Round 12: Super League Team of the Week
Only four Super League games were played at the weekend due to Challenge Cup action, but there were several outstanding performances nonetheless.
Ben Barba (St Helens)
We are losing words to describe Barba, because he has been in the team of the week several times now. The 28-year-old was sensational (again!) in St Helens’ massive 66-4 victory over Huddersfield Giants. He scored two tries and claimed three assists. He also made three clean breaks, just a stunning player to watch.
Jake Bibby (Salford Red Devils)
The 21-year-old made our team of the week last week and he has made it again this week after a remarkable display in Salford Red Devils’ 38-4 win over Wakefield Trinity. Bibby scored two tries as well as making 131 metres from 17 carries. He also made two clean breaks.
Jake Connor (Hull FC)
You either love him or loathe him, but no one can deny that Connor has serious talent. The 23-year-old put in a stellar display in Hull FC’s 19-18 win over Leeds Rhinos. He scored two tries and made 15 tackles. Connor has been on fire this term.
Oliver Gildart (Wigan Warriors)
At the age of 21, Gildart has established himself as one of the best centres in Super League and on Friday, you could see why. He scored two tries to help Wigan Warriors comfortably beat Castleford Tigers 28-12. He made 92 metres from 11 carries, too.
Joe Burgess (Wigan Warriors)
The 23-year-old is starting to show glimpses of incredible ability at the moment. Burgess made 197 metres on Friday and assisted Gildart for one of his tries. He proved to be a handful for the Tigers and looked dangerous every time he had the ball in hand.
Jonny Lomax (St Helens)
The 27-year-old had his best game in the halves for some time on Friday night. Lomax scored a hat-trick to help Saints ease past the Giants. He also grabbed an assist and made 147 metres from 20 carries. The England international even made 15 tackles, a fantastic all-round display.
Sam Tomkins (Wigan Warriors)
The 29-year-old actually played at full-back in Wigan’s win over Castleford, but due to there being two full-backs, we have been forced to slot him in the halves! We hope he doesn’t mind. He was at the heart of everything the Warriors did on Friday night and kicked four goals.
Scott Taylor (Hull FC)
The 27-year-old really did put his body on the line in Hull FC’s narrow win over Leeds. Taylor made 38 tackles, which is remarkable for a front-rower, and made 125 metres from 15 carries. The England ace has been an integral part of FC’s forward unit this season.
Matt Parcell (Leeds Rhinos)
The 25-year-old is one of the best hookers in Super League on his day and he was in the mood for it in Leeds’ slender loss at Hull FC. He made 39 tackles and 12 carries. Parcell scored a try and was unlucky to be on the losing side.
George Griffin (Salford Red Devils)
The 25-year-old has found chances hard to come by at Salford this season, but took his opportunity with both hands on Friday night as the Red Devils eased past Wakefield. He made 157 metres from 18 carries, averaging 8.72 metres per-drive. Griffin also made 42 tackles and even scored a try.
Jamie Jones-Buchanan (Leeds Rhinos)
The 36-year-old is like a fine wine, he gets better with age! Jones-Buchanan is one of the hardest working players in Super League. He made 40 tackles against Hull FC as well taking 10 drives in. The former Great Britain and England forward is a very, very good player to have in your team.
Tyrone McCarthy (Salford Red Devils)
The 30-year-old covered every blade of grass in Salford’s win over Wakefield. McCarthy took 16 drives in and made 28 tackles while in the back-row. The Ireland star crossed for a try as well, which is a bonus for any forward. He even kicked two goals!
Jon Wilkin (St Helens)
The 34-year-old has been in fine form this season and was first class again on Friday as he led St Helens to a convincing win against Huddersfield. Wilkin assisted three tries as well as taking in 19 drives and making 17 tackles. He is playing some outstanding rugby at the moment.
