Super League Team of the Week: Two sides dominate as Wigan player features

You would have been hard pressed to predict what happened in Super League this week – though we at Serious About Rugby League did predict five of the six results correctly – as the story of the season continues to unfold.

It all started at Belle Vue as Wakefield Trinity were tipped by some to finally win as they hosted Hull FC.

Despite a strong first half, without new signing Luke Gale, Trinity were well beaten by the Black and Whites in the end.

On Friday night there were four games and in the early kick-off Leigh Leopards added to Huddersfield Giants’ woes as they eased to a 30-4 win over the Giants.

Elsewhere, there was a comfortable win for Catalans Dragons as they ran in eight tries against a struggling Castleford Tigers side.

Meanwhile, two of the top teams served up a thriller as Warrington Wolves battled back from 12-0 down to defeat Hull KR 21-14.

They now have a four point lead at the top because of what happened elsewhere as they headlines were made at Wigan.

Wigan Warriors took a 14-0 lead before at 14-6 Leeds Rhinos’ Zane Tetevano was sent off. However, Leeds with 12 men sensationally won the second half 34-4 to claim a 40-18 win.

The weekend’s action concluded on Saturday when St Helens battled back from 12-0 down to defeat Salford Red Devils 26-12 as James Roby broke the club’s appearance record.

But after all that who makes our team of the week?

Fullback: Bevan French (Wigan Warriors)
Wigan may have suffered a humiliating defeat but Bevan French could have done little else notching a try and being a general threat. He also saved Wigan’s blushes with a try saver on Sam Lisone.

Wingers: Nene MacDonald (Leeds Rhinos) & Josh Charnley (Leigh Leopards)
Nene MacDonald turned the game against Wigan. It was his break that led to Leeds’ first try of the second half. Not a headline grabber, but his second half carries were key. As for Josh Charnley he notched yet another brace of tries as he shines in 2023.

Centres: Harry Newman (Leeds Rhinos) & Adam Keighran
Harry Newman had to feature after his two game changing tries for Leeds. But he wasn’t the only centre to bag a brace as Keighran continued his amazing form.

Halfbacks: Blake Austin (Leeds Rhinos) & Jonny Lomax (St Helens)
Unsurprisingly Leeds dominate the team and Blake Austin had to be included. His runs were the backbone of Leeds’ second half as he tore Wigan to pieces. Meanwhile it was a more cerebral tearing apart of Salford from Lomax. He notched some cute assists alongside stealing a try.

Props: Tom Holroyd (Leeds Rhinos) & Scott Taylor (Hull FC)
Tom Holroyd was another key player in turning the game round for Leeds on Friday night and claimed a try as well. Meanwhile Scott Taylor came into the starting side for Hull FC and made a real impact and notched a try too.

Hooker: James Roby (St Helens)
On his big day Roby was typically flawless. His run sparked Saints’ revival and the legendary skipper gave Saints the composure they needed.

Second-Rowers: Curtis Sironen (St Helens) & Ben Currie (Warrington Wolves)
It is rare that we see a second-row notch a try and an assist but Sironen did. He played the game on the edge and was very physical in a brilliant display. He is joined by Ben Currie who produced a sensational try at a key moment in the game.

Loose-Forward: Cameron Smith (Leeds Rhinos)
A try scorer in Leeds’ win, another key player in Leeds’ comeback win. He produced a quintessential Smith display with hard work and skill.