Round 1 Team of the Week

Betfred Super League returned with a bang on Thursday Night! The opening round was littered with eye-catching tries, bone-rattling tackles and outstanding individual and team performances.

Champions St Helens laid down a marker against Catalans Dragons in the opening game of the 2022 season on Thursday Night.

Back-row Joe Batchelor was a deserved Player of the Match for St Helens – he epitomised Saints’ relentless effort and resolve in defence. New signing Konrad Hurrell was immense in his first outing for St Helens – the Tongan international finished with a try and an assist on the night – his assist coming from a clever offload to set up his skipper, James Roby. And of course, the industrious Alex Walmsley was as reliable as ever. Big Al was the only forward to finish in the top 10 metre makers across Super League in Round One, carrying for 140 metres from 15 carries.

Konrad's debut 🔥

An unstoppable assist and then the interception for @Saints1890 👀 #SuperLeague #BringItOn pic.twitter.com/NfQZVzEORi
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) February 11, 2022

Marc Sneyd made a winning return to Salford, helping his side secure an impressive victory away at the Jungle against Castleford Tigers on Friday Night. Sneyd kicked 7 from 7 goals to help down Cas, as well as logging a try assist and a huge 475 kick metres – more than any other player in Round One. Winger Joe Burgess also impressed for the Red Devils, running for 184 metres from 12 carries – the most metres throughout the competition in Round One - averaging an impressive 15.3 metres per carry.

Wigan Warriors’ Jai Field put a difficult 2021 season behind him with an accomplished display against Hull KR. Field was instrumental to the Warriors opening round victory on Friday Night, scoring one of the tries of the round when he raced to collect a smart Cade Cust kick straight from the scrum. He also carried for 164 metres from 15 carries during the Warriors win. Speaking of Cust, Wigan’s new half-back Cade Cust had a debut to remember. He dominated with his kicking game as well as contributing with 3 try assists.

From the scrum 🤩@WiganWarriorsRL back firing live on Sky Sports #SuperLeague #BringItOn #SLHKRWig pic.twitter.com/y0AQmQQc4r
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) February 11, 2022

Super League arrived at Channel 4 on Saturday afternoon with a first-round classic between Leeds Rhinos and Warrington Wolves. Rhinos vice-captain Ash Handley was superb in defeat against the Wolves, running for 165 metres from a mammoth 19 carries, as well as crossing for a try. The Rhinos ran out of steam and were unlucky to lose their opening match as Warrington’s Connor Wrench broke Leeds hearts with a decisive try in the final 10 minutes. The 20-year-old was hugely impressive in the absence of Toby King, running for 164 metres whilst making 7 tackle busts, 1 line break and the all-important winning try.

Warrington take the lead!!

What an unbelievable finish we have on @Channel4. 😳#C4League | #SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/Yq0uBcpkN6
— Channel 4 Sport (@C4Sport) February 12, 2022

Ian Watson’s Huddersfield Giants crashed Toulouse’s Super League party with a dominant display at the Stade Ernest Wallon. Overseas arrival Danny Levi put in a Player of the Match display for his new side and was electric from dummy half. Experienced back-row Chris McQueen put in a solid 80-minute display as well – he finished with a try, 2-line breaks, 4 tackle busts and 29 tackles. Tui Lolohea also needs a mention, despite not featuring in the Team of the Week - he slotted in seamlessly at full back and created 4 tries for the Giants on Saturday Night.

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Chris McQueen coasts in as Huddersfield Giants capitalise on a tiring Toulouse side pic.twitter.com/xsSDoDmsEI
— Sky Sports Rugby League (@SkySportsRL) February 12, 2022

Another new arrival made an immediate impression in Round One, this time for Hull FC during their closely fought win against Wakefield Trinity. Joe Lovodua was influential from the bench and scored a try following an outrageous show and go to cut through the Trinity defence. Big Bopper David Fifita was his usual handful for Trinity, even in defeat - running for 129 metres from 19 carries, whilst making 5 tackles busts and 4 offloads.

Round 2 gets underway on Thursday Night when Daryl Powell’s Warrington Wolves host his former side Castleford Tigers, live on Sky Sports.

There’s 3 more live games broadcast this week, too – Wigan Warriors take on Leeds Rhino live on Sky Sports on Friday Night before Super League returns to Channel 4 when Hull FC host St Helens on Saturday afternoon.

The final fixture to be broadcast live this week sees Catalans Dragons play their first home game of 2022 against Wakefield Trinity, live on Sky Sports.