During the 2023 season, nswrl.com.au selects the round’s best 13 of New South Wales eligible players. These selections are based on the writers’ opinions and do not reflect the views of the NSWRL or the selection process for the Westpac NSW Blues. Captaincy is awarded based on that week’s on-field performance and is not based on club captaincy or leadership qualities.
1. Latrell Mitchell. Club: South Sydney Rabbitohs. SOO appearances: 7. TOTW selections: 4.
Mitchell’s long-awaited return from a calf injury coincided with South Sydney’s return to form, and his impact at the back was immense in Round 22.
From 171 metres he had a game-high 11 tackle-busts. Along with that the fullback came up with a forced drop-out and a crucial try-saver on Junior Tupou late in the second half.
2. Alex Johnston. Club: South Sydney Rabbitohs. SOO appearances: 0. TOTW selections: 1.
With yet another hat-trick to his name, Johnston continues to race up the all-time try-scorers list.
In Friday’s win he also had a try, two line-breaks, three tackle-busts, and ran for 136 metres.
3. Kotoni Staggs. Club: Brisbane Broncos. SOO appearances: 1. TOTW selections: 5.
It was another damaging performance by Staggs in the Broncos’ dominant 32-10 win at the Gabba on Thursday night.
The centre came up with a second-half try after pouncing on a Roosters error, in an all-round strong display that included six tackle-busts, two offloads, 104 run metres and 16 tackles, with only two missed.
4. Zac Lomax. Club: St George Illawarra Dragons. SOO appearances: 0. TOTW selections: 2.
Despite being on the wrong end of the score-line in Round 22, Lomax’s efforts kept the Red V in the contest.
The Dragons centre had plenty of involvement with a massive 230 run metres, as well as a line-break, six tackle-busts and nine tackles without a miss.
5. Brian To’o. Club: Penrith Panthers. SOO appearances: 9. TOTW selections: 7.
The Penrith attack has been operating like clockwork in the past few weeks, with To’o finding himself on the scoresheet yet again as a result.
On top of his 12th try for the season on Saturday, To’o made a line-break, three tackle-busts and ran for 189 metres, including 76 post-contact.
6. Jarome Luai. Club: Penrith Panthers. SOO appearances: 7. TOTW selections: 3.
It’s back-to-back TOTW selections for Luai, who kicked off the 28-0 victory over the Sharks with the opening try.
The opposition struggled to handle the Penrith five-eighth who made 12 tackle-busts, a line-break and two offloads from 116 run metres. Luai also made 16 tackles.
7. Nathan Cleary. Club: Penrith Panthers. SOO appearances: 14. TOTW selections: 6.
It hasn’t taken the Penrith halfback long to start turning the screws after an injury layoff, as the Panthers begin their charge towards September.
Cleary had two try assists, 121 running metres, four tackle-busts and three offloads. He also had a big night with the boot after landing four from five conversions and kicking for 781 metres.
8. Jacob Saifiti. Club: Newcastle Knights. SOO appearances: 2. TOTW selections: 1
Helping the Knights to their fourth straight win, Saifiti was impressive out front for the Knights’ 28-6 win over the Raiders.
The prop ran for 151 metres including 51 post-contact, had six hit ups, and bent his back for 27 tackles without missing one.
9. Api Koroisau. Club: Wests Tigers. SOO appearances: 4. TOTW selections: 2.
Koroisau was a shining light for the Wests Tigers on Friday night in Tamworth despite his team going down 32-18 against South Sydney.
The hooker scored a four pointer, set up another, had a line break and line break assist, and made 47 tackles. He also chimed in with three kicks for 120 metres.
10. Payne Haas. Club: Brisbane Broncos. SOO appearances: 11. TOTW selections: 12.
Continuing his impressive form for the 2023 season, Haas once again proved why he is one of the best forwards in the game.
He ran for over 172 metres including 80 post-contact, broke four tackles from only a 53-minute stint at The Gabba on Thursday night.
11. Kaeon Koloamatangi. Club: South Sydney Rabbitohs. SOO appearances: 1. TOTW selections: 5.
The Rabbitohs workhorse was back to his damaging best this week after the second-rower scored his fifth try of the season.
Along with the four pointer, Koloamatangi made two tackle breaks, 20 tackles, and ran for 125 metres.
12. Haumole Olakau’atu. Club: Manly Warringah Sea Eagles. SOO appearances: 0. TOTW selections: 5
Olakau’atu scored his eighth try of the year during the Sea Eagles’ 24-18 win over St George Illawarra Dragons in Wollongong on Saturday night.
He ran for 123 metres including 46 post-contact, had two tackle busts, a line break and made 32 tackles.
13. Cameron McInnes. Club: Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks SOO appearances: 0 TOTW selections: 2.
McInnes broke the all-time record of most tackles made in a single game on Saturday night, making 81 tackles – only missing three- despite his team’s loss on Saturday night.
Along with this the lock ran for 96 metres off 14 runs, a tackle bust and one offload.
