Super 8s Round 1: Team of the Week
There were a number of standout performances from Super League stars last week.
Please note that we have only selected players from current Super League clubs. We have not selected players from Championship clubs.
Olly Ashall-Bott (Widnes Vikings)
The young full-back or winger has impressed whenever he has played for Widnes this season. He scored a try on Thursday but it wasn’t enough as the Vikings lost to London in the opening game of the Qualifiers. He made two clean breaks and bust 11 tackles from 22 carries.
Photo courtesy of Richard Long
Tom Johnstone (Wakefield Trinity)
It is not hard to see why Johnstone has been selected for England this year. He scored a try to help Wakefield ease past Hull FC on Friday. The 23-year-old also made 107 metres from 11 drives, also busting 11 tackles.
Leroy Cudjoe (Huddersfield Giants)
The former England international has been vital for Huddersfield since his return from injury in June. He worked very hard in the Giants’ win at St Helens on Friday. He made 30 tackles from the centre role and even made nine carries.
Bill Tupou (Wakefield Trinity)
The 28-year-old is surely shoe-in for the Super League Dream Team this season. He was magnificent again on Friday as he inspired Wakefield to a good win at Hull FC. He scored a try as well as making 164 metres from 19 drives. He bust seven tackles and made one clean break.
Darnell McIntosh (Huddersfield Giants)
McIntosh has come on leaps and bounds under new coach Simon Woolford and he is quickly turning into a prolific try-scorer. The 21-year-old scored twice to help the Giants win away at Saints. He also made two clean breaks from 15 carries.
Rob Lui (Salford Red Devils)
Lui is a sensational player to watch. He has been a standout for the Red Devils this season and put in a classy display to help them beat Hull KR in the opening round of the Qualifiers. The former Wests Tigers and North Queensland Cowboys star scored from a fine 90-metre intercept try.
Jackson Hastings (Salford Red Devils)
The 22-year-old put in his best performance yet as he guided Salford to a crucial Qualifiers win over Hull KR on Friday. Hastings’ game management was incredible and he has built up a very impressive combination with half-back partner Lui. He even kicked four goals for the Red Devils.
Photo courtesy of Richard Long
Romain Navarrete (Wigan Warriors)
The France star has developed massively under the guidance of coach Shaun Wane this term. Navarrete put in a very hard-working performance in Wigan’s narrow win over Castleford. He made 20 tackles and 13 carries. Navarrete also made a clean break and bust a tackle.
Brad Dwyer (Leeds Rhinos)
Dwyer has been on top form over the last few weeks and continued to show his worth in Leeds’ win over Toulouse in the Qualifiers. His quick plays from dummy-half were a constant threat to the French side and he has built up a good combination with half-back Richie Myler.
Ben Flower (Wigan Warriors)
The Wales international put in his best performance of the season on Friday. Flower made 33 tackles – a solid effort for a front-rower. He also made 12 carries in Wigan’s win over Castleford.
Joe Philbin (Warrington Wolves)
Philbin has become a fan favourite at the Wolves this season due to his explosive, charging carries. He was the best player on the pitch in Warrington’s win over Catalans in the Super 8s. The Ireland international scored a try, made 29 tackles and took in 14 drive, as well as busting three tackles and making a clean break.
Ukuma Ta’ai (Huddersfield Giants)
The Tonga international was brilliant for Huddersfield in their win over league leaders St Helens. He made a whopping 27 tackles and made six carries. Ta’ai also made three clean breaks.
Bodene Thompson (Warrington Wolves)
It was a dream debut for Thompson. The ex-New Zealand forward started life in Super League with a win as Warrington thrashed Catalans. Thompson made a number of strong carries and big tackles. He could be a big player for them in this business end to the season.
