My Top 5: Tom Holmes names the best 5 players he has played with in his career

The latest ‘My Top 5’ comes from halfback/hooker Tom Holmes, who currently plays for Huddersfield Giants after spells with Castleford and Featherstone.

Below are, in Tom’s words, the five best players he has played with in his career so far.

5. Jake Wardle

This kid is an unbelievable talent. No doubt he will be an international in years to come. Since getting his starting spot in the Giants team, he’s been nothing but outstanding. Playing alongside him is a god send, if you run out of options, give him the ball and he will do the rest. When it comes down to it, he is one of the most exciting youngsters in the game.

4. Gareth Hock

A true legend of the game and possibly the most experienced player I have taken the field with. Playing in a strong Featherstone side in 2018 with Gaz was awesome; he was a hard player to handle for the opposition. Definitely the toughest player I have been able to play alongside as I can imagine playing against him isn’t easy. He has done so much in the game and honoured to have been a part of his career.

3. Andy Lynch

Lynchy was an incredible leader on the field and a very tough player. He always went unnoticed for the amount of graft he got through in a game, but as a teammate this was obvious and this is why he is in my top five. He’s done so much in the game playing around the 500 career appearance mark; I think he made his debut when I was two years old. A pleasure to have taken the field with one of the all-time greats of the Super League era.

2. Zak Hardaker

I played with Zak in 2017 at Castleford and he was unstoppable at the back. Not just the way he attacked, but the desire he had to stop a try too. As a halfback, having a fullback who would turn up anywhere for you made my job ten times easier and he was a key player in the 2017 season. Easily the best fullback or even player in the competition that season.

1. Rangi Chase

As a Cas fan growing up, he was my idol when joining the club. Rangi was a player I looked up to and was lucky enough to grow up and finally have the opportunity to play alongside him. Plus, he was one of the most naturally talented players I’ve taken the field with. The skill on Rangi and the way he played the game when at his best was unbelievable; he could turn up on any play and make something out of nothing with his ridiculous skill set. But, he was also a hard player to train against at times and to even play with as you didn’t know what he was going to do next. Sometimes, I think defenders just had to sit back and clap. Arguably one of the best Super League halfbacks in his prime.