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Top 50 players in Super League: Full list

Throughout last week, Ben Long took on the mammoth task of naming the top 50 players currently playing in Super League. After five days and a lot of deliberation, here is his list in full…

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.

Ben Currie has overcome numerous injury setbacks in his career so far. Credit: News Images

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.

Jermaine McGillvary has scored 171 tries since making his Huddersfield debut in 2007. Credit: Craig Thomas/News Images

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.

Adam Quinlan has become a fan’s favourite at Craven Park. Credit: News Images

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.

Kenny Edwards signed for Huddersfield on a three-year deal prior to the 2020 season. Credit: News Images

44. David Fifita (Wakefield Trinity)

Marc Sneyd won the Lance Todd trophy in 2016 and 2017. Credit: David Greaves/News Images

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.

Josh Charnley has scored 42 tries in 57 games for Warrington Wolves. Credit: News Images

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.

40. Morgan Knowles (St Helens)

Morgan Knowles has been a consistent and impressive performer for St Helens and has become their regular loose forward. His improvement since 2017 has been exceptional, proving himself to be a durable, strong and aggressive defender, while consistently making strong carries in attack. He also possesses explosive power and pace and has a good passing skillset, making him a great all-rounder. Knowles tremendous endurance, stamina and mentality allows him to get through a high workload and often get the better of some of the best forwards in the competition.

Morgan Knowles is a regular in the Saints team. Credit: News Images

39. Danny Richardson (Castleford Tigers)

Danny Richardson made an eye-catching start to life at the Jungle after falling out of favour at previous club St Helens. During Castleford’s first few games of the season, Richardson was taking the ball right to the line in attack, before delivering the correct pass and exploiting some of Super League’s best defensive structures. The former Dream Team member has also vastly improved his kicking game in a Tigers shirt, often turning teams around with the boot and finding supporting runners with close-range kicks. Daryl Powell will undoubtedly be working closely with Richardson again when the season resumes, trying to improve his defence and ensure the promising half-back partnership with Jake Trueman lives up to the hype.

Danny Richardson has excelled since signing for Castleford. Credit: News Images

38. Ricky Leutele (Toronto Wolfpack)

Former NRL Grand Final-winning centre Ricky Leutele has been an absolute standout for Toronto during their difficult start to the season. It comes as little surprise that he has been the Wolfpack’s best player given his terrific physical attributes and past success with Cronulla. The powerful and pacey Australian is a game-changer and is capable of releasing sublime offloads, while also providing priceless yardage during exit sets. Leutele is very difficult to stop near the line, being able to score under immense pressure, and is one of Toronto’s best attacking weapons and a player they will be desperate to keep fit.

Ricky Leutele scored in Toronto’s recent Challenge Cup win over Huddersfield. Credit: News Images

37. Theo Fages (St Helens)

The man who ousted the aforementioned Richardson in the St Helens halves is French international Theo Fages. The plucky playmaker isn’t the go-to superstar in the Saints team, but he is a very dependable and accurate distributor of the ball. Fages is also a reliable defender and has improved that side of his game no-end, with opposition teams often targeting the Frenchman due to his small stature. The tough-tackling half-back rarely lets anyone down and is one of the unsung heroes in a star-studded team. He fits seamlessly into the Saints fearsome attacking system and is one of the best support players in the competition. Fages has matured his game somewhat since leaving Salford and is probably the most recognisable French rugby league player outside of Catalans.

36. Jake Trueman (Castleford Tigers)

Jake Trueman is developing into a very effective stand-off and despite only being 21, he has already played 62 Super League games for Castleford. The former Young Player of the Year makes a lot of line breaks due to his deceptive strength and has an uncanny natural ability to evade defenders. He is an old head on young shoulder and his long-range kicking game is, while still a work-in progress, fairly impressive. Trueman also possesses a good level of communication and tactical awareness, while his defence and pass selection have improved of late. Should he continue to make progress in all areas of his game, Trueman definitely has the attitude and talent to become a regular for England at international level.

