The competition has been full of conspiracy theories from supporters and after the events of round 24, the amount will only increase as it had plenty of controversy surrounding it!
The race for survival took another interesting turn but a lot of focus befell the play-offs and who will claim those all-important places in the top five? Who knows but for now, another set of players stood out from the rest in another edition of Team of the Week!
Coach: Richard Agar
Funny thing is, he still is not Leeds Rhinos ‘proper’ head coach but interim boss Richard Agar secures the slot this week.
His coaching record may not be glowing but on Friday, his Leeds side enjoyed easily their finest hour of 2019 with a complete performance away at Huddersfield.
Was it down to him? Or the players? Or anyone else? Fact is, Agar is still in that position and managed to successfully get the best out of his players following a season of struggle.
And arguably getting the best result of the weekend, Agar enjoyed a pinnacle of his career and looks set for a strong end to the season with the former champions.
Full-back – Niall Evalds
A very difficult choice but hat-trick hero Niall Evalds is chosen at full-back for his contribution in Salford’s away hammering of London Broncos.
The 25-year-old has arguably been Salford’s unsung hero in 2019, now topping the Super League’s try scoring chart with 21.
During the game, he also provided two assists, managed two tackle busts and 65 metres from 12 carries.
An excellent afternoon for him and his side as they emerge as dark horses for a play-off spot.
Wingers – Ash Handley & David Mead
The flyers see Leeds’ Ash Handley and Catalan’s David Mead selected.
Handley added another two tries to his tally in the Rhinos’ 44-0 thumping of Huddersfield.
He also managed a staggering 202 metres from 21 carries, the highest amount from a winger over the entire weekend.
As for Mead, he almost managed as much with 196 from 14 carries as well as four busts plus touching down for good measure.
An interesting battle for next week perhaps? Though that depends if the Dragons’ manage to put a squad together following their miserable ending to their game with Warrington after trouble both on and off the field.
Konrad Hurrell is one of seven Super League players who will feature in Rugby Blood Origins.
Centres – Konrad Hurrell & Ben Crooks
Next up sees juggernaut Konrad Hurrell selected alongside dependable Ben Crooks.
Hurrell put in a man of the match performance for the Rhinos at Huddersfield, scoring a brace of tries as well as 11 tackle busts as well as 138 metres from 13 carries.
A solid effort for arguably their best signing of the season and similar superlatives befell Hull KR’s Ben Crooks, who starred in their thrilling home win over Castleford Tigers.
The 26-year-old scored two tries, completed 23 tackles, managed ten busts and up to 153 metres from 13 carries that help them record a crucial win in the bid for survival!
Stand-off – Tuimoala Lolohea
The half-backs see an all Salford combination, starting with latest loanee recruit Tuimoala Lolohea.
Since arriving at Salford for his tenure, it seems he has finally been allowed to unlock his true potential and Sunday saw him at his finest.
Having scored a full length effort and provided two assists as well as completing 11 tackles, three busts and put in five attacking kicks, a superb all-round performance from the Tongan, need any more be said?!
Scrum-half – Jackson Hastings
Unsurprisingly, Jackson Hastings regains his position at scrum-half.
The all-new Man of Steel favourite displayed yet again why he is worthy of such a feat, being the main man in Salford’s demolition of London in the capital.
Scoring a try and providing four assists was just the beginning. In addition, he managed five tackle busts and 202 metres from 19 carries.
Who would not have this guy in their team? He has a bright future ahead of him and could become one of Super League’s greatest ever acquisitions.
Props – Adam Cuthbertson & Tony Clubb
The big guns and ‘ever-green’ Adam Cuthbertson retains his spot from last week, this time joined by ‘speedster’ Tony Clubb.
Cuthbertson finished a superb move to score but his main highlights were his 36 tackles, four busts and 123 metres from 14 carries, helping his side overcome an early scare to produce their biggest win of 2019.
As for Clubb, he is remembered mainly for his try saving tackle on Hull’s Ratu Naulago but let us not forget what else he did!
Clubb put in 21 tackles and 133 metres from 15 carries that helped restrict Hull to just one try scored, keeping on the back foot and eventually seeing them off in dramatic style late on in their quest towards a play-off spot.
Hooker – James Roby
Tireless veteran James Roby finally returns at hooker after he led by example in yet another win for St Helens, this time over Wakefield.
Roby provided a try assist, completed 40 tackles, three busts and up to 97 metres from 16 carries.
It may not have been a ‘pretty’ effort from his side, but it worked nonetheless as Roby took his side one step further to another possible clean sweep of silverware.
Second-row – Rhyse Martin & Josh Jones
The back row sees another star signing for Leeds Rhyse Martin joined by Salford powerhouse Josh Jones.
Martin was a unit yet again for Leeds; providing a try assist, completing 29 tackles and managed up to 128 metres from 17 carries.
It was enough to restrict the Giants to zero scored; as for Jones, he was another who helped Salford to an easy win down in the big smoke.
Jones touched down and completed 21 tackles as well as managing eight busts and 138 metres from 13 carries.
Superb stuff as he will want to end his time with the Manchester club on a high, something that is looking most likely despite his side’s unpredictable nature.
Loose-forward – Joe Westerman
Finally, another who is set to depart his current club is Hull’s Joe Westerman.
Despite losing, he put in a rather strong performance for the Airlie Birds in their narrow defeat to Wigan.
He completed 23 tackles and managed four busts plus 118 metres from 15 carries.
It may not have been his night but a remarkable effort regardless as he hopes to take Hull to the play-offs before leaving.
