Ricardo: NRL Team of Week 8

Ricky Ricardo chooses his team of Round 8, an important selection round given the upcoming Test and Representative Matches later this week.

Fullback: Jarryd Hayne: After a poor start to the year by his standards, Hayne was moved to fullback and showed his complete dominance in this match with one try and several try assists. His runs were damaging and he was a huge threat to the Cowboys team.

Winger: Shaun Kenny-Dowall: Had another very solid game. Scored two brilliant tries and was unlucky not to have a third after being denied by the video-ref. A very strong player in the air and on the ground and very hard to handle.

Centre: Michael Jennings: The livewire Panther yet again put on another show with some brilliant plays and solid runs causing havoc for the Raiders. His NSW Origin helps were dealt a blow however when he limped off with an ankle injury.

Centre: Willie Tonga: Despite the Cowboys loss, Tonga was solid in defence and proved a handful for the Eels defence in attack. Should be a potent force in Origin for QLD.

Winger: Beau Ryan: The relatively unknown winger for the Tigers produced a stellar performance scoring two tries despite their loss. Hitting form at the right time.

Five-Eighth: Preston Campbell: The overrated utility yet again showed just how valuable he is to the Titans side with another solid performance in their win. Scored a try and was involved in countless attacking raids wreaking havoc for the defence with his strong runs.

Halfback: Brett Kimmorley: Unlucky to be overlooked for Origin after putting in a strong performance in the Bulldogs win. Led the team around the park in attack and had a strong kicking game putting the Tigers defence on the back foot.

Prop: Nathan Cayless: After rumours arose that he was facing the scrap-heap at the Eels, the veteran Eels forward stepped it up and led the team in metres gained and hit-ups proving his worth and just how valuable he is to the Eels side.

Hooker: Michael Ennis: Won the battle between himself and Farah for the NSW #9. Produced some great skill and combined well with Kimmorley to set up a few Bulldogs tries.

Prop: Josh Perry: After being heavily criticized during the week by Manly great Max Krilich, Perry stepped it up and produced his best performance of the year against the Storm despite Manly’s loss. He was strong in attack and defence and is still a darkhorse for Origin.

Second Row: Anthony Laffranchi: Deserves his spot in the Australian side with a solid performance for the Titans in their win. Scored a try and led the team in tackles and metres gained. A very strong ball-runner with good footwork.

Second Row: Bronson Harrison: After a few disappointing games, Harrison was back to his barnstorming best with a solid defensive effort and strong ball-running. Led the tackle count for the Raiders and deserves his selection in the NZpack.

Lock: Paul Gallen: One of the shining lights for the Sharks in an otherwise disappointing effort against the Roosters. Scored a try and showed his toughness in defence.

Reserve 1: Ben Creagh: Unlucky to miss out on an Australia second row position following another strong showing for the Dragons in their narrow win. Scored a try and was at his defensive best as usual.

Reserve 2: Jarrod Mullen: Further showed his Origin credentials for the halfback position with a strong performance scoring two tries and leading his team around the park. Competing with Peter Wallace for the NSW halfback position.

Reserve 3: Mark Taufua: A relatively unknown forward at the start of the year who was given a chance by Brian Smith and has taken it with both hands. A strong ball-runner with great footwork and a good offload. Scored a try and was solid in defence.

Reserve 4: James Tamou: On debut for the Cowboys, Tamou was probably the Cowboys best player with some damaging runs causing havoc for the Eels defence at the back end of the game. Got on the scoresheet and is definitely a player for the future.