Jake Trueman won Super League’s Young Player of the Year award in 2018. Credit: News Images

35. Bill Tupou (Wakefield Trinity)

Bill Tupou is a robust and powerful centre who made a real name for himself during the 2018 season. The former Canberra star finished fifth on the Man of Steel leaderboard that year, however an injury-hit 2019 campaign halted his progress and he will be hoping to make up for lost time this year. The big, athletic Kiwi is fearless, possesses explosive power, a good offloading game and can break the line out of almost nothing. Tupou’s big yardage and ability to produce game-changing moments makes him one of Wakefield’s most important players and he is among the best three-quarters in Super League.

Bill Tupou has formed a devastating left-side partnership with Wakefield winger Tom Johnstone. Credit: News Images

34. Tony Gigot (Toronto Wolfpack)

On individual ability and skill alone, Tony Gigot should arguably be in a better position on this list, but his well-known application issues often hold him back. The French full-back is a frustrating player, mainly because he is on the cusp of being world class at times, but when he puts a consistent run of games together and reaches near the peak of his game, he is almost unplayable. Gigot was a joy to watch during his Lance Todd Trophy performance at Wembley in 2018, showing all the guile, vision and silky footwork that makes him so good. Toronto will hope he can rediscover that form because when at his off-the-cuff best, Gigot makes the game of rugby league look effortless.

Tony Gigot won the Lance Todd Trophy in 2018 playing for Catalans Dragons. Credit: Richard Long – News Images

33. Robert Lui (Leeds Rhinos)

Robert Lui is a crafty and unpredictable half-back that possesses deceptive ball skills and plenty of guile. He is another maverick-type player that has the ability to create breaks and unlock tight defences. The former Salford man has a good understanding of the game and can link up well, as proven with Luke Gale this season, despite being quite an individualistic playmaker. He has a cracking dummy and a very useful combination of footwork and strength, and is a threat on his day to any team in Super League. Having cemented himself in the Leeds team, Lui will hope to continue his fine form later in the year as the Rhinos look to rediscover their former glories.

Rob Lui signed for Leeds from Salford midway through the 2019 season. Credit: Mark Cosgrove/News Images

32. Josh Griffin (Hull FC)

Josh Griffin is developing into a devastating centre and will be knocking on the door for a spot in the England starting line-up sooner rather than later. His speed and strength are a lethal combination and his awareness of the game, both in attack and defence, allows him to prevent, create and score tries. Griffin’s technically ability makes him a wingers dream, while his concentration, stamina and decision-making are further strengths of his ever-improving game. A confident, athletic and aggressive player that certainly fits the international mould, while his style of play is well-suited to that of a Shaun Wane-coached team.

Josh Griffin was called up to Shaun Wane’s first England squad last month. Credit: News Images

31. Josh Jones (Hull FC)

Having recently forced his way into international reckoning, Josh Jones is now renowned as one of the competition’s most destructive forwards. The former Saints man likes to receive the ball early so he can cut back on the inside and is an absolute nightmare to bring down and stop in the tackle. Further to this, he has a good bump-off technique, a strong fend and a huge frame, playing a big part in Salford’s run to the Grand Final last year. Strong and awkward in contact situations, virtually guaranteeing his side big yards and a quick play-the-ball, Jones’ all-round game is good too with his ability to produce numerous effective carries and tackles throughout a game priceless to his team. Jones has become one of Super League’s best back-rowers since he returned from rugby union and will look to continue his excellent progress for Hull FC over the next few years.

New Hull signing Josh Jones helped Salford reach the Grand Final last season. Credit: David Greaves/News Images

30. Luke Gale (Leeds Rhinos)

Former Man of Steel Luke Gale has been written off by many and is out to prove a point in 2020 following his move from Castleford to Leeds. His Achilles rupture during the back end of his successful stint at the Jungle led many to doubt whether he could return to top form, however the Leeds-born half-back has made a solid start to life back at his hometown club. Gale still possesses an accurate long-range cut-out pass and has a dominant kicking game. Defensively he has improved throughout his Super League career and if he manages to stay fit, then he will prove a very useful acquisition for the Rhinos.

