Round 24 Team of the Week

Another great round of league has produced a star-studded line-up for this week. With the Tigers in strong form as well as the Dragons, Eels and Knights there is plenty of competition for places. With Souths, Cronulla and Penrith also picking up valuable victories it makes the Round 24 League Unlimited Team of the Week a very diverse one with plenty of points in them ? 117 in total! There were only two players picked who didn?t cross the stripe of put it between the posts. But I?m sure we can all forgive Luke Bailey and John Skandalis who get through enough work each Sunday to

Interestingly, Brett Kimmorley has shunted Andrew Johns to the bench this week, I bet Joey didn?t see that one coming?

Fullback ? B Hodgson (Tigers) Hodgo is playing superb footy in a red-hot outfit right now. The Tigers custodian didn?t allow one Bulldog over the line as well as backing up to score a good try and belting 9/9 over the black dot ? 10 out of 10 stuff.

Wing ? M Vatuvei (Warriors) The quiet achiever for the Warriors this year. Manu has size, pace and skill and did well to get the Warriors on the board.

Centre ? N Vagana (Sharks) A triple for big Nige, finding some vintage form that had him touted as the best centre in the game a few years back at Canterbury. Some of his tries were effortless as well and the goatee is a real winner.

Centre ? P Whatuira (Tigers) Another hat-trick laden three-quarter. Whatuira has shown us what he?s made of this season at the Tigers and we?re loving what he?s got to offer.

Wing ? A Minichiello (Roosters) The Aussie fullback has been forced to the wing here, a position he is comfortable with, following the outstanding form of Hodgson. But he?s still in great form and deserves a starting spot.

Five-eighth ? P Campbell (Panthers) Played a leading hand in the upset of the round, putting three crucial goals over and engaging in several darting runs that created opportunities.

Halfback ? B Kimmorley (Sharks) What a game! Lead his team around the park like a true champion after several months of average and sub-par performances. Noddy bagged three tries as the Sharks inflicted a record score against Manly.

Lock ? A Harrison (Rabbitohs) I wonder if he?s having second thoughts about next year? Ash is certainly playing well and it?s a shame he?s leaving Redfern to play for the team he helped put away at the weekend with another great lead role.

Second-row ? B Thorn (Broncos) This bloke was Brisbane?s best in a disappointing clash with the Panthers. The former All Black was menacing in every sense of the word and crashed over for an vital four-pointer.

Second-row ? N Hindmarsh (Eels) Hindy was superb again for the Eels, sparking their second half revival and bashing through a few opponents to cross the line. This period of Nathan?s career will surely be remembered as some of his finest.

Prop ? L Bailey (Dragons) Bull played the house down again of Sunday against a strong pack of forwards who he got on top of. Churns out quality footy each week and the Dragons are sometimes lost without him on the field.

Hooker ? A Payne (Cowboys) Has struck some good form as the Cowboys try and make up for lost time. Payne is a solid rake who managed two clever tries and pops in a first receiver from time to time.

Prop ? J Skandalis (Tigers) Another workaholic prop who does the hard yards week-in week-out. Skandalis must be pumped for the finals now that the Tigers have finally won through for the first time.

Good bench here with Ryles the only forward, but a powerhouse one at that. Johns slips back to the bench but will undoubtedly engineer some magic from there with Franze adding some pace and Walker a bit of variety around the rucks.

Interchange: J Ryles (Dragons), A Johns (Knights), P Franze (Panthers), B Walker (Rabbitohs).

Hard-done-by?s: P Richards (Tigers). Tough choice to leave this fella out given his form, but he?ll be back in before you know it.