Well, that’s another week of Super League done and dusted and what a brilliant round it was, full of major surprises and twists and turns.
The round began on Thursday night when Warrington Wolves took on Toulouse Olympique at the Halliwell Jones Stadium in what proved to be a nervy affair until the hosts took the game away from their French opponents in a 32-18 win, alleviating relegation fears at Warrington.
Move forward to Friday and Hull KR hosted Leeds Rhinos at Craven Park in what turned out to be one of the most exciting games in recent weeks as Rohan Smith’s men managed to overcome the Robins whilst Castleford Tigers inflicted a surprise defeat on the Catalans Dragons at the Jungle.
Lee Radford’s side, cut to ribbons due to injury and suspension, managed to have too much for the Dragons who couldn’t live with the likes of Paul McShane and Gareth O’Brien.
Saturday saw Salford Red Devils take on the Huddersfield Giants live on Channel 4, with Paul Rowley’s men outenthusing and outmatching Ian Watson’s side with the Red Devils now honing in on a play-off spot.
Wind the clock forward to Sunday and Wakefield Trinity pulled off one of the shocks of the season so far with a brilliant 30-12 win over the Wigan Warriors – and they fully deserved it.
Meanwhile, in East Yorkshire, Hull FC were on the receiving end of a horrific 60-6 defeat to the hands of St Helens with points difference now making it unlikely that the Black and Whites will force themselves into the top six.
But, who stood out?
1. Matt Dufty – Warrington Wolves
With Matt Dufty suffering an injured foot, it was touch and go whether the Warrington fullback would play against Toulouse. He did, and Warrington were thankful for it with some wonderful touches.
2. Tommy Makinson – St Helens
Eight goals and two tries later and Tommy Makinson had a 24-point haul to his name as St Helens demolished Hull FC this afternoon.
3. Konrad Hurrell – St Helens
Saints completely tore apart Hull FC this afternoon and Konrad Hurrell was a big part of that, scoring twice and destroying the Black and Whites’ defence on more than one occasion.
4. Tim Lafai – Salford Red Devils
This man just keeps getting better and better as the Salford Red Devils tore apart Huddersfield on Saturday. Tim Lafai really is one of the most in form players in the competition.
5. Joe Burgess – Salford Red Devils
If Joe Burgess isn’t in with a sniff of England honours at the end of the season then something must have gone wrong because the Salford winger has been exceptional for the Red Devils in 2022 and Saturday’s performance against Huddersfield was no different.
Played out of position at halfback against Catalans on Friday night, Paul McShane had one of his best games of the season so far for Castleford.
8. Jai Whitbread – Wakefield Trinity
It’s surprising that Jai Whitbread is not on a number of top Super League clubs’ wish lists as his performances just keep getting better and better, including a tremendous stint against Wigan today.
9. Brad Dwyer – Leeds Rhinos
It begs the question why Leeds are letting Brad Dwyer go with such a brilliant performance against Hull KR. The hooker enjoyed a stunning game with a well-taken try bringing the momentum back in the Rhinos’ favour.
10. Mikolaj Oledzki – Leeds Rhinos
The Polish-born prop was in superb form for Leeds against Hull KR on Friday night, taking in some bulldozing runs and putting a shift in defence. Though sinbinned, Mikolaj Oledzki deserves his spot here.
11. Chris McQueen – Huddersfield Giants
Though Huddersfield went down to Salford on Saturday, they still had Chris McQueen in stellar form as per usual as he registered a brilliant try.
12. Morgan Gannon – Leeds Rhinos
Morgan Gannon has been gaining so many admirers in recent years with maturity beyond his years. And, the back-rower scored two great tries against Hull KR to help Leeds to a big win.
13. Oliver Holmes – Warrington Wolves
Played at loose forward, Oliver Holmes had his best game of the season against Toulouse with a massive try and big performance helping to stave off relegation fears.
Substitutes
14. Mason Lino – Wakefield Trinity
What a performance from Wakefield against Wigan, and, most of Trinity’s good stuff came through Mason Lino.
15. Robbie Mulhern – Warrington Wolves
When Warrington needed their big men to stand up and be counted, Robbie Mulhern provided that off the bench with some huge runs.
16. Jacob Miller – Wakefield Trinity
If Mason Lino deserves a place on this list then so does Jacob Miller. He too was instrumental in the win over Wigan this afternoon.
17. Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook – St Helens
Still going at the ripe old age of 36, LMS proved his youthful vigour, scoring twice against Hull FC this afternoon.
London Broncos
Super League club have “got no chance”