Luke Gale has made a solid start for Leeds since re-signing from Castleford. Credit: News Images

29. Manu Ma’u (Hull FC)

The notoriously destructive and aggressive Manu Ma’u is one of the hardest-hitting forwards in the game and will turn into the enforcer of the Hull FC pack if he finds form in 2020. The former Parramatta star has some serious pedigree and the Old Faithful will be hoping he can convert his impressive attributes into big performances once games are back up and running. Ma’u could become a cult figure on the west side of Hull as he has the durability and physicality to produce highly effective carries and punishing defence, resulting in his nickname as the ‘Tongan Terminator’.

Manu Ma’u was Hull’s star signing for the 2020 campaign. Credit: News Images

28. Niall Evalds (Salford Red Devils)

Niall Evalds is as safe as houses dealing with kicks, a solid one-on-one tackler and a serial try-scorer. He is a reliable and consistent performer for the Red Devils, with a never-say-die attitude, and has coped with the weight of expectation superbly as his reputation has continued to grow. Last season saw him pipped at the post to be Super League’s top try-scorer as the winger thrived in a Salford team that reached the Grand Final. Despite the Devils losing a number of key players, Evalds hasn’t let his performances drop and is set for another big season.

Evalds scored 22 tries in 29 Super League games last season. Credit: News Images

27. Oliver Gildart (Wigan Warriors)

An athletic, ambitious and exciting player, Oliver Gildart has come on leaps and bounds over the last two years and has proven he is international class. The speedster constantly looks to get on the outside of his opposite number and is capable of applying his quick-thinking and pace at the expense of some of the best centres in the world. A genuine strike-player that can change the momentum of a game, Gildart’s defensive contact and all-round physicality have also improved considerably since the start of last season. The England international is among Wigan’s most dangerous strike weapons and may attract NRL interest in the coming years.

Oliver Gildart has scored 56 tries in 121 appearances for Wigan. Credit: Richard Long/News Images

26. Liam Farrell (Wigan Warriors)

Liam Farrell has been among Wigan’s most consistent and reliable players for a number of seasons now, offering a lot in both attack and defence. Capable of running direct lines, cutting back on the inside and producing exquisite cut-out passes, the tireless back-rower has the pace of an outside back and toughness of a prop. Farrell’s stamina is another major strength and he will, more often than not, play the full 80 minutes for his team. He has become one of the most consistent players in the business and his return to the England squad is long overdue.

Liam Farrell has been one of Wigan’s most consistent players for almost a decade. Credit: News Images

25. Liam Watts (Castleford Tigers)

Liam Watts has been one of the most aggressive and dynamic front-rowers in the competition since his days at Hull FC. Since joining hometown club Castleford, he has managed to channel his aggression into dominant performances and last year was, by some distance, the finest of his career. The number of effective carries and tackles per game were far beyond the average for a player in his position and that’s not even mentioning his very dangerous offloading game. Watts’ mobility and engine set him apart from most props in the competition and he is now one of Super League’s main enforcers.

Liam Watts was named in the Super League Dream Team last season. Credit: Richard Long/News Images

24. Tom Johnstone (Wakefield Trinity)

Wakefield’s Tom Johnstone is an immense talent that has endured some horrid luck with injuries. He is a supernaturally athletic freak of nature that has produced some of the all-time great Super League tires, but he is much more than just an acrobatic finisher. He has that ability of beating good defenders easily and can make breaks out of nothing. He is also an aggressive ball-carrier coming away from his own line, is very good in the air and always capable of scoring tries from long range. Johnstone is among Super League’s most exciting and devastating wingers and will surely represent England again should he stay fit.

Wakefield winger Tom Johnstone has become renowned for his acrobatic finishes. Credit: News Images

23. Paul McShane (Castleford Tigers)

Former Leeds hooker Paul McShane is a terrific team player and has worked hard to reach his current level. After struggling to break in at the Rhinos and settle in at any club, Daryl Powell gave the crafty no.9 the break he needed and he has probably been the Tigers most consistent player for some time now. He has some real guile around the ruck and can supply accurate distribution throughout a match. His defensive work rate is impressive and he consistently hits above his weight. McShane is an influential player for Castleford and was finally rewarded with a call-up to Shaun Wane’s first England squad last month.

