NRL round 12: Team of the week

Andrew Lucas

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NRL round 12: Team of the week image

Round 12 of the NRL signalled the last chance for a host of stars to press their claims for State of Origin selection ahead of the team announcements on Monday.

There were some pieces of individual brilliance throughout the week's round of footy, led by hat-trick hero Valentine Holmes and six try assists from Cronulla teammate Matt Moylan.

It wasn't as controversial as the sin-binning drama of round 11, however a number of teams proved their premiership credentials over the weekend.

Penrith's Nathan Cleary and Tyrone Peachey led their side to a big victory over the Dragons and Cameron Smith made an outstanding return from suspension against the Cowboys.

MORE: 2018 NRL leading try-scorers: Round 12 | NRL try-scorers: Valentine Holmes surges up the leaderboard after notching hat-trick

But what the fans really want to know is who made Sporting News' team of the week for round 12.

Read on below to see.

1. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (Penrith Panthers)

Ran for over 200 metres from just 16 runs in his side's victory over ladder leaders' St George-Illawarra.

Watene-Zelezniak was solid as ever at fullback as he continues to step in for the injured Dylan Edwards.

#Dallin Watene-Zelezniak

2. Corey Oates (Brisbane Broncos)

Someone stop this man.

The big Broncos' winger ran for over 200 metres and crossed for a try of his own.

Unlucky to miss out on State of Origin selection.

#Corey Oates

3. Jesse Ramien (Cronulla Sharks)

Nathan Brown would have mixed feelings about Jesse Ramien's performance.

Ramien dominated on the edge against the Knights, but Brown can draw positives from his performance on the back of the 21-year-old's move north next season.

Two tries, one try assist and 100+ metres.

#Jesse Ramien

4. Tyrone Peachey (Penrith Panthers)

Made a break down the left-hand sideline which set up the Panthers first try.

His flexibility across the field this season has him set to be named for New South Wales on Monday.

#Tyrone Peachey

5. Valentine Holmes (Cronulla Sharks)

Six tries in his last three games and a hat-trick on the weekend.

Holmes is on a hot streak at the moment.


#Valentine Holmes

6. Matt Moylan (Cronulla Sharks)

Welcome back to form Matt.

Moylan had an astonishing and record-equalling six try assists for the Sharks on Sunday. 

Simply outstanding.

Check out some of his highlights here:

#Matt Moylan

7. Nathan Cleary (Penrith Panthers)

Cleary was outstanding in just his second game back from injury, scoring a try and having a hand in another.

Also set to be named for New South Wales alongside teammates, James Maloney, Tyrone Peachey and Reagan Campbell-Gillard. 


#Nathan Cleary

8. Matt Lodge (Brisbane Broncos)

The big man did the hard yards for his team against the Eels on Thursday.

19 runs for 160 metres, 19 tackles, not a bad effort.

#Matt Lodge

9. Cameron Smith (Melbourne Storm)

Big statement upon returning from suspension.

Smith crossed for a try and was back to his absolute best in Townsville on Friday, a constant threat out of dummy-half and also making 40+ tackles.

#Cameron Smith

10. George Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

It's been some turnaround in form by one of the Burgess twins.

George barged over for a try and was a big presence both in attack and defence for the Rabbitohs.

#George Burgess

11. Chris Lawrence (Wests Tigers)

The Tigers' veteran scored a try and was brilliant in his side's comeback win over the Bulldogs.

Mr Reliable.


#Chris Lawrence

12. Isaah Yeo (Penrith Panthers)

Yeo was solid in his performance on the weekend, running the second most metres for his side.

Mr Consistent.

#Isaah Yeo

13. Joe Ofahengaue (Brisbane Broncos)

Channel Nine's Man of the Match.

The Brisbane youngster has been a stand-out for the club this season.

Came very close to State of Origin selection on the back of 30+ tackles and 100+ running metres against the Eels.


#Joe Ofahengaue

Andrew Lucas

Andrew Lucas Photo