Super 8s Team of the Week – Round 1

Fullback – Jordan Rankin (Huddersfield Giants)

Head Coach Rick Stone was full of praise for the skilful full-back after his display in the win over Wakefield. Rankin was excellent both defensively and offensively, coming up with a few tackle breaks and setting up a couple of tries.

Wing – Tom Davies (Wigan Warriors)

He may have been unable to stop his side from falling to defeat but Davies was arguably one of Wigan’s stand out players. The winger scored a brace and also kicked two goals for the Warriors.

Centre – Carlos Tuimavave (Hull FC)

Delivered a strong performance with a fine brace as he ensured Hull got off to a winning start in the Super 8s over Salford.

Centre – Leroy Cudjoe (Huddersfield Giants)

Played a key role for the Giants, scoring a try in the 62nd minute and assisting two others. Cudjoe also gained 131 metres as he helped Huddersfield make a perfect start to their Super 8s campaign.

Wing – Manu Vatuvei (Salford Red Devils)

The man known as ‘The Beast’ certainly made his mark, scoring a double and gaining an impressive 166 meters. He caused endless problems for Hull but it wasn’t enough to prevent the Red Devils beginning their Super 8’s campaign with a defeat.

Stand-off – Robert Lui (Salford Red Devils)

Lui impressed for the Red Devils, scoring a try just before halftime as well as scoring one goal. He put in a real shift but his effort wasn’t rewarded as Hull came out on top.

Scrum-half – Jake Connor (Hull FC)

A stand-out performance from Connor as he helped his side see off the Salford Red Devils. He delivered three assists and got on the scoresheet himself with a well taken try.

Prop – Adam Cuthbertson (Leeds Rhinos)

He is of the most consistent performers in Super League and the Aussie once again showed his quality for the Rhinos. Cuthbertson is a master of the offload, delivering seven in total as well as completing 22 tackles.

Hooker – James Roby (St Helens)

A man of the match display from Roby as he inspired the Saints to a stunning win against Castleford Tigers. His superb contribution included two tries, 59 tackles and 107 metres gained.

Prop – Luke Thompson (St Helens)

Put in a real shift for St Helens, gaining 160 metres as he drove his side forward against Castleford. Thompson also did his fair share of defensive work, with 30 tackles completed as the Saints tamed the Tigers.

Second-row – Stevie Ward (Leeds Rhinos)

An outstanding display from Ward as his hat-trick ensured that the Rhinos got off to a winning start in the Super 8s. Along with his treble, he contributed with 40 tackles completed and making three clean breaks.

Second-row – Zeb Taia (St Helens)

Opened the scoring for the Saints and put in a very solid all-round performance. St Helens were excellent in breaking up Castleford’s attacks and Taia played his part, completing 32 tackles.

Loose-forward – Jon Wilkin (St Helens)

His experience played a pivotal part in helping nullify the Castleford attack, marshalling his team-mates and getting stuck himself, completing a massive 49 tackles.

Written by Michael Wood