All Saints, Patrician Brothers Blacktown stars dominate Peter Mulholland Cup team of the week

Round one of the Peter Mulholland Cup is in the books, and there were a host of standout stars. Our rugby league expert selects his team of the week — see who made the cut.

With round one of the Peter Mulholland Cup in the books, TYSON JACKSON identifies the best players in each position for the first team of the week.

Seven games took place over two days, with some star players producing performances which will catapult their teams into finals contention of the Schoolboy Championship.

See who made the team here.

Team of the week

Kruger Roache starred for Erindale. Picture: Martin Ollman

Fullback: Kruger Roache (Erindale)

Roache was on fire in his first game for Erindale this week, scoring a try and causing havoc all over the field. Slotting in off the back of backline plays all over the field, Roache was able to put the Illawarra defensive line in two minds all game.

Wing: Paul Johnson (Bass Hill)

Four tries is a big feat no matter what grade you play, but Johnson has quickly established himself as one of the best finishers in the comp. A tall body who will put pressure on any winger he comes up against, the Bass Hill flyer is going to be hard to stop close to the line.

Phoenix Tauasa was on fire for Patrician Brothers Blacktown. Picture: Tim Hunter

Centre: Phoenix Tauasa (Patrician Brothers Blacktown)

A powerhouse in open space, Tauasa transferred his superb form from Manly in Harold Matts to Patrician Brothers Blacktown’s quest for a second premiership. With a large contingent of the crowd supporting him, Tauasa was on fire against Matraville Sports scoring a long range try off a scrum, and playing a part of the school’s raid up the field.

Five-eighth: Isaac Fotu-Moala (Central Coast)

Fotu-Moala with ball in hand is going to be a problem for any defensive line in the competition. The ball-running No. 6 has an elusive step, and a great passing game, scoring a try and throwing a beautiful 15-metre cut out pass to his winger.

Chase Butler has established himself as a star of the future.

Halfback: Chase Butler (All Saints)

He plays for the same school and the same club, and despite looking like Andrew Johns on the field, Butler established himself as a star of the future.

Just days after losing the Harold Matthews grand final to the Warriors, Butler bounced back for his school with a performance reminiscent of Newcastle’s greatest player, scoring and setting up multiple tries in their first win of the season.

Charlie Xuereb proved a real handful. Picture: Tim Hunter

Front-row: Charlie Xuereb (Patrician Brothers Blacktown)

Came off the bench for last year’s premiers, but quickly proved he is a real handful to deal with around the middle of the field. A strong ball carrier and even has the ability to find the line, Xuereb was quick to make his impact felt, and coming off the bench for Patties could be a smart move against tired forward packs.

Hooker: Salatielu Tamati (Westfield)

A tough, no-nonsense hooker, Tamati was a standout in Westfields win this week, delivering great service, and being a tackling machine in the middle of the field. Expect his running game to start to shine through as the competition carries on and he starts to find his feet with his team.

Second-row: Roy Simpson (All Saints)

Combining well with halfback Butler, Simpson was able to break the line and tackles on multiple occasions, while setting up a platform for his teammates to score from. With solid shape near the line, the second rower will be hard to stop close out.

Thomas Dellow stood up for Endeavour.

Lock: Thomas Dellow (Endeavour)

A tough lock who has continued his good form from last year, Dellow is the glue for an Endeavour side who will push for the premiership this year. Scoring a try and making a bucketload of tackles, Dellow was on fire in the sides win in almost all aspects of his game.