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Top five current centres in Super League

With the countdown to the 2023 season well underway, we are continuing to look out at the best Super League players in each position, with this week being centres.

Super League has seen some incredible centres through the years such as the mercurial Jamie Lyon and serial winner Keith Senior.

Picking the top five current centres is a difficult task in itself with some big names missing from this list such as Deon Cross who had a top class season for Salford in 2022 and who’s stock continue to rise.

That being said lets take a look at who we believe are the top five centres in Super League heading into 2023.

5. Konrad Hurrell

Hurrell was one of the best centres in Super League when he first joined Leeds Rhinos in 2019 but suffered a dip in form in his final season with the club and ultimately led to his move to St Helens. Under his Tongan head coach Kristian Woolf, Hurrell was back to his best for the Champions as he looked in good shape and fit as he helped Saints to another Grand Final success in which he scored. A powerful ball carrier who causes nightmares for other teams, when he is in top form there is no one better in the league.

4. Harry Newman 

One of the brightest young talents in Super League who looks set to a great career in injuries allow him. Newman has been hindered by injuries in recent seasons but his talent is clear to see and a clear bill of health should see him rise to the top of this list. Strong, quick and a great ball handler, He possess all the attributes needed to be an elite centre in Super League. A solid run of playing in 2023 should see Newman rise in this list and lead to a possible inclusion in Shaun Wanes next England squad.

3. Mark Percival 

Another player on this list hindered by injuries but when fit is probably the best centre in the league. Percival on his day can be absolutely unplayable and has no recognisable weakness to his game. Injuries have been cruel to the centre which have limited his opportunities to represent his country but at domestic level he is un-matched as a five time Grand Final winner. Awarded a testimonial in 2023, look for Percival to string together a good run of games as he gets back to full fitness.

2. Shaun Kenny-Dowall

A legend of the game both in Australia and England, who at 34 is still going strong and was rewarded for a solid 2022 season with a Dream Team selection. An elite defender on the edge who also knows where the try line is, SKD has done it all in the game and now proudly captains Hull KR as they look to try and make the playoffs in 2023. Kenny-Dowall is in the twilight of his career but still produces weekly for KR and his experience is crucial for the group of players around hi.

1. Tim Lafai

Tim Lafai has a monster 2022 season for the Salford Red Devils and was borderline untouchable at certain points in the season. a Dream Team inclusion and a call up to the Samoan World Cup squad followed his dominant season as he established himself as the best centre in the league. Lafai formed an almost telepathic understanding with his winger Joe Burgess and provided 14 try assists acroos the course of the season. His big frame demands so much attention from defending teams and his elite offloading game causes headaches for opposition who still haven’t found a way to contain Lafai.

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