Welcome along to the third part of my Super League Top 60 Players series, counting down my best 60 players from the season just gone. This part will reveal positions 20 to 6.
In part one, I revealed positions 60 to 36. For anyone who missed this part, or would like a recap, you can find it here. Part two is available here. The photo below shows the players that have filled the positions that have been occupied so far - Jordan Rankin, Weller Hauraki, Stefan Ratchford, Sam Tomkins, Liam Marshall, Albert Kelly, Mike McMeeken, Josh Charnley, Danny Houghton, Trent Merrin, Julian Bousquet, Ken Sio, Bill Tupou, Willie Isa, Tui Lolohea, Kane Linnett, Theo Fages, Harry Newman, Rhys Williams, Kelepi Tanginoa, Alex Mellor, Tony Gigot, Mike Cooper, Dominique Peyroux, Mark Percival, Gil Dudson, Jordan Rankin, Krisnan Inu, Ash Handley, Jake Connor, Josh Griffin, Konrad Hurrell, Luke Yates, Bryson Goodwin, Joe Philbin, Morgan Smithies, Regan Grace, Jake Trueman, Dominique Peyroux and David Fifita.
20) LIAM FARRELL
Season Highlight:
Season Highlight:
Despite missing a large part of the season, Farrell was named in Super League's Dream Team.
For a player to make just 16 appearances in the Super League yet still find a way into the top 20 players of the season, they have got to have been outstanding in the limited number of matches. Liam Farrell was indeed outstanding for Wigan this year, returning from a pectoral muscle injury in June, which coincided with a rapid rise in form tor the Warriors - ten wins in 11 followed upon Farrell's return after just seven in the first 17. The 29-year-old back rower averaged 36 tackles per match in 2019 - a brilliant figure. Wigan will be ruing the injury that kept him out from February until June, as his energy, fitness and work-rate are clearly crucial to Wigan's success.
For a player to make just 16 appearances in the Super League yet still find a way into the top 20 players of the season, they have got to have been outstanding in the limited number of matches. Liam Farrell was indeed outstanding for Wigan this year, returning from a pectoral muscle injury in June, which coincided with a rapid rise in form tor the Warriors - ten wins in 11 followed upon Farrell's return after just seven in the first 17. The 29-year-old back rower averaged 36 tackles per match in 2019 - a brilliant figure. Wigan will be ruing the injury that kept him out from February until June, as his energy, fitness and work-rate are clearly crucial to Wigan's success.
19) RATU NAULAGO
Season Highlight:
A truly unique try away at Catalans, picking the ball up in his own in-goal area before absolutely streaking 100 metres downfield to score a ludicrous solo try.
Hull FC's Ratu Naulago scored 13 tries this season, which may seem a little low for a winger in a good team, but in terms of entertainment value, no-one was higher than Naulago this season. His blistering pace and truly ridiculous acceleration led him to 13 scores in his first season as a professional, including some sensational efforts that will live long in the memory of FC fans. The South of France was the scene of his greatest moment - picking the ball up in the in-goal area, shuffling his way out and racing away to the other end of the pitch to score, leaving everyone in his wake. A raw player who has an error in him, but an incredible addition to Super League this season. I hope he is around for a long time to come.
Hull FC's Ratu Naulago scored 13 tries this season, which may seem a little low for a winger in a good team, but in terms of entertainment value, no-one was higher than Naulago this season. His blistering pace and truly ridiculous acceleration led him to 13 scores in his first season as a professional, including some sensational efforts that will live long in the memory of FC fans. The South of France was the scene of his greatest moment - picking the ball up in the in-goal area, shuffling his way out and racing away to the other end of the pitch to score, leaving everyone in his wake. A raw player who has an error in him, but an incredible addition to Super League this season. I hope he is around for a long time to come.
18) JAMES ROBY
Season Highlight:
Two tries and 50 tackles as he rolled back the years with a stylish display away at Salford in Round Four.
The evergreen James Roby may be 33, but is still playing very well and is a bona fide Super League legend. The hooker's excellent distribution has seen him make ten assists, not bad for someone who only played 17 times. A world-class display in Saints' away win over Salford early on in the year reminded everyone just how good Roby still is, and despite missing much of this year through being rested and injuries, he has still been a huge presence for St Helens this season. A glorious assist from the base of a scrum in the Grand Final and lifting the trophy as captain capped off a huge year for him.
