Round 23 Team of the Week: Milford sends finals warning shot

2. Sione Hopoate – Wynnum Manly Seagulls

It wasn't the result the Seagulls were hoping for on Sunday, but Hopoate was a shining light on a tough day at BMD Kougari Oval. As well as bagging one try in the 20th minute, the winger ran for 184 metres with five tackle breaks and one line break.

3. Elijah Roltinga – PNG Hunters

In his first season of Cup, Roltinga had a game to remember against the Western Clydesdales on Saturday. Ahead of the Hunters' first finals campaign since 2017, Roltinga amassed a huge 308 run metres, bagging two tries along the way. He also had nine tackle breaks, one line break, one line break assist, an offload and 12 tackles in a massive attacking performance on home turf.

4. Valynce Te Whare – Redcliffe Dolphins

The Redcliffe wrecking ball was at his destructive best on Saturday, securing a win for his side against the Mackay Cutters. Te Whare got through an absolute mountain of work, including 217 run metres, 10 tackle busts, two line breaks, an offload, nine tackles, and a try to top it all off. Other standout centres included Te Whare's partner Steven Numambo, Mackay's Josh Smith, South Logan's Ethan Quai-Ward and Brisbane's Tom Rafter.

5. Ronald Philitoga – Brisbane Tigers

The 2024 Paul Green Medallist brought energy and enthusiasm to Brisbane's upset victory over Wynnum Manly on Sunday. The speedy winger bagged a crucial try midway through the second half but was heavily involved throughout the entire 80 minutes. Not only did he pull off a sneaky one-on-one strip off the kick off, but he also smashed his way through 198 run metres, six tackle breaks, one line break and an offload. For the Northern Pride, Robert Derby was also in top form while Brandon Nima was strong for PNG.

6. Anthony Milford – Central Queensland Capras (C)

It was a do-or-die situation for the Capras on Saturday and Milford knew exactly what to produce to guide his side to the finals. The Dolphins NRL-affiliated playmaker stepped up at the right time to dish out four try assists to claim the two points. Milford also crossed for himself and notched up a huge 180 run metres, five line break assists, three tackle breaks, two offloads and one line break. He also had seven kicks for 200 metres. It was an inspiring performance in a crucial moment. Other instrumental five-eighths included Dantoray Lui (Pride) and Luke Polselli (Falcons).

7. Cody Hunter - Sunshine Coast Falcons

Another key performance from a half came from Sunshine Coast's Hunter. Working well alongside Polselli, Hunter orchestrated a vital victory to keep the Sunshine Coast in the top four. He crossed for one try and also set up another four-pointer. He also recorded 62 run metres, 13 tackles and one tackle break, and was perfect with the boot, converting seven from seven. Josh James for Redcliffe and Tom Duffy for Northern Pride were also impressive.

8. Lazarus Vaalepu – Sunshine Coast Falcons

For the likes of Hunter, Polselli and Miles to shine, it took a leading effort from the Falcons' forwards, including Vaalepu. The prop set the platform with 173 run metres, five tackle breaks, three offloads, 22 tackles and 100 per cent efficiency, all in 59 minutes. 

9. Kyle Schneider – Northern Pride

A consistent performer all year, Schneider captained his side to yet another victory, ending the minor premiers' regular season exactly the way they wanted. It was a big defensive effort from Schneider against the Bears, with the hooker making 35 tackles. He also had 18 run metres, one tackle break and an offload.

10. Kalolo Saitaua – Wynnum Manly Seagulls

Always unpredictable for opposition teams, Saitaua was a threat for Wynnum Manly on Sunday. The versatile forward was hard to contain, making 14 tackle breaks in his 45 minutes on the field. He also recorded one try assist, 118 run metres, one line break assist and 21 tackles with 100 per cent efficiency. Other standouts included Mackay's John Radel with a round-high of 42 tackles and Ipswich's Kahli Junior Kali. 

11. Aublix Tawha – Redcliffe Dolphins

A danger man for Redcliffe, Tawha stepped up in a big way against the Cutters. He scored one try, ran for 175 metres and recorded four tackle breaks, two line breaks and 26 tackles.

12. Dane Aukafolau – Northern Pride

An integral part of Pride's success this year, Aukafolau was strong on Saturday against the Bears. He crossed for one try, ran for 152 metres, made five tackle busts, one line break, an offload and 19 tackles.

13. Lachlan Hubner – Central Queensland Capras

The assignment was clear for the Capras on Saturday, with Hubner joining Moore and Milford in putting in a mammoth performance. The lock played for 59 minutes and finished with a stunning 193 run metres, four tackle breaks, two offloads and 20 tackles.

14. Luke Maddaford - Ipswich Jets

It was a great all team effort from the Jets on Sunday against the Souths Logan Magpies. But one standout was centre Maddaford who scored one try, ran for 168 metres, made three tackle breaks and one line break, and also made 14 tackles.

15. Latrell Siegwalt - Redcliffe Dolphins

Five-eighths were on fire in Round 23. Siegwalt was flashy against the Cutters with a huge 10 tackle breaks. He also scored one try and set up another, ran for 129 metres, recorded two line breaks and one line break assist, and made one offload. With 16 tackles, Siegwalt was a busy man against Mackay.

16. Joshua Lau - PNG Hunters

PNG playmaker Lau was another with a starring five-eighth performance. Against the Clydesdales, Lau was highly instrumental with two tries and an assist, 111 run metres, 10 tackle beaks, one line break, an offload and 22 tackles.

17. Rory Ferguson - Souths Logan Magpies

In his milestone 100th match, Ferguson put in a true captain's knock. It wasn't enough to get the win but the Souths Logan lock had one try, 178 run metres, two tackle breaks and 35 tackles.