NRL Team of the Week: Round 8

STAFF WRITER | April 30, 2018 - 9:19am

1. Billy Slater (Melbourne Storm)

For the second week in a row, Billy Slater finds himself in our team of the week. Two-try assists, a line break assists and a try of his own saw Melbourne ‘storm’ to a 40-point victory over the Warriors.

2. Josh Addo-Carr (Melbourne Storm)

Déjà vu. Another Melbourne player that finds himself selected as the best player in his position for the second week. Three-line breaks, two tries, a try assist and seven tackle busts. Will be an injustice if he misses out on State of Origin selection in 2018.

3. Nathan Ross (Newcastle Knights)

After a few weeks to adjust to his new role, Nathan Ross finally settled in. Scoring the match winner, Ross was dangerous with each carry of the football. Ran for 134 metres with ball in hand.

4. Michael Jennings (Parramatta Eels)

Has returned to form over the past two weeks. Scored a try, broke six tackles and was equally strong in defence with 20 tackles.

5. Corey Oates (Brisbane Broncos)

Wants to move to the second-row but remains one of the best wingers in the competition. Tore the South Sydney defensive line to shreds with nine tackle busts and 225 run metres. Also scored a barnstorming try and set up another of his own.

6. Gareth Widdop (St George Illawarra Dragons)

Two try assists and a strong kicking game bought his side home in the end. Continues to combine well with star signing and halves partner Ben Hunt. The Dragons most impressive win of the season thus far.

7. Ben Hunt (St George Illawarra Dragons)

Currently boasting the best halves combination in the NRL; St. George Illawarra return to the top of the ladder after an impressive showing from Hunt. A try, a line break assist and a whooping 550 kicking metres in a 16-point victory over the Sydney Roosters.

8. Martin Taupau (Manly Sea Eagles)

One of two players who find themselves in the team of the week after playing for a losing side this round. Taupau broke an astonishing 15 tackles and ran for 250 running metres in a 60-minute display of sheer brutality. Also made 43 tackles and managed three offloads!

9. Siliva Havili (Canberra Raiders)

In his best game of first grade to date, Siliva Havili scored a try and set up another in a contest many expected his side to lose. Went on to make 42 tackles in just 55 minutes on the field.

10. Herman Ese’ese (Newcastle Knights)

Has been a great signing for the Hunter region. In another impressive performance, ran for 178 metres with ball in hand, completed 39 tackles and bust through four of the oppositions’ attempts.

11. Manu Ma’u (Parramatta Eels)

Was the best forward on the field for the second week in a row. Scored another try, completed 40 tackles and ran for over 120 metres.

12. Tariq Sims (St George Illawarra Dragons)

Closing in on the best form of his career and after two devastating leg injuries, it’s something we thought we’d never see. Was strong in both attack and defence and earnt himself a meat pie as a result of his efforts.

13. Jai Arrow (Gold Coast Titans)

In just 55 minutes on the field, the 22-year-old Fairfield product put in a near 200-metre performance. Made 38 tackles, broke four and was the primary source of the Gold Coast’s second phase play with two offloads.