It has been an impressive weekend of Super League rugby full of dramatic moments, controversy and amazing rugby as the season shapes into one of the best in recent memory.
It all started with a dramatic comeback from Warrington Wolves against Salford Red Devils helped along by a pair of controversial eight point tries as well as the brilliant George Williams.
On Friday night we were treated to five games. The action started in France where the Catalans Dragons made it three wins from three against Hull FC ending their unbeaten record with a 38-6 win at home.
Later, after talk had been dominated ahead of the game about the pitch and an inspection to see whether or not the game would go ahead, Huddersfield Giants got their first win with just one try scored in an 8-0 triumph with Joe Greenwood notching the decisive score.
It was initially a similar case at the Jungle with Castleford Tigers and Wigan Warriors 0-0 for some time before Liam Marshall changed the game scoring a hat-trick of tries.
But the best two games of the weekend were dramatic clashes decided in the final minute. At Hull KR, their brilliant start to the season came to an end as Leigh Leopards picked up their first win thanks to a dramatic late Josh Charnley try in a 30-25 win.
The story of the weekend was undoubtedly Leeds Rhinos picking up their first win of the season against Super League and World Champions St Helens spoiling their homecoming with a Blake Austin drop goal breaking Saints hearts in a game full of controversy with Sione Mata’utia, Curtis Sironen and Konrad Hurrell all spending time off the field with yellow or red cards whilst Sam Walters stayed on the field.
After all that, here is our team of the week:
Fullback: Matt Dufty (Warrington Wolves)
He may have bombed a try but he and Josh Thewlis combined for the game changing play in their own in goal. He also took his try very well yielding an eight point try.
Wingers: Liam Marshall (Wigan Warriors) & Josh Charnley (Leigh Leopards)
Eight tries in three games is a crazy amount and it was back to back hat-tricks for Liam Marshall and it could have been more. He turned the game. Josh Charnley won his side the game with a pair of amazing finishes.
Centres: Nene MacDonald (Leeds Rhinos) & Adam Keighran (Catalans Dragons)
Adam Keighran has taken to Super League like a duck to water and caused Hull FC endless problems and kicked goals impressively too. Joining him was Nene MacDonald who created a brilliant try for Ash Handley in his second appearance for the Rhinos. He also busted a number of tackles.
Halfbacks: George Williams (Warrington Wolves) & Aidan Sezer (Leeds Rhinos)
Aidan Sezer also caused St Helens problems with his impressive running game. This created doubt in the Saints defence. He made over 70 metres which is the sweet spot for a halfback. He picked up the Man of the Match award. As did George Williams who scored a brilliant solo try and created the winner for Josh Thewlis.
Props: Tyler Dupree (Salford Red Devils) & Siua Taukeiaho (Catalans Dragons)
It was the Catalans forwards who did the damage against Hull FC and Taukeiaho led the way and got a great try. Meanwhile for Salford, Tyler Dupree and Oliver Partington were brilliant despite losing getting through loads of work.
Hooker: Jarrod O’Connor (Leeds Rhinos)
Speaking of hard work, Jarrod O’Connor was exceptional at nine for Leeds leading the nine and making it tough for Saints. He made it seem that Leeds won’t miss Kruise Leeming.
Second-Rowers: Rhyse Martin (Leeds Rhinos) & Peter Mata’utia (Warrington Wolves)
Rhyse Martin was just as good scoring two special tries including a second where he fended off the likes of Alex Walmsley and Konrad Hurrell. Peter Mata’utia is included for the way he transitioned to the backrow and came up with a stunning assist.
Loose-Forward: Ben Garcia (Catalans Dragons)
This could have been Cameron Smith or Oliver Partington but Ben Garcia gets the spot for a try and an assist as he caused Hull FC problems in the middle.