Tireless Twal continues to set the standard
For the second time in three weeks, Wests Tigers forward Alex Twal has topped the VB Hard Earned index rankings.
The underrated Twal's 73-minute performance in Saturday's 24-16 victory over the Cowboys helped keep his team's finals hopes alive and earned him the highest index score of round 22 with 96.
The 25-year-old also recorded the top score of 99 in round 20 to kickstart his late charge towards the peak position on the overall VB Hard Earned leaderboard occupied by tireless Eel Isaiah Papal'i.
Twal churned out 43 tackles with no misses, 14 carries (making eight or more metres nine times), two tackle-breaks, nine decoys and four supports in a durable effort after starting at lock on Saturday.
But Papali'i still holds a comfortable lead with only three rounds left in the regular season. Panthers prop James Fisher-Harris, who hasn't played since round 19, remains second with Twal closing in.
Meanwhile, Warrior Euan Aitken has gone from strength to strength after transitioning from the centres to the second row, posting an index score of 93 in his team's gritty win over the Bulldogs.
Aitken has relished being closer to the middle, taking 17 runs on Sunday and gaining eight or more metres 12 times. In addition, the ex-Dragon racked up 37 tackles in a strong shift.
Fellow Warriors forwards Addin Fonua-Blake (index score of 92) and Josh Curran (87) nabbed places in the team of the week as well.
