York Knights dominate Super League team of the week as eight new signings named

Super League round one was full of surprises, entertainment and drama as the competition’s 30th campaign got off to an enthralling start.

From shock wins for York Knights and Toulouse Olympique, to Super League newbies shining on their first appearance in new surroundings, the opening weekend had it all, and we have picked out an XIII who deserve to be the team of the week.

The Knights top the charts with four players named, whilst Bradford Bulls and Castleford Tigers have players named, despite their respective defeats.

Catalans Dragons have two players, as Joel Tomkins’ side secured a 26-10 victory over Huddersfield Giants.

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Super League Round One Team of the Week

Full-back: Cai Taylor-Wray (Warrington Wolves)

The young number one certainly stepped up to the task, and was the best player on the field in Warrington’s victory over St Helens. His efforts included a brilliant long-range try, an assist and a total of 219 metres run. The pressure was on him to perform, and he did that in abundance.

Wingers: Connor Wynne (Bradford Bulls) and Zach Eckersley (Wigan Warriors)

Returning to his former club, Wynne was part of Bradford’s valiant effort against Hull FC, but it wouldn’t be enough to see them earn victory. The former Featherstone Rovers man crossed twice, and ran for 112 metres – a strong showing on his Super League return.

Judging on his first-half performance, Eckersley would be nowhere near this team, after bombing two certain tries. However, he made up for his mistakes in the second half, and also scored a brace in Wigan’s 26-16 victory. He also grabbed an assist and ran for 125 metres.

Centres: Sam Wood (York Knights) and Krystian Mapapalangi (Castleford Tigers)

Scoring the opening try of the Super League season, Wood was one of many players who excelled in the victory over Hull KR, and he bagged a second score later in the game. Moving from Castleford in the off-season, York have picked up a great addition in the former England international.

Speaking of the Tigers, it’s hard to believe new recruit Mapapalangi has been in the country for just over a fortnight, given how well he played on Super League debut. Centres are mostly marked on their attacking play, but it was the Aussies defensive ability that stood him out amongst the rest. With some good reads and excellent work on his own line, the newbie certainly saved some tries, in a brilliant showing in front of his new set of fans.

Halves: Lewis Dodd (Catalans Dragons) and Ata Hingano (York Knights)

Former St Helens man Dodd shone on his Super League return, and helped Catalans to victory with a strong performance. Either one of the Dragons’ halves could have made this team, with new recruit Toby Sexton also featuring heavily in the win.

Hingano may have only had a couple of key moments in York’s win, but it was by far the most influential, as his first ever drop goal secured his side the victory over the Robins. He also got the assist for Scott Galeano’s try, which levelled the game at 18-18.

Hooker: Paul McShane (York Knights)

Another of York’s heroes, veteran McShane showed his class as he guided his side around the field from the base of the ruck. His quick-thinking set up Wood for his first try, and with a solid defensive stint too, he was the stand-out nine in the opening round of fixtures.

Props: Paul Vaughan (York Knights) and Robbie Mulhern (Leigh Leopards)

A fourth York player, Vaughan was another veteran head that used all of their prior experience to navigate a win for his side. Playing for the first 50 minutes without an interchange, he was instrumental in getting York up the field, and more performances like that will go a long way towards York’s success this year.

Making a huge 45 tackles, Mulhern was arguably the best forward on the pitch in Leigh’s victory, and once again shown why he is one of the stand-out front rowers in the competition.

Second-row: Joe Batchelor (Hull FC) and Zac Lipowicz (Catalans Dragons)

Scoring on Super League debut for Hull FC, Batchelor crossed to open FC’s scoring, and was in support of Will Pryce, who put in a delicate kick for his new teammate to score.

Lipowicz didn’t find the try line, but he did manage to secure an assist, as a lovely pass to Charlie Staines sent him over. The former Penrith man also ran for 120 metres and made 33 tackles.

Loose forward: Oliver Partington (Wigan Warriors)

Returning to Wigan this off-season, Partington’s first Super League showing since being back at the club was a solid one, and he was a key part of Wigan’s forward pack on Sunday afternoon.