Our NRL Team of the Week: Round 23 — Jensen breaks his drought, Sharpe hauls

Nathan Cleary proved he can pull his team out of any situation, leading the Panthers to an incredible comeback over local arch-rivals the Eels, while local Knight Fletcher Sharpe scored four of the best at home and Bronco Corey Jensen broke a tryscoring drought that stretched all the way back to 2017.

Here’s the standout NRL players from Round 23, as selected by The Sporting Base team.

NRL Team of the Week: Round 23

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1. Daine Laurie (Panthers)

Penrith has barely noticed Dylan Edwards in the injury ward with Laurie at the back; a testament to his last few weeks. Two try assists and nearly 200 run metres this week.

2. Fletcher Sharpe (Knights)

One, two, three, four. Do we need anything more than the tries? The Newcastle faithful certainly loved the show from the Cessnock Goanas junior, especially his soccer-style try to break the Tigers’ morale.

3. Kotoni Staggs (Broncos)

Terrorised the Cowboys in a must-win game for the Broncos.

4. Herbie Farnworth (Dolphins)

A huge 11 tackle busts and two tries as the Dolphins held on against New Zealand to win in overtime.

5. Brian To’o (Panthers)

Two tries and 170 metres as the Panthers staged a late comeback over the Eels.

6. Luke Brooks (Sea Eagles)

Played a key role in three major scores for Manly in their win over the Raiders on the road, including going in for one himself. Continues to prove he’s among the best pick-ups of the season.

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7. Nathan Cleary (Panthers)

Was the architect behind Penrith’s incredible comeback to beat local arch-rivals the Eels on Friday. Two assists, two line-break assists, nearly 100 run metres. Cleary did less of the marshalling with the boot and instead ran his side into their two-point win.

8. Corey Jensen (Broncos)

Drought broken! Already great with 213 run metres, but also jagged his first try since round 16 in 2017.

9. Max Plath (Dolphins)

A heroic 60-plus tackles in a golden point win over the Warriors. Plath has filled in at hooker well since Jeremy Marshall-King’s injury.

10. Josh Curran (Bulldogs)

Was a strong engine in a tough battle against the Dragons at a sold-out Kogarah Stadium.

11. Briton Nikora (Sharks)

Dangerous in attack and defence, nabbed a try in the Sharks landslide.

12. Tyson Frizell (Knights)

Bent the line every time he ran against the Tigers in Newcastle on Sunday. Busted three tackles in his 12 strong carries.

13. Josh Williams (Sharks)

Showed Craig Fitzgibbon and the Sharks why he could be starting with 220 run metres, 27 tackles, and a try.

Read More: NRL Weekly Wrap: Reviewing Round 23