Our NRL Team of the Week — Round 26: Johnson gets his dream ending

You couldn’t have plotted a better final game for Shaun Johnson as he goodbyed the New Zealand Warriors and the NRL this week. And, elsewhere, the Knights fired when it mattered and the Eels killed the Dragons’ season.

Here’s the standout NRL players from Round 26, as selected by The Sporting Base team.

NRL Team of the Week: Round 26

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1. Kalyn Ponga (Knights)

When the season’s on the line you want your captain and fullback stepping into plays early and leading the way. Ponga did all that and more, sparking Newcastle’s onslaught as they answered the Gold Coast’s first try with six of their own. Kicked four more goals, made four tackle busts, ran 218 metres, and even got in on the in-play kicking when needed too.

2. Fletcher Sharpe (Knights)

Continues to shine out on the wing. Scored a hat-trick in eight minutes as the Knights fought to stay in postseason contention—a feat they managed as Sharpe and Ponga blew the Titans away.

3. Reuben Garrick (Sea Eagles)

Kicked nearly everything Manly needed him to and stopped any chance of a Bulldogs’ comeback with the Sea Eagles’ last say.

4. Herbie Farnworth (Dolphins)

Scored two tries and laid another two on for his teammates as the Dolphins destroyed the Broncos in an all-important Battle of Brisbane.

5. Maika Sivo (Eels)

A huge four line breaks and a hat-trick against the Dragons. They simply couldn’t contain him.

6. Dylan Brown (Eels)

Was right at the heart of the 44 points the Eels put on a hapless Dragons on Saturday. Was the direct architect of four of Parramatta’s nine tries, including one he scored himself in the 40th minute.

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7. Shaun Johnson (Warriors)

The fairytale ending for loveable Shaun Johnson against the Sharks in his last-ever game in the NRL. Those closing minutes—or moments even—were exactly what every rugby league fan would have been hoping for for the heroic New Zealand star (even, secretly, Sharkies fans).

8. Addin Fonua-Blake (Warriors)

Another Warrior farewelling the Kiwi squad, “AFB” showed his new side exactly what they should expect with nearly 200 metres in a barnstorming go-forward performance that set the stage for New Zealand’s sweet victory.

9. Tyran Wishart (Storm)

Where can’t this fella play? Two tries in a narrow loss to the Cowboys in a second-string team.

10. Nathan Brown (Sea Eagles)

Brown was only on the field for around 50 minutes but the forwards leader made sure everyone knew when he was with 188 metres, including 57 post-contact, against a solid Bulldogs pack.

11. Hudson Young (Raiders)

The Raiders battled to a huge upset over the Roosters and part of that was on the shoulders of Hudson Young. The second-rower made effort after effort, eventually finishing with six tackle breaks, two offloads, and 45 tackles.

12. Shaun Lane (Eels)

Used his fifteen runs against the Dragons to great effect with a try, 65 post-contract metres, and three tackle busts.

13. Isaah Yeo (Panthers)

Capped a demolition down the middle against Souths with a 70th-minute try. Offensively and defensively titanic for 72 minutes.