Every Super League club’s most underrated player

In every team there is always one player that goes about his business quietly, doing the little things that few people notice. Now, though, it is time for that recognition. Here are the most underrated players from each Super League club.

Castleford Tigers – Greg Eden

He often gets a poor rap from opposition fans for his rocks and diamonds nature, but Greg Eden has formed the cornerstone of Castleford’s backline for the past few seasons. And, though he does make the occasional blunder, the winger’s work-rate and speed has made him a very useful asset indeed for the Tigers. Whether it’s via an interception or a miraculous finish, Eden regularly wows audiences and was on the cusp of England selection in 2017.

Catalans Dragons – Samisoni Langi

He’s gone about his business quietly since joining the Dragons back in 2018, but Samisoni Langi’s all-round gameplay has become a must-have for the French side. Playing in either the centres or the halves, the Tongan international very rarely puts a foot wrong and looks really settled in the south of France.

Huddersfield Giants – Michael Lawrence

If you ask any Huddersfield fan who their favourite player is, the majority would probably say Michael Lawrence. Ask fans of any other clubs and he probably wouldn’t even come in the top three. Lawrence’s importance for this Giants side, however, cannot be underestimated with some big runs and energy-sapping defensive work, so watch him thrive in 2021 under new boss Ian Watson.

Hull FC – Carlos Tuimavave

Another that is loved by his own fans, but rarely spoken about by opposition supporters, Carlos Tuimavave has become something of a cult hero amongst the terraces at the KCOM Stadium. With an undeniable love for the club and a determination to always perform to his highest level, the utility back is still only 29. Having been at Hull since 2016, expect Tuimavave to retire on Humberside.

Hull KR – Dean Hadley

A real workhorse that does all the little things well, Dean Hadley has repeatedly earned the raps of his boss Tony Smith, but rarely does that praise come from rival fanbases. He’s the sort of player that each club needs and Hadley is showing no signs of slowing down at the age of 28.

Leeds Rhinos – Liam Sutcliffe

Having spent all of his career so far with boyhood club Leeds, Liam Sutcliffe was reportedly set to leave in 2020 before doing a u-turn and signing a new contract. With the ability to play anywhere along the back-line as well as in the back-row and halfback, Sutcliffe’s utility value is incredibly high for the Rhinos. And, he thrived when called upon in the last campaign.

Leigh Centurions – Iain Thornley

Formerly a Wigan Warrior, Iain Thornley moved to Leigh ahead of the 2019 season in a bid to help them get back into Super League. Whilst on the field that didn’t occur, off it, the club made such waves that they were elected to replace Toronto in the top-flight. For centre Thornley, it’s a chance of redemption after becoming one of Leigh’s most consistent players in the second division.

Salford Red Devils – Andy Ackers

He took over from the departing Joey Lussick in 2020 and boy did Andy Ackers impress. A livewire around the ruck, the hooker was at the core of what everything Salford did well last season and was rewarded with a new two-year contract to take him to the end of 2022. Not afraid to mix it with the big boys, Ackers will be integral to the Red Devils’ hopes of going one better in 2021.

St Helens – Matty Lees

Warrington Wolves – Toby King

A few seasons ago, Toby King was on the fringes of the Warrington squad, now he is an integral cog in the Wolves’ wheel. But, a lot of rival fanbases take his rise for granted and few name him as one of the stars of the show. Aged just 24, the centre has even enjoyed an England call-up, but that still hasn’t earned him the recognition he deserves in the game.

Wigan Warriors – Sam Powell

There could only be one name on this list from Wigan. Taking over the hooking duties following the departure of Michael McIlorum ahead of the 2018 season, Sam Powell has gone from strength-to-strength at the DW Stadium. Yet, his work is so often ignored, despite the number nine being critical to Wigan’s Grand Final charge in 2020.