Super League Team of the Week

The second round of Super League is over, with a few more one-sided scores than in round one.

Leigh were pummelled by Warrington, Hull FC thrashed Salford and both Wigan and St Helens overcame their opponents with ease.

But, just which 17 players deserve their place in the second Team of the Week?

1. Jake Connor

After being given a positional switch by new head coach Brett Hodgson, Jake Connor has taken to the fullback role like a duck to water. And, in Hull’s 35-6 drubbing of Salford, Connor excelled throughout, throwing out some superb try-assists and looking every bit a number one.

2. Jake Bibby

He’s come under fire from Wigan fans since joining the club from Salford, but Jake Bibby silenced his doubters on Thursday night, notching a hat-trick with some brilliant finishes. Not only that though, his work rate was seriously impressive coming out of defence.

3. Willie Isa

If Jake Bibby was so good on the wing then you can’t not include his centre partner Willie Isa. Playing out of position due to the injury crisis at Wigan, Isa put in a magnificent shift, feeding the ball to his winger in tremendous fashion and keeping opposite number Reece Lyne very quiet.

4. Toby King

He’s started the season like a house on fire, but Toby King looks like he’s just getting started. The centre more than set his stall out in a two-try performance against Leigh, dominating down the left-hand edge with some superb touches and impressive defence.

5. Regan Grace

Another incredibly strong performance from the Welsh flier as Regan Grace crossed twice in an accomplished display. St Helens put Hull KR to the sword and the winger was crucial in getting the Saints good field position with some stellar runs.

6. Josh Reynolds

Yet another fine showing from new Hull FC recruit Josh Reynolds sees him make this team for the second week running. Although he departed not long after half-time, the halfback had already done the damage with two tries and masterful link-up play with both Marc Sneyd and Jake Connor.

7. Gareth Widdop

Much has been made of Gareth Widdop’s form in a Warrington shirt over the past year, but his performance against Leigh demonstrated that form is temporary and class is genuinely permanent as he cut the Centurions to shreds. His link-up play with Toby King and Stefan Ratchford down the Wolves’ left was impressive to say the least.

8. Gil Dudson

The Catalans forward seems to have settled in seamlessly at the south of France and performed admirably in their victory over Huddersfield on Saturday. Some strong carries and good go forward helped the Dragons get on the front foot, laying the platform for the backs to do the damage.

9. Daryl Clark

Having come on off the bench last weekend, Daryl Clark started at nine against Leigh. What a good decision that was by Steve Price as the England hooker destroyed the Centurions down the middle and was the catalyst for a lot of great Warrington play.

10. Matt Prior

Ever the professional at Leeds, Matt Prior had another stellar game at the weekend. Despite going down to Castleford, the Rhinos put in a valiant performance, with the Aussie prop at the forefront of their forward pack. Prior also crossed for a well-taken try. He will definitely be vital for Leeds in 2021.

11. Ben Currie

Ben Currie made mincemeat of Leigh’s right-edge defence with some bullocking runs and great skill, but it was his overall link-up play with Gareth Widdop and Tom Lineham that gives Currie the first second-row spot in the team of the week.

12. Oliver Holmes

Despite playing at 11 rather than 12, Oliver Holmes could not be missed off this list following a brilliant knock in Castleford’s close win over Leeds. The second-rower scored first for the second week in a row and was a constant thorn in the Rhinos’ side.

13. Zane Tetevano

For the second week in a row, Zane Tetevano takes the number 13 spot. The New Zealander looks a really handy and shrewd buy by the West Yorkshire side and on more than one occasion did Tetevano land a Tigers attacker on the floor with a big hit. Some monster carries through the heart of the Castleford defence would also have further enamoured the loose-forward to the Rhinos faithful.

Substitutes

14. Muizz Mustapha

It was his Hull KR debut, but Muizz Mustapha put in a great cameo role as Rovers went down painfully to St Helens. The blockbusting forward made some great yards and put in some hard hits to impress boss Tony Smith.

15. Sam Kasiano

Another big performance off the bench for the brutal prop, Sam Kasiano ran the ball in hard and put himself about in defence. Really seems to be enjoying his rugby in the south of France.

16. Michael Lawrence

He started on the bench for Huddersfield, but Michael Lawrence’s impact once he came on the field was evident. A massive inspiration to those around him, the forward helped steady the ship.

17. Scott Taylor

Scott Taylor started on the substitutes’ bench, but boy did he make an impact when he came onto the field. Tackling like a machine, the prop took the game to the Salford forwards and they just couldn’t handle him.