With just three weeks remaining until the NRL finals, it was time for the big guns to step up in Round 23 and there is no doubt that some of the game's brightest talents performed accordingly.
The likes of Daly Cherry-Evans, Damien Cook and Benji Marshall shone as their respective sides slexed their September credentials - but who else stood up over the weekend?
Check out Sporting News' Round 23 Team of the Week below.
FULLBACK
Another week, another spectacular performance from the NRL's best player. James Tedesco was at his scintillating best against the struggling Dragons on Saturday night. The NSW Origin superstar ran for 237 metres, set up two tries and scored one of his own as the Roosters thrashed the Red V at Kogarah.
WINGERS
The Tigers were outstanding on Saturday night with their season on the line, and David Nofoaluma was in the thick of it with a hat-trick and 214 metres to his name against the Knights. Kyle Feldt had his best game of the season with two tries - highlighted by an 80-metre effort that sealed the win for the Cowboys against Penrith.
CENTRES
The Bulldogs late-season form has allowed Will Hopoate to showcase his talents more than usual, and he was fantastic as they won their third game on the trot against the Eels on Thursday. Hoppa scored a try, broke 10 tackles and ran for 263 metres in the gutsy victory. Kotoni Staggs continued his stellar 2019 with a try and 167 metres in a losing side on Friday night and will go close to securing 'Centre of the Year' awards.
HALVES
Benji Marshall continues to wind back the clock this year and was instrumental for the Tigers in their 46-4 win over Newcastle with four try assists. In the game of the round on Sunday afternoon, Daly Cherry-Evans steered his side around perfectly as Manly returned to the top four despite losing two players in the first half, and showed again why he is the QLD Origin captain.
HOOKER
The Rabbitohs snapped their losing streak and it was off the back of Damien Cook brilliance as he bagged a try and made 50 tackles in a trademark performance. He also set up the exceptional try for Cody Walker in the second half that turned the game on its head and went a long way to giving the Bunnies the two points.
PROPS
It's not the first time Addin Fonua-Blake has found his way into the team of the week - and with displays like he had against Canberra on Sunday, it's easy to see why. The enforcer made 31 tackles and ran for 189 metres as Manly moved to 4th spot. But the performance of Liam Knight on Friday against the Broncos was one that got plenty talking as he stormed his way to 150 metres and produced three offloads as the Rabbitohs returned to form.
SECOND ROW
Bulldogs skipper Josh Jackson showed why he is one of the most beloved players in the game when he stood up to Nathan Brown after the latter's ugly shoulder charge on Thursday night. His stats backed it up as well, running for 146 metres and setting up a crucial try to give Canterbury another win. David Fifita produced the goods against Souths on Friday night at Suncorp, scoring two sensational tries and breaking an astonishing 17 tackles in the close loss.
LOCK
He's the most damaging player in the game, and Jason Taumalolo returned from injury in style with a try and 152 metres. It has been a lean season for the Cowboys but JT continues to stand up every time he takes the field and put in 100% effort.
