Aitken makes seamless transition from backs to forwards

Warriors coach Nathan Brown foreshadowed that Euan Aitken "might have found a new home" in the second row after an enormous performance against the Tigers.

Aitken was once touted for NSW State of Origin selection in the centres, but the 26-year-old showed he is more than comfortable a little further in-field with a VB Hard Earned index score of 90 in round 20.

As well as scoring a second-half double to set up an 18-16 win at Suncorp Stadium, Aitken cranked out 42 tackles (four misses), 14 runs (making eight or more metres six times) and eight tackle busts.

The ex-Dragon recorded the equal-third highest VB index score of the round, level with superstar Sea Eagles fullback Tom Trbojevic.

Speaking on Tuesday, Aitken said the move was one he accepted for the benefit of the team.

"We have got a fair few centres at the club and Peta Hiku was back as well so I think Brownie thought that was the best team he could put out there," he said.

"I just took it as it came and wanted to rip in.

"I would love to get back to the centres but for the time being that is what is needed and if he thinks that is my best position we will go with that and re-assess later."

Wests Tigers forward Alex Twal (99) and Broncos prop Payne Haas (94) were the only players to sit above the aforementioned pair.

On the overall leaderboard, Eels back-rower Isaiah Papali'i has pulled to the front with Panthers bookend James Fisher-Harris now in second place after not playing in his side's clash with the Storm.

Manly colossus Martin Taupau has stormed into third position while Roosters enforcer Jared Waerea-Hargreaves is in pursuit.

Penrith winger Brian To'o has been the lone back in the top eight for much of the year but after suffering an ankle injury, he has already slipped back to seventh spot ahead of Cronulla's Toby Rudolf.