NRL Team of the Week: Round 18

Valentine Holmes (Cronulla Sharks)

Backed up a strong performance from State of Origin Game III to lead the Sharks to victory over the Penrith Panthers, bagging a double.

Robert Jennings (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

Has turned into a real try scorer in season 2018. Scored his second hattrick of the season – three even if you include his four try haul against Parramatta just last month – in the Rabbitohs' ninth straight win.

Jarryd Hayne (Parramatta Eels)

In a sight for sore eyes, Hayne has returned to his best form over the last month of the regular season – something we thought we’d never see again in all honesty. A mammoth 15 tackle breaks lead to a try assist, two line breaks and 200 run metres for the ‘Hayne Plane’.

Solomone Kata (New Zealand Warriors)

Scored two tries and ran for over 200 metres with ball in hand against an underperforming Brisbane side which the New Zealand Warriors put to the sword with a 26-6 victory.

Jordan Rapana (Canberra Raiders)

Returned from injury with a two try haul in an impressive victory which saw the Canberra Raiders keep their faint finals dreams alive.

Matt Moylan (Cronulla Sharks)

Lead the Sharks to an impressive win against his former club in a man of the match performance. Scored a try and set up another in what was one of his better games in years. Also broke 10 tackles, ran for 154 metres and recorded two line breaks.

Mitchell Pearce (Newcastle Knights)

Another half who put in a man of the match performance after scoring a try and setting up another. In his first game back from a major pectoral tear, Mitchell Pearce didn’t miss a beat. Came close to breaking records after kicking for 611 metres of territory throughout the contest.

Martin Taupau (Manly Sea Eagles)

The New Zealander is turning out to be what Jason Taumalolo was for the Cowboys in the 2016 and 2017 after an impressive 2018 season. Ran for 263 metres and recorded three offloads in yet another dominant performance.

Damien Cook (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

Backed up from a player of the series role for the New South Wales Blues throughout a successful State of Origin campaign with yet another man of the match performance for his club side. Saved a try, completed over 45 tackles, ran for over 120 run metres and controlled the pace of the game extremely well amongst other things.

Agnatius Paasi (New Zealand Warriors)

Recorded three line breaks, scored a try and ran for 150 run metres in an impressive 45 minute stint. After a disappointing 18 months – his best is coming out yet again, finally!

Viliame Kikau (Penrith Panthers)

We’ve now lost count of how many times this promising North Queensland product has made the team of the week. Was the best in a beaten side with an astonishing 210 run metres to his name.

Shaun Lane (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles)

Another forward who was the best in a beaten side. Scored a double in a narrow defeat at the hands of the reigning premiers the Melbourne Storm.

Sam Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

Has returned to top form in throughout Souths' run of nine straight wins. Ran for 200 metres with ball in hand, completed 32 tackles whilst breaking two of the oppositions attempts, recorded three offloads and saved a try.