The top 50 Super League players: 40-31

As we continue our countdown of the top 50 players in Super League, we turn to numbers 40 through to 31 and 10 fantastic players. We have exciting new signings, commanding halfbacks and livewire hookers. So, without any further ado, here’s players 40-31.

40. David Fusitu’a

At 6’3, David Fusitu’a could very well be Leeds’ new tank on the flank. In the friendly against Hull FC, he seemed to devour metres with every carry and showed what he could do defensively with a seismic hit on Davy Litten. A proven try scorer down under finishing 2018 as the NRL’s top scorer, he could be a lot higher up this list at the end of the season.

39. Luke Gale

Luke Gale may rue the fact he never got to work with Fusitu’a at Leeds, his kicking game could have worked wonders picking out his huge frame. However, Gale has always excelled at bringing the best out of fullbacks. At Castleford Zak Hardaker played some of his finest rugby alongside Gale and Richie Myler’s superb performances at fullback for Leeds can be attributed partly to Gale. So, alongside Jake Connor, the former Man of Steel could rediscover his best form.

38. Sione Mata’utia

After a slow start to his St Helens career, Australia’s youngest ever international started to show his true quality at the end of last season helping the Saints to a third consecutive title. Capable of hitting a good line as well as powering past defenders, don’t be surprised to see him included in the Dream Team this year.

37. Ken Sio

Last year’s top try scorer simply had to feature. Sio has pace, power and finishing ability which makes him a danger to any defence. With 19 tries last year, he outscored the likes of Ryan Hall and Tommy Makinson and should be expected to have another big season in 2022.

36. Ash Handley

Since taking on Ryan Hall’s number five shirt in 2019, Ash Handley has scored tries for fun. He finished 2019 a whisker away from the top try scorer award and in 2020 claimed the award himself averaging over a try a game in league and cup. Last season was a leaner year due to injury, but with Aidan Sezer and Blake Austin now at Leeds, he’ll return to his prolific ways.

35. Dylan Napa

An NRL winner and a real wrecking ball, teams should fear Catalans pack now that they’ve added another star forward to their ranks. With experience and power, he’s everything title challengers need in their front row.

34. Tyrone May

An NRL Grand Final winner as recent as last season, May brings a unique skillset, physicality and versatility to Super League making Catalans squad all the more formidable. He made his debut off the bench in a friendly against Toulouse showing the kind of impact he could potentially bring as a top notch substitute.

33. Ryan Hall

Once upon a time officially the world’s best winger, Hall showed that he was still one of the finest try scorers on the planet last season. He became only the second player in Super League history to score 200 tries in the competition and could’ve finished the season as the league’s top scorer if not for injury. Key at gaining yardage at the starts of sets too, he’s easily one of the league’s best wingers.

32. Kruise Leeming

A member of the Super League Dream Team last year and Leeds’ skipper this year, it appears that the sky’s the limit for Leeming going forward. He was one of a few players to register both double figures in terms of tries and assists last season and also showed his worth in the kicking department with a number of 40/20s and a first drop goal.

31. Mikolaj Oledzki

A lot of Leeming’s good work came off the back of powerful surges from Mikolaj Oledzki. At times the league’s best prop last year, injuries stifled his momentum. But fit and ready to go in 2022, there are many who expect the England international to be named in the 2022 Dream Team.