Round 16 Team of the Week

Some big scorelines from the week gone by has seen us put out a team with a penchant for attacking footy. The Warriors, Raiders and Dragons all racked up a few points against their opponents leaving us with some hard-fought contests where the Storm, Sharks and Broncos all played outstanding Rugby League. Penrith also got the money at home against the Tigers, with their season looking a bit gloomy these days. But not so for the Round 16 League Unlimited Team of the Week who just keep going from strength to strength.

Fullback: Brent Webb (Warriors) ? He?s heading to the UK next season but while we?ve got Webby he?s doing us proud. After a bit of a dry spell last year he?s come good again is doing what he does best ? backing up, scoring tries and making breaks. He snapped up two against the Bunnies in a first class effort. He had some serious competition this week, but we felt the Schif could do with a rest since he?s been called up for the Maroons. Simmons wouldn?t look out of place either.

Wing: Brent Tate (Broncos) ? The big burly winger had a terrific game for the Broncos, switching to the wing and enjoying his day out at Brooky. He scored a great try down the eastern side of the field after beating his opposite and standing up Stewart who?s no slouch.

Centre: Matt Cooper (Dragons) ? Coops was back in the thick of things against the Cowboys, grabbing a hat-trick and popping up where they least expected him. He?s found himself back in favour with the NSW selectors throwing him a Blue jersey for Game III.

Centre: Nigel Vagana (Sharks) ? Nigel is the type of player who won?t retire with any regrets. He runs the ball hard each week and has been a consistent performer at all levels over the years. He piled on a brace and it gives Rabbitohs fans something to look forward to next year.

Wing: Jake Webster (Storm) ? Facing an uncertain future, Webster added another 50 grand to his bottom line on Friday night with two splendid tries including the match winner. He?s done everything that?s ever been asked of him at the Storm and it would be a shame to see him leave.

Five-eighth: Jason Smith (Raiders) ? Returned from injury and as always gets straight back in the saddle immediately. Smith moved the Raiders about like the veteran he is and I?ve never seen a player so confident of passing the ball off the ground whilst in the in-goal area.

Halfback: Brett Kimmorley (Sharks) ? Rapid-fire Kimmorley has continued his impressive recent form, out-pointing his superstar opposite as he returned to the Hunter. Gets bagged plenty but this season the Sharks have a confident appearance and Noddy?s a big part of that.

Lock: Ben Kennedy (Sea Eagles) ? Got a bit angry at his boys but who wouldn?t? Some of them surely need their melons checked. As for BK, well he keeps putting in each week and that?s why he?s lining up for us again. You?ve gotta love his passion.

Second-row: Ryan Hoffman (Storm) ? Another Storm player who?s at the top of his game. The Hoff can do no wrong at the moment and I?m sure his coach will be happy with him setting up the final try to snatch victory from the Bulldogs. He kept chasing the ball just like we?re all told to do as kids.

Second-row: Ben Galea (Tigers) ? Played well in a beaten side. Benny is a versatile backrower with good ball skills and a stable work rate. He managed to cross the stripe on Saturday night and he puts in every week.

Prop: Petero Civoniceva (Broncos) ? Petero just keeps giving each week and it?s no surprise to see him selected alongside Queensland team mates Smith and Price. With the tough and mobile backrow we?ve assembled here, Petero can settle into his wrecking-ball style of play and just take it up all day long.

Hooker: Cameron Smith (Storm) ? The nuggetty little rake was super against the Bulldogs on Friday night, putting players into gaps and darting out of dummy half as well as knocking over the odd goal. He?ll be a pivotal figure in Game III alongside his buddies here in the front row.

Prop: Steve Price (Warriors) ? Even if he did put them over the cap I think he?s worth every cent. Funny thing is they might still make it with the rich vein of form they?ve run into. And it?s in no small part due to Pricey, he?s a true leader at the Warriors.

We?ve gone for a bench choc-full of zippy little playmakers here. Hohaia bagged a lazy hat-trick whilst Kearney was dynamic for the Sharks. Hornby continues to impress and has made the bench for NSW whilst Campbell ran amok against the Tigers in an awesome display.

Interchange: Lance Hohaia (Warriors), Brett Kearney (Sharks), Ben Hornby (Dragons), Preston Campbell (Panthers).

Merkin of the Week Award for Stupidity: The Bunnies. What an absolute disgrace of a football side and now they sack assistant coach Arthur Kitinas. Yeah, like that?s going to help! The so called ?Pride of the League? has never sunk lower than 66-nil against the Warriors. This is the only award they?re going to get for some time?