Super League’s ‘Snubbed’ Dream Team: The thirteen unlucky to miss out

The Super League officially announced their Dream Team this weekend with those players adjudged to have been the best across the season selected to the prestigious thirteen including five Leigh Leopards players, a Wigan Warriors treble and then sole representatives from five other teams including the likes of St Helens and Hull KR.

Whilst the thirteen selected certainly have their merits, it must be said that there are plenty of players who are incredibly unfortunate to miss out on selection.

When announcing the team that was something that former three time Man of Steel winner Ellery Hanley, who is also Chair of the Dream Team Selection Panel, commented upon.

Hanley explained: “The Dream Team announcement gets people talking about the players – and that’s how it should be. Who’s in, who’s not…the arguments will continue until the early hours, but supporters talking about how good players are can only be a good thing, even if we can’t all agree on the final 13.”

With that said here is Serious About Rugby League’s Dream Team composed of those who were unfortunate to miss out.

Full-back: Ryan Brierley (Salford Red Devils)

The Scotland international has been incredibly consistent all season and whilst he didn’t lead the assists or try scoring charts for his Salford side, he was involved nonetheless and more impressive was his defence. Brierley is arguably the best full-back in Super League defensively with his pace to cover and incredible one on one tackling.

Wingers: Abbas Miski (Wigan Warriors) and Tommy Makinson (St Helens)

Abbas Miski was incredibly unfortunate not to make the official dream team with his tally of 27 tries but he was unfortunate in that both Tom Johnstone and Josh Charnley had brilliant seasons too. The second pick goes to Saints man Tommy Makinson who was close in behind and edges out Miskis’ teammate Liam Marshall and former Saint Adam Swift for this spot.

Centres: Adam Keighran (Catalans Dragons) and Zak Hardaker (Leigh Leopards)

Catalans’ goal-kicking centre Adam Keighran has had a brilliant first season in Super League finishing with 12 tries and 10 assists, as well as securing himself a move to Wigan. As for the other centre spot and Zak Hardaker has had a career revival at Leigh and become an integral part to their successful side.

Half-backs: Harry Smith (Wigan Warriors) and Mikey Lewis (Hull KR)

The young England pair have both been brilliant for their clubs this season and 22 and 19 assists respectively highlight that. Smith is arguably Super League’s best in play kicker, whereas Lewis is simply a livewire who can change games with his style of play. Fellow Englishman Jonny Lomax was another that was unlucky to miss out.

Props: Liam Byrne (Wigan Warriors) and Robbie Mulhern (Leigh Leopards)

Both these men have put in plenty of hard yards for their team to do their work off the back of. Byrne has succumbed to injury of late but prior to that was the form prop in the competition and has stepped up during a season in which running mate Mike Cooper has been injured. As for Mulhern he’s impressed massively alongside Tom Amone, forming the best prop duo in Super League.

Hooker: James Roby (St Helens)

He might be hanging the boots up but he’s still been excellent this season and been the clear number one at Saints. He’s had some help with the signing of Moses Mbye but Roby makes the game look effortless despite his age and his guidance has helped them resurrect what once looked a rocky season.

Second-Row: Luke Yates (Huddersfield Giants) and James Batchelor (Hull KR)

Luke Yates takes this season’s crown of Tackle King, being the only man to go for over 1,000 tackles and averaging over 40 a game in doing so. The Giants captain has been Mr Consistent for a team that’s been far too inconsistent, whilst for Rovers James Batchelor has been their signing of the season. His hard work and ‘unseen work’ as Willie Peters puts it has helped guide the Robins to a fourth placed finish whilst also chipping in with seven tries.

Loose Forward: Elliot Minchella (Hull KR)

Minchella has truly stamped his mark as one of Super League’s best thirteens this season and he should be expecting a phone call from Shaun Wane you’d expect. He’s led by example for Rovers and his ball playing ability had added a facet to the team’s game, much like John Asiata has done at Leigh.

1: Ryan Brierley
2: Abbas Miski
3: Adam Keighran
4: Zak Hardaker
5: Tommy Makinson
6: Harry Smith
7: Mikey Lewis
8: Robbie Mulhern
9: James Roby
10: Liam Byrne
11: James Batchelor
12: Luke Yates
13: Elliot Minchella