran for 201 metres, busted through three tackles, made 43 tackles, scored a try and returned a kick to put Valentine Holmes through to score a length-of-the-field try.
Interchange: David Klemmer (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Klemmer led the Bulldogs through the middle of the park as they nearly upset the Dragons. He made a huge impact off the bench, running for 231 metres and making 26 tackles.
Interchange: Matthew Scott (North Queensland Cowboys)
Scott is in line to make a return to the Origin arena for Queensland in Game II and demonstrated why that is the right decision with five tackle busts against the Eels. He led the way for the Cowboys’ pack with 111 running metres and 24 tackles.
Interchange: Isaiah Papali’i (Warriors)
Papali’i devastated the Sea Eagles with his attacking prowess. The 19-year-old ran for 104 metres with two tackle busts, a line break and a try as well as 43 tackles in defence.
Interchange: Josh Papalii (Canberra Raiders)
Papalii had plenty of energy running through him after getting little game time in Origin I and translated that to the NRL arena against Penrith. The Maroons forward ran for 115 metres with six tackle busts and a try assist to his name as well as a healthy 36 tackles.
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