Round 11 of the Betfred Super League felt significant.
There were some big results as some of the top teams in the league were beaten.
In recent weeks, Wigan Warriors have inserted themselves as potential favourites for the Super League title with wins against rivals St Helens and Warrington Wolves but their winning run of six games ended in a shock defeat to Hull FC.
The Black and Whites have now won the last two after seven defeats in a row and they stormed into a 14-0 lead but in the end were forced to hold on as Wigan battled back.
On Friday night there were five games. In France, a rampaging bull stole the show before Catalans Dragons scored 24 unanswered points to defeat Champions St Helens who have now lost three of the last four.
Meanwhile, last year’s beaten Grand Finalists Leeds Rhinos were beaten by Salford Red Devils at home as ill-discipline and errors let them down against a resurgent Red Devils side.
Over in Hull, Hull KR continued to underline their role as dark horses for success in 2023 as they thumped Huddersfield Giants 28-0 whilst newly promoted Leigh Leopards continued their play-off plus with a win over Castleford Tigers.
Wakefield Trinity meanwhile showed great character to push Warrington Wolves away. The Wolves battled to a win that sent them top of the league.
But who makes the team of the week?
Fullback: Arthur Mourgue (Catalans Dragons)
12-0 down, Catalans Dragons were doing it tough and then Arthur Mourgue scored a sensational try. It was a reminder of the quality the French fullback has and why he will be in high demand with his contract expiring.
Wingers: Matty Ashton (Warrington Wolves) & Ryan Hall (Hull KR)
Matty Ashton celebrated his new deal with two tries including one that showed his amazing pace. Veteran Ryan hall also showed he still has pace as he went the length of the field for a try after a huge fend on Kevin Naiqama. That was one of two tries.
Centres: Ricky Leutele (Huddersfield Giants) & Ellis Longstaff (Salford Red Devils)
Over in Leigh, Ricky Leutele played a key role in their win over Castleford as he scored a key try. Meanwhile, out of position Ellis Longstaff kept Harry Newman quiet as he claimed the decisive try.
Halfbacks: Jake Clifford (Hull FC) & Marc Sneyd (Salford Red Devils)
We saw Jake Clifford at his absolute best on Thursday night with a lovely try and assist as he masterminded Wigan’s defeat. Meanwhile, it was Marc Sneyd’s game management that defeated Leeds Rhinos on Friday.
Props: Ava Seumanufagai (Leigh Leopards) & Brad Fash (Hull FC)
Leigh’s pack has stood up to Super League standards and Seumanufagai came onto the field and scored a key try. Meanwhile, Brad Fash was key to Hull FC matching Wigan’s pack as the Black and Whites came up with a famous win.
Hooker: Danny Houghton (Hull FC)
Danny Houghton was key too. He made 50 tackles including a vital tackle on a break away Bevan French.
Second-Rowers: James Batchelor (Hull KR) & Kai O’Donnell (Leigh Leopards)
Two of the best and most underrated backrowers feature. Batchelor scored twice as he continues to impress for the Robins. O’Donnell got himself a try as he continued his fine form.
Loose-Forward: Elliot Minchella (Hull KR)
Minchella has been superb for Hull KR this season and in the absence of Jordan Abdull he took on more responsibilities.