The evergreen James Roby may be 33, but is still playing very well and is a bona fide Super League legend. The hooker's excellent distribution has seen him make ten assists, not bad for someone who only played 17 times. A world-class display in Saints' away win over Salford early on in the year reminded everyone just how good Roby still is, and despite missing much of this year through being rested and injuries, he has still been a huge presence for St Helens this season. A glorious assist from the base of a scrum in the Grand Final and lifting the trophy as captain capped off a huge year for him.
17) MORGAN KNOWLES
Season Highlight:
Season Highlight:
The opening try in the Grand Final at Old Trafford.
Morgan Knowles has been completely unappreciated by Super League fans this year, but for me has been one of St Helens' most crucial players in 2019. He is remarkably consistent in high-quality performances and has emerged as one of the best forwards in the league. He gets through a ton of work every single match - averaging 34 tackles per game, including 49 in the Grand Final. His good handling skills and ability in front of the line have certified him as probably the best loose forward in the competition. A shame that injury has kept him out of the Great Britain tour, but he's only 22 and will have plenty more international experience before his career is out.
Morgan Knowles has been completely unappreciated by Super League fans this year, but for me has been one of St Helens' most crucial players in 2019. He is remarkably consistent in high-quality performances and has emerged as one of the best forwards in the league. He gets through a ton of work every single match - averaging 34 tackles per game, including 49 in the Grand Final. His good handling skills and ability in front of the line have certified him as probably the best loose forward in the competition. A shame that injury has kept him out of the Great Britain tour, but he's only 22 and will have plenty more international experience before his career is out.
16) JOSH JONES
Season Highlight:
A season-high 11 tackle busts as his Salford side famously won at Headingley in Round 28.
The performance level of Josh Jones has been a major highlight of Salford's amazing run to the Grand Final. The second rower has been a revelation for the Red Devils in 2019, averaging 121 metres per match, showing a phenomenal engine and yardage-making ability. Jones' ability to get the ball away despite when under the closest of attention has led to him making 58 offloads - the third highest of anyone in Super League this year. As well as this, his powerful running game has seen him make 157 tackle busts in 2019 - more than anyone in the league. Salford will really miss Jones in 2020, and he is a superb signing for Lee Radford's Hull FC.
The performance level of Josh Jones has been a major highlight of Salford's amazing run to the Grand Final. The second rower has been a revelation for the Red Devils in 2019, averaging 121 metres per match, showing a phenomenal engine and yardage-making ability. Jones' ability to get the ball away despite when under the closest of attention has led to him making 58 offloads - the third highest of anyone in Super League this year. As well as this, his powerful running game has seen him make 157 tackle busts in 2019 - more than anyone in the league. Salford will really miss Jones in 2020, and he is a superb signing for Lee Radford's Hull FC.
15) OLIVER GILDART
Season Highlight:
A brilliant finish in the final game of the league season, scoring to help secure Wigan 2nd place in the table.
It always amazes me how young Oliver Gildart is. He is only 23 years of age, but his brilliance belies his youthfulness. A very dangerous centre, he is always a huge threat for Wigan and has once again been in fine form in 2019. He hasn't missed a single Super League game this year and has been highly productive, scoring 12 tries, consistently displaying his wonderful finishing ability. He also has the knowhow of playing a killer pass, making 12 assists this campaign. He rarely misses a tackle and has made just 14 errors all season. A truly superb player and he has all the tools to develop into one of the world's best centres.
It always amazes me how young Oliver Gildart is. He is only 23 years of age, but his brilliance belies his youthfulness. A very dangerous centre, he is always a huge threat for Wigan and has once again been in fine form in 2019. He hasn't missed a single Super League game this year and has been highly productive, scoring 12 tries, consistently displaying his wonderful finishing ability. He also has the knowhow of playing a killer pass, making 12 assists this campaign. He rarely misses a tackle and has made just 14 errors all season. A truly superb player and he has all the tools to develop into one of the world's best centres.
