Finals Week 1 Team of the Week: All-rounder Rimbu guides Hunters to Week 2

The opening week of the Hostplus Cup finals belonged to those who love to entertain.

With a number of large score lines across Finals Week 1, showmanship was undoubtedly on display.

The likes of Northern Pride trio Tom Chester, Will Partridge and Tom Duffy had their licence to thrill while Julian Christian shone for Norths Devils and Central Queensland Capras playmaker Anthony Milford ran the show in Rockhampton.

And, in Port Moresby, the PNG Hunters turned up the heat in front of a home crowd, with Sanny Wabo and Judah Rimbu in particular putting on a show.

Rimbu's all-round efforts earned him the nod as the Hostplus Cup Team of the Week skipper, with the No.9 not only electric in attack, but making a round-high 43 tackles against Wynnum Manly Seagulls.

Each round, Queensland Rugby League recognises the 17 best performers and names the Hostplus Cup Team of the Week, presented by Hostplus. These team selections are based not only on statistical data, but also take on board live and broadcast viewings of the games.

Finals Week 1 Team of the Week

1. Sanny Wabo - PNG Hunters

The electric fullback has had an outstanding breakout season. He was at his best in front of a home crowd on Saturday, with his fancy footwork hard for the Wynnum Manly Seagulls to shut down. Wabo danced through the opposition defence to set up Robert Mathias for a try and also played the perfect support to five-eighth Joshua Lau to bag a four-pointer of his own. Wabo was heavily involved with 150 run metres, one line break, five tackle breaks and nine tackles. A huge special mention also goes to Matt Milson, who was one of Wynnum Manly's most dangerous players while Jordan Lipp from Norths Devils and Creedence Toia from Burleigh Bears were also strong.

2. Bob Tenza – Central Queensland Capras

The Central Queensland Capras and Burleigh Bears clash was the most tightly contested of the opening week of finals. And Tenza played his role perfectly, not only bagging a double, but scoring the try that ended Burleigh's comeback midway through the second half. Tenza also amassed 174 run metres with six tackle breaks and two line breaks. 

3. Will Partridge – Northern Pride

Always consistent, Partridge played a highly instrumental role in Pride's victory over Sunshine Coast Falcons on Saturday. Not only did Partridge score one try, but he set up another two. Lethal in attack, the Norfolk Island product finished with 127 run metres, six tackle breaks, two line breaks, one line break assist and 17 tackles with just one miss.

4. Elijah Roltinga – PNG Hunters

Backing up last week's effort of 308 run metres, Roltinga proved he still had plenty of petrol left in the tank, amassing a mammoth 234 run metres on Saturday. The gun centre also made six tackle breaks, one line break and 11 tackles in a busy afternoon against Wynnum Manly Seagulls. Wynnum Manly's Connor Broadhurst was another standout centre from the weekend, with 182 run metres and one try.

5. Brandon Nima – PNG Hunters

Reliable winger Nima was solid in his side's finals opener on Saturday. The 27-year-old crossed once against Wynnum Manly and racked up 152 run metres, six tackle breaks and one line break. For Norths, Blake Paskins was also strong with 110 run metres and seven tackle busts.

6. Anthony Milford – Central Queensland Capras

Milford is key to the Capras' finals campaign. The crafty five-eighth helped orchestrate the win over Burleigh on Saturday with one try and an assist, as well as 61 run metres, two tackle breaks, one line break and an offload. Josh Lau was also instrumental for PNG while Dantoray Lui starred for Northern Pride.

7. Tom Duffy – Northern Pride

One of the stars of 2024, Duffy was a standout for Pride on Saturday. The North Queensland Cowboys affiliate set the standard with 104 run metres, one try assist, one line break assist, 20 kicks for 549 metres, and 20 tackles with 100 per cent efficiency. He also scored the final try for his team, adding the cherry on top of both a great individual and team performance. Other standout halfbacks included Jack Ahearn for Norths and Guy Hamilton for Burleigh.

8. Cooper Jenkins – Norths Devils

The towering Devils prop was solid on Sunday against the Dolphins. Alongside teammates Tukimihia Simpkins, Sam Elliott and George Fai, Jenkins set the platform in a gritty match through the middle. He scored one try, ran for 84 metres, recorded four tackle breaks and one line break and made 19 tackles in 43 minutes on the field.

9. Judah Rimbu – PNG Hunters (C)

The dynamic hooker was at his best again on Saturday, leading the Hunters to a second finals appearance this weekend. Rimbu was a busy man across the park. He made 107 run metres, nine tackle breaks, one line break and 43 tackles in a solid all-round effort. He also scored one try, burrowing under the Wynnum Manly defence out of dummy-half.