What a round that was with some close games, some great action and plenty of standout performances from players across the Intrust Super Cup teams.
Each round, Queensland Rugby League 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 week, the writer watched the Norths Devils host the Wynnum Manly Seagulls in the broadcast match and took on board the opinions of QRL correspondents who covered the games to help decide the final inclusions in the team.
1. Talor Walters – Tweed Seagulls
You could almost make a Team of the Week of fullbacks only following the many outstanding performances across the board, including from column regulars Edene Gebbie and Zac Santo. However, the nippy Tweed custodian took all the opportunities presented to him and denied the Pride on a number of key occasions with important defence and played a strong all-around fullback's game.
2. Jono Reuben – Sunshine Coast Falcons
The outside backs in general put on a show, with many standouts, including Mackay’s Yamba Bowie. However, while Reuben may have only made 72 metres from his seven runs for the Falcons; he made all his involvements count and had a big impact in the game. He scored two tries and every time he touched the ball, he was always perceived as a threat.
3. Bacho Salam – Townsville Blackhawks
The former Queensland Under 20 Emerging squad member was one of a number of Townsville Blackhawks to produce strong performances in their win over the Tigers. With a try, 130 metres from 14 runs, 50 post contact metres and one line break, it was a strong overall showing for his side.
Intrust Super Cup Round 11 Highlights: Cutters v Dolphins
4. Jayden Batchelor – Mackay Cutters
A hat-trick star for Mackay, this included the match winner on the fulltime siren. The flame-haired centre had work to do on all three tries he scored, with the last one the hardest of all. A solid overall effort with just under 100 metres made from his 11 runs; the ones he made to cross the line had the home fans cheering.
5. Troy Leo – Burleigh Bears
The flying winger continued his great form in what is becoming a breakout season with another try (his 11th of the year), two line breaks, nine tackle breaks and 147 running metres. Another standout showing from one of Burleigh's most consistent performers.
6. Cooper Johns – Sunshine Coast Falcons
It was another dominant performance across the park from the Falcons, with Johns a key cog in the Sunshine Coast machine which so far is whirring to perfection. Against the Jets, Johns produced two try assists, 21 tackles and 76 metres. He also received a special shout-out from team-mate Harry Grant after the match (see below).
Harry Grant: Everyone knows their role
7. Sam Scarlett – Wynnum Manly Seagulls (c)
It was another Hastings Deering Man of the Match performance from the Wynnum Manly Seagulls halfback who once again directed the play for his side with aplomb. He was strong not only when his team were on the attack, but also made big efforts in defence. He also produced a strong kicking game that got results when needed.
8. Luke Page – Burleigh Bears
QRL correspondent Kevin Braysher covered the match and described the Burleigh skipper as being “at his inspirational best against the Capras” where he ran for 191 metres and crashed over for a second half try to boot.
9. Harry Grant – Sunshine Coast Falcons
Another standout performance from one of the in-form players in the competition. On the spot for two tries, including a good run just after halftime when the Jets had come out full of positiveness to instantly deflate them. QRL correspondent Michael Nunn said Grant "didn’t miss a tackle" (he made 17) and kicked well to take pressure off halfback Todd Murphy.
10. Nathan Watts – Redcliffe Dolphins
A standout effort in a losing side, defensively Watts was solid as well as making plenty of attacking metres for Redcliffe. He topped the charts for his side in both regards, with a team-high 32 tackles and 179 metres from 20 runs for his team.
11. Matiu Love Henry – Wynnum Manly Seagulls
He may have only made 51 metres in the game, but every one was backed with a power, and there was no stopping him on this way to scoring two tries in Wynnum Manly’s Round 11 win. In his 50th Intrust Super Cup game, he also made six tackle breaks and threw in 30 tackles as well.
12. Will Matthews – Tweed Seagulls
The experienced Seagull was prominent in both attack and defence; and according to QRL correspondent Matt Crowhurst who report about the match, even when Tweed's intensity seemed to slip in the second half, he remained solid. In his 45 minutes on the field, he made 121 metres, produced a line break assist, made a tackle break, had two offloads and made 18 tackles.
13. Jordan Kenworthy – Mackay Cutters
The stats speak for themselves. With 132 metres from 17 runs, two tackle breaks and 41 tackles (just behind Reuben Cotter with 47) from his 69 minutes, it was a robust effort from the Queanbeyan-born lock who moved from NQ rivals Townsville this season.
14. Jayden Hodges – Mackay Cutters
According to QRL correspondent John Bartley who covered the match; Hodges was a key player for the Cutters in their win. Playing out of position, the hooker-turned-halfback provided great service and spark in attack for Mackay to secure their hard-found win.
15. Terry Wapi – PNG Hunters
What a debut from the Hunters fullback! He made the most of his chance from the coach to impress in front of the home fans and ran for 200 metres from 17 runs, made two line breaks, had one line break assist, one try assist and of course, scored a key try himself.
Intrust Super Cup Round 11 Highlights: Hunters v Magpies
16. Peter Hola – Northern Pride
Despite the Pride’s struggles; all season this talented young Cowboy has been putting the effort for the side with some eye-catching performances. Named in the Cowboys' reserves list this week, an NRL call-up can’t be far away. In Round 11 he made a game-high 189m as well as chiming in with 17 tackles.
17. Jack Buchanan - Burleigh Bears
The former NRL prop was descried as being the glue of the Burleigh forward pack following his big-hearted performance. He made 209 metres in his 48 minutes and laid a strong platform for his side to secure the win.
