Top 50 players in Super League: 50-41

In amongst the routine-snapping lockdown I am counting down the top 50 current players in Super League.

It’s sure to create a lot of debate and differing opinions, especially given the scale of the task and the amount of quality players on show in the competition.

Here are the first 10 players on list, ranked from 50-41…

50. Regan Grace (St Helens)

Kicking off the countdown is Saints speedy Welsh winger, Regan Grace. The athletic no.5 is in possession of some sensational footwork and is one of the most dangerous and improved wingers in the competition. Growing in confidence, he has possessed the lightning pace and evasive sidestep ever since his memorable debut, but it was last season he genuinely became even more of a threat, backing himself to beat players with that bit more ruthlessness. Grace isn’t quite where he wants to be just yet in terms of consistency and dealing with high kicks, but he has improved by some distance in this department over the past 12 months.

49. Ben Currie (Warrington Wolves)

Before an untimely ACL rupture and subsequent knee reconstruction, Ben Currie was developing into one of the competition’s best back-rowers. He was robust and had strength and physicality, but it was his skillset, vision and athleticism that made him a standout. Sadly, he has struggled to get back to the level he was performing at during 2016 but nevertheless made an encouraging start to this season and will be eager to get back onto the field and continue his progress once games are back on.

48. Jermaine McGillvary (Huddersfield Giants)

Huddersfield’s long-serving winger Jermaine McGillvary remains a very solid, reliable and effective performer for both club and country. The England international has explosive power and strength and remains one of the best three-quarters in Super League at starting sets with big yardage carries. McGillvary is very good at the job he does for his team, he is a great finisher and has been incredibly consistent throughout the past few seasons.

47. Tui Lolohea (Salford Red Devils)

A maverick player, Lolohea is unpredictable in terms of both his performances and style of play. The former Wests Tigers half-back has the individual ability to unlock defences with either his evasive sidestepping or a cut-out pass. He is a dangerous player on his day and impressed for Tonga during the off-season internationals last year. Lolohea’s off-the-cuff style in attack doesn’t always work successfully, but he has proven himself a match-winner since signing for Salford from Leeds last season.

46. Adam Quinlan (Hull KR)

One of the most underrated full-backs in the competition, Adam Quinlan possesses the ability to break the line, create tries and join the attacking line with impeccable timing. The former Saints man is invaluable to Hull Kingston Rovers, he has a superb rugby brain and is the type of player who will impose himself on a game. A dangerous attacking weapon, the Australian speedster is also solid at the basics of the game, a fairly reliable one-on-one defender and good at taking high kicks under pressure despite his small stature. Quinlan is consistent, has a good attitude and is a player that has maximised every ounce of potential he has regarding output.

45. Kenny Edwards (Huddersfield Giants)

Following a successful stint at the Catalans Dragons, the influential and destructive Kenny Edwards should prove a useful attacking weapon for the Huddersfield Giants during 2020. In possession of a wealth of NRL experience, Edwards is packed with dangerous attributes. He is an aggressive and powerful defender with technique, strength and presence, and rarely loses one-on-one battles due to his fearless attitude. In attack, he has the ability to make big post-contact metres and with a devastating offloading game at his disposal, Edwards is one of the best edge players in the competition.

44. David Fifita (Wakefield Trinity)

The mercurial and charismatic David Fifita is Wakefield’s most influential player and his presence, leadership and destructive energy-sapping carries are paramount to his team. He is capable of making a genuine difference when he is on the pitch and can inflict some serious physical impact at the expense of the best teams in the competition. He possesses one of the best fends in Super League as well as a brilliant offloading game. A player that always displays a very impressive level of confidence in his own ability, Fifita remains one of the most destructive ball-carrying forwards in the game despite recent injury setbacks.

43. Marc Sneyd (Hull FC)

Fewer players in Super League divide opinion more than Marc Sneyd. Another mercurial talent, Sneyd has come to Hull FC’s rescue with his devastating left boot time after time, especially in pressure moments and big games. His goal-kicking is outstanding and his game-management during tight matches is very effective, as highlighted by his back-to-back Lance Todd Trophy performances at Wembley. His ball distribution during attacking set-plays, especially when passing right-to-left, is usually on point and he would be much further up this list if he was more consistent. Still, Sneyd is a quality rugby league player and on his day can be unplayable.

42. Josh Charnley (Warrington Wolves)

Charnley is still one of the best wingers in the competition with his useful physical attributes and consistent performances. The former Warrior is a powerful and explosive carrier of the ball and very effective for Warrington during exit sets, with strong yardage carries. He is also desperately difficult to stop when given a sight of the line and is a confident and devastatingly ruthless finisher. Charnley might not be as quick as he once was, but he is still rapid and will hope to hit top form for the Wolves when the season resumes.

41. Konrad Hurrell (Leeds Rhinos)

The destructive Konrad Hurrell is an absolute wrecking ball of a centre and is capable of barging his way through half of the opposition team on his way to the try-line. He creates as many tries as he scores because he attracts so many defenders, and the Tongan juggernaut could thrive in an improving Rhinos side this season. Hurrell is a dangerous and formidable three-quarter and a genuine game-changer who possesses a fine offloading game too. He isn’t without his frailties, especially in defence, which prevents him being higher on the list, but there is no doubting the quality of a player who has added great personality to the competition.

Tomorrow: Players 40-31