Catapult stats tracker

Betfred Super League takes a break this week after six intense rounds of action. 11 of 12 clubs begin their Challenge Cup journey before attention turns to Round Seven.

The opening six weeks have had it all – thrills, shocks and controversy. The competition is beginning to take shape and if we’ve learnt anything so far, it’s that any team can win on their day.

We’ve seen incredible athleticism, gruelling work ethic and feats of undeniable quality over the past six weeks - with Catapult Sports collating the quickest speeds, most intense efforts and highest distances covered.

Wigan Warriors' Jai Field has been the man of the moment so far this season. He sits top of the Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel leaderboard and has been integral to Wigan’s much-improved attack. His electric pace and lightning quick feet have produced multiple highlight reel moments from the full back who has quickly put to bed the horrors of 2021.

The February Player of the Month ???@WiganWarriorsRL's Jai Field 🔥??#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/uoPKO7q5Wb
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) March 17, 2022

Field recorded the highest top speed of 2022 thanks to his 36.1km/h effort against Hull KR in Round One. His top speed is almost a full kilometre faster than his closest rival and came from an ingenious scrum play that saw Field hit full flight during a race to collect a Cade Cust kick. The eventual try was made even sweeter knowing that Field had his season cut short in Round One the previous year - but he showed no signs of a repeat after finding his stride a year on.

Warrington Wolves' Matty Ashton is also a notable inclusion in the top five max speeds. He features regularly over the past six weeks and has hit three max speeds above 34km/h. Ashton’s quickest speed – recorded in round two against Castleford – occurred after he intercepted a Tigers attack and raced the length of the field to score the opening try.

Matty Ashton recorded an impressive maximum speed of 35.1 km/h on his way to an intercept try for @WarringtonRLFC last night 💨

Only Jai Field with 36.1 km/h has a higher maximum speed so far in 2022 ??#SuperLeague @Catapultsports pic.twitter.com/m9jrZgNcJq
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) February 18, 2022

Mitchell Pearce joined Catalans as a renowned match winner with undeniable skill and rugby nuance - but it has been his unrelenting effort that’s stood out during his early days at the Dragons. Pearce covered just short of 10km during Catalans gritty win away at Warrington in Round Four. Pearce’s effort isn’t just a one off, either. He covered over 9km in the Dragons Round Two victory against Wakefield Trinity, featuring twice in the top 20 distances covered.

The same goes for St Helens' Jack Welsby. His top five distance covered of 9750m during Round Two was backed up by a Round Six effort of 9278m away at Toulouse. Despite a defeat for Saints that evening, Welsby’s effort levels didn’t falter.

And it’s a similar story for the top intensities this season, too. Mitchell Pearce and Jack Welsby lead the way after six rounds with Pearce recording the highest intensity last Friday against Hull KR. His 113.7 metres per minute total is head and shoulders above the chasing pack. Pearce also registered a 106 m/min total the week before as well, proving that his intensity efforts are consistent feature.

Similarly, Jack Welsby recorded a 106 m/min total last week to go alongside his season high effort of 106.3m/min, which was recorded during St Helens Round Three win against Wakefield Trinity.

Betfred Super League returns on Thursday 31 March when Hull FC travel to Wigan to face the Warriors live on Sky Sports. The action continues on Friday 1 April with Leeds Rhinos taking on St Helens live on Sky Sports.