Paul McShane was recently called into the England senior squad by Shaun Wane. Credit: News Images

22. Stefan Ratchford (Warrington Wolves)

Warrington full-back Stefan Ratchford is an influential player with a good rugby mindset. Both mentally and technically good, the agile full-back has a brilliant pass in his locker and is a superb defensive organiser. The ex-Salford man is also a terrific support player that can read the game better than most and although he doesn’t quite have the pace he once had, his consistent error-free game means he will always find a way into the team. Ratchford hasn’t quite got the headlines of some other Super League no.1’s down the years, but he is still an excellent rugby league player.

Stefan Ratchford has amassed over 1,000 points in his Warrington career. Credit: News Images

21. Mahe Fonua (Hull FC)

The ability Mahe Fonua possesses is truly daunting for the opposition when he is at his best. The Tongan international is a game-changer with a great leap and devastating tackle-breaking ability, especially close to the line. He is one of the best at powering over in the corner under immense pressure, while he also uses his strength to make big yards carrying the ball away from his own line. Fonua’s return to Hull ahead of this season was greeted with jubilation from the Old Faithful, which is not surprising given how successful his previous spell was, playing a huge part in the Black & Whites’ back-to-back Challenge Cup triumphs in 2016 and 2017.

Mahe Fonua has scored three tries in five games so far this season. Credit: News Images

20. Mark Percival (St Helens)

One of the pound-for-pound strongest players in the league, Mark Percival consistently performs to a high level and should have a lot more international caps to his name. The Saints centre is very agile and strong in the tackle, often proving very difficult to put down. He has a clever pass in his locker, can create moments of brilliance at crucial times and hits above his weight in defence. Percival is composed in important situations, safe at collecting high kicks and can read the game better than most.

Mark Percival has been one of Super League’s best centres for a number of years. Credit: News Images

19. Kevin Naiqama (St Helens)

Much like Percival, Fijian star Kevin Naiqama is a very difficult player to tackle due to his agility and deceptive power. The evasive centre is hard-hitting and very unselfish close to the line, often laying tries on a plate for his winger Regan Grace. Having performed at a high level in the NRL for a number of years, Naiqama has transferred that form to Super League and is one of the competition’s best centres.

Kevin Naiqama won the Super League title in his first season with St Helens. Credit: Richard Long/News Images

18. Albert Kelly (Hull FC)

When Albert Kelly moved across Hull in 2017 many people doubted he would be a success, but the former Gold Coast playmaker has proved everyone wrong. He remains one of the Black & Whites key players and when his attitude is right, his all-action style can be very easy on the eye. At his best in attack, Kelly can be a devastating and has the power and pace to cause any Super League defence trouble, while also possessing the natural skill and vision that makes him an X-Factor player.

Albert Kelly signed for Hull FC from local rivals Hull KR ahead of the 2017 season. Credit: David Greaves/News Images

17. Israel Folau (Catalans Dragons)

The controversial but unquestionably talented Israel Folau has an outstanding NRL try-scoring record and should enjoy a successful season for the Catalans Dragons. He is very athletic, can break tackles out of nothing and is almost unstoppable when attacking high kicks. Folau has produced the goods in both codes and prior to his stint in union, he was widely regarded as the most exciting and naturally gifted youngster in the game. If he reaches a similar level to that he produced during his NRL career, the rangey centre will move up this shortlist rapidly.

Israel Folau signed for Catalans ahead of the the 2020 season. Credit: News Images

16. Alex Walmsley (St Helens)

England prop Alex Walmsley is an explosive player and his devastating partnership with fellow prop Luke Thompson makes the Saints’ pack the most feared in Super League. The former Batley star takes huge chunks of energy out of the opposition with his mercilessly-powerful carries and is arguably the most destructive English forward around. Walmsley’s defence is aggressive but disciplined and his physical strength is just extraordinary, which helps him dominate almost every wrestle and collision he is involved in.

