Six Tackles: Good first impressions
Briscoe had a dream debut for the Rhinos, scoring a hatrick in the 34-6 win at Hull KR. He then followed that up with a sublime individual try against Warrington, before making it five from three appearances in the victory over Catalan. Alongside Kallum Watkins, Zak Hardaker and Ryan Hall, Briscoe is now part of what is arguably the most lethal back line in Super League.
Hansen had nothing to prove when moving from Wigan, where he had just won the double, to home town club Salford. However he has been one of the highlights of the Red Devils’ positive start, contributing with three tries in as many games – not bad considering he only managed one in the whole of last season.
With former club Gold Coast, Rankin was seen as a future prospect. Now with his new side Hull FC he is having to step up as one of the key players, and so far so good. On his Super League debut against Catalan he was the best player on the pitch, scoring a wonderful solo try.
Castleford have made a very impressive start to 2014 and coach Daryl Powell is being rewarded for the depth he has added to the squad. On-loan Sneyd has slotted in well at half-back, and helped fill the void left by Rangi Chase with some composed performances and accurate goalkicking.
Another player who is reliable with the boot is Tickle, and as expected the extra points he brings have helped Widnes turn potential losses into wins. Last Friday’s 22-20 victory over Huddersfield was a perfect example, as he coupled a strong defensive performance with three vital conversions.
Although it is still early days for Walsh in Super League, he looks likely to become one of the best players in the competition. In our St Helens fanzone Walsh was tipped as a Man of Steel contender, and if he carries his current form into the rest of the season there is a big possibility of that happening.
