Wigan Warriors have dominated this week’s Team of the Week selections after their incredible victories in Round 15.
The Warriors raced into a 72-0 lead after an hour against York Knights before putting the cue on the rack and allowing the home side to score four tries in the final 10 minutes. That part of the game will infuriate Matt Peet, but take nothing away from how dominant the Warriors were, with many expecting records to be broken at the LNER Community Stadium.
Leeds Rhinos were first up on Thursday night, travelling to Warrington Wolves in a top-two battle. A 34-6 win suggested otherwise, but take nothing away from the Rhinos, who produced their best effort of the season, barring that Vegas win over Hull KR.
Elsewhere, Hull KR and Wakefield Trinity picked up wins, as did Castleford Tigers, Catalans Dragons and St Helens.
With players selected from all the winning sides, here is the Serious About Rugby League Round 15 Team of the Week.
Super League Team of the Week
Full-back: Jai Field (Wigan Warriors)
The Aussie speedster racked up a hat-trick, picked up two assists and ran for a huge 239 metres. He made two clean breaks, with the York defence just unable to keep him quiet as he was at his electric best.
Wingers: Maika Sivo (Leeds Rhinos) and Noah Hodkinson (Wigan Warriors)
Two more players who scored hat-tricks, Sivo dotted down for three against the Wolves, taking his season total to 27, with 25 of those coming in Super League. Fun fact: Sivo scored more tries (three) than he made tackles (two)! One of those tackles was the huge hit on Ewan Irwin that rocked the young half-back for six.
Hodkinson scored his seventh try in two games after four last week and three this week. His best try of the afternoon came from Field’s break, where the full-back then produced a sublime kick cross-field to allow the youngster in to score.
Centres: Jake Wardle (Wigan Warriors) and Peta Hiku (Hull KR)
Wardle was named Man of the Match in the Wigan win, but that award could have gone to the majority of the 17 players that took to the field. He scored two tries, created another and ran for 120 metres in yet another solid showing from the England centre.
Scoring a try and an assist, Hiku was on fire at Craven Park as the Robins extended their unbeaten run at Craven Park to 12 matches.
Halves: Daejarn Asi (Castleford Tigers) and Jake Connor (Leeds Rhinos)
After recent performances, Asi making the Team of the Week would have been near impossible, but this week he really stepped up to have one of his best games in a Tigers shirt. Whether he’s playing for a contract so his performances go up a level, we will have to see, but with three try contributions and a strong kicking game, the Castleford stand-off certainly deserves recognition – as does half-back partner Tom Weaver.
Connor makes the side yet again after another commanding performance against a top four rival. Halves partner Croft also flourished against his future club, but the Englishman takes the spot after guiding Leeds to one of their biggest wins of the season so far.
Props:Â Alex Walmsley (St Helens) and Mike McMeeken (Wakefield Trinity)
Realistically, these two could be England’s starting props at the World Cup, with their performances this season earning them a place in Brian McDermott’s 38-man performance squad.
The pair both backed up their inclusions with strong showings, with Walmsley crossing for a try and making a huge 158 metres with ball in hand.
McMeeken also got over the dotted line against Hull FC, as well as making 25 tackles and running for 123 metres.
Hooker: Kruise Leeming (Catalans Dragons)
Even the Wigan loanees had their fun this weekend, with Leeming shining excellently for Catalans – scoring one and creating two more. He also made 29 tackles and ran for 51 metres off just four carries.
Second Row: Curtis Sironen (St Helens) and Seth Nikotemo (Wakefield Trinity)
Both selected back rowers scored try doubles this week, with Sironen having his best game since returning from injury.
Nikotemo’s double was backed up with 30 tackles and some strong run metres as well.
Loose Forward: Oliver Partington (Wigan Warriors)
Rounding out the side is another Wigan man, and someone who can call themselves unlucky not to be selected for the England performance squad.
Partington has been in sensational form as of late, and this week he racked up 135 metres, 23 tackles and four tackle busts.
