Round 15 of the Super League season took place over the weekend, as we approach the business end of the campaign. Several teams impressed, including wins for each of the top four sides. There were also some impressive individual performances, here’s who stood out and made our team of the week.
Fullback: Lachlan Coote, Hull KR
Despite being on the losing side of the result, Coote impressed on his return to the Totally Wicked Stadium. Coote chipped in with two tries as the Robins pushed the champions in a close game, he also set up another before kicking three goals. In the end it wasn’t enough for Hull to take anything back to East Yorkshire, but nevertheless both Coote and his side impressed.
Wing: Bevan French, Wigan Warriors
A blistering second-half performance saw French run in a hat-trick of tries as his side cruised to victory over Salford Red Devils. He also made nearly 200 metres in the game as he continues to prove himself as one of the league's most dangerous players. French continues to create havoc amongst defences across the league and did so once more last Friday night.
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Centre: Ricky Leutele, Huddersfield Giants
Huddersfield continued to impress fans and pundits alike with a convincing win over West Yorkshire rivals Leeds Rhinos. One of the Giants’ stand-out performers was Leutele, who scored a try for himself, before assisting another. Huddersfield’s attack looks to be one of the sharpest in the league at the minute, and Lautele proved on Friday night that he is key to their success.
Centre: James Batchelor, Wakefield Trinity
Another player who found himself on the scoreboard was Batchelor, whose two tries saw Wakefield beat Warrington for the third time this season. Batchelor enjoyed an impressive all-round game, racking up 107 metres during what could be his best game to date. The England Knights international is definitely one to keep an eye on, especially if he keeps up this level of performance.
Wing: Liam Marshall, Wigan Warriors
On the opposite wing from French, Marshall also enjoyed a stellar second-half display against Salford on Friday. Setting up two tries for his teammates was impressive enough, but to score two himself in the process shows how dangerous he can be. The Warriors are a force to be reckoned with this season, and that’s thanks to their attacking talents like Marshall, who could be one of Wigan's unsung heroes so far this year.
Stand-off: Jack Welsby, St Helens
Another product of St Helens’ academy, Welsby put in a great display in his unfavoured position of half-back. Assisting one try and making seven tackle busts, Welsby was a handful for the Robins defence to deal with. Welsby is proving to be one of the best young players in the game, and his ability to do so in a number of different positions is brilliant to see.
Scrum-half: Mitchell Pearce, Catalans Dragons
Veteran halfback Pearce has been a brilliant addition to the Dragons side this season and proved so once more on Saturday. Scoring once himself, as well as setting up three other tries, the 33-year-old has still got the ability to dominate a game at the top level. Should Catalans continue this form, Pearce could be the key when it comes down to the Grand Final.
Prop: Oliver Wilson, Huddersfield Giants
Giants’ youngster Wilson put in another impressive display on Friday night, proving to be a handful for the Rhinos to deal with. The prop forward made 120 metres as his side made their victory over Leeds look relatively easy. Players like Wilson may just be the type Huddersfield need if they are to establish themselves as one of the game's top sides.
Hooker: James Roby, St Helens
Record-breaking James Roby made his 455th Super League appearance over the weekend, more than any other player. To mark the occasion, he put in a performance to show just why he has had such a successful career. A try to mark the occasion was the icing on the cake as his experience helped his side to the win in what was such a tough game. Despite having played more than anyone else in the league’s history, Roby looks as fit as ever and I wouldn’t bet against him going for 500 appearances.
Prop: Jai Whitbread, Wakefield Trinity
In what was a close game, Whitbread provided his side with the platform they needed to put some points on the board. Making a huge 161 metres, Whitbread was too hot for the Warrington defence to handle. Performances like this are what Trinity need to propel themselves up the league, they’ll be hoping that Whitbread can do so week in week out.
Second-row: Chris McQueen, Huddersfield Giants
One of the best signings over the winter, McQueen once again impressed in his side's win over the Rhinos. The Lance Todd Trophy winner chipped in with a try and carried the ball over 100 metres during the game. Another impressive display from McQueen showed what a shrewd signing he was for Ian Watson.
Second-row: Mike McMeeken, Catalans Dragons
Another stand-out performer in the Dragons' win over Hull FC, McMeeken’s experience is helping him have a huge impact on games. Scoring a try for himself shows he is a danger in attack, but he also only missed one tackle all game. McMeeken is one of the players who doesn’t do it pretty, but it is effective and that is something which has seen teams win silverware.
Loose Forward: Morgan Knowles, St Helens
Another try scorer in Saints’ win, Knowles put in a mature display, which was vital in such a close contest. I’ve seen St Helens win games without having to get out of second gear, but they showed when needed they have the quality to see teams off. Knowles was key to this and at 25-years-old, he is proving he can be a real leader within the group.
