Mighty Maroons stand tall in Hard Earned Team of the Week

Several Maroons representatives head into Origin III in fine form after strong performances for their clubs during Round 18 saw them earn selection in the VB Hard Earned Index Team of the Week.

Six players selected to represent Queensland for Game Three featured prominently in Round 18, headlined by Moeaki Fotuaika (93 points), Jeremiah Nanai (90 points), Corey Horsburgh (88 points) and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (81 points).

Despite going down to the Raiders, David Fifita (81 points) was one of four Titans selected in this week's team – joined by Brian Kelly after his 61-point showing – while Tom Dearden's inclusion at five-eighth took the Maroons' total to six.

Broncos prop Payne Haas was the pick of the players in Round 18, amassing an incredible 110-point showing courtesy of 15 runs of eight-plus metres as well as eight tackle busts and three offloads, while Raiders big man Joseph Tapine also topped the century mark – his total boosted by 43 tackles in Canberra's tight win.

Cowboys v Wests Tigers - Round 18, 2023

Blues captain James Tedesco ensured he returned to the Origin arena on a positive individual note despite the Roosters going down the Sea Eagles, scoring 87 points.

Knights pair Greg Marzhew (76 points) and Lachlan Fitzgibbon (94 points) joined Nicho Hynes (57 points) in taking advantage of their team's big wins in Round 18, producing the highest score from their respective positions to earn selection.

VB Hard Earned Index Team of the Week: Round 18

1. James Tedesco – Roosters (87 points)
2. Greg Marzhew – Knights (76 points)
3. Herbie Farnworth – Broncos (67 points)
4. Brian Kelly – Titans (61 points)
5. Daniel Tupou – Roosters (60 points)
6. Tom Dearden – Cowboys (66 points)
7. Nicho Hynes – Sharks (57 points)
8. Payne Haas – Broncos (110 points)
9. Lachlan Croker – Sea Eagles (55 points)
10. Joseph Tapine – Raiders (100 points)
11. Lachlan Fitzgibbon – Knights (94 points)
12. Jeremiah Nanai – Cowboys (90 points)
13. Corey Horsburgh – Raiders (88 points)
14. Moeaki Fotuaika – Titans (93 points)
15. Jake Trbojevic – Sea Eagles (87 points)
16. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui – Titans (83 points)
17. David Fifita – Titans (81 points)