Plenty of players well known to Intrust Super Team of the Week fans showed why they are so highly regarded by their clubs in Round 7; with some putting in striking efforts, while others just went about their consistent ways.
The Sunshine Coast Falcons recorded another big win with contributions spread throughout the side; however a reborn Redcliffe Dolphins side had many impressive performers who could not be denied.
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.
This author watched the Northern Pride host Wynnum Manly Seagulls live and the Dolphins versus Tweed Seagulls broadcast match and sought opinions from the QRL video producers to complement the statistical information available for each player from each game of the round.
While a number of candidates performed well in this position in Round 7, including PNG Hunters star Joe Joshua and Falcon Siti Moceidreke, the Devils skipper earned his spot as he was involved in everything for his side as they secured a strong win over Townsville. Making a round-high 229m from his 16 runs, he also made 83 kick metres from his three kicks, a line break and four tackle breaks.
A fan favourite at most venues; Gubb silenced the National Football Stadium crowd with his two important tries in both the first and second halves of the game. He made 164 run metres, 40 of the post contact.
It was a massive game from the former Reds player who showed what he can do both in attack and defence (just ask Christian Hazard). Perese proved a handful, with a whopping 10 tackle breaks in the match where he also ran for 154 metres.
TOP FIVE: Intrust Super Cup Round 7
Perusing the stats, there were a lot of great performances in the centres across all games, with Dan Russell, Brenko Lee, Jordan Drew, Ioane Seiuli, Connor Broadhurst and Rogan Dean in his club debut producing strong results. However, sheer weight of numbers sees the Broncos-contracted centre make another appearance in the Team of the Week. While he made three errors, he made more than a strong effort for his side with 189m (69 post contact) from 18 runs with six tackle breaks.
The outside back ran for 181 metres on his way to scoring two tries for his team in their close win over the Magpies. ‘Hughsey’ has been a strong performer so far this season for the Tigers, scoring five tries (including his two in Round 7) in his seven appearances for the team. His average for running metres so far is 126.9.
Intrust Super Cup Round 7 Highlights: Tigers v Magpies
Part of the Falcons side that remains undefeated this season, the performance of Nicho Hynes helped steer the team to a comfortable victory over the CQ Capras. With 179 running metres, a try, three line breaks, three tackle breaks and four try assists; it was another impressive performance.
The Broncos-contracted half starred for Redcliffe in their game with Tweed, helping to direct the team well on their way to their second win of the season. The former Western Mustangs Mal Meninga Cup winning captain kept the Seagulls in two minds as he took on the line; Paix made 111 kick metres, three line breaks and a try assist. He also crossed for an impressive try of his own before halftime.
The always consistent Burleigh Bears skipper once again proved why his is a leader at his club, putting in a huge effort for his team. Despite only playing for 45 minutes, he made 169 metres (55 post contact), made two tackle breaks and 19 tackles.
Another position crowded with potentials including Sam Coster, Harry Grant, Jake Turpin and Krys Freeman; the Ipswich Jets hooker eventually won out, as his contributions (top three for tackles made, top three for runs made and top three for metres gained for his side) proved key to helping Ipswich get their first ever win in PNG.
Big numbers once again from the Redcliffe forward, who continues to keep on keeping on, having brought his Mackay Cutters Player of the Year form to his new club in season 2019. He was hard to stop and ran for 224 metres from his 21 runs - 92 of them being post contact.
No stranger to Team of the Week selection; Lewis, like Hynes, was one to stand out amongst a host of Sunny Coast performers in their big Round 7 win. Lewis was hard to contain when running his 147 metres, making five tackle breaks as well. He contributed in defence with 25 tackles, missing only one.
The versatile young Cowboy tried hard for the Cutters and was highly involved for his side in the match. While the Cutters lost out to a polished performance from Burleigh; Dunn played the full 80 minutes, made 20 tackles, ran for 195 metres, had three tackle breaks and kicked for 65 kick metres.
While on the losing side; the effort of young Gilbert week-in, week-out is something to be admired and he produced the goods again. In his 59 minutes on the field, he scored himself a try and ran for 191 metres from his 19 runs.
The young Norths Devils forward was only involved for 27 minutes; but he made his time count – crossing for two tries, making 19 tackles and running for 105 metres.
Intrust Super Cup Round 7 Highlights: Devils v Blackhawks
The more experienced of Wynnum Manly's impressive halves pairing (which includes Tom Dearden); Scarlett again displayed his array of skills to help orchestrate a win for his side. He scored the team's first try, helped set up another and produced 274 kick metres in amongst his general good play.
His side were on the back foot from the first set of the game, but the experienced forward never gave up in their loss to Redcliffe. In an 80-minute performance, he made 37 tackles (topped only by hooker Jack Cook with 44 for the game) and ran for 124 metres.
Another lock who was more than solid in a losing side, Hola was a strong performer for the Pride, putting in an eye-catching performance. His 65 minutes on the field saw him reap a try, make 20 tackles and produce 173 run metres.
Round 7 STATS - QRL Match Centre
CQ Capras v Sunshine Coast Falcons
Easts Tigers v Souths Logan Magpies
Mackay Cutters v Burleigh Bears
Norths Devils v Townsville Blackhawks
Northern Pride v Wynnum Manly Seagulls
Redcliffe Dolphins v Tweed Seagulls
