The Burleigh Bears, Sunshine Coast Falcons and Townsville Blackhawks asserted their authority in Round 6, with each side recording strong victories.
Each round, QRL recognises 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. Zac Santo (Townsville Blackhawks)
Arguably his best game of the season to date, the former NZ Warrior showed his class against the reigning Intrust Super Cup premiers, setting up two tries and registering 142m in Townsville’s 36-6 victory over Redcliffe.
2. Nat McGavin (Sunshine Coast Falcons)
Sunshine Coast flyer Nat McGravin impressed in the absence of Jonathon Reuben, crashing over for two tries in the Falcons 30-6 victory over fellow Melbourne Storm feeder club Easts Tigers.
3. Jesse Arthars (Burleigh Bears) (c)
The 20-year-old Auckland-born centre has become quite the cult figure for Burleigh in recent weeks, and continued his run of form, running for 170m and crossing for two tries. This takes his tally to seven tries in six games, five of which he has scored at his home ground - leading some to call the eccentric character 'The Fresh Prince of Pizzey Park'.
4. Treymain Spry (Tweed Seagulls)
The 19-year-old tearaway is building quite the resume in Intrust Super Cup with another strong performance in Round 6, scoring a try and setting up another for Taylor Walters, securing a 14-12 victory for the Gulls in Mackay.
5. Matt Soper-Lawler (Souths Logan Magpies)
The Souths Logan flyer capped off his 50th Intrust Super Cup game with 121 running metres and two tries in his side's narrow four-point victory over the Pride in Cairns.
6. Ase Boas (PNG Hunters)
Experienced Hunters half Ase Boas was a standout for his team in their first victory of the 2019 season. The former club captain set up two tries and kicked four goals; helping to lead his side to their 28-10 victory in Emerald.
7. Todd Murphy (Sunshine Coast Falcons)
Sunshine Coast vice-captain Todd Murphy was instrumental for the Falcons in their top-of-the-table clash with Easts Tigers. The 28-year-old set up two tries, kicked four goals and scored a try of his own early in the game.
8. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown (Norths Devils)
A powerhouse performance from the 117kg Devils forward; running for 90m, busting five tackles and crossing for two tries in a Hastings Deering Man of the Match performance.
9. Harry Grant (Sunshine Coast Falcons)
Falcons rake Harry Grant was out in front in the Petero Civoniceva medal tally after five rounds of the 2019 competition and would have no doubt added a few extra points to his tally after another dominant performance in Round 6. The 21-year-old could not be contained by the Tigers from dummy half, running for 105m and scoring a try, as well as clocking up 46 tackles in defence.
10. Aaron Pene (CQ Capras)
There wasn’t a lot to smile about in Round 6 if you’re a Capras fan, however one shining light for the Rockhampton-based club was hulking forward Aaron Pene. The Capras forward registered 169 running metres, including 61 post-contact metres and 31 tackles, in an 80-minute stint in the front-row.
11. Keenan Palasia (Wynnum Manly Seagulls)
The young Wynnum Manly forward stood up in the absence of fellow Seagulls and Broncos contracted forward Pat Carrigan, after he was named to make his NRL debut. Palasia put in a dominant display against an experienced Burleigh forward pack, running for 163m, including 69 post contact metres, 23 tackles and two tackle breaks.
12. Shane Wright (Mackay Cutters)
Paul Green will be keeping an eye on the young Cowboys forward after he put in another impressive performance for the Cutters, crossing for two tries and running for 122m, in an 80-minute performance.
13. Charlie Simon (PNG Hunters)
He may have only played 14-minutes, but his impact was immediate, setting up a try and then scoring one himself, helping the Hunters to their first victory of the season.
14. Sean O’Sullivan (Norths Devils)
The Brisbane Broncos will no doubt have an eye on the young play-maker after an impressive performance against an improving Ipswich Jets outfit. O’Sullivan set up two tries and ran for over 100m in the Devils 31-14 victory over the Jets in Ipswich.
15. Justin O’Neill (Townsville Blackhawks)
The North Queensland Cowboys centre was influential for the Blackhawks in their 36-6 victory over the Dolphins in Round 6. The former Queensland Maroons centre scored two tries and put the game to bed when he set up a try for a barnstorming Tom Gilbert in the 67th minute.
16. Javid Bowen (Northern Pride)
Experienced Northern Pride centre Javid Bowen was a standout performer in a losing side, registering a huge 201 running metres, including 54 post-contact metres and four tackle breaks.
17. Krys Freeman (Townsville Blackhawks)
The experienced Townsville number nine was impressive for the Blackhawks, creating a number of opportunities for the home side with his acceleration and kicking game from dummy half. The 27-year-old registered 200 kick metres, scored a four-pointer, and set up try for centre O’Neill.
Burleigh Bears v Wynnum Manly Seagulls
Mackay Cutters v Tweed Seagulls
Northern Pride v Souths Logan Magpies
