The Challenge Cup Team of the Week is in, and to nobody’s surprise, Hull KR and Wigan Warriors have dominated the selections.
Both of those teams won comfortably in their respective semi-finals, with KR downing Warrington Wolves on Sunday in a 32-12 win.
Wigan got the better of local rivals St Helens, thumping Paul Rowley’s side 32-0 in a surprising scoreline given the last time the two sides met just a month prior.
Both of the winners have six players each included in the selections, with only one player from the 13 coming from a defeated team.
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Challenge Cup Semi-Finals Team of the Week
Full Back: Josh Thewlis (Warrington Wolves)
The only player from a losing side to be named, Thewlis made some crucial tackles to keep Wire in the game, but it wouldn’t be enough to earn his side a place at Wembley.
Wingers: Noah Hodkinson (Wigan Warriors) and Joe Burgess (Hull KR)
Whilst he didn’t get on the scoresheet, the 20-year-old performed exceptionally and made some excellent metres from back field.
Burgess crossed for two tries in Rovers’ win, and was pivotal in finishing off some well-worked team moves.
Centres: Oliver Gildart (Hull KR) and Jake Wardle (Wigan Warriors)
Gildart’s try saw was the try saw out the game for KR, taking the lead from eight to 14 points.
Wardle has returned to the Wigan side with a bang, and as well as making a try-saving tackle on Daryl Clark, his intercept try on half time killed the game off for Wigan and putting one foot in the final.
Halves: Jack Farrimond (Wigan Warriors) and Tyrone May (Hull KR)
The Wigan youngster was in sensational form, combining with the returning Harry Smith to form a lethal partnership.
May proved his class once again, assisting both of James Batchelor’s tries. He also led his team round the field superbly, with his kicking game important too.
Props: Tom Amone (Hull KR) and Sam Walters (Wigan Warriors)
Amone’s first stint helped KR set the tone in his first 20 minutes, and was a beast on both sides of the ball.
Walters returned after three games suspended, and in a different position to what he is used to, performed well in his comeback.
Hooker: Brad O’Neill (Wigan Warriors)
Providing aggression in defence and fluidity in attack, the Wigan number nine played across two stints, and was hugely influential in his side’s win.
Back rowers: Junior Nsemba (Wigan Warriors) and James Batchelor (Hull KR)
Nsemba has looked backed to his best this season, with his Ashes snub last year giving him added hunger for a place on the plane to the World Cup. His tackle on Alex Walmsley was one of many occasions where Wigan totally dominated the Red Vee.
Batchelor had to go off for a HIA test, which he passes, but he still managed to score twice, dotting down for the first and final try of the game, both of which were thanks to a May assist.
Loose Forward: Elliot Minchella (Hull KR)
The Robins captain led his side to what would be a comfortable win, as they remained composed yet aggressive in their defence. Michella would have continued his recent trend of playing reduced minutes, but the Batchelor HIA forced a switch in Willie Peters’ plans.
