Round 7: Super League Team of the Week
There were several tackle machines in round seven of the Betfred Super League.
Ben Barba (St Helens)
The 28-year-old really is one of a kind, isn’t he? He had yet another blinder of a game to help St Helens ease past Hull KR. Barba made 87 metres from 12 drives and bust seven tackles in the process. The former Dally M Medal winner also scored twice.
Tom Lineham (Warrington Wolves)
The 26-year-old has been in good try scoring form this season and bagged a hat-trick in Warrington Wolves’ 34-24 win over Wakefield Trinity. Lineham made 233 metres from 15 carries, averaging 15.53 metres per-drive. He also made three clean breaks and bust five tackles.
Kallum Watkins (Leeds Rhinos)
The 27-year-old was world class in Leeds Rhinos’ 25-24 defeat to Castleford Tigers. Watkins scored two tries and made 135 metres from 13 carries, averaging 10.38 metres per-drive. The England star also made two clean breaks, 18 tackles and bust eight tackles.
Josh Griffin (Hull FC)
The 27-year-old had one of his best games ever for Hull FC. He scored two tries to help them beat Catalans, but he was superb all over the park. He made 141 metres from 12 carries, averaging 11.75 metres per-drive. He bust nine tackles and made four clean breaks. Griffin even made 22 tackles.
Joe Burgess (Wigan Warriors)
The 23-year-old was back to his peak form on Friday as he helped Wigan Warriors thrash Huddersfield Giants 48-10 at the DW Stadium. He scored two tries and bust two tackles. The England Knights representative also made two clean breaks in 14 carries.
Theo Fages (St Helens)
The 23-year-old has taken on a leadership role at St Helens this season and he is leading by example at the minute. Fages made 32 tackles against KR as well as a clean break. The France star bust seven tackles and had a fine kicking game.
Sam Powell (Wigan Warriors)
The 25-year-old had, arguably, his best ever game in the halves for Wigan. He kicked Huddersfield off the park with his impressive short-range and long-range kicking game. He also got stuck in, making 20 tackles. Powell came up with two assists.
Scott Taylor (Hull FC)
The 27-year-old was a constant threat for Hull FC in their 42-16 victory over Catalans Dragons. He made a whopping 141 metres from 14 drives, averaging 10.07 metres per-carry. He also made 20 tackles and crossed for a four-pointer.
James Roby (St Helens)
The 32-year-old has a good game, every game, doesn’t he? He was sensational in Saints’ win at Hull Kingston Rovers. He made 54 tackles as well as busting five. Roby made 137 metres from 17 carries and also grabbed two assists.
Craig Kopczak (Salford Red Devils)
The 31-year-old did not deserve to be on the losing side as Salford Red Devils lost 24-16 at Widnes Vikings on Thursday. Kopczak scored a try, made 34 tackles and took 13 drives in as well as making a clean break.
Mike McMeeken (Castleford Tigers)
The 23-year-old put in, arguably, his best performance this year in Castleford’s victory at Leeds. McMeeken made 41 tackles and came up with 15 carries, a great effort for a back-rower of his build.
Chris Dean (Widnes Vikings)
The 30-year-old has been like a new signing for Denis Betts’ side this term. He put in a very hard-working performance against Salford. He made 50 tackles, with 18 of those being from marker position. He also scored a try which is a bonus.
Photo courtesy of Richard Long
Ryan Sutton (Wigan Warriors)
The 22-year-old is one of the most promising front-rowers in the game. He was a constant thorn in Huddersfield’s side on Friday night. Sutton made 17 carries and 11 tackles in Wigan’s big win. The England Knights representative also scored a try.
