Magic Round or Queensland Day? The annual three-day rugby league extravaganza proved a bonanza for the four Queensland teams, with the Broncos staying top of the table and the Dolphins, Cowboys and Titans all scoring upset wins over NSW rivals.
With State of Origin just around the corner, Billy Slater will have a smile on his face with the team of the week dominated by players north of the border.
1. Latrell Mitchell (Rabbitohs)
Biggest game of the weekend, and one of his biggest performances of the year. Pulled his own magic trick when he kicked off his right foot for Cody Walker’s first try, and then did something similar off the left to set up Alex Johnston. Capable of leading the Rabbitohs to a title in this form.
2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira (Titans)
Who took the odds about this bloke being the NRL’s leading try-scorer at the start of the year? Runs like the wind and has come from almost nowhere to light up the competition this year, bagging another double against Parramatta, including a crucial long-range effort in the second half from a Clint Gutherson intercept.
Latrell Mitchell, Selwyn Cobbo, Coen Hess and Alofiana Khan-Pereira.Credit: NRL Photos
3. Matt Timoko (Raiders)
Arguably his best performance in the NRL with a powerhouse display against the Bulldogs, scoring a crucial try, setting up a couple and running for more post-contact metres than any other back on the field.
4. Valynce Te Whare (Dolphins)
What an NRL debut. Built like the proverbial, and runs faster than you would expect. It was so typical of Wayne Bennett in his 900th game coaching in the top grade he would hand a first game to a guy who looks nothing like the prototype modern-day player – and he scored two tries. Only thing he could have done more was help out the poor Suncorp Stadium groundskeepers.
5. Selwyn Cobbo (Broncos)
Can it be Magic Round every week? Loves scoring a try when the NRL world converges on Brisbane and again bagged a hat-trick against the Sea Eagles, including a long-range intercept from a Tom Trbojevic pass.
6. Cody Walker (Rabbitohs)
Is there any reason why he’s not being spoken about more for the NSW No.6 or No.14 jersey? Completely outpointed opposite number Cameron Munster with a try and a couple of assists. Looks in ominous touch.
7. Kieran Foran (Titans)
Wound back the clock with two tries in the opening 10 minutes while the Eels were a man down to land a huge upset win over one of his old clubs. Just shaded Cowboys teammates Chad Townsend and Tom Dearden for a spot in the halves.
8. Coen Hess (Cowboys)
When was the last time this bloke looked as dangerous? Played like a man possessed in the opening exchanges, outpointing Lindsay Collins and Matt Lodge, and laid on a nice try for Reuben Cotter to start the scoring.
9. Jeremy Marshall-King (Dolphins)
Benji’s little brother enhances his reputation every week, and might be one of Wayne Bennett’s shrewdest signings. Has given the Dolphins plenty of spark and direction from No.9 – and is nipping at the heels of the top-tier hookers.
10. Payne Haas (Broncos)
Can we just give a spot in perpetuity in the team of the week? The most damaging forward in the game wreaked havoc on the Sea Eagles in another performance where he ran for more than 200 metres. Generational talent.
11. David Fifita (Titans)
What a difference a year makes, and what a difference Foran makes. Looks back to his best as one of the most feared players in the competition. It comes at a time when he’s put his future to bed and taken a pay cut to drop below the $1 million-a-year threshold.
12. Patrick Carrigan (Broncos)
The yin to Haas’ yang. Continues to be a one-two punch nightmare for opposition defences with another tireless display in the middle, including 163 run metres and 26 tackles. Will be the cornerstone of Queensland’s State of Origin pack for years to come.
13. Corey Horsburgh (Raiders)
Big Red is not a man to be messed with, and showed his maturity with another barnstorming display through the middle in a wild opening to Magic Round. Slater is taking notice – and so should NSW.
14. Reece Walsh (Broncos)
Has to be contender for buy of the year, and again showed signs of brilliance as the Broncos eased past the Sea Eagles. Kalyn Ponga being Queensland’s No.1 might be a blessing for NSW on this evidence. Just edges out Tom Dearden for the bench spot.
15. Spencer Leniu (Panthers)
Never one to play huge minutes, but punched out 44 and surged over for the match-sealing try, showing Penrith’s forward pack is much more feared when he’s back. The Roosters have got a good one from 2024.
16. Tohu Harris (Warriors)
The heart and soul of the Warriors. Another superb 80-minute performance which yielded 155 run metres and 48 tackles. Didn’t deserve to be on a losing team.
17. Jacob Preston (Bulldogs)
No wonder Phil Gould sees him as a potential Bulldogs captain. Battled hard in a losing side with another two tries, and is inching his way into Rookie of the Year calculations.
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