The top five matches of the 2021 Super League season

This Super League campaign has been exhilarating from start to finish. Almost anyone can beat anyone as seen by the recent upturn in form of Wakefield, Salford’s thrashing of Hull FC and some of Huddersfield’s impressive results. All of this has led to some superb games this term so much so I was spoilt for choice when it came to picking this list of the five best games so far this season.

5. Leeds 25-24 Hull FC

In a big stadium with their play-off hopes on the line, two of the league’s biggest clubs did battle in what almost felt like a final and it was as dramatic as one. Granted the game was at times sullied by a few errors, but both sides competed ruthlessly clearly knowing exactly what was at stake. Leeds scored some spectacular tries as Harry Newman has a superb game. As the match drew to a close there were dramatic moments a plenty with Leeds hitting the woodwork with a drop goal attempt, a massive charge down as Hull looked for a one-pointer before Kruise Leeming nailed the first drop goal of his career to win the game.

4. Leeds 26-27 Warrington

This felt like huge encounter. Two former Grand Finalists battling it out in an end-to-end encounter full of exciting attacking rugby and the Warrington debut of one of the league’s biggest stars in the shape of George Williams. There was controversy too with Jack Hughes shown a yellow card before an outstanding Harry Newman try looked to have won it for the Rhinos. But a late Danny Walker score and a Williams drop goal won it for the Wolves.

3. Hull FC 23-22 Hull KR

Hull derbies always deliver, but this one reached another level as two of the teams vying for play-off places butted heads in an attacking masterclass full of drama and the raw need to win not least to get one over on their biggest rivals. The game was basically a highlight reel and was full of huge moments right until Jordan Lane charged down Hull KR’s late attempt to send the game to golden point.

2. Warrington 14-24 St Helens

This felt like a semi-final. It was played with an absurd intensity and at a fast pace from start to finish. The bare bones of the game were magnificent with some crunching tackles and gutsy carries but beyond that there were moments of sheer skill. Warrington’s two tries were great to watch as was St Helens’ second which came courtesy of young Lewis Dodd. However, the try of the game came from Mark Percival after a brilliant one-on-one strip from Joe Batchelor. A game full of huge moments and brilliant rugby, I’m looking forward to the rematch we could get in the play-offs.

1. St Helens 30-31 Catalans

Speaking of rematches, we could see the rematch of this epic encounter at Old Trafford. This was very similar to a Grand Final actually. At a big event in front of a huge crowd enhanced by quite a few neutrals, the Dragons knew they needed to win to seal the League Leaders’ Shield. Catalans started the better with the opening try of the game, but soon the Saints took control with some superb rugby. But somehow the French outfit found another level and produced the best five minutes of rugby we’ve seen from any side this year to complete the most remarkable comeback Super League has ever seen to take the game to golden point. In extra time we endured controversy, witnessed drama and saw teams scramble to lessen the impact of mistakes before James Maloney nailed a masterful drop goal to seal the win for Catalans and the League Leaders’ Shield.