Super League Team of the Week: Two players feature despite defeat

Another weekend of Super League has now concluded.

It all started in Castleford as the Tigers ended their losing start against bitter rivals Leeds Rhinos with a 14-8 win after a resurgent display.

Derrell Olpherts squandered a golden chance to level the game in the dying minutes against his former club when he dropped James Bentley’s pass.

The same could be said of former Rhino Brad Dwyer when he chased Adam Swift’s kick and fumbled it against St Helens. Instead Jon Bennison went on to score and wrap up a 20-12 win.

Elsewhere on Friday night, Wigan Warriors edged matters against Huddersfield Giants with Bevan French scoring twice. The Giants only scored one try in their 14-12 defeat.

Warrington Wolves turned on the style against Leigh Leopards as Matty Ashton scored an eight-minute hat-trick against the Leopards in a 38-20.

On Saturday, Tom Johnstone continued his superb season with a hat-trick against Hull KR as the Robins lost 26-12.

Then today a golden point drop goal from Marc Sneyd kept Wakefield winless.

But who makes the team of the week?

Fullback: Matt Dufty (Warrington Wolves)
Two more tries for Warrington’s speedster and a superb performance summed up by his early break which set the tone for the Wolves on a brilliant night.

Wingers: Tom Johnstone (Catalans Dragons) & Matty Ashton (Warrington Wolves)
An eight-minute hat-trick for Matty Ashton this week and he looks as good as ever with such amazing speed. Him and Dufty are a dangerous duo. Tom Johnstone also picked up another hat-trick including two long range efforts.

Centre: Toby King (Wigan Warriors) & Josh Griffin (Hull FC)
Jake Wardle may have scored but Toby King stood up well especially in defence. Meanwhile Josh Griffin did the same for Hull FC.

Halfbacks: Jake Clifford (Hull FC) & Lewis Dodd (St Helens)
Lewis Dodd picked up the Sky Sports Man of the Match on Friday night whilst Jake Clifford did on the OurLeague app. The duo are both great halfbacks.

Props: Liam Watts (Castleford Tigers) & Paul Vaughan (Warrington Wolves)
Liam Watts was back to his best against Leeds on Thursday night. He made it a struggle for Leeds getting out their own end. Paul Vaughan meanwhile was typically brilliant as he has been all season. He also scored a try.

Hooker: Daryl Clark (Warrington Wolves)
Daryl Clark was again lively out of dummy half and seems to be relishing Daryl Powell’s style of play.

Second-Rowers: Liam Farrell (Wigan Warriors) & Curtis Sironen (St Helens)
Liam Farrell often goes under the radar because every week he plays well and he did so again in a real battle royal against the Huddersfield Giants. Likewise, Curtis Sironen continued his top form in 2023.

Loose-Forward: Joe Westerman (Castleford Tigers)
Another Cas player back to his best. A great performance which mixed physicality with skill especially seen in the game’s opening try.