Every Super League club’s most underrated player of the season

Super League is so full of stars in the modern game with quality players left right and centre.

But every season every club tends to have that player who has been key to their team’s success but for some reason doesn’t get the credit they deserve.

So, today we’re striving to do that by giving credit to the players who have been the most underrated players of the season.

Castleford Tigers: Derrell Olpherts
With 95 tackle busts, Derrell Olpherts leads the league in this department. Not given the credit he deserves even from some of his own fans, Olpherts statistically is very impressive and a hard worker which is the harder side of being a winger. On the other side of things against Hull FC he showed his attacking quality with four tries.

Catalans Dragons: Mitchell Pearce
It may seem strange to call Mitchell Pearce underrated but with nine tries, Pearce has been one of the best attacking halfbacks this season but has hardly been given any credit. With big shoes to fill after the loss of James Maloney, it’s unsurprising but his attacking quality cannot be ignored.

Huddersfield Giants: Olly Russell
Somehow I still think this young halfback is underrated. He recently kept the brilliant Will Pryce out of the side in the Magic Weekend clash at Salford and that shows you everything you need to know. A great organiser despite being so young with a superb kicking game, Russell has a massive future ahead of him.

Hull FC: Brad Fash
This season has underlined the real quality Brad Fash brings to Hull FC. A battling middle who can play 13 or prop and make plenty of metres, his importance has exponentially increased throughout the season as the likes of Andre Savelio and others picked up injuries.

Hull KR: Will Dagger
Just as he did last year, Will Dagger has stepped up when Hull KR have needed him the most in 2022 even taking over in the halves under Danny McGuire and doing a stellar job. The ideal understudy to Lachlan Coote, he’s a trusted player in the Hull KR squad.

Leeds Rhinos: Liam Sutcliffe
Liam Sutcliffe has spent almost his entire career underrated but his ability to play almost everywhere for Leeds has again made him a key player in 2022 filling in at halfback and fullback as well as shining in his preferred centre role. Recently he’s been playing exceptionally well with tries against Hull FC, Castleford, Wigan and Catalans as well as plenty of assists as he combines well with Ash Handley.

Salford Red Devils: Deon Cross
Though all the talk this year has been about one centre Salford brought in for this season in Tim Lafai, Deon Cross has also had a terrific inaugural season in Super League. An attacking outlet who has helped form a superb backline for Salford which is full of strike, he deserves more credit.

St Helens: Ben Davies
I don’t think anyone expected Ben Davies to play as big of a role as he has in 2022 for St Helens but injuries to Lewis Dodd and co has made his versatility a key tool in St Helens’ arsenal this year. As the season draws to a close he’ll continue to be key.

Toulouse Olympique: Joe Bretherton
In truth, the vast majority of Toulouse’s squad is underrated so I nearly picked some of their high profile players like Olly Ashall-Bott and Daniel Alvaro who has been a great signing for the French side. However, instead I’ve gone for the powerful Joe Bretherton who has stood up whilst others in his position have picked up recurring injuries. A big unit he’s helped Toulouse battle hard in the middle against top teams.

Wakefield Trinity: Corey Hall
A young centre who has played a much bigger part this season than any expected due to injuries but he’s not let anyone down. With a touch of pace and more maturity than you’d expect from someone so young, whilst fellow youngster Lewis Murphy has been showered in praise, Hall has gone under the radar somewhat.

Warrington Wolves: Stefan Ratchford
Like others on this list, Ratchford has spent his entire career underrated and even know. Yes it’s been a difficult year for the Wolves but Ratchford’s character has never been in doubt and he has stood up as a vital leader for his team.

Wigan Warriors: Liam Byrne
Liam Byrne has established himself as Wigan’s first choice prop alongside Brad Singleton. The two have done a terrific job at starting games well for the Warriors before Kaide Ellis and Patrick Mago come on and cause havoc.