Fullback – Stefan Ratchford (Warrington Wolves)
Scored two tries in his side’s narrow win over Wakefield. Added plenty of depth to their attack as always and was a real threat with ball in hand.
Wing – Jermaine McGillvary (Huddersfield Giants)
Returned to his stellar best on Friday night with an excellent attacking display that included two tries and an impressive 194 metres made. Definitely staking a claim for a starting England spot next week.
Centre – Kris Welham (Salford Red Devils)
Reached 150 career tries with two impressive touchdowns on Thursday night. Also had the biggest average metre gain of the two sides, with 14.22.
Centre – Bryson Goodwin (Warrington Wolves)
Effectively kicked his side to victory and was influential in the build up to two of Warrington’s four tries. Showed some superb strength and dexterity for his assists.
Wing – Jy Hitchcox (Castleford Tigers)
Produced an outstanding four-try display with some brilliant and opportunistic finishes. Constantly proving a solid stand-in for Greg Eden.
Stand-off – Rob Lui (Salford Red Devils)
Ran the show on Thursday, with an opportunistic try and an assist. Ran the most metres and put in a real shift, showing how key he is to any Salford success.
Scrum-half – Danny Richardson (St Helens)
Came in clutch with an excellent late conversion and drop-goal and showed his maturity once again all game on Friday. Still bewilders me why he isn’t on the plane to Denver. Young Huddersfield half Oliver Russell also deserves an honourable mention this week after another excellent performance.
Prop – Mitch Garbutt (Leeds Rhinos)
An unsung hero for the Rhinos on Friday and a pleasure to see back on the field. His offloading was key to his side’s inventive attack, as were his 24 aggressive carries, the second most of any player all weekend.
Hooker – Matt Parcell (Leeds Rhinos)
One of many Leeds players who didn’t deserve to be on the losing side. He was electric out of dummy half and certainly troubled Saints’ defence, making the most metres and tackle busts all game. His best performance so far this season by far.
Another solid performance ahead of his England duties next week. Made the most tackles and tackle busts of anyone in the Wigan team and was a constant thorn in Hull FC’s side.
Second Row – Alex Mellor (Huddersfield Giants)
His second consecutive inclusion after another consistent performance. Made the most tackles in the game with 46 and put in a shift going forward.
Loose Forward – Adam Cuthbertson (Leeds Rhinos)
Played almost as an extra halfback in attack, but was just as potent in defence, making the most tackles in the Rhinos’ side. His agility for such a big man continues to amaze and he led from the front for the full 80.
