'Domination'
Chosen by the Rugby League media, the Super League Dream Team is based on form throughout the regular rounds of the competition. No surprise to see then, that the 2008 side is dominated by players from the competitions top two clubs St Helens and Leeds Rhinos. The Saints finished a single point clear of Leeds after the regulsr season, whilst the current Champions Leeds finished 8 clear of third placed Catalans Dragons.
Just three players named as the best 13 in the competition are from clubs outside the top two, and none are from a side outside the top six.
Catalans Dragons oustanding full back Clint Greenshields is named ahead of both Brent Webb and Paul Wellens, a just reward for a tremendous season. Despite having strong seasons also, there is no room for Greenshield's team-mates Adam Mogg, Thomas Bosc and Alex Chan.
'Record appearances'
Whilst the plaudits will be given collectively to St Helens and Leeds Rhinos due to their dominance of the side, a mention should go to Jamie Peacock and Keiron Cunningham who are making a record seventh appearance in the side.
First named in 1996, Cunningham returns to the side having missed out in 2007 whilst Peacock is named for the seventh time in eight seasons since his first inclusion in 2000. It is the fifth time that the two have been named together after dual appearances in 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2005.
'Debuts'
As well as Cunningham and Peacock making record appearances, seven players make their Dream Team debuts.
George Carmont is named after a superb inaugural Super League season, and Clint Greenshields Matt Gidley, Ade Gardner, Leon Pryce, James Graham and Ben Westwood join him in making their debut.
Eight of the thirteen players are eligible to represent England in the upcoming World Cup, which is good news for boss Tony Smith who will name his final squad after the Grand Final.
The side in full is as follows (numer of appearances in brackets) :
1 - Clint Greenshields Les Catalans Dragons (1)
2 - Scott Donald Leeds Rhinos (2)
3 - George Carmont Wigan Warriors (1)
4 – Matt Gidley St Helens (1)
5 – Ade Gardner St Helens (1)
6 – Leon Pryce St Helens (1)
7 – Rob BurrowLeeds Rhinos (3)
8 – James Graham St Helens (1)
9 – Keiron Cunningham St Helens (7)
10 – Jamie Peacock Leeds Rhinos (7)
11 – Gareth Ellis Leeds Rhinos (4)
12 – Ben Westwood Warrington Wolves (1)
13 – Kevin SinfieldLeeds Rhinos (3)
All statistics have been taken from the Super League website - www.superleague.co.uk
