NRL Team of the Week: Round 8

1. Kalyn Ponga (Newcastle Knights)

Scored 20-points in his team's thrashing of the New Zealand Warriors, scoring a try and kicking eight goals.

2. Maika Sivo (Parramatta Eels)

Scored two tries, broke nine tackles and ran for over 200 running metres as the Fijian flyer continues to impress.

3. Latrell Mitchell (Sydney Roosters)

His first 80-minute performance of the season also turned out to be the best of his career, showing that when he gets involved in the contest, he truly is the best centre in the game. Scored a hat-trick, set up a fourth, kicked seven goals (scoring 26 points in total), ran for 202 metres with ball in hand and broke five tackles in a rare 10/10 performance.

4. Kyle Turner (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

Was a strange selection choice in the centre three-quarter position at the start of the season but has blossomed there, much like Beau Scott (under the same coach, Wayne Bennett) before him.

5. Reuben Garrick (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles)

This Manly side is reminiscent of the Canberra Raiders of 2008. A team of no-names turned into stars by coach Neil Henry, making the top four that season despite being wooden spoon favourites. Part of a backline deemed the worst in the NRL, Garrick took it to the doubters against Canterbury, scoring a try double and kicking five goals for a total of 18 points.

6. Cody Walker (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

Leads the try scorers list at the end of Round 8, adding another two to his tally against the Broncos.

7. Mitchell Pearce (Newcastle Knights)

Backed up a man of the match performance last week with another impressive showing in New Zealand. Recorded two try assists before scoring one of his own whilst leading his team around with a solid kicking game.

8. James Tamou (Penrith Panthers)

The best on field in a badly beaten side. Returning to the form which saw him touted as the best prop in the game from 2012 through to North Queensland’s premiership year in 2015, Tamou ran for a total of 175 run metes – including a 35 metres solo effort which saw him cross for a try – completed 31 tackles and record four offloads.

9. Damien Cook (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

After a quiet performance in Round 7, Cook shot back to form quickly. Recorded two try assists from dummy-half, ran for 70 metres and completed 47 tackles.

10. Josh Papalii (Canberra Raiders)

Defended well and ran well. Recorded 150 run metres, 31 tackles – including a try save – and in more ways than one led the way for the Raiders in their 18-point victory.

11. Boyd Cordner (Sydney Roosters)

The best backrower in the world scored a try and ran for 150 run metres in another trademark captain's knock.

12. Sam Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

Not far behind Cordner in terms of ‘world’s best backrowers’ and proved so against the Broncos. Scored another try, taking his season tally to five, ran for 155 run metres and completed 20 tackles.

13. Jason Taumalolo (North Queensland Cowboys)

Didn’t miss a beat in his return game for North Queensland. Having missed the last five games prior to his sides gritty win over the Gold Coast, Taumalolo shot back with 220 run metres and a try.

Interchange:

14. Clint Gutherson (Parramatta Eels)
15. John Asiata (North Queensland Cowboys)
16. Reed Mahoney (Parramatta Eels)
17. Elliot Whitehead (Canberra Raiders)

18^th Man: Justin O’Neill (North Queensland Cowboys)