SportOdds team of the round - Round
10

The weekly column here at Leagueunlimited is to highlight what we here on the site think are the best players in each round of the 2004 NRL competition. Based on the opinion received from the Leagueunlimited.com live updaters, we have put together what we think is the team of the Round 10.

This week sees the NZ Warriors languishing at the bottom of the competition ladder for the first time since Eric Watson took control, a few problems seemingly need sorting quickly. Also this round we have the first ever draw since the inception of the Golden point. And we also had a lot of players vying for those all important spots in the Origin sides.

Leagueunlimited Team of the Week - Round 10:

1. Brett Hodgson - Playing the Raiders on Sunday Hodgson showed just what an asset he is for the Tigers this year. Continuosly thumped in hard tackles at the back, he'd bounce back like a bungy jumper ready for the next barrage. Safe hands and fast hit-ups helped to set up the Tigers' victory.

2. Scott Donald - Netting two tries on Sunday against the woeful Warriors showed the public how quick and how devastating Donald can be on the wing. He had the measure of his opposite number and made the Warriors pay for some lazy defence.

3. Steven Bell - A 75 metre run by Bell to score a try against the Eels on Sunday was one of the highlights for Melbourne that see them back in the top 8 in the NRL competition. Showing his speed on many occasions, Bell caused havoc amongst the Parramatta defence.

4. Albert Torrens - Another Manly player to score two tries against the NZ Warriors on Sunday afternoon in Auckland. Torrens is a very good support player and following Walker is a very good idea as Torrens found with his 2nd try following the perfect pass from Walker, put him into a gap a mile wide in the defence.

5. Dustin Cooper - Not surprisingly the young Melbourne Storm centre is named in the team of the week. Helping front-rower Kearns to score a try, halting a certain 40/20 kick were just a couple of the highlights in Cooper's match against the Eels. Not to mention the two tries he scored as well.

6. Andrew Walker - Des Hasler's decision to play Walker at five-eighth paying off , with a win over St George Illawarra last week and a convincing victory against the Warriors this week. Walker has the experience and the confidence to find those elusive holes in the defence particularly close to the try line.

7. Scott Prince - The signing of Prince this year has been the making of Prince. Along with Marshall, he guided his Tigers team around the park and has grown in confidence is the past few weeeks. The naming of Prince as the Qld halfback for the Origin series has shown his hard work hasn't gone unnoticed.

8. Mark O'Meley - O'Meley has done enough in the past few weeks to cement himself a spot in the NSW Origin side. He's been very impressive in defence, stopping the opposition in their tracks as well as making yardage on attack. A big help in the win over the Dragons on Saturday night.

9. Danny Buderus - Being named captain of the NSW Origin side has capped off a superb weekend for Buderus. His side against the odds took a narrow but fine win over the Broncos. a solo try to lock up scores late in game, set things up wondefully for the Knights. As usual Buderus with his leadership on the field, steered his team well.

10. Steve Price - A storming run through the Dragons defence to set up a try to Grimaldi was just oe of the time the Bulldogs captain led by example. His defence was as solid as ever and Price has well earned place in the Qld Origin side for the upcoming series.

11. Clint Newton - A massive amount of tackling by Newtown helped the Knights to their narrow win. With 2 players out of the game early with injury, players like Newtown had to step up their load. Newton certainly played his part to the hilt.

12. Craig Fitzgibbon - As ever Fitzgibbon has bounced back from injury and performed well for his side. The match against the Sharks on Saturday night proved he is more than ready for the Origin series. The selectors obviously agreed as he was named in the NSW team. His kicking boot seemed to be on target as well.

13. Ashley Harrison - In the first ever draw since the golden point came into being, Harrison was a very important player in the Rabbitohs side. Not only did he score two tries to keep his side right in the match, he was also outstanding in the defence against the Cowboys.

Interchange:

14. Cameron Smith - The stand out performer in the Melbourne Storm's win over the Eels on Sunday has shown Cameron Smith's inclusion in the Qld Origin side is well deserved. Kicking 2 40/20's in the match, the Storm hooker has shown how important he is both on attack and defence.

15. Paul Rauhihi - Rauhihi has become a menace to the opposition with his power as he takes the ball to the line. An exciting draw against the Rabbitohs had Rauhihi playing his part in the game.

16. Brett Finch - Finch managed two tries on Saturday night in an impressive display against the Sharks. His kicking game was defenitely on fire as he helped the Rooster run away with the match.

17. Kurt Gidley - Topping the tackle count for his side, along with Newton, Gidley played an important part in Friday night's match against the Broncos. To top off the win in Brisbane, he has been named as the 18th man in the NSW Origin side.