During the 2025 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. Players who are sent off, or suspended by the NRL match review committee, are ineligible for Team of the Week nominations.
1. James Tedesco. Club: Sydney Roosters. SOO appearances: 23. TOTW selections: 3
Tedesco has found himself back in TOTW this week after yet another impressive showing in the Roosters annual Anzac Day clash against the St George Illawarra Dragons.
The fullback scored his first double of the season, set up a try, had seven tackle-breaks and ran for an astounding 230 metres – his fifth time this season to clock over 200 run metres in a game.
2. Savelio Tamale. Club: Canberra Raiders. SOO appearances: 0. TOTW Selections: 1
Continuing his great form to start the 2025 season, Tamale had another strong performance for the Raiders helping guide his team to a stunning 40-28 comeback over the Dolphins on Sunday afternoon.
The 20-year-old ran for 150 metres – 39 post-contact – had two line-breaks, four tackle-breaks and scored a four-pointer.
3. Jake Averillo. Club: Dolphins. SOO appearances: 0. TOTW selections: 2.
Despite not getting the win on Sunday at GIO Stadium, Averillo was a shining light for the Dolphins.
The centre scored his third try of the year, had a try assist, made 18 tackles and ran for over 150 metres – 51 post-contact.
4. Tolutau Koula. Club: Manly Warringah Sea Eagles. SOO appearances: 0. TOTW selections: 1
Helping to snap the Sea Eagles three-game losing streak, Koula’s performance has earnt himself his debut in this week’s TOTW.
He ran for 124 metres, made a line-break, had an offload and scored a try in his team’s win over the Penrith Panthers on Saturday night.
5. Sunia Turuva. Club: Wests Tigers. SOO appearances: 0. TOTW selections: 3
With the Tigers sealing their fourth win of the season in a thrilling game against the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks in golden point, Turuva helped guide his team to victory.
In 89 minutes the winger scored a try, made a line-break, three tackle-breaks and had a strong defensive outing.
6. Sandon Smith. Club: Sydney Roosters. SOO appearances: 0. TOTW selections: 1
The Roosters five-eighth had an outstanding game on Friday afternoon against the Dragons which saw the young half rewarded with the 2025 Ashton-Collier Medal.
Smith had the ball on a string scoring 22 points including two tries and kicking seven goals. He made three line-breaks, one line-break assist and had one forced drop-out.
7. Adam Reynolds. Club: Brisbane Broncos. SOO appearances: 2. TOTW selections: 3.
The veteran halfback has earnt himself his third TOTW selection for 2025, being instrumental once again for the Broncos during their dominant 42-18 win over the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.
The No.7 had three try assists, one line-break and line-break assist, kicked for over 500 metres – including a 40/20 – and scored a four-pointer in the eighth minute.
8. Terrell May. Club: Wests Tigers. SOO appearances: 0. TOTW selections: 6
Terrell May’s form in 2025 has continued to get better each and every week, with the powerful forward once again having a huge impact on his team’s win over the Sharks in Round Eight.
Playing for a huge 84 minutes on Sunday afternoon, May ran for 228 metres – 73 post-contact – made eight offloads and 42 tackles – missing none.
9. Wayde Egan. Club: Warriors. SOO appearances:0. TOTW selections: 1.
Helping the Warriors to back-to-back wins, Egan was back to his best, guiding his team around the park out of dummy-half.
The hooker scored a try, had a line-break and was huge in defence, making 43 tackles through the middle and not missing one.
10. Payne Haas. Club: Brisbane Broncos. SOO appearances: 14. TOTW selections: 4
Joining Terrell May once again in the forward pack for TOTW is workhorse Payne Haas who hasn’t taken his foot of the pedal in the opening eight rounds.
Haas ran for 261 metres – the most of anyone on the field – had a try assist, a line-break assist, six tackle-breaks, five offloads and made 32 tackles.
11. Haumole Olakau’atu. Club: Manly Warringah Sea Eagles. SOO appearances: 2. TOTW selection: 4
Earning himself his fourth TOTW selection, Olakau’atu continues to be a damaging threat to opposition and it was no different on Saturday night against the Panthers.
The second-rower scored a try along with setting one up, ran for 118 metres – 53 post-contact – and had eight tackle-breaks.
12. Samuela Fainu. Club: Wests Tigers. SOO appearances: 0. TOTW selections: 1
Scoring the opening try for the Tigers on Sunday afternoon, the back-rower continued to be hard to handle for the full 89 minutes.
Along with his four-pointer, Fainu had a line-break and a line-break assist and made 25 tackles.
13. Blake Steep. Club: Sydney Roosters. SOO appearances: 0. TOTW selections: 1.
Despite only being on the field for 32 minutes, Steep had a huge impact off the bench which saw him score his second NRL try.
The forward ran for 139 metres, had a line-break and tackle-bust and made 12 tackles with no misses.
