My series of the top five in-form Super League players in each position continues and today it’s the turn of the props.
5. Sam Kasiano (Catalans Dragons)
After a slow start to life in the South of France, man mountain Sam Kasiano has started the 2020 season in fine form. The New Zealand international has brought skill and unpredictability to a Catalans pack that normally focuses on brute force, which is another attribute Kasiano also brings to the table.
4. Adam Cuthbertson (Leeds Rhinos)
Now 35 and in the final year of his contract at Leeds, Adam Cuthbertson is proving age is just a number. The skilful Australian forward has rediscovered top form early in 2020, making big metres while bringing his unrivalled offloading game back to the Rhinos attack. ‘Cuthbo’ may just earn a new deal if he keeps up this form when the season resumes.
3. Alex Walmsley (St Helens)
Everyone knows the capabilities of Alex Walmsley and having put his injury problems in the past, he now forms one half of the most lethal front-row partnership in Super League. After helping Saints to the title last year, Walmsley was exceptional in their narrow World Club Challenge loss to the Roosters and proved once again he can match it with the world’s best.
2. Liam Watts (Castleford Tigers)
Liam Watts first full season at Castleford saw him nominated for the Super League Man of Steel award and he has showed no signs of letting up at the start of 2020. One of Hull FC’s biggest regrets will be losing Watts, and the no-nonsense front-rower is surely a certainty for England now Shaun Wane is at the helm, with the new coach likely to pick players on form.
1. Luke Thompson (St Helens)
The other half of that dominant Saints front-row is NRL-bound Luke Thompson. After rising to prominence in 2018, Thompson backed up with an even better 2019 and will be among the best forwards in the world next year when he joins NRL outfit Canterbury Bulldogs. The 25-year-old is currently Super League’s best prop, with his quick, agile and powerful style making him almost impossible to stop in full flow.