FOUR Warrington Wolves’ players have been named in the First Utility Super League team, which includes nine debutants.
League Leaders Shield winner Warrington Wolves’ captain Chris Hill makes his third appearance alongside centre Ryan Atkins, second row Ben Currie and stand-off Kurt Gidley. Both Currie and Gidley feature in the Dream Team for the first time.
Following another incredible climax to a First Utility Super League regular season, the selection of 13 players in this year’s Dream Team was never going to be easy with clubs fighting each week for league positions.
In the star-studded line-up, four Super League clubs are represented this year, with Hull FC (6) and Warrington Wolves (4) dominating the selection, along with Castleford Tigers (2) and Wigan Warriors (1).
The 2016 Dream Team features nine players making their debut in the form team of the season and includes all three players shortlisted for the prestigious Steve Prescott Man of Steel award: Gareth Ellis, Danny Houghton and Denny Solomona.
Hull FC Captain Gareth Ellis makes his fifth Dream Team appearance – his last appearance in 2008 whilst playing for Leeds Rhinos.
Ladbrokes Challenge Cup winners Hull FC have most representatives in the Dream Team with six – full-back Jamie Shaul, centre Mahe Fonua, hooker Danny Houghton, prop Scott Taylor, second row Mark Minichiello and loose forward Gareth Ellis.
The wing positions are taken by two debutants, Castleford Tigers Denny Solomona who has scored a record 40 tries this season, alongside Wigan Warriors’ Dom Manfredi.
Joining Solomona is team mate Luke Gale who makes his second consecutive appearance at scrum-half.
The Super League Dream Team is selected by a panel of the sport’s broadcasters and journalists in a secret ballot and represents the form team of the First Utility Super League season.
Picture Eddie Whitham
The 2016 First Utility Super League Dream Team is as follows:
1. Jamie Shaul (Hull FC) Dream Team appearances: 1 (2016)
2. Denny Solomona (Castleford Tigers) Dream Team appearances: 1 (2016)
3. Ryan Atkins (Warrington Wolves) Dream Team appearances: 2 (2012)
4. Mahe Fonua (Hull FC) Dream Team appearances: 1 (2016)
5. Dom Manfredi (Wigan Warriors) Dream Team appearances: 1 (2016)
6. Kurt Gidley (Warrington Wolves) Dream Team appearances: 1 (2016)
7. Luke Gale (Castleford Tigers) Dream Team appearances: 2 (2015, 2016 )
8. Chris Hill (Warrington Wolves) Dream Team appearances: 3 (2012, 2014, 2016)
9. Danny Houghton (Hull FC) Dream Team appearances: 1 (2016)
10. Scott Taylor (Hull FC) Dream Team appearances: 1 (2016)
11. Ben Currie (Warrington Wolves) Dream Team appearances: 1 (2016)
12. Mark Minichiello (Hull FC) Dream Team appearances: 1 (2016)
13. Gareth Ellis (Hull FC) Dream Team appearances: 5 (2003, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2016)
