Super League team of the season so far

Now that we’re just passed the halfway mark of the season and set to stick our teeth into some mouth watering internationals this week, it’s as good a time as any to look back on this season so far.

We’ve been lucky to see so many star players shine in 2022 creating a very competitive and exciting league campaign.

But which players have stood out the most so far this season? We’re answering that question by picking our team of the season so far.

Fullback: Jai Field
With nine tries to his name after seven rounds, Jai Field is second for tries scored in the Betfred Super League. The lightning fullback has also registered the most metres in the league with 1126 to his name largely due to his long range tries and explosive runs. Leading the way where the Man of Steel is concerned, he simply had to be included in this team despite the superb performances of Jake Connor with the Hull FC fullback registering a whopping 12 assists so far this season.

Wingers: Ken Sio and Tommy Makinson
Alongside Field, Ken Sio and Tommy Makinson are the league’s top scorers with 10 tries a piece. It’s a big statement claiming this is the best we’ve seen from Makinson, but it very well could be as he scores tries of all shapes and sizes including a decisive intercept against Leeds. As for Sio, he continues to shine in an up and down Salford side and is already in double figures. The pair just edge out Tom Johnstone who continues to score mesmeric tries for Trinity but is persistently derailed by injury.

Centres: Mark Percival and Kai Pearce-Paul
Like Makinson, we’re again seeing the best of Mark Percival as he truly puts the injuries of his past behind. With four tries to his name this season he’s the most prolific centre in the competition and that’s just one part of his game which has caught the eye in 2022. Meanwhile, Kai Pearce-Paul has been a joy to watch this season due to his powerful and illusive running coupled with his offloading ability. His injury was a real bitter pill for him and spectators to swallow.

Halfbacks: Jonny Lomax and Olly Russell
Jonny Lomax continues to be St Helens’ lynchpin and tie together their attack masterfully. He has six assists to his name along with two tries and can be attributed to the success of Lewis Dodd who came very close to being named alongside Lomax as did Mikey Lewis with five tries and four assists. However, despite the lack of stats pointing in his direction, Olly Russell has to be included for the way he’s directed Huddersfield’s superb attack in 2022 getting the best out of the likes of Will Pryce and Tui Lolohea whilst also playing out the back himself at times.

Props: Chris Hill and Alex Walmsley
Another Giant – by name and nature – is included at prop. No prop has made as many metres as the former Warrington skipper with 845 to his name so far this season. He’s been massive for Huddersfield and their early season success and in many ways his impact is immeasurable such is his leadership. He’s joined by the best prop in the league in Alex Walmsley. It’s no surprise that St Helens’ only defeat of the season came in his absence showing the key role he plays for the Champions.

Hooker: Danny Levi
This was a really difficult decision. I wanted to include Danny Levi and Joe Lovodua in this team and if there were subs both would feature. Even the likes of Michael McIlorum and Danny Houghton are enjoying superb seasons but the difference Levi has brought to the Giants in attack has been outstanding as he offers threat from dummyhalf and an ability to tie in defenders before feeding the ball out wide.

Second-rowers: Mike McMeeken and Chris McQueen
Perhaps I should’ve included Mike McMeeken in the front row such were his brilliant performances there earlier in the season and if he continues to play in the role by the end of the year he may no longer be eligible for this position where the Dream Team is concerned. A strong runner and always a threat in attack, we’ve seen more of him at his best in 2022. Meanwhile, Chris McQueen has been amazing for Huddersfield scoring six tries which leaves him sixth in the league’s try scoring charts and has more than any other forward in the comp.

Loose-forward: Joe Westerman
Lee Radford recently made the bold claim that Joe Westerman is the best 13 in the league despite the quality of Morgan Knowles. Both are deserving of a spot in this side but in the end I’ve gone for Westerman due to the stats. His total of 816 metres is more than Knowles has managed and is the third most from a forward so far this season. So central to Castleford’s attack, he’s gotten Radford’s side going forward in recent outings.