Tom Trbojevic showed why he rejected suggestions to sit out the remainder of the season as he helped the Sea Eagles to end a six-match losing streak against the Knights in his return match.
Trbojevic's performance not only helped keep Manly's slim finals hopes alive but put the superstar fullback firmly in the frame for Kangaroos selection at Rugby League World Cup 2026.
Able to cover fullback, wing and centre, the Manly captain has made no secret of his desire to represent Australia in a second World Cup after making his Test debut against France during the 2017 tournament.
Making his first appearance in more than a month after a hamstring injury, Trbojevic inspired a comeback from 18-6 down to triumph 44-24 and is one of four Sea Eagles players nominated for the RLWC26 Team of the Week.
Australia-eligible players top tries of the week
The others are Samoa utility Clayton Faulalo, who has now played every position in the Manly backline this season after starring at five-eighth, Kumuls hopeful Josh Feledy, who came off the interchange and scored a hat-trick playing in the centres and secondrower Ben Trbojevic.
The Bulldogs also kept their finals hopes alive with a 44-14 defeat of the Tigers - England prop Max King, Samoa superstar Stephen Crichton, halves partner Lachlan Galvin and Kangaroos contenders Matt Burton and Jacob Preston being contenders for the Team of the Week.
The Warriors again have the most players nominated after a stunning 45-24 defeat of South Sydney that underlined the depth of their squad, with fullback Taine Tiuapiki, centre Leka Halasima, halfback Chanel Harris-Tevita and interchange forward Eddie Ieremia-Toeava among the stars.
New Zealand-eligible players tries of the week
Prop Mitch Barnett, secondrower Jacob Laban and hooker Wayde Egan were the other Warriors players nominated for the RLWC26 Team of the Week.
A late field goal by rookie Warriors playmaker Luke Hanson and a 25-24 upset win by Wests Tigers against Sydney Roosters propelled the New Zealand team into first place on for-and-against from Penrith and the Roosters.
Wests Tigers players nominated for the Team of the Week are Fiji fullback Jahream Bula and hooker Api Koroisau, unheralded centre Patrick Herbert, winger Jeral Skelton and secondrower Tony Sukkar, along with star forward Terrell May, who played most of the game at lock.
Each week, fans vote for their RLWC26 Team of the Week from players nominated after the previous weekend's NRL and Super League matches who are eligible for the 10 nations contesting Rugby League World Cup 2026.
Samoa-eligible players tries of the week
Among the players nominated for the RLWC2026 Team of the Week are:
- Kiwis fullback candidates Taine Tiuapiki (Warriors), winger Ronaldo Mulitalo (Sharks), centres Casey McLean (Panthers) and Patrick Herbert (Wests Tigers), props Joseph Tapine (Raiders) and Naufahu Whyte (Roosters). Warriors secondrower Jacob Laban is also eligible for New Zealand, while hooker Wayde Egan is also considering whether to change his eligibility from Australia.
- Toa Samoa fullback Sua Faalogo (Storm), wingers Brian To’o (Panthers), Phillip Sami (Titans) and Jeral Skelton (Wests Tigers), playmakers Chanel Harris-Tavita (Warriors), Stephen Crichton (Bulldogs) and Clayton Faulalo (Sea Eagles), secondrowers Jacob Laban (Warriors) and Brian Pouniu (Dolphins), lock Terrell May (Wests Tigers) and props Payne Haas (Broncos) and Eddie Ieremia-Toeava (Warriors). Titans props Tino Fa'asuamaleaui is yet to confirm if he will play for Samoa or Australia.
- England centre Herbie Farnworth (Dolphins), props Max King (Bulldogs) and Mikolaj Oledzki (Leeds), fullback Jack Welsby (St Helens), five-eighth George Williams, hooker Danny Walker (both Warrington) and lock Cameron Smith (Leeds).
- Tonga playmaker Isaiya Katoa (Dolphins), winger Sione Katoa (Sharks), centres Rob Toia (Roosters) and Leka Halasima (Warriors), prop Addin Fonua-Blake (Sharks), and secondrowers David Fifita (Rabbitohs) and Salesi Foketi (Roosters).
- Lebanon winger Jason Saab (Sea Eagles) and secondrower Tony Sukkar (Wests Tigers).
- Cook Islands winger Paul Ulburg and France secondrower Mathieu Jussaume (both Toulouse).
- Papua New Guinea winger Alex Johnston (Rabbitohs) and centre Josh Feledy (Sea Eagles).
- Fiji hooker Api Koroisau and fullback Jahream Bula (both Wests Tigers. Roosters winger Mark Nawitawaqanase is also eligible for the Bati as well as the Kangaroos.
Katoa double and maybe the finish of the year!
Vote now for your World Cup Team of the Week
Rugby League World Cup 2026 returns to Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. Where nations clash, heroes rise, and legends are forged. 3 World Cups. 26 Teams. The World’s Best. Tickets are now on sale from $19. Don’t miss the pinnacle of global Rugby League.
