Super League: Your club’s Player of the Season so far

Although we were only a few weeks into Super League 2020 prior to the season suspension a number of players had already stood out, so we’ve come together to pick a Player of the Season so far for each club.

Castleford Tigers – Jordan Rankin

Recently named Super League’s most underrated player in our series of ‘top 10’ articles, Jordan Rankin is slowly becoming a hero with the Castleford Tigers. The agile Australian full-back had contributed five try assists, 34 tackle busts and 695 metres so far this season, showcasing every ounce of his skill and unpredictability as Cas made a strong start to the campaign.

Catalans Dragons – Sam Tomkins

A player everyone loves to hate is Catalans’ Sam Tomkins. The England international is now 31 and has overcome a number of injury setbacks to return to top form at the start of 2020, showing many of the attributes that have made him such a superstar. His side-stepping, speed and kicking game have aided the Dragons’ impressive opening as Tomkins really starts to look at home in the South of France.

Huddersfield Giants – Aidan Sezer

Aidan Sezer has certainly lived up to the hype at the start of the season. Billed as one of the competition’s biggest recruits for 2020, having just led Canberra to the NRL Grand Final, the skilful half-back has implemented every bit of his expert kicking game and leadership in the opening few rounds. Tipped by many for relegation at the start of the season, Huddersfield are a different side with Sezer in their ranks and may even mount a play-off push.

Hull FC – Josh Griffin

Recently earning a call-up to Shaun Wane’s England squad, Josh Griffin was in the form of his career prior to the season hiatus. The quick and powerful centre has been outstanding in attack this season, scoring several tries as well as making the most metres in the competition. Griffin is in his prime and will hope to keep his level of performance up between now and next year’s World Cup.

Hull KR – Shaun Kenny-Dowall

Star signing Shaun Kenny-Dowall has toughed it out in the early rounds of the season at Hull KR. The New Zealand international is a danger from anywhere on the field, with his strength and potency near the line making him the standout in a struggling side. Keeping ‘SKD’ fit for the remainder of the season could be key to the Robins’ survival hopes.

Leeds Rhinos – Luke Gale

Many had their doubts about Luke Gale but he has slotted back into his hometown club rather well. The former Man of Steel has formed a superb partnership with Robert Lui, helping Leeds play at a relentless and devastating pace in attack. Gale’s accurate kicking game, leadership and creativity near the line has made the Rhinos a feared side once again and few could have predicted he would make such an impact so quickly.

Salford Red Devils – Niall Evalds

Niall Evalds is still at his peak in 2020 and has continued his fine form from last season when he was pipped at the post to be the competition’s top try-scorer. Having scored five tries, providing six assists as well as 717 metres from 90 carries so far this season, Evalds remains one of Super League’s most potent wingers and can score from anywhere on the field.

St Helens – Jonny Lomax

Jonny Lomax is still the main man for the reigning champions despite their stuttering start to the season. He has picked up where he left off in 2019 and should he remain fit, Saints will certainly be in contention to defend their crown. Lomax is a tough, agile and quick-thinking half-back and should be in contention for the Steve Prescott Man of Steel award at the end of the year.

Toronto Wolfpack – Ricky Leutele

It may have been a baptism of fire for Toronto in Super League, but that has not stopped Ricky Leutele making his mark in the top division. The 30-year-old has demonstrated strong form early on and is currently the Wolfpack’s top metre-maker and most dangerous player. The Samoan international is an exciting talent and will most likely rack up more tries and assists when on Canadian soil.

Wakefield Trinity – Jacob Miller

Long-serving Wakefield playmaker Jacob Miller has started the season in fine form. The former Hull FC man seems to have been around forever but is still only 27 and remains a vital part of Trinity’s future. Miller is a creative, tricky and direct player with an excellent close-range kicking game, all attributes that have made him one of Super League’s most respected half-backs.

Warrington Wolves – Daryl Clark

Daryl Clark has been Warrington’s best player for a while now and could be in with a shot of regaining the Man of Steel award he won as a Castleford player in 2014. The 27-year-old is a devastating runner from acting half and can see things few other hookers can, with his vision and know-how catching out many opponents. Clark is incredibly consistent and should get more of a run at international level under Shaun Wane.

Wigan Warriors – Bevan French

Probably Super League’s standout player of the early rounds, Bevan French has exploded into life so far this season with four tries and as many assists to his name. The electric and unpredictable figure has rotated between stand-off and full-back in the early rounds, using his devastating speed and agility to produce a number of eye-catching moments. If the Steve Prescott Man of Steel award was handed out now, French would be the favourite.