Men

Round 1 Team of the Week

4 hrs

The Betfred Super League finally returned this weekend – which means Team of the Week is back too!

Introducing the first #SuperLeague Team of the Week in 2026 ? pic.twitter.com/ImrxTO1lhT
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) February 16, 2026

There were plenty of Super League stars in action in Round 1, starting with Sam Wood who produced two crucial tries in York Knights’ emphatic win over the champions.

Ata Hingano then etched himself in Knights folklore as he kicked the game-winning drop goal in front of a record home crowd, thus earning a deserved place in this season’s first Team of the Week.

In defeat, two try scorer Jai Whitbread turned up for treble-winners Hull KR, but a switch-off in the closing stages meant the newly promoted would create history on the opening night.

On Friday Night, both Bens performed brilliantly in Catalans Dragons’ home opener.

Ben Condon took to life in Super League like a duck to water, scoring his side’s first try of the 2026 campaign.

First blood to the Dragons ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/8n1JNeqIHq
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) February 13, 2026

Along with his skipper, Ben Garcia, they made 59 tackles in total – a huge effort in treacherous conditions.

Cai Taylor-Wray is a new speedster on the block and performed stunningly for Warrington Wolves in Round 1.

Fans won’t forget his name in a hurry as the 19-year-old full-back racked up an incredible 219 metres and eight tackle busts, as well as a length of the field effort and one try assist.

He is joined by teammate and try scorer Toby King, who impressed with 101 metres in 14 carries.

Lachlan Lam was chief playmaker for the Leopards in their first win over the Rhinos. One try and one try assist saw Lam characteristically at the heart of the action.

And of course, Edwin Ipape was one of Leigh’s standouts and looks to be set for another huge year.

The Papua New Guinean scored one try, made 23 tackles and 104 metres in 18 carries in his 68-minute stint.

Meanwhile on Saturday, Joe Batchelor touched down on debut for the Black & Whites, whilst standing tall with 32 tackles as Hull FC grinded out a dramatic win against Bradford Bulls.

It was a round of the underdogs as Toulouse Olympique shocked Wakefield Trinity on their return to the top flight, with centre Paul Ulberg picked for Team of the Week following his performance and important score.

On Sunday, Wigan Warriors asserted their dominance in Castleford. Zach Eckersley was at the double, taking the number 2 shirt in his stride, whilst Patrick Mago was a unit for the Warriors in the pack.

Five tackle busts and 118 metres in just eleven carries highlight that Mago means business in 2026.