The QRL Media ‘Team of the Week’ is back!
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.
- Matt Wright (CQ Capras)
The former Sea Eagles outside back was outstanding in his first Intrust Super Cup game for the Capras. The NZ-born fullback was influential in his side’s 36-14 upset win over Souths Logan, scoring a try and registering a try assist, six tackle breaks and 117 run metres.
- Herbie Farnworth (Norths Devils)
The Brisbane Broncos contracted flyer was electric for Norths in their Round 1 outing, scoring two outstanding tries for Devils in their 28-22 victory over Burleigh Bears.
- Shaun Hudson (Townsville Blackhawks) – (c)
The Townsville centre hit the ground running in his first game of 2019, scoring two tries and setting up another for his winger Kalifa Faifai-Loa, in a Hastings Deering Man of the Match performance.
- Nene Macdonald (Northern Pride)
The North Queensland Cowboys had a night out in Cairns, scoring a sensational try and registering a huge 240 running metres in his Intrust Super Cup debut.
- Kalifa Faifai-Loa (Townsville Blackhawks)
The 2018 Intrust Super Cup Winger of the Year was in his element at North Ipswich Reserve. The former Dragons winger terrorised Ipswich left-edge, crossing for two tries in Blackhawks convincing 34-6 victory.
- Zach Strasser (Norths Devils)
Former Redcliffe Dolphins half Zach Strasser was instrumental for the Devils in Round 1, setting up two tries and leading Norths to a 28-22 victory over Burleigh at Bishop Park.
- Jack Madden (CQ Capras)
Rockhampton-born-half led the CQ Capras to a convincing 36-14 victory over a strong Souths Logan outfit. After 65 minutes, four points separated the two sides, before Madden closed out the game for Capras with two late tries.
Intrust Super Cup Rd 1 Highlights: Magpies vs Capras
- Nick Brown (Redcliffe Dolphins)
Brown was a man on a mission in his first game in Dolphins colours. Whilst the reigning premiers weren’t able to secure a Round 1 victory, the former Cutter was particularly impressive, recording 146 running metres, 32 tackles, and a try in the 61st minute.
- Aaron Booth (Easts Tigers)
Another former Cutter; Booth had a point to prove, coming up against his former club. The Tigers dummy half was explosive around the ruck and created a number of opportunities for Easts off the back of his short kicking game, and even crossed for a meat pie in the 49th minute.
- Daniel Dole (Sunshine Coast Falcons)
Sunshine Coast forward Daniel Dole was striking in his first game for the Falcons with 101 running metres, five tackle breaks and 23 tackles. The young forward scored a terrific try off the back of a barn-storming run in the 32nd minute, where he carried several Wynnum defenders over the line.
- Hayden Schwass (Burleigh Bears)
The Burleigh edge forward was a standout performer for the Gold Coast side in their narrow loss to Norths, registering 109 running metres along with 31 tackles, a try and a try assist.
- Jamil Hopoate (Redcliffe Dolphins)
The 2018 Intrust Super Cup Lock of the Year was at his explosive best in the season opener, recording a huge 191 running metres, from 21 carries, including seven tackle breaks and 69 post contact metres.
- Tom Gilbert (Townsville Blackhawks)
The young North Queensland Cowboys wrecking ball terrorised the Ipswich Jets defence with his powerful running game and tackle busting ability, recording 170 running metres, seven tackle breaks, and a try in his 58-minute-stint for the Blackhawks.
- Edene Gebbie (Wynnum Manly Seagulls)
The former PNG Hunters fullback put in an eye-catching performance for his new club, running for a huge 240 metres from 18 carries, including 49 post contact metres and three line breaks.
15. Bennett Leslie (Easts Tigers)
The Easts recruit led the Tigers forward pack from the front, recording the most metres, runs and tackles of any Tigers player. Moving to Easts from Mackay, Leslie finished the game with 174m, 36 tackles and 72 post contact metres against his former club.
- Lamar Liolevave (Tweed Seagulls)
The hulking Tweed centre was a standout performer in a low scoring affair, running for 170m and setting up the winning try for Tweed to claim a hard fought 10-0 victory over the PNG Hunters.
- Ben Shea (Ipswich Jets)
The Ipswich Jets powerhouse forward was a shining light for the home side, despite their 34-6 defeat at the hands of the Blackhawks. The Jets lock aimed up against an experienced Townsville forward pack, recording 186 running metres, 22 tackles and 77 post contact metres.
Round 1 statistics – via STATS:
Sunshine Coast Falcons v Wynnum Manly Seagulls
Northern Pride v Redcliffe Dolphins
Ipswich Jets v Townsville Blackhawks
Norths Devils v Burleigh Bears
Souths Logan Magpies v CQ Capras
*The team selections are the opinions of QRL Media only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the QRL.
