With premiership heavyweights flexing their muscles in big wins across Round 12, several of the competitions biggest stars stamped their authority and staked late cases for State of Origin selection.
Four of the best Panthers and Roosters earned selection in the team while the stars who helped their side cause an upset were also rewarded.
1. James Tedesco (Roosters)
The veteran fullback was at his scheming best in Saturday's win over the Raiders, providing plenty of punch to the Roosters attack from out the back. Tedesco had a hand in everything, scoring two tries and setting up another three. The experienced back supported wonderfully through the middle and made the most of a pack which dominated on Saturday.
Rampant Roosters
2. Jacob Kiraz (Bulldogs)
Ran over the Dragons right-edge defence in a performance that consisted of a second-half double, 23 runs for 227 metres and three line breaks. The Bulldogs’ left side attack usually dominates the headlines but Kiraz is proving to be a major strike weapon outside skipper Stephen Crichton in 2024.
3. Valentine Holmes (Cowboys)
Despite being sent to the sin bin for a hip drop tackle early in the match, the Cowboys star certainly made up for lost time with a strong performance that included 204 run metres and a try-scoring double. He also slotted six from seven conversions, as well as a penalty goal.
4. Joey Manu (Roosters)
Continued his superb form this season, running riot down the right edge of GIO Stadium. Finished the night with a team high 173 run metres, two line breaks and two tackle busts, proving a constant threat for Raiders defenders on Saturday.
Joseph Manu 2nd Try
5. Tommy Talau (Sea Eagles)
The young winger scored two key tries to help the Sea Eagles to a drought-breaking win over the Storm. Proving hard to handle all game, he also made four tackle breaks and two line breaks in a strong performance for his side.
6. Matt Burton (Bulldogs)
In a dominant win against the Dragons, the five-eighth scored just under half of his side’s 44 points, with two tries and five conversions helping bury the opposition. With 411 kick metres off his boot as well as a line break in his 80 run metres, Burton proved a handful all game.
7. Jarome Luai (Panthers)
Someone forgot to remind Jarome Luai that he was facing a Cronulla side on Saturday night who had been the competition’s best defensive unit through 11 rounds. The Samoan Test player caused untold dramas with his running game, with two line breaks and eight tackle breaks part of a performance that ended with 171 run metres. Scored a try and set another up in the 42-point shutout.
Jarome Luai Try
8. James Fisher-Harris (Panthers)
Laid the platform for new halves duo Jack Cole and Jarome Luai to run riot over the Sharks. Got his side rolling with an early try and finished with 131 run metres, 26 tackles and a line break in a 54-minute stint up front.
9. Mitch Kenny (Panthers)
The Panthers' Mr Consistent spearheaded his side to their attacking masterclass with his ever-reliable delivery out of dummy half. The premiership-winning dummy-half once again led his team in tackles and has made 40+ in nine of his ten games this season.
10. Payne Haas (Broncos)
The Broncos forward leader continued to prove he is at another level and put in another huge 80-minute stint at prop in his side’s close loss to the Titans. With a team-high 227 metres off 19 runs and 42 tackles with just one miss, Haas also crossed for the game’s opening try.
11. Jeremiah Nanai (Cowboys)
Exposed the Wests Tigers left edge defence with his powerhouse running game including an impressive kick chase try to showcase his versatility. Finished the match with 118 run metres, six tackle breaks and a try double.
Jeremiah Nanai 2nd Try
12. Victor Radley (Roosters)
Shifting from lock to the back row for the first time this season, Radley was excellent on the edge opposite Angus Crichton. Set the tone for his side with an impressive line break and try and went on to run 117 metres with the ball. Also solid in defence, topping the tackle count with 39 and giving Trent Robinson another selection headache moving forward as to where the England international is best suited to play.
13. Isaah Yeo (Panthers)
Penrith’s possession dominance meant his usual defensive output was reduced, but Yeo transferred all of that effort into what he did on the ball. Put his hand up for 25 carries, running 195 metres, four tackle busts and 28 tackles.
14. Keano Kini (Gold Coast Titans)
The Gold Coast youngster was electrifying at the back for the Titans who snagged an upset win against derby rivals the Broncos. With a whopping 251 run metres, plus two try assists and six tackle breaks he proved a handful and was also handed the responsibility of kicking goals, with four from seven proving just enough to snare the two-point win.
15. Keaon Koloamatangi (Rabbitohs)
Chalking up the most tackles and run metres, Koloamatangi was the key to the Rabbitohs second victory for the season. Shifting to lock in the absence of injured skipper Cameron Murray, the athletic forward haunted Eels’ defenders for 80 minutes and provided a much-needed kick to the Bunnies attack. Finished the match with a whopping 231 metres off 23 carries including nine tackle breaks, four offloads and 33 tackles.
Keaon with the double
16. Josh Curran (Bulldogs)
Put on a big performance in Indigenous Round to lay the platform for the Bulldogs’ outside backs to run riot on Thursday night. Got through plenty of work in a 42-minute stint off the bench with 174 metres from 19 carries and 22 tackles.
17. Spencer Leniu (Roosters)
In his best game since leaving the Panthers, Leniu brought huge amounts of energy and punch off the bench to build on the work achieved by his side’s starting front-rowers against the Raiders. Forced seven missed tackles from 12 runs which led to him gaining 120 metres, and a spot in Michael Maguire's Blues side for Game One.
