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We are no closer to determining a clear premiership favourite after a string of upsets in Round 24 as the finals draw nearer.
The Storm have moved two points clear at the top of the ladder while the Sharks have entered the frame after the Roosters and Rabbitohs both recorded losses. It seemed too little, too late as the Cowboys, Bulldogs and Raiders all delivered masterclasses with their seasons all but over.
In every game across the weekend there were a number of standout performers from try scoring heroics and freak kicking displays to unbelievable defensive work ethic and hard-working forwards. Here is your NRL team of the week for Round 24.
Fullback: Valentine Holmes (Cronulla Sharks)
Holmes pulled the strings for the Sharks as they close in on a top-four finish. The fullback was instrumental in delivering a 38-12 victory by scoring a try and setting up Chad Townsend for another. Holmes demonstrated his elusive skills at the back with seven tackle busts in addition to his 242 running metres.
Wing: David Fusitu’a (Warriors)
Fusitu’a proved too dangerous for the Panthers on Friday night, scoring three tries out wide. He combined well with Shaun Johnson, running for 139 metres down the right wing and making two line breaks.
Centre: Michael Oldfield (Canberra Raiders)
Oldfield slotted in well at centre, combining with Nick Cotric to score two tries. The Tongan international busted through two tackles and gained 90 running metres, holding his own on the left edge as the Raiders ran away with an impressive win over the high-flying Rabbitohs.
Centre: Kerrod Holland (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Holland had a great combination with Reimis Smith on the right edge and also loomed as a good support player. He took the kicking duties over from Rhyse Martin, converting all six tries and also piloting a penalty goal. Holland set up Reimis Smith to score his second try while also drifting across the field to open up space for Brett Morris to go over.
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Wing: Reimis Smith (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Smith had one of the best games of his young career, scoring a hat trick of tries against the Dragons. The tall winger outpaced Dragons livewire Matthew Dufty twice and displayed his finishing skills with a try in the corner. He ended the evening with 306 running metres.
Five-Eighth: Lachlan Lewis (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
After kicking the match-winning field goal against the Warriors last week, Lachlan Lewis stepped up to the task again in Round 24 as the Bulldogs recorded a big win over the Dragons.
The rookie made 21 tackles in defence, never giving up on the play and made two tackle busts in attack as well as setting up a try however, his most effective contributions came in his kicking game where he was able to force four goal-line drop-outs.
Halfback: Johnathan Thurston (North Queensland Cowboys)
The Cowboys’ 44-6 win over the Eels will be a night Johnathan Thurston will remember, the superstar halfback starring in his final game in front of the North Queensland faithful. The four-time Dally M player of the year set up two tries and combined well with young five-eighth Jake Clifford.
He had some effective kicks with a number of grubbers close to the line and a host of bombs placing the Eels under pressure.
(AAP Image/Dean Lewins)
Prop: David Klemmer (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Klemmer was exceptional for the Bulldogs in their 38-0 shutout against the St George Illawarra Dragons on Sunday afternoon. The Australian international terrorised the Red V, laying the platform for Lachlan Lewis with 279 running metres. He powered forward to help the ‘Dogs win the battle of the middle of the park in an inspiring performance.
Hooker: Cameron Smith (Melbourne Storm)
The Storm were able to grind out a 10-8 victory over the Titans on Saturday with Cameron Smith proving the difference. The skipper’s defensive work ethic was enormous, making 53 tackles while also having some strong bursts from dummy half busting two tackles. His kicking game was effective, maintaining the control of the game.
Prop: Jordan McLean (North Queensland Cowboys)
The North Queensland Cowboys delivered an outstanding display of football against the Eels with Jordan McLean extremely effective through the middle of the park. He worked through his plays, running for 192 metres with four tackle busts and made a huge difference as the Cowboys delivered Johnathan Thurston a fairytale farewell in Townsville.
Back row: Tohu Harris (Warriors)
Harris played a big role on the edge for the Warriors as they came to a 20-point win over the Panthers in Auckland. He reversed his recent form by playing a starring role with 161 running metres, two tackle busts and 29 tackles.
Back row: Iosia Soliola (Canberra Raiders)
Soliola may be in the twilight of his career but he has been a sensation for the Raiders in recent weeks. He scored a try in the green machine’s 24-12 win over the finals-bound Rabbitohs with a great attacking performance that saw him bust through three tackles with 131 running metres. The veteran forward also made 29 tackles in defence.
Lock forward: Jason Taumalolo (North Queensland Cowboys)
Taumalolo was at his damaging best against the Eels, running for a massive 232 metres. The Tongan international was lethal and had some effective runs, displaying great footwork and his ability to evade defenders with four tackle busts. He also made 22 tackles in defence.
Jason Taumalolo of the Cowboys (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Interchange: Alex Twal (Wests Tigers)
Twal had an outstanding game off the bench for the joint venture, featuring prominently in their win over the Sea Eagles. The Lebanon international for 204 metres with seven tackle busts and also had a try assist to his name. Twal made 29 tackles in a great all-round performance.
Interchange: Martin Taupau (Manly Sea Eagles)
Taupau pulled off another unbelievable performance off the bench for the Sea Eagles. His impact was even more deadly as he gained 154 metres through the middle. The New Zealand international made two offloads and busted through eleven tackles while contributing 34 tackles in defence.
Interchange: Matthew Eisenhuth (Wests Tigers)
Eisenhuth played a great defensive game for the Wests Tigers, locking up the scrum and making 57 tackles. He kept his side going forward with 81 running metres in a 65-minute stint. He was one of the Wests Tigers’ best in a gritty affair against the Sea Eagles.
Interchange: David Fifita (Brisbane Broncos)
David Fifita was one of the Broncos’ best forwards, coming on after Andrew McCullough left the field in the first half. The 18-year-old was exceptional gaining a total of 192 metres with six tackle busts as well as 21 tackles. He also came close to scoring a try, only to be called back.
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