Well, that’s another round of Super League fixtures done and dusted and what a weekend it was!
All games were finished by Saturday night, with eight teams taking to the field on Friday night, but first it was up to Huddersfield Giants and Castleford Tigers to do battle at the John Smith’s Stadium. However, the battle was ended with five tries in 18 minutes from Huddersfield who confirmed their place in the Super League play-offs for the first time in seven years.
Wind the clock forward to Friday and Hull FC hosted Wakefield Trinity live on Sky Sports. It was another dreadful result for the Black and Whites who were soundly beaten by a Wakefield side almost certainly guaranteed of their Super League status for 2023.
Meanwhile, St Helens were able to assert their dominance at the top of the table with a comfortable 38-12 win over injury-ravaged Hull KR who now look destined to miss out on the Super League play-offs despite the inspiration of interim coach Danny McGuire.
Toulouse Olympique now look destined for the Championship after a 40-point hammering away at the Wigan Warriors who now look almost destined to snap up second place, though St Helens still aren’t out of reach.
The fourth game on Friday saw Warrington Wolves travel to Headingley to take on the Leeds Rhinos who are in a superb run of form under new head coach Rohan Smith. And, the Rhinos made it five wins in a row with a hard-fought 24-18 win as Warrington look in the mood for 2023.
Saturday night saw Salford Red Devils travel to the Catalans Dragons and inflict one of the greatest defeats in the French side’s history as Paul Rowley’s men put 46 points on them. That victory lifted Salford into the play-off at just the right time.
But, who has made our Super League Team of the Week?
1. Jack Welsby – St Helens
Started at halfback and ended at fullback after an injury to Will Hopoate, Jack Welsby is one of the most talented Super League players at present and he again showed his worth against Hull KR.
2. Bevan French – Wigan Warriors
Another night another hat-trick for Bevan French who just can’t seem to stop scoring as Wigan demolished Toulouse on Friday night.
3. Ben Davies – St Helens
Ben Davies has been entrusted by Saints boss Kristian Woolf to step up to the plate in 2022 and the versatile back enjoyed a great game against Hull KR.
4. Kai Pearce-Paul – Wigan Warriors
This man just keeps getting better and better in a Wigan shirt. Kai Pearce-Paul was in devastating form as the Warriors took Toulouse to the cleaners.
5. Lewis Murphy – Wakefield Trinity
Wakefield fans don’t have to worry about Tom Johnstone leaving, they have a ready-made replacement in Lewis Murphy waiting. The winger enjoyed a superb night against Hull FC, scoring a hat-trick and almost had a fourth.
Back from suspension, Olly Russell was in fine form as Huddersfield destroyed Castleford in the second-half. The halfback’s kicking game was superb and the Tigers just couldn’t live with it.
8. Alex Walmsley – St Helens
There is just no stopping Alex Walmsley when he is in this kind of destructive form with the forward taking the Hull KR pack to the cleaners on Friday night.
9. Andy Ackers – Salford Red Devils
Not one to usually grab the headlines, but Andy Ackers has quietly gone about his business in 2022 for Salford and he enjoyed another stellar game as the Red Devils put Catalans to the sword on Saturday.
10. Chris Hill – Huddersfield Giants
When Huddersfield needed their big men to stand up and be counted against Castleford on Thursday night, Chris Hill was at the forefront of that with some huge carries.
11. Morgan Gannon – Leeds Rhinos
How good is this teenager? Morgan Gannon not only got superb A Level results during last week, he enjoyed a brilliant try-scoring performance against Warrington. The Leeds man can be anything he wants to be.
12. James Bentley – Leeds Rhinos
James Bentley seems to be well and truly kicking into gear at Leeds now after a disappointing few months at the beginning of the season. The former Saints man took the game to the Warrington forwards in true style.
13. Zane Tetevano – Leeds Rhinos
He has had his fair share of critics in 2022, but Zane Tetevano showed his worth against Warrington on Friday with some huge plays and big hits in defence.
Substitutes
14. Joey Lussick – St Helens
A great performance off the bench for Joey Lussick for Saints against Hull KR ensures the Australian’s place on this list. The hooker also scored a try.
15. Brad Dwyer – Leeds Rhinos
It still remains to be seen why Leeds are getting rid of Brad Dwyer, he has been that good for the Rhinos in 2022. And, he brought some zip around the ruck against Warrington.
16. Peter Mata’utia – Warrington Wolves
After enduring a tough season at his new club, Peter Mata’utia was in brilliant form against Leeds on Friday and justified Daryl Powell’s transfer.
17. Kallum Watkins – Salford Red Devils
What a season Kallum Watkins is having in the pack. After making the transition to the back-row, the former Leeds man is one of the most in-form pack players in Super League and he showed his class against Catalans.