14) KEVIN NAIQAMA
Season Highlight:
A brilliant hat-trick at Headingley in August, a night which felt like the night he really announced himself as one of the very best centres in the league.
One of Super League's best signings in 2019 has been Kevin Naiqama, arriving at St Helens from Wests Tigers. The centre has become one of the most dangerous players in the Saints side, registering 18 tries in 17 Super League matches. His barnstorming runs, searing pace and ability to split a defence has led to him making 85 tackle busts and 21 clean breaks this year. The attacking right-edge for Saints, with Naiqama and Tommy Makinson - has been lethal. Naiqama has also shown himself to be a great physical player too, putting in a huge hit on Niall Evalds in the Grand Final.
One of Super League's best signings in 2019 has been Kevin Naiqama, arriving at St Helens from Wests Tigers. The centre has become one of the most dangerous players in the Saints side, registering 18 tries in 17 Super League matches. His barnstorming runs, searing pace and ability to split a defence has led to him making 85 tackle busts and 21 clean breaks this year. The attacking right-edge for Saints, with Naiqama and Tommy Makinson - has been lethal. Naiqama has also shown himself to be a great physical player too, putting in a huge hit on Niall Evalds in the Grand Final.
13) JOEY LUSSICK
Season Highlight:
A burrowing try from dummy-half in the playoff semi-final as Salford secured their place at Old Trafford.
Despite often being used from the bench, Joey Lussick is one of Salford's most important players. He is one of the most threatening hookers in the league and his superb bursts of pace from dummy-half have led him to 12 tries this season. He picks and chooses when to take the ball so intelligently and this makes him a tough player to stop. As well as being a scorer though, the Australian is a great distributor, with 12 assists. He is also top-notch defensively, making over 900 tackles this year, including 26 in the Grand Final, despite being on the pitch for less than 40 minutes. A fantastic weapon in Salford's armour and has been a great player to watch this year.
Despite often being used from the bench, Joey Lussick is one of Salford's most important players. He is one of the most threatening hookers in the league and his superb bursts of pace from dummy-half have led him to 12 tries this season. He picks and chooses when to take the ball so intelligently and this makes him a tough player to stop. As well as being a scorer though, the Australian is a great distributor, with 12 assists. He is also top-notch defensively, making over 900 tackles this year, including 26 in the Grand Final, despite being on the pitch for less than 40 minutes. A fantastic weapon in Salford's armour and has been a great player to watch this year.
12) GEORGE WILLIAMS
Season Highlight:
A hat-trick as he dragged his side through a tricky away fixture at Salford in March.
Wigan might have signed the newly-crowned Man of Steel in Jackson Hastings, but he'll have to play very well to truly replace George Williams. 14 tries and 21 assists for the homegrown hero is a magnificent return for his final season for Wigan and he has produced high performance level all year. His running game is among the best in the competition and his ability to take the line on is second to none - his try against Warrington a perfect example. But Williams also possesses one of the best kicking games in the competition, and that is where so many of his 21 assists have come from. The best halfback Wigan have produced in a generation, and it'll be interesting to see how he goes at Canberra Raiders next year.
Wigan might have signed the newly-crowned Man of Steel in Jackson Hastings, but he'll have to play very well to truly replace George Williams. 14 tries and 21 assists for the homegrown hero is a magnificent return for his final season for Wigan and he has produced high performance level all year. His running game is among the best in the competition and his ability to take the line on is second to none - his try against Warrington a perfect example. But Williams also possesses one of the best kicking games in the competition, and that is where so many of his 21 assists have come from. The best halfback Wigan have produced in a generation, and it'll be interesting to see how he goes at Canberra Raiders next year.
11) NIALL EVALDS
Season Highlight:
An absolutely sensational last-ditch tackle on Jordan Rankin when the Castleford man looked certain to score in the playoffs.
Niall Evalds was leading the Super League tryscoring charts right until the last minute, ending the season with 22 scores. The fullback has had a brilliant year for the Red Devils, laying on 13 assists as well - 35 try involvements altogether. His strong running and yardage-making means that he has made over 2500 metres this season and has been absolutely crucial to Salford's success. As well as being extremely reliable under the high ball, he is brilliant at joining the line and finding space to attack, which has been so key to his tryscoring. And who can forget about that tackle in the playoffs against Castleford?
