Round 3: Super League Team of the Week

All six Super League games were played this weekend and there were a number of stand-out performers.

Stefan Ratchford (Warrington Wolves)

The 29-year-old admitted that he started the season poorly but that could possibly have been in a good thing. He has been top class in Warrington’s last two matches. Ratchford made 161 metres from 21 carries in Warrington’s victory against Wigan, busting four tackles.

Tom Johnstone (Wakefield Trinity)

The 22-year-old once again stole the headlines with an outstanding display in Perpignan. Johnstone scored a superb try as well as making a mind-blowing 228 metres from 18 carries, averaging 12.67 metres per drive. He is certainly pushing for a spot in the England set up, whether that be for Wayne Bennett’s side or the England Knights.

Krisnan Inu (Widnes Vikings)

What a signing the 30-year-old looks to be for Widnes. The former New Zealand international was sensational in Widnes’ win over Leeds. He scored two tries as well as busting seven tackles from 22 carries. He also kicked three goals.

Bryson Goodwin (Warrington Wolves)

The 32-year-old looks to be a huge coup for the Wolves. He has impressed all four games so far and displayed a touch of class against Wigan. He made an average of 11.46 metres from each drive he took in. Goodwin also made four offloads and kicked four goals.

Adam Swift (St Helens) 

The 25-year-old has been in and out of the Saints side over the last 12 months due to Wales ace Regan Grace bursting onto the scene. However, Swift gave coach Justin Holbrook something to think about with a solid display in their win at Huddersfield. He made 11 tackles as well as making 99 metres from 13 drives. He looks to have bulked up in the off-season as well which makes him explosive going forward.

Greg Bird (Catalans Dragons)

Who would have thought you would see a 33-yar-old Greg Bird playing at stand-off this year? Let us tell you – not many! The former Australia star was unlucky to be on the losing side against Wakefield. He came up with an assist and took in 20 drives as well making four offloads. Bird busted four tackles in total.

Jamie Ellis (Castleford Tigers)

The 28-year-old performed excellently in Castleford’s win over Hull FC. He came up with three assists and his kicking game was pleasing. Ellis also made nine tackles and bust a tackle. He could be key for the Tigers this year.

David Fifita (Wakefield Trinity)

The 28-year-old really is a joy to watch. Fans pay their hard-earned money to see great tries, big hits and entertaining rugby league – Fifita definitely delivers the latter two. He had yet another sublime game in the South of France, scoring a try as well as making 144 metres from 18 carries. Fifita also made 20 tackles and busted six tackles.

Kruise Leeming (Huddersfield Giants)

The 22-year-old is a rising star in the game and could soon earn a call up to the England Knights to kick start his international career. Leeming had a great game against St Helens, making 33 tackles, with six of them being from marker. He’s one to watch this year.

Mickey Paea (Hull FC)

The Tonga star had, arguably, his best ever game in a Hull FC jersey on Saturday. Paea got through lot of work in defence, making 34 tackles. The 31-year-old also made 127 metres from 14 carries as well as scoring a try – a fine effort for a front-rower.

Zeb Taia (St Helens)

The 33-year-old has started the season in marvellous fashion. He was the best forward on the field in Saints’ win over the Giants. Taia made a whopping 41 tackles and made 157 metres from 17 drives, averaging 9.24 metres per carry. He bust seven tackles and also got a try.

Matt Whitley (Widnes Vikings)

After their win over Leeds, Widnes coach Denis Betts used the words ‘Matt Whitley is maturing into an outstanding back-rower of the game’ and he is exactly right. The 22-year-old put in a tough shift against the Rhinos on Sunday, making 39 tackles and 153 metres from 17 carries. If he keeps progressing as well and as quick as this – he could be a future England international.

Tyrone McCarthy (Salford Red Devils)

The 29-year-old put in a glowing performance in Salford’s win over Hull KR. McCarthy made 40 tackles, six of them being from marker position. The Ireland international also mad 115 metres from 15 carries.

Notable mentions to Wigan’s John Bateman, Salford’s Junior Sa’u, Hull KR’s Chris Atkin and Leeds’ Brad Singleton who just miss out on selection in our team of the week for round three.

What do you think of our team of the week? Let us know in the comments below.