QLT named Championship Player of the Week
Sheffield Eagles full-back Quentin Laulu-Togagae has been named as Kingstone Press Championship Player of the Week.
The Samoan star scored five tries in the Eagles’ demolition of Rochdale Hornets, equalling a club record.
He had already bagged a hat-trick by half-time, in a game which Sheffield won 58-16.
“‘Q’ was outstanding – he’s now scored 120 tries in 120 appearances for the club,” said Eagles coach Mark Aston.
“He’s back to his fighting best, and has written his name alongside Daryl Powell and Menzie Yere for the tries-in-a-game record.
“His anticipation, support play and timing are absolutely superb, and he will always thrive playing on a wide pitch.”
Meanwhile, Batley Bulldogs were awarded the title of Performance of the Week, following their 34-10 win at Doncaster.
The victory secured their safety from relegation, and handed them a play-off tie with Sheffield Eagles.
“We saved the best until last. We played really well the week before against Swinton, but this week we played a team vying for second place, on their own ground, and did very, very well indeed,” said Bulldogs coach John Kear.
“The external pressures were immense, but the players coped with it brilliantly. The pressure inspired them, and that’s credit to the individuals and the group.
“We said straight after the Doncaster game that we’ve now effectively played two play-off games, and we haven’t done too bad. If we maintain that form, we’ll give ourselves a little bit of a chance of a run – but we know Sheffield will be very difficult opponents this week.”
Batley winger Alex Brown was also handed the award for try of the week, for his finishing of a sweeping 85m move.
“Miles Greenwood fielded a long Doncaster kick about 15 metres from his own line,” John Kear explained.
“He looked up, picked a hole, and showed tremendous vision, footwork and pace to put himself clear.
“But that was only half of the job. Miles had Alex Bretherton on his outside, and Alex Brown – I don’t know where he came from – on his inside.
“Miles selected the correct pass, took out two scrambling defenders, and put Alex Brown in under the posts for a wonderful try that was worthy of giving us a 12-point lead at a crucial stage in the game.”
Kingstone Press Championship Team of the Week
1 Quentin Laulu-Togagae (Sheffield Eagles)
2 Wayne Reittie (Batley Bulldogs)
3 Menzie Yere (Sheffield Eagles)
4 Ayden Faal (Batley Bulldogs)
5 Steve Maden (Leigh Centurions)
6 Ben Black (Batley Bulldogs)
7 Carl Forber (Workington Town)
8 Greg Burke (Workington Town)
9 James Davey (Sheffield Eagles)
10 Carl Forster (Whitehaven)
11 Lee Mitchell (Whitehaven)
12 Carl Briscoe (Barrow Raiders)
13 Scott Murrell (Halifax)