Challenge Cup Team of the Week: One side has four players despite defeat

It is always a special time of year when Super League sides enter the Challenge Cup and that was certainly the case this weekend.

The sun even came out and treated us to some brilliant contests.

It started on Friday night. As you would have expected, Hull KR ploughed through Championship side Batley Bulldogs whilst Wakefield Trinity were equally dominated by Leigh Leopards.

The game of the night was over at the Shay as Halifax Panthers battled hard against Super League and World Champions St Helens.

The Saints won 26-6 but the night was overshadowed by Morgan Knowles’ red card.

On Saturday, Leeds Rhinos and Wigan Warriors treated us to a classic cup tie in the sunshine.

In the end a Bevan French brace was key as was his try saving tackle on Harry Newman.

In France, a late Matty Ashton try undid Catalans Dragons comeback and sent Warrington Wolves into the last eight of the competition.

Over in Salford, the Salford Red Devils won a 14-try thriller against Huddersfield Giants.

Salford led 24-0 and the Giants battled back to 24-22. Then the Red Devils took a 42-22 lead but the Giants’ second comeback set up a grand stand finish but Salford held on to a 42-40 win.

Meanwhile on Sunday, York RLFC ploughed passed London Broncos whilst Hull FC were comprehensive winners against Castleford Tigers setting up the full eight teams for the quarter-finals.

But who makes our team of the week?

Fullback: Bevan French (Wigan Warriors)
A match winning display from French who scored two lovely tries and came up with a huge try saving tackle on Harry Newman.

Wingers: Adam Swift (Hull FC) & Tom Briscoe (Leigh Leopards)
A sensational display from Adam Swift as he scored a delightful hat-trick one of which was on the back of a brilliant break. Meanwhile, the Challenge Cup hero of the past bagged a brace for Leigh in the shape of Briscoe.

Centres: Shaun Kenny-Dowall (Hull KR) & Liam Sutcliffe (Hull FC)
Two tries for Shaun Kenny-Dowall in a display that he also created tries for his teammates. Liam Sutcliffe meanwhile continued his fine form with assists on both sides of the field.

Halfbacks: Jake Clifford (Hull FC) & Harry Smith (Wigan Warriors)
Both these men ran the show in their Challenge Cup wins. Both kicked brilliantly whilst Clifford was a real creative spark.

Props: Sam Luckley (Hull KR) & Joe Greenwood (Huddersfield Giants)
A first try and a good display from Sam Luckley for the Robins. Meanwhile, Joe Greenwood returned from injury and was sensational for the Giants causing Salford loads of problems.

Hooker: Tui Lolohea (Huddersfield Giants)
Brought on as a number nine and he looked like he had played there his whole career causing the Red Devils loads of problems.

Second-Rowers: Liam Farrell (Wigan Warriors) & Josh Griffin (Hull FC)
Liam Farrell never ages and he had plenty of joy down the Leeds right. Meanwhile, Josh Griffin also had plenty of joy against the Tigers scoring the game’s first try.

Loose-Forward: Luke Yates (Huddersfield Giants)
A hat-trick form a 13 is always special. Yates was brilliant and was key to a superb Huddersfield fightback.