Round 23 Team of the Week

A scintillating round of footy has thrown up year another great collection of players this week. Some powerful displays from Parra, Wests Tigers and the Dragons have seen most of their players utilised with a few others creeping in from the in-form Knights and giant killing Rabbitohs. With these teams are hitting their straps at the right end of the season, it?s hard to see anyone topping the Round 23 League Unlimited Team of the Week.

Fullback ? B Hodgson (Tigers) Another sensational effort from the rangy fullback and he thoroughly deserves his spot this week. Hodgo scored a great try, kicked four goals and was menacing all day long.

Wing ? E Grothe (Eels) Guru jnr is starting to show the type of form that helped him gain selection for NSW before pulling out. He?s big, fast and loves scoring tries with a double on the weekend including a sensational solo effort.

Centre ? T Tahu (Eels) Another Eel in dynamic form, Tahu is finally delivering the type of stuff Parra bought him for. He was everywhere on Friday night and is enjoying playing alongside Grothe, scoring a hat-trick.

Centre ? M King (Storm) The Storm have been a little out of sorts recently, but King has been delivering solid and consistent performances. The big three-quarter scored a double and proved the difference in a tight game.

Wing ? L Burt (Eels) This guy is loving things right now. Burt has found himself on the outer at times in the Blue and Gold, but he?s made the wing spot his own and has done well outside newcomer Ben Smith. His 8 goals will come in handy!

Five-eighth ? T Barrett (Dragons) The Dragons captain stood tall and lead his men around the field on Sunday, scoring a great individual try and producing a great kicking game. Barrett is playing injury free and fully fit for the first time in a while and it shows.

Halfback ? A Johns (Knights) Some people must be getting sick of the sight of Joey, but we can?t get enough of him. He is easily the best halfback in the game right now and it?s a shame we won?t see him in the finals. With three more seasons before he hangs up the boots, this could be remembered as some of the best footy of his career.

Lock ? C Fitzgibbon (Roosters) Slipping into to lock from back-row sees little change to Fitzy?s game, and he?s still turning in great performances. There?s a lot of work for him to do right now and week-in, week-out he does it without much fuss. Potted three goals also.

Second-row ? S Menzies (Sea Eagles) Beaver is another regular and without him the Sea Eagles would be a rabble. Consistently their best forward and perfectly compliments BK in the pack.

Second-row ? I Hindmarsh (Raiders) Ian doesn?t quite have the flamboyance of his brother but he played a pretty good game at the weekend and hasn?t got long until he takes off to the U.K.

Prop ? L Bailey (Dragons) Bull was outstanding once again, taking the ball up thanklessly and tackling himself to a standstill. He is an unbelievable forward and was the last line of defense on a couple of occasions.

Hooker ? C Wing (Roosters) Crafty and creative, Wing was up to his usual tricks on Saturday night. He got away with a lucky try and was there in support all night long.

Prop ? P Cusack (Rabbitohs) Tradesman like effort from Cusack who never gets the wraps he deserves. This week we?ve thrown him the 8 jersey in recognition of his outstanding deeds in a resurgent Bunnies outfit looking to avoid the spoon. A super bench here some real attitude. Skandalis is a tough-nosed prop coming off the bench along with Parra hard-man Cayless, who loves the rough and tumble. Tighe and Prince offer some versatility and are both playing some great footy right now.

Interchange: J Skandalis (Tigers), B Tighe (Knights), N Cayless (Eels), S Prince (Tigers).