NRL: NRL Round 12 redux

Issac Luke of the Warriors celebrates with the team after Shaun Johnson scored a try. Photo / Getty Images

Round 12 saw the first weekend where State of Origin disrupted the regular season - with only four games being played.

Those teams that did play were missing their Origin representatives, who are in camp ahead of Wednesday's game 1.

Kiwi Watch
The weekend was dominated by the Warriors win over the under-strength Broncos with the all-Kiwi test spine thriving with quality ball.

Ben Matulino enjoyed his best game of the past two seasons with some telling runs and a couple of powerful tackles.

Adam Blair had a big weekend in terms of captaincy as he led his Broncos side into battle against the Warriors while was announced as the new Kiwis skipper on Sunday.

Jordan Rapana scored two tries and was at his best for the Raiders as they got an important win over the Roosters.

Shaun Johnson was at his best against the Broncos. Photo / Getty Images

Best Performance
The Warriors get the nod this week after dismantling the Broncos at Mt Smart Stadium. There are obviously some caveats given the Broncos were missing seven frontline players due to Origin or injury but the home side took full advantage and dominated most aspects of the game. It will be a challenge to do that consistently but at least we have seen the spine will capitalize on any advantage the forwards get.

Jordan Rapana scored twice for the Raiders. Photo / Getty Images

Standout Player
Jordan Rapana continues to set the benchmark in terms of try-scoring in the NRL this season - bagging another two in the Raiders win over the Roosters to go to the top of the try-scoring list. Not only is he a great finisher but Rapana's running out of dummy half is helping get the Raiders sets off to a strong start.

Paul Gallen inspired the Sharks to victory. Photo / Getty Images

Key Moment
The Broncos threatened to come back midway through the second half against the Warriors invoking memories of the halftime collapse against the Panthers a fortnight ago but the home side held their nerve and put the game away in the final quarter. While it wasn't a key moment in the winning of the game it might be a decisive moment in the overall scheme of their season.

Latrell Mitchell celebrates scoring for the Roosters. Photo / Getty Images

Controversy
The Raiders v Roosters game got off to a strange start when the Roosters had a try ruled out by the bunker. The visitors put up a bomb that was allowed to bounce and Latrell Mitchell won the race to the ball. The bunker ruled Roosters players in front of the kicker but the ones that were offside weren't involved in the chase. It was a tough call that they ultimately didn't recover from.

Team of the Week
1.Michael Gordon (Roosters)
2.Semi Radradra (Eels)
3.Blake Ayshford (Warriors)
4.Gerard Beale (Sharks)
5.Jordan Rapana (Raiders
6.Kieran Foran (Warriors)
7.Shaun Johnson (Warriors)
8.Junior Paulo (Raiders)
9.Issac Luke (Warriors)
10.Ben Matulino (Warriors)
11.Angus Crichton (Rabbitohs)
12.Tepai Moeroa (Eels)
13.Paul Gallen (Sharks)
14.Mitchell Moses (Eels)
15.Albert Vete (Warriors)
16.Jake Friend (Roosters)
17.Will Hopoate (Bulldogs)

Mitchell Moses was strong for the Eels. Photo / Getty Images

Power Rankings
1.Storm (0)
2.Sharks (0)
3.Roosters (+1)
4.Broncos (-1)
5.Dragons (0)
6.Sea Eagles (0)
7.Cowboys (0)
8.Raiders (0)
9.Eels (+1)
10.Bulldogs (-1)
11.Titans (0)
12.Panthers (0)
13.Warriors (+1)
14.Rabbitohs (-1)
15.Tigers (0)
16.Knights (0)