Niall Evalds was leading the Super League tryscoring charts right until the last minute, ending the season with 22 scores. The fullback has had a brilliant year for the Red Devils, laying on 13 assists as well - 35 try involvements altogether. His strong running and yardage-making means that he has made over 2500 metres this season and has been absolutely crucial to Salford's success. As well as being extremely reliable under the high ball, he is brilliant at joining the line and finding space to attack, which has been so key to his tryscoring. And who can forget about that tackle in the playoffs against Castleford?
10) ZAK HARDAKER
Season Highlight:
Pulling a majestic individual performance out of the bag as his side tore Warrington apart in Round 26, Hardaker getting a try and an assist.
This year really was last chance saloon for Zak Hardaker. Signing for Wigan after his numerous trials and tribulations at Leeds and Castleford, he simply had to get this year right, and that's exactly what he's done. Hardaker has reminded everyone what a great player he was before his ban, and nothing has changed, except perhaps an added maturity on the field. He has become the undisputed best full back in the league and has been by far and away Wigan's best player of the season, also taking the responsibility for their goal-kicking too. Eleven tries and twelve assists is very good, as well as being one of Super League's top tackle busters, with 147. Nice to see him getting his career and life back on track.
This year really was last chance saloon for Zak Hardaker. Signing for Wigan after his numerous trials and tribulations at Leeds and Castleford, he simply had to get this year right, and that's exactly what he's done. Hardaker has reminded everyone what a great player he was before his ban, and nothing has changed, except perhaps an added maturity on the field. He has become the undisputed best full back in the league and has been by far and away Wigan's best player of the season, also taking the responsibility for their goal-kicking too. Eleven tries and twelve assists is very good, as well as being one of Super League's top tackle busters, with 147. Nice to see him getting his career and life back on track.
9) ALEX WALMSLEY
Season Highlight:
Making 173 metres and averaging an unstoppable ten metres per carry in Saints' comfortable win over Leeds in June.
Luke Thompson gets a hell of a lot of credit for St Helens' fearsome front line, but the importance of Alex Walmsley should not be underestimated. The former Batley Bulldogs man is a terrific metre-maker, averaging eight metres per carry this season. He, along with Thompson, was marvellous in the Grand Final, making huge ground and laying the platform for Lachlan Coote, Jonny Lomax and Theo Fages to perform. His huge stints and hard-hitting running game make him one of the most physically dominant forwards in the competition. It should not be forgotten that Walmsley is still on the comeback from breaking his neck. A frighteningly good rugby league player.
Luke Thompson gets a hell of a lot of credit for St Helens' fearsome front line, but the importance of Alex Walmsley should not be underestimated. The former Batley Bulldogs man is a terrific metre-maker, averaging eight metres per carry this season. He, along with Thompson, was marvellous in the Grand Final, making huge ground and laying the platform for Lachlan Coote, Jonny Lomax and Theo Fages to perform. His huge stints and hard-hitting running game make him one of the most physically dominant forwards in the competition. It should not be forgotten that Walmsley is still on the comeback from breaking his neck. A frighteningly good rugby league player.
8) BLAKE AUSTIN
Season Highlight:
Scoring a memorable solo try at Anfield to give Warrington the lead in their Magic Weekend clash against rivals Wigan.
Warrington's marquee signing for 2019 set the league alight in the first half of the year and is clearly one of the most talented players in the competition. His running game is deadly and his skillset is next to none. His ability to take a line on and sell a dummy has been his party trick this year, making break after break as he has found his way to 18 Super League tries in his debut campaign. His brilliant solo efforts against Wigan, Wakefield, Catalans and Huddersfield were gorgeous, but four tries away at Hull FC in March felt like the night that he really arrived. A great passer of the ball and playmaker too, he has registered 12 assists. For all us Wire fans, it is crucial that Austin rediscovers his early season form in 2020 and stays injury free, because his drop-off in the second half of the year is the only thing preventing him from ranking even higher on this list.
