Fans were treated to four entertaining games of football, as the finals picture was made even more confusing during the final bye round of 2018.
The Storm opened procedings with a sensational 52-30 victory over the Dragons, seeing the Red V drop down to second position.
On Friday night, the Panthers shocked the Warriors to deliver a 36-4 win without their Origin stars, while the Raiders came from behind to win on the siren over the Bulldogs 32-28, and the Broncos scared their little brothers, the Titans, 34-0.
A number of players, young and old, stood out. Here is your NRL team of the week for Round 17.
Fullback: Jahrome Hughes (Melbourne Storm)
Many were criticising the Storm’s inexperienced backline ahead of Thursday night’s top-of-the-table clash with the Dragons, but Hughes was quick to hit back at the naysayers with a dazzling performance at the back.
The Welsh player slotted in perfectly to the No.1 jersey, running for 209 metres, with nine tackle busts, a line break, a try and an assist.
Wing: Nene Macdonald (St George Illawarra Dragons)
The Dragons were in the hunt for most of the see-sawing game, and Macdonald was one of the Red V’s best.
The Papua New Guinean scored a try in the corner during the first half and ran for 134 metres, with five tackle busts and a line break, all while looking secure under the high ball.
Centre: Waqa Blake (Penrith Panthers)
Blake was sensational both in attack and defence, running for 144 metres with ten tackle busts, scoring a try, and teaming up with fellow Fijians Viliame Kikau and Tyrone Phillips on the left edge.
He also made seven tackles with some bone-bruising efforts in defence.
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Centre: Joseph Leilua (Canberra Raiders)
The big Samoan could have been mistaken for The Incredible Hulk, with some damaging runs on the right edge. Leilua ran for 127 metres off the back of five tackle busts and a line break, muscling his way through for the match-winning try and holding out the Bulldogs’ attack.
Wing: Jamayne Isaako (Brisbane Broncos)
Isaako may not have found the chalk but he was solid on the wing, running for 141 metres, with four tackle busts, while backing up in defence with 12 tackles, shutting down Anthony Don. He also had a perfect night off the boot, kicking seven goals from as many attempts.
Five-eighth: Tyrone May (Penrith Panthers)
May stepped into the role vacated by James Maloney, impressing with every touch of the ball. He was effective in attack, providing some good passes and busting through five tackles, while in defence he backed up with an impressive 25 tackles.
Halfback: Jarome Luai (Penrith Panthers)
Luai took centre stage at Panthers Stadium on Friday night, converting his form in the lower grades to the NRL arena. The 21-year-old Penrith junior had a good night with the boot, setting up Tyrone Phillips in the corner with a grubber. He was just as good when running the ball, with 11 tackle busts and two line breaks. He scored two tries, his first coming as he burst through the gap and his second coming after he stepped past five defenders.
Prop: Matthew Lodge (Brisbane Broncos)
Lodge worked hard through the middle of the park, ran for 191 metres, and busted through four tackles. He also produced two offloads and 19 tackles.
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Hooker: Cameron Smith (Melbourne Storm)
Smith provided plenty of composure for the young Storm outfit, with great service out of acting half, taking the onus in structuring play for his young halves, and making 44 tackles.
Smith also made a brilliant play early in the second half after kicking into open space for Brandon Smith to come up with possession.
Prop: Nelson Asofa-Solomona (Melbourne Storm)
The 6’7” giant offloaded the ball four times, ran for 115 metres, and had three tackle busts, while setting up Young Tonumaipea to score after breaking the line and stepping past two defenders. His 50 minutes also included 25 tackles, and the lead-up work for Jahrome Hughes’ second-half try.
Back row: Rhyse Martin (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
The Papua New Guinean worked tirelessly through 80 minutes, running for 194 metres, busting through six tackles, and scoring a hat-trick of tries.
He also kicked six goals while making 32 tackles, proving a nightmare for the Raiders.
Back row: Isaah Yeo (Penrith Panthers)
Named as skipper during the week, Yeo did not let his team down, running for 165 metres on the right edge, making five tackle busts, and 33 tackles.
It was a workhorse display over 80 minutes.
Lock: Joe Ofahengaue (Brisbane Broncos)
Ofahengaue worked hard to help his side win the battle in the middle of the park. The Tongan international ran for 184 metres, poking holes in the Titans’ defence with five tackle busts, while making 34 tackles of his own.
Interchange: Brodie Croft (Melbourne Storm)
Croft made a seamless transition back into the halves, combining well with Ryley Jacks to take charge of the Storm’s attack, kicking for 224 metres, with two forced drop-outs.
Croft also ran for 139 metres, with three tackle busts, two line breaks, and the Storm’s second try of the game.
Interchange: James Fisher-Harris (Penrith Panthers)
Fisher-Harris was everywhere on the field, with 153 running metres and two tackle busts.
Interchange: Jack Hetherington (Penrith Panthers)
Hetherington stepped up off the interchange bench with a great all-round performance. The youngster came into his own with 154 running metres, four tackle busts and a line break, while also making 15 tackles.
Interchange: David Fifita (Brisbane Broncos)
In only his second game of first grade, Fifita stepped up to play on the edge after Kotoni Staggs was sent for an HIA. The first player born in the new millennium made an impact over 51 minutes, running for 101 metres and busting through four tackles, while also making 25 tackles.
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