Round 21 proved to be a tipster’s nightmare with a series of upsets as the finals picture became even more interesting.
The South Sydney Rabbitohs and Sydney Roosters presented their premiership credentials while the Parramatta Eels, Manly Sea Eagles and Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs put in good displays to shake up the other end of the ladder.
There were a host of players that stood out over the weekend with a number of veteran forwards plying their trade among a slew of young halves and outside backs.
Here is your NRL team of the week for Round 21.
Fullback: Tyrone Peachey (Penrith Panthers)
Peachey inspired the Panthers to a come from behind win over the Raiders, putting them in touch with the top four. The utility back made some effective runs with six tackle busts and two line breaks, combining well with James Maloney for two tries and an assist.
Wing: Campbell Graham (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Graham was extremely unlucky not to score a try on a number of occasions however, his bursts in attack and security under the highball were admirable. The Scotland international was the best player in the Rabbitohs’ backline as they climbed to first position.
Centre: Joseph Leilua (Canberra Raiders)
Leipana was unstoppable as the green machine wreaked havoc down the right edge against the Panthers. The Raiders fell at the final hurdle to lose 40-31 however, Leilua put in an outstanding display with five tackle busts and three line breaks for a hat trick of tries. He also managed to force a drop-out and formed a lethal combination with Jordan Rapana.
Joey Leilua (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas)
Centre: Jarryd Hayne (Parramatta Eels)
The Eels may be out for the count in 2018 but Jarryd Hayne refused to say die as he revives his career in the blue and gold. The Hayne Plane has once again taken flight after the former NFL punt returner scored a try, set up another and busted through seven tackles while making 15 in defence.
Wing: Josh Addo-Carr (Melbourne Storm)
Melbourne may have lost to the Rabbitohs but Josh Addo-Carr proved too hard to handle on the left edge for the Storm. The State of Origin superstar scored two tries with six tackle busts and two line breaks in attack.
Five-Eighth: Lachlan Lewis (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Since making his debut against the Knights, Lachlan Lewis has proven the difference as they continue to win matches against quality opposition. Without regular halfback Jeremy Marshall-King, Lewis stepped up to the plate sparking an impressive victory over the Broncos with his organisational play in passing and kicking, as well as producing 17 tackles in defence.
Halfback: Luke Brooks (Wests Tigers)
Brooks led the way for the Wests Tigers as they delivered a comprehensive victory over the Knights.
His leadership was felt across the park, putting in a good kicking game which saw him force a drop-out and kick a field goal while also scoring a try, setting up another and busting through eight tackles with the ball in hand.
Prop: Aiden Tolman (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Tolman has made a good comeback from injury, slotting back into the Bulldogs’ front row rotation and leading from the front. The veteran forward ran for 162 metres, filling the void left by David Klemmer and gaining plenty of ground with the ball. He also made 37 tackles in defence, producing a no-frills display.
Hooker: Damien Cook (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Cook gave Cameron Smith a masterclass as Souths returned to the top of the table, the dynamic dummy-half placing two hands on the Kangaroos No.9 jumper. Cook scored a try, set up another and ran for 190 metres from the quick play-the-ball, resulting in eight tackle busts. He also made a massive 39 tackles in defence.
Damien Cook runs the ball. (AAP Image/Richard Wainwright)
Prop: Martin Taupau (Manly Sea Eagles)
Taupau has been by far the best forward in the National Rugby League for the 2018 season and his talents were spotlighted in Manly’s one-point win over the Sharks. The New Zealand international ran for 156 metres with five tackle busts and 26 tackles. His heroic efforts helped Manly to win the battle in the middle of the park.
Back row: Josh Jackson (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Jackson led from the front in the Bulldogs’ 36-22 win over the Broncos. The skipper was inspirational on the right edge, running for 119 metres with 30 tackles, two tackle busts and a try, helping to guide Canterbury out of the dark as they went back-to-back in a desperate bid to avoid their first wooden spoon since 2008.
Back row: Shaun Lane (Manly Sea Eagles)
Lane has been somewhat of a revelation for the Sea Eagles in 2018 with yet another dominant display. Manly produced an upset 33-32 win over the Sharks away from home with Lane scoring two tries. The Parramatta-bound backrower made a total of 26 tackles with four tackle busts and two line breaks in attack.
Lock forward: Sam Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Burgess was effective through the middle, terrorising the Storm’s forward pack with a massive 204 metres gained as well as 27 tackles. The England dual-code international scored a try while making five tackle busts and a line break in attack as the Rabbitohs pulled off a big win.
Sam Burgess (Photo by Will Russell/Getty Images)
Interchange: Clinton Gutherson (Parramatta Eels)
Gutherson was the star of the show for the Eels at the back, working well under the highball and running the ball effectively. Gutherson provided a try assist in the Eels’ win over the Titans while also making three tackle busts and 254 metres in attack.
Interchange: Thomas Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Thomas Burgess put in yet another good performance that has solidified his spot in the England national team ahead of the Baskerville Shield series. The young prop worked hard through the middle, running for 145 metres from 15 hit-ups as well as producing four tackle busts and a line break.
Interchange: Korbin Sims (Brisbane Broncos)
Sims was impressive off the bench, immediately making an impact for the Broncos. The prop forward scored two tries in a brilliant attacking display that saw him rack up 108 metres as well as five tackle busts and two line breaks. In addition, Sims made 33 tackles in defence.
Interchange: Angus Crichton (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Crichton got the Rabbitohs’ right edge moving well in attack, running some effective line as he made 124 metres and three tackle busts as well as two line breaks. His all-round performance was felt in defence, applying pressure to veteran Ryan Hoffman with 30 tackles.
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