Challenge Cup Team of the Week: Wigan Warriors, St Helens and Huddersfield Giants dominate

It was Challenge Cup semi-final weekend at Elland Road.

With Leeds Rhinos Women and St Helens Women turning up a thriller in the opening game at lunchtime, it was time for Wigan Warriors and St Helens to do battle.

What a phenomenal game it turned out to be with Wigan eventually running out 20-18 winners, initially blowing Saints away in the first-half with a 14-0 lead.

Saints came back to hit the front at 18-14, but Liam Marshall’s runaway try settled proceedings.

Then it was up to Huddersfield Giants to serve a battering on Hull KR who managed to just avoid being nilled in a 25-4 drubbing.

1. Jai Field – Wigan Warriors

He was closed down in attack, but Jai Field’s incredible tackle on Konrad Hurrell to dislodge the ball when it looked easier to score underlined his commitment to the cause.

2. Jermaine McGillvary – Huddersfield Giants

Paired up against Ryan Hall was a juicy prospect in itself, but Jermaine McGillvary blasted his opponent off the field and scored a magnificent effort early in the second-half to take the wind out of Hull KR’s sails.

3. Ricky Leutele – Huddersfield Giants

Yes, he played on the left rather than the right but he had to be included after a fantastic performance against KR.

4. Jake Bibby – Wigan Warriors

Coming up against Konrad Hurrell in the centres could have been daunting to say the least, but Jake Bibby was superb and kept him quiet for most of the game.

5. Liam Marshall – Wigan Warriors

What an afternoon for winger Liam Marshall! He scored twice and kept Tommy Makinson quiet for all of the game with his try finally settling the result.

6. Oliver Russell – Huddersfield Giants

With Theo Fages allowed to control the game against Hull KR, Oliver Russell did what he does best – instil his own unique running game to cut the Robins apart on numerous occasions.

7. Harry Smith – Wigan Warriors

Trusted with the number 7 shirt following the injury to Tommy Leuluai, Harry Smith has been superb for Wigan in that time. And, he was in brilliant form again with his kicking game head and shoulders above what Saints could offer.

8. Chris Hill – Huddersfield Giants

This man just knows how to lead from the front and he was in inspiring form for Huddersfield against Hull KR.

9. James Roby – St Helens

Though on the losing side, James Roby looked like a spring chicken from yesteryear with his try sending Saints into a lead – albeit short-lived.

10. Oliver Wilson – Huddersfield Giants

This young man has a big future ahead of him and he more than mixed it with Hull KR’s big men.

11. Liam Farrell – Wigan Warriors

Can this man actually get any better? His try saw Liam Farrell cut through Saints’ defence like a hot knife through butter and he was yet again instrumental in defence.

12. Josh Jones – Huddersfield Giants

Josh Jones proved a real thorn in Hull KR’s side all evening, scoring a well-taken try as well as outmuscling numerous opponents on a number of occasions.

13. Luke Yates – Huddersfield Giants

He is probably the most underrated player in Super League and he showed just why against Hull KR with a brilliant knock.

Substitutes

14. Jez Litten – Hull KR

Credit to Jez Litten, he was about the only one to create something for Hull KR when he came off the bench in what was a dismal performance for Rovers.

15. Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook – St Helens

When St Helens needed some much needed spark off the bench, LMS provided just that with an inspirational performance.

16. Owen Trout – Huddersfield Giants

He ran hard and scored a deserved try with Owen Trout maturing with every passing game.

17. Agnatius Paasi – St Helens

Again, like LMS, Agnatius Paasi came off the bench when Saints were in dire straits. And, again a superb effort from the powerful  forward to bring Saints back into it.