Finals Week 2 Team of the Week: Rimbu's Midas touch
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Judah Rimbu has earned back-to-back Hostplus Strong Performer honours, after the PNG Hunters hooker played a pivotal role in his side's semi-final victory on Sunday.
The crafty No.9 has been in career best form in 2024 and his effort against the Sunshine Coast Falcons on Sunday was no different.
Singled out by Sunshine Coast Falcons as the danger man, everything Rimbu touched turned to gold, with the PNG international lethal in attack and strong in what was an impressive overall defensive effort from the Hunters.
While he took captaincy honours for the Hostplus Team of the Week, there were a number of standout performers across semi-final weekend.
The Redcliffe Dolphins triumphed over Central Queensland Capras, with prop Josh Kerr bagging a double as he helped the forward pack set the platform.
Centre Valynce Te Whare was at his devastating best, also nabbing two tries, while Capras lock Lachlan Hubner put in a mammoth all-round effort, including 241 run metres.
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 2 Team of the Week
1. Sanny Wabo - PNG Hunters
In a back-to-back appearance, Wabo gets the nod for the No.1 jersey this week for his involvement in the Hunters win over the Falcons. The Falcons did what they could to contain him, but Wabo was still a threat. In a busy performance, he had one try assist, four tackle breaks, one line break assist, an offload, 68 run metres and six tackles with 100 per cent efficiency. Central Queensland's Blake Moore and Sunshine Coast's Zac Miles were both impressive in losing sides.
2. Brandon Nima - PNG Hunters
Every Hunter played their role in Sunday's win, setting an impressive standard in the first 20 minutes when they didn't leak a single point despite repeat sets to the Falcons. It was Nima who then broke the deadlock in the 21st minute. Overall, it was an impressive outing from the 27-year-old, who also had 150 run metres, four tackle busts and one line break.
3. Valynce Te Whare - Redcliffe Dolphins
The Dolphins wrecking ball was damaging whenever the ball came his way in Saturday's semi-final victory over the Capras. While the Dolphins forwards should be applauded for the way they dominated to set the standard early on, the likes of Te Whare reaped the benefits and made the most of their opportunities. The NRL-affiliated centre bagged a double against the Capras and ran for a huge 176 metres with five tackle breaks and one line break. Te Whare also made 14 tackles with 100 per cent efficiency.
4. Elijah Roltinga - PNG Hunters
During the past three weeks, the Hunters centre has amassed a total of 739 run metres - 308 metres in Round 23, 234 metres last week and 197 metres against the Falcons. Hard to contain, Roltinga sliced through Sunshine Coast's defence to score the try that ultimately sealed the deal for the Hunters on Sunday - with Whallan Tau-Loi's four-pointer in the dying seconds the cherry on top. He also recorded three tackle breaks, one line break and 12 tackles. Roltinga's fellow centre Robert Mathias was also very strong.
Finals Week 2 highlights: Falcons v Hunters
5. Solo Wane - PNG Hunters
The electric Hunters winger was integral on Sunday, adding to the all-team effort. He scored one try, ran for 108 metres, had four tackle busts, one line break and an offload and made six tackles. Other impressive wingers from Finals Week 2 included Redcliffe's Will Dobson and Sunshine Coast duo Bob Tenza and Flynn Camilleri.
Finals Week 2 highlights: Dolphins v Capras
6. Thomas Casey - Redcliffe Dolphins
In just his second Cup appearance, Casey did not look even slightly out of place playing finals footy. His debut was months ago in Round 9 - coincidentally also against the Capras. But he was recalled this week after five-eighth Latrell Siegwalt was suspended. Casey played in No.6 and spent time at fullback and was solid across the park. He finished with one try assist, 127 run metres, a stunning nine tackle breaks, one line break assist and 12 tackles. For the Capras, Anthony Milford was strong with two try assists.
7. Jamie Mavoko - PNG Hunters
With two try assists, Mavoko helped orchestrate the Hunters victory, stepping up especially when five-eighth Josh Lau went off with a knee injury. Mavoko recorded 45 run metres, one line break assist, an offload and one tackle break, and made 26 tackles. Other standout halfbacks included Redcliffe's Joshua James.
8. Tray Lolesio – Redcliffe Dolphins
The Dolphins forward pack was strong through the middle against the Capras on Saturday, setting a much-needed standard and opening up the game for their team. Lolesio was part of this with 143 run metres, one tackle break and 22 tackles with no misses in 44 minutes on the field.
9. Judah Rimbu – PNG Hunters (C)
Rimbu's involvement on Sunday could not be missed. He was everywhere and made a huge difference against the Falcons. He barrelled over to score from dummy-half in the 34th minute and showed off his trademark try celebration. He also notched up 163 run metres with seven tackle busts, two offloads and one line break, and set the standard in defence with 42 tackles.
10. Josh Kerr – Redcliffe Dolphins
The Dolphins knew they needed to muscle up through the middle to get the win over the Capras and Kerr came out firing, scoring two tries in the opening nine minutes. The Dolphins NRL forward also made 10 tackle busts, three offloads, two line breaks and 20 tackles, as well as 112 run metres across 51 minutes.
11. Aublix Tawha – Redcliffe Dolphins
Despite some ill-discipline this week, Tawha was strong for the Dolphins on Saturday. The backrower made 118 run metres, two tackle busts and an impressive 39 tackles to keep his side in the running for this year's premiership.
12. Kurt Donoghoe – Central Queensland Capras
The Dolphins NRL affiliate's season may be over, but Donoghoe gave his all on Saturday. The versatile 22-year-old made 147 run metres, seven tackle breaks, an offload and 34 tackles.
13. Lachlan Hubner – Central Queensland Capras
Lachlan Hubner, take a bow. The ever reliable Capras lock ended his 2024 season with a powerful performance. While it didn't secure his side the two points, he was impressive nonetheless. He got through a mountain of work including a mammoth 241 run metres, one tackle break, an offload and 36 tackles. PNG's Ila Alu was also strong with 128 run metres and four tackle breaks.
14. Sheldon Pitama – Redcliffe Dolphins
Struggling with an injury, Pitama made the most of his limited time on the field. The Redcliffe rake played just 29 minutes but in that time, helped the forward pack capitalise with one try assist, two tackle breaks, one line break assist, an offload and 44 run metres. He also made 14 tackles.
15. Young Tonumaipea – Sunshine Coast Falcons
A brave Falcons outfit were in it until the death against the Hunters on Sunday with a number of strong performers across the park. Melbourne Storm affiliate Tonumaipea was one of the leaders, scoring his side's first try to put them back in the game in the second half. The centre also made 115 run metres, five tackle breaks, three offloads, one line break and 13 tackles.
16. Kurtis Farr – Central Queensland Capras
Another big effort from a centre came from Central Queensland's Kurtis Farr. He scored one try and set up another. He also recorded 100 run metres, two tackle breaks, one line break, one line break assist and 22 tackles.
17. Zev John – Central Queensland Capras
The PNG international played a massive 71 minutes on Saturday, integral to the Capras' attack. The fired up forward scored one try, made 150 run metres and had three tackle busts and an offload, as well as 17 tackles against the Dolphins.
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