The Betfred Super League Play-Off Eliminators did not disappoint at the weekend, but how did our England stars perform?
Robbie Mulhern was a unit for Leigh Leopards on Friday night, making 34 tackles, as well as eight tackle busts and 107 metres in just 16 carries. His efforts helped to send the Leopards into their first ever Super League Semi-Final.
On Saturday, countless England players were in action at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, as Warrington Wolves and St Helens battled it out for a semi-final spot.
England and Saints fullback Jack Welsby stepped up with two crucial try assists, while Morgan Knowles made a mammoth 48 tackles. Daryl Clark and Matty Lees also made 31 and 24 tackles respectively – an extremely promising sign for the upcoming Test series against Samoa next month.
For the Wolves, England captain George Williams pulled off a magical performance, and was a joy to watch for both Super League and England fans.
The maverick halfback contributed two breathtaking try assists on the night – first a sensational offload to England and Wolves teammate Matty Ashton, who touched down on the stroke of half-time to bring his side back into the game. Then, a beautiful pass to Toby King brought the Wolves level at the start of the second half.
And when Warrington needed him most, Williams was there to produce a jaw-dropping match-winner. With nerves of steel, he slotted over a drop goal in Golden Point extra-time as the Wolves booked their semi-final spot for the first time since 2018.
England fans should be excited for what Williams will produce next month, and if the pulsating action on Saturday if anything to go by…imagine these players on the same team producing such performances!
Ashton was electric again, scoring two tries in each half and running 187 metres in 23 carries. And yet again, Ben Currie was a Wolves workhorse – coming up with 48 tackles; the highest of any player on the pitch. He knows what’s required and has all the big game experience needed to see out these matches.
The remaining England stars, James Harrison, John, Bateman and Danny Walker also featured in this week’s Eliminator – Walker especially impressing with 35 tackles in just a 60-minute stint.
In the NRL, Sydney Roosters’ Dom Young and Victor Radley’s seasons came to an end after they bowed out of the Finals. Their side were defeated 48-18 by Melbourne Storm.
Georgia Roche’s NRLW campaign also concluded after Newcastle Knights were beaten 25-16 by Sydney Roosters. Roche did manage to cross for a try, however, as she bustled her way over the line to level the scores in the first forty.
Their attention can now fully turn to the highly anticipated and fast approaching international fixtures.
Tickets for the England v Samoa two-game Test series are available to buy now at rugby-league.com/tickets with prices starting per test match from £25 Adults and £12.50 Under 16s.
The new England RL shirt can also be purchased now from Oxen’s Elite Pro Sports online store.