St Helens forward Alex Walmsley is one of the most feared forwards in Super League. Credit: News Images

15. James Roby (St Helens)

Veteran hooker James Roby continues to be hugely influential for St Helens despite his aging years and is probably the most consistent Super League player of the last decade. The 34-year-old remains sharp and decisive around the ruck, while his relentless work rate in defence is priceless for the Red Vee. Roby’s distribution is quality and he still possesses that vital nippy acceleration out of dummy-half. The 31-time England international will go down as a Saints legend when he retires, and he is showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

James roby won the Steve Prescott Man of Steel award in 2007. Credit: News Images

14. Tommy Makinson (St Helens)

Former Golden Boot winner Tommy Makinson is the best winger in Super League by a comfortable margin. He has all the qualities you would want for someone in his position and has proven to be international class over the last few years. Of the 28-year-old’s many strengths, his kick returns, athleticism and bravery are up there with the best in the world, while his defence is abnormally strong in contact. Makinson can also read attacking moves better than most, makes breaks out of nothing and is the best finisher in the competition.

Tommy Makinson has a reputation as one of the best finishers in the game. Credit: Mark Cosgrove/News Images

13. Zak Hardaker (Wigan Warriors)

Blighted by off-field controversies in the past, Zak Hardaker has made a home for himself at Wigan and finally looks to have settled down. The former Man of Steel is a quality no.1 and makes a huge difference to his team in attack and defence. He is outstanding defensively and always knows when to chime into the attacking line, making him the complete full-back. Footwork, strength and persistence in the tackle help to make Hardaker one of the most naturally competitive players around, with his ‘bad boy’ days hopefully now behind him.

Zak Hardaker has excelled at Wigan after numerous well-publicised off-field problems. Credit: News Images

12. Jake Connor (Hull FC)

The naturally gifted Jake Connor is next up after showing patches of genius over the past few seasons. He is a mercurial talent who needs to find a dominant position and consistency but if those things come, there is a world class player in waiting. Connor’s ball-skills can be mesmerising, he is very good in the air and has plenty of kicking skills in his locker. His aggression and ruggedness also make him a throwback to bygone eras, although channelling those attributes in the right way remains a challenge. Connor is the type of player that can make something happen out of nothing and could become a player Australia soon fear at international level.

Jake Connor is one of the most naturally gifted players in Super League. Credit: Craig Milner/News Images

11. Gareth Widdop (Warrington Wolves)

Former St George Illawarra star Gareth Widdop was clearly still carrying an injury in his first few games for Warrington, however he started to find his feet in the final two rounds prior to the season suspension. He was one of the NRL’s best half-backs for a decade and has genuine quality, with his partnership with Blake Austin surely set to ignite later in the year. Widdop is an expert kicker, both in-play and at goal, while his creativity and ball-distribution is in a class of its own at times.

Gareth Widdop signed for Warrington after a decade in the NRL. Credit: News Images

10. Aidan Sezer (Huddersfield Giants)

Marquee player Aidan Sezer will be invaluable to Huddersfield this season as he has the ability to give them the creativity they badly lacked at times last year. The former Canberra star showcased his excellent ball distribution during the Giants’ great start to the 2020 campaign and also took on the role of guiding his side around the park. He has a very good long-range kicking game and is a superb organiser, while also physically capable of fronting up in defence. Sezer ranks as one of the best halves in the competition and the hierarchy at Huddersfield have done exceptionally well to land a player of his quality.

Aidan Sezer was one of the headline signings for the 2020 Super League season. Credit: News Images

9. Sam Tomkins (Catalans Dragons)

He has his critics, but since Sam Tomkins signed for Catalans he has rediscovered his best form. The former Man of Steel is still one of the best players in Super League and is a full-back with the kicking game, rugby intelligence and ball distribution of a world class half-back. He doesn’t possess the lightning speed he once had, however his anticipation and reading of the game, in both attack and defence, is top-drawer. Tomkins remains an evasive runner and his competitive nature often gives him the edge over opponents, especially in tight games.

Sam Tomkins has scored four tries in four appearances so far in 2020. Credit: Craig Milner/News Images

8. Lachlan Coote (St Helens)

Replacing reigning Man of Steel Ben Barba was an almost impossible task but Lachlan Coote couldn’t have done much better for Saints in 2019. A typical NRL full-back, the former Cowboys no.1 possesses an astute kicking game, has very good hands and is an excellent support player. Like all good full-backs he is generally very solid in the air, while his game-management and control from the back gives him an added edge. Coote’s professionalism and know-how played a big part in St Helens losing only four matches in the whole of last year, with his absence in the early rounds of this season all too evident.

