Having named my top five current Super League full-backs, we now move on to the wingers.
5. Regan Grace (St Helens)
An almost ever-present for Saints since emerging in 2017, Regan Grace has taken Super League by storm. His speed, coupled with that side-step, makes him an unpredictable opponent and one with many more bright years ahead of him. Although his 2020 season has started with injury problems, the Welsh speedster will soon return to score many more tries and cement his place as one of the competition’s best wingers.
4. Derrell Olpherts (Castleford Tigers)
Crossing the Pennines to ply his trade with the Castleford Tigers is Derrell Olpherts, and he has made a fantastic start to life with the West Yorkshire club. Since arriving from Salford, Olpherts has bagged six tries, amassed 757 metres and made 28 tackle busts for the Tigers so far. The 28-year-old may have found a home for himself at the Jungle and if anyone can get the best out of him then it’s Daryl Powell.
3. Ken Sio (Salford Red Devils)
Averaging over a try every other game in two Super League spells, Ken Sio is an exceptional winger who goes under the radar. The former Hull KR man helped Salford to the Super League Grand Final last season and despite the Red Devils early struggles in 2020, Sio already has six tries to his name this campaign, amassing 866 metres in the process.
2. Tom Johnstone (Wakefield Trinity)
Despite all his unfortunate injury setbacks, Tom Johnstone is still one of the best wingers in Super League. Speed, power and exceptional at finishing close to the line, Johnstone is international class and arguably Wakefield’s best player. With 72 tries in only 83 games for Trinity, the 24-year-old is a prolific try-scorer and will soon be a regular for England.
1. Tommy Makinson (St Helens)
Injuries have hampered his start to 2020, but Tommy Makinson remains Super League’s best winger. Whether it’s making valuable yardage in exit sets, taking in high kicks or producing extraordinary finishes close to the line, the 2018 Golden Boot winner is top-drawer in every department. Makinson is everything you would want in a modern day winger and will be key to England’s World Cup chances next year.