The second-last Round of the Intrust Super Cup regular season did not disappoint, with several high-quality 'do or die' matches taking place across the competition.
The Round 23 'Team of the Week' saw Ipswich Jets and PNG Hunters players feature heavily in selection, after registering convincing victories against their opposition.
>> Each round, QRL Media recognise the 17 best performers and name the Intrust Super Cup 'Team of the Week'*. These team selections are based not only on statistical data, but also take on board live and broadcast viewings of the games, with the standout performer of the week to be named captain.
1. Scott Drinkwater (Easts Tigers)
With late withdrawals from Brandon Smith, Billy Walters and Brodie Croft, Drinkwater took control of the side with an outstanding performance that included, a try, try assist, 128 running metres, 166 kick metres, and a Hastings Deering Man of the Match award.
2. Wes Conlon (Ipswich Jets) (c)
After announcing he will retire at seasons end, Conlon took his game to another level in Round 23, scoring 4 tries and kicking 4 goals, in the Jets 52-16 victory over Tweed Heads.
3. Edene Gebbie (PNG Hunters)
The always dangerous Hunters fullback was at his best in Round 23, setting up a try, and then scoring 2 himself in a dominant display of speed and strength.
4. Josh Berkers (Burleigh Bears)
The young Bears centre put the game out of reach for the Blackhawks, after scoring a strong individual try in the 65th minute.
5. Michael Purcell (Ipswich Jets)
The 'Kangaroo Catcher' jumped into the leading try-scorer spot (18 tries), after scoring his third hat-trick of the season, in Round 23. Purcell now has now scored 7 tries in his past 5 games.
6. Ase Boas (PNG Hunters)
A captain's knock from Ase Boas, as he led the Hunters to a convincing home victory against Wynnum Manly, scoring a try, and setting up 2 tries, including a long-range try for brother Watson.
7. Brayden Torpy (Easts Tigers)
After not playing since Round 23, Torpy was out to prove he deserves a regular spot in Intrust Super Cup. In the absence of Croft, Walters and Smith, Torpy stood up, steering the team around the park and kicked the winning goal on the hooter to secure a come from behind victory over Souths Logan.
8. Jordan Grant (Mackay Cutters)
Grant made a huge impact for Cutters in Round 23, running for 210m, including 99 post contract metres, 7 tackle breaks, and try in the 50th minute.
9. Pat Politoni (Burleigh Bears)
The always consistent Burleigh #9 was a standout performer for the Bears in Round 23, racking up 48 tackles, setting up 2 tries and kicking for 113m.
10. Jet Key (CQ Capras)
A recent change has seen Capras forward Jet Key playing 80 minutes in the front-row. This change has provided dividends for the Capras go-forward, with Key running over 200m for the second consecutive week. Further to his efforts, Key also managed to get over for a try in the 63rd minute.
11. Andrew Davey (Townsville Blackhawks)
A strong individual performance from the Blackhawks back-rower, scoring both of Townsville's four pointers, running for 104m and making 22 tackles.
12. Nick Brown (Mackay Cutters)
A monster effort from the Cutters forward in Round 23, running for a huge 229m, including 71 post contact meres, and 4 tackle breaks, in just 39 minutes.
13. Sam Coster (Burleigh Bears)
Work-horse effort from the Burleigh lock forward, aiming up in both attack and defence, with 109 running metres and 42 tackles.
14. Chanel Seigafo (CQ Capras)
Scored two brilliant tries, and set up an equally brilliant try for half Blake Goodman, helping the Capras to a 26-16 victory over the Sunshine Coast Falcons.
15. Linc Port (Easts Tigers)
Turned the game on its head, running 70m and scoring a try in the 67th minute. The Tigers flyer also registered 201 running metres, 10 tackle breaks, and a try assist.
16. Sam Scarlett (Souths Logan Magpies)
Standout performer in a losing side, setting up 2 tries, and getting over for his 9th try of the season in the 33rd minute.
17. Lachlan Timm (Sunshine Coast Falcons)
Another huge game from the 111kg Falcons Forward in Round 23, registering a massive 209m, and making 22 tackles in an 80-minute performance.
*The team selections are the opinions of QRL Media only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the QRL.