Lachlan Coote was picked at full-back in the 2019 Dream Team. Credit: Craig Thomas/News Images

7. Luke Thompson (St Helens)

The notoriously relentless and rampaging Luke Thompson is the best forward in Super League at present, with his move to the NRL not surprising given his class. The England international has a devastating combination of power and pace, while his incredible engine, aggression and competitiveness makes him almost impossible when in full flow. Thompson is also a solid defender that just keeps going and his consistency will help him become a huge success down under.

Luke Thompson, 24, will join NRL outfit Canterbury Bulldogs in 2020. Credit: News Images

6. Blake Austin (Warrington Wolves)

Blake Austin is a tremendous running half-back with the pace, physicality and agility to trouble any defence on his day. With superb rugby intelligence and anticipation, the former NRL star took Super League by storm in his first season and would perhaps have won the Man of Steel award but for injury. He is at his best when taking on the defensive line, with an outrageous dummy and towering high kick also in the locker of this maverick player. Austin is a very confident and authoritative individual whose style suits Super League down to the ground.

Blake Austin scored 19 tries in his first season with Warrington. Credit: News Images.

5. James Maloney (Catalans Dragons)

Former New South Wales and Australia half-back James Maloney remains one of the best organisers in the world and is an expert at guiding his team around the park. He also provides very clinical execution in kicking and passing, with his leadership and communication giving any side he is in a chance of victory. It’s no fluke this man, at 33, was guiding the Blues to a State of Origin series win less than a year ago and his signing could help Catalans compete with the very best in Super League. The Dragons have been a team lacking concentration, intensity and consistency for years; Maloney will most likely change that attitude and make them contenders.

James Maloney is already proving to be a huge favourite at Catalans. Credit: News Images

4. Bevan French (Wigan Warriors)

Bevan French is the ultimate box-office player in Super League and incredible to watch in full flow. An aesthetically-pleasing player to watch, he has so much in his locker and the style of the English game suits his all-action play. Outrageous dummies, scorching acceleration and pace, brilliant feet and an eye for a pass, the former Parramatta speedster has that something special. Capable of bursting through the smallest of gaps and with the ball-playing skills to unlock any defence, French doesn’t lack any self-belief and if he can maintain his early-season form, who knows what he could achieve with the Warriors.

Bevan French was in top form for Wigan prior to the season suspension. Credit: News Images

3. Daryl Clark (Warrington Wolves)

It is unbelievable at times just how much Daryl Clark does for his team. From hard-hitting, tireless defence to pressure-relieving dummy-half running, Warrington have a genuine world class hooker on their hands. The 27-year-old’s distribution is consistently very good with his speed, strength and agility allowing him to make breaks and create tries. Also a master of scooting his way over the try-line, Clark is the quickest thinking and quickest running no.9 in the competition and showed his class in last year’s Challenge Cup Final, winning the Lance Toss trophy after a faultless performance.

Daryl Clark has quickly become Warrington’s most important player. Credit: News Images

2. Jackson Hastings (Wigan Warriors)

Reigning Man of Steel Jackson Hastings is an outstanding player with all the improvisation, vision and skill of a world class half-back. His achievements at Salford last year were exceptional with his input taking the Red Devils from the bottom of Super League all the way to the Grand Final. Wigan have an exceptional talent on their hands this season and the former NRL star has already shown some glimpses of his class in the opening rounds of the season. Hastings’ has superb awareness of the game, is naturally good at beating players and defensively is very strong too. He should thrive in the remainder of his time with the Warriors and will surely win some silverware in the near future.

Jackson Hastings won the 2019 Steve Prescott Man of Steel award. Credit: Mark Cosgrove/News Images

1. Jonny Lomax (St Helens)

Jonny Lomax has developed into an extraordinary player and is currently the best in Super League. His pass selection, timing at the line and improvisation skills are outstanding and he is one of the main reasons behind St Helens’ dominance in 2019. After recovering from a number of long-term injuries earlier in his career, the England international is now the most consistent half-back in Super League with his running game, creativity and defensive work rate at an all-time high. Lomax clearly has a good attitude given what he has overcome and it’s that resilience that makes him such a consistent and relentless player. He has maximised every ounce of ability he possesses and is currently at the peak of his career.

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