Tireless defence and punishing attack earned Sam Burgess a berth in our Team of the Week.
1. Josh Dugan (Dragons): Here in a photo finish from his NSW Origin rival, Manly’s Brett Stewart. Scored a try, ran 174 metres and offered three offloads in a classy effort against the Warriors.

2. Jorge Taufua (Sea Eagles): Sensational since returning from injury, the winger scored two tries, made two line breaks and ran 192 metres against the Cowboys.

3. Jarrod Croker (Raiders): Made a pair of brilliant try-saving tackles in a win against the Storm and also had a hail-Mary hand in a remarkable team try.

4. Shaun Kenny-Dowall (Roosters): Had a big night out filling in on the wing against the Sharks, scoring two tries and running a whopping 263 metres.

5. Pat Richards (Wests Tigers): Enjoying a superb return to the NRL. Scored a critical runaway intercept try against the Eels, ran 176 metres and kicked an amazing match-sealing penalty goal from halfway.

6. Kieran Foran (Sea Eagles): Ice in his veins. Beat the Cowboys by laying on a try where most would have chased a tying field goal. Also scored a crucial try and ran 115 metres filling in at halfback.

7. Luke Brooks (Wests Tigers): On a fast track to being one of the NRL’s finest. Scored a runaway try, ran 146 metres and kicked a match-winning field goal against the Eels.

8. Josh McGuire (Broncos): Making a big pitch for Queensland selection. The rugged prop ran 156 metres and made 36 tackles in a romp over Newcastle.

9. Mitch Rein (Dragons): Terrific against the Warriors and some chance for NSW Origin if Robbie Farah is out. Conjured two try assists, ran 128 metres and made 36 tackles.

10. James Graham (Bulldogs): Another display to show why he was lauded as the NRL’s best player yesterday. Ran 177 metres and made 38 tackles in a quality Good Friday outing against the Rabbitohs.

11. Josh Jackson (Bulldogs): Has serious class and stamina, the Gulgong product. Ran 139 metres and made 49 tackles against the Rabbitohs on Good Friday.

12. Boyd Cordner (Roosters): An edge of quality to all he did against the Sharks. Scored a try, ran 113 metres and made 29 tackles.

13. Matt Gillett (Broncos): Officially on fire. Absolutely sensational against Newcastle, scoring a try and making two line breaks, 178 metres and 40 tackles.
14. Trent Hodkinson (Bulldogs): Again a match-winner against South Sydney, repeating his double of a difficult goal and a field goal to claim victory. Handed the Bulldogs a slice of history as the first ever team to win three games straight by a single point.

15. Jarryd Hayne (Eels): On a losing team against the Tigers but in crazy form. Scored two tries, chipped to assist another and ran 153 metres.

16. Aaron Woods (Wests Tigers): Another strong hand from a player in great nick. Did the tough stuff in making 122 metres, 37 tackles plus three offloads against the Eels.
17. Sam Burgess (Rabbitohs): Tearaway effort from the big Englishman, galloping to 150 metres with a line bust, a try and a massive 42 tackles. Also, he made the most ferocious return of the Steeden in recent memory, without thought of self-preservation. Gutsy stuff that got the crowd on their feet.