Warrington's marquee signing for 2019 set the league alight in the first half of the year and is clearly one of the most talented players in the competition. His running game is deadly and his skillset is next to none. His ability to take a line on and sell a dummy has been his party trick this year, making break after break as he has found his way to 18 Super League tries in his debut campaign. His brilliant solo efforts against Wigan, Wakefield, Catalans and Huddersfield were gorgeous, but four tries away at Hull FC in March felt like the night that he really arrived. A great passer of the ball and playmaker too, he has registered 12 assists. For all us Wire fans, it is crucial that Austin rediscovers his early season form in 2020 and stays injury free, because his drop-off in the second half of the year is the only thing preventing him from ranking even higher on this list.
7) TOMMY MAKINSON
Season Highlight:
Producing one of the all-time great Super League tries in St Helens' June win over Leeds, somehow grounding the ball while airborne and having Richie Myler pushing him into touch.
Super League's top tryscorer in 2019, Tommy Makinson has established himself as one of the best wingers in either code of rugby. His spectacular finishing ability defies all logic and gravity - among his 23 tries this season were some breathtaking finishes right in the corner away at Warrington and Hull, as well as his inhuman one at home to Leeds - oh my goodness. The 27-year-old's pace and willingness to bring the ball from his own line have seen him make the most metres of any player in Super League with 3803. His brilliant 2019 was crowned beautifully in the Grand Final with an unlikely drop goal from 40 metres despite having dislocated his shoulder earlier in the match. The best winger in the league, and a huge loss to Great Britain.
Super League's top tryscorer in 2019, Tommy Makinson has established himself as one of the best wingers in either code of rugby. His spectacular finishing ability defies all logic and gravity - among his 23 tries this season were some breathtaking finishes right in the corner away at Warrington and Hull, as well as his inhuman one at home to Leeds - oh my goodness. The 27-year-old's pace and willingness to bring the ball from his own line have seen him make the most metres of any player in Super League with 3803. His brilliant 2019 was crowned beautifully in the Grand Final with an unlikely drop goal from 40 metres despite having dislocated his shoulder earlier in the match. The best winger in the league, and a huge loss to Great Britain.
6) LUKE THOMPSON
Season Highlight:
Season Highlight:
Putting in a superhuman performance in the Grand Final, completing a 70-minute stint and rightly winning the Harry Sunderland trophy for man of the match in the Grand Final.
Narrowly missing out on the top five is Luke Thompson, whose unbelievable effort in the Grand Final saw him win the Harry Sunderland trophy. However, this was far from the first time he had played like this - he has been colossal for St Helens in the front row this year. He is a destructive front rower who is nigh-on impossible to stop, averaging over 100 metres per match, possessing hard running and the ability to get quick play-the-balls. Without the phenomenal displays of Thompson in the Saints front row, the likes of Lachlan Coote and Jonny Lomax wouldn't have the foundation to perform their skilful games. One of the most physically dominant props around, Justin Holbrook hailed Thompson as 'the best prop in the world' after Old Trafford. How long can Saints keep hold of him?
Narrowly missing out on the top five is Luke Thompson, whose unbelievable effort in the Grand Final saw him win the Harry Sunderland trophy. However, this was far from the first time he had played like this - he has been colossal for St Helens in the front row this year. He is a destructive front rower who is nigh-on impossible to stop, averaging over 100 metres per match, possessing hard running and the ability to get quick play-the-balls. Without the phenomenal displays of Thompson in the Saints front row, the likes of Lachlan Coote and Jonny Lomax wouldn't have the foundation to perform their skilful games. One of the most physically dominant props around, Justin Holbrook hailed Thompson as 'the best prop in the world' after Old Trafford. How long can Saints keep hold of him?
Aaaaaaaand then there were five.
That's 55 of my top 60 Super League players revealed, so just the top five left. Who do you think will be in my top five? What do you think to the rankings in this piece? Let me know in the comments or get in touch on Twitter!
Daniel (@aloosewire)
That's 55 of my top 60 Super League players revealed, so just the top five left. Who do you think will be in my top five? What do you think to the rankings in this piece? Let me know in the comments or get in touch on Twitter!
Daniel (@aloosewire)
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