So, let's get this countdown going...
60) PETER MATA'UTIA
Season Highlight:
A drop goal in golden point to secure victory over Huddersfield at home in July.
Kicking off the count in 60th place is Castleford's Peter Mata'utia. The Australian has proved to be a class act for the Tigers this season, and is versatile too, with appearances at full back, centre and even the halves this season. Mata'utia has a good kicking game and has also had stints as Daryl Powell's goalkicker this campaign. He is perhaps a little prone to errors, but is a strong addition to the West Yorkshire side.
A drop goal in golden point to secure victory over Huddersfield at home in July.
Kicking off the count in 60th place is Castleford's Peter Mata'utia. The Australian has proved to be a class act for the Tigers this season, and is versatile too, with appearances at full back, centre and even the halves this season. Mata'utia has a good kicking game and has also had stints as Daryl Powell's goalkicker this campaign. He is perhaps a little prone to errors, but is a strong addition to the West Yorkshire side.
59) WELLER HAURAKI
Season Highlight:
Playing every single game this season and picking up Players' player of the year at the Hull KR awards evening.
Leeds Rhinos legend Weller Hauraki may be 35 now, but that did not stop him from appearing in all 29 of Hull KR's Super League matches this season and being one of their most consistent performers. In 23 of his 29 appearances, Hauraki made more than 20 tackles, four times making above 100 metres too. There is no doubt that his best days are well behind him, but he is still making a very valuable contribution to Tony Smith's side.
Playing every single game this season and picking up Players' player of the year at the Hull KR awards evening.
Leeds Rhinos legend Weller Hauraki may be 35 now, but that did not stop him from appearing in all 29 of Hull KR's Super League matches this season and being one of their most consistent performers. In 23 of his 29 appearances, Hauraki made more than 20 tackles, four times making above 100 metres too. There is no doubt that his best days are well behind him, but he is still making a very valuable contribution to Tony Smith's side.
58) STEFAN RATCHFORD
Season Highlight:
Scoring the opening try of Warrington's year in the Round One victory over Leeds.
This may seem quite a low placing for a player who has been integral to some of the best rugby Warrington have played in 2019, but I can't get away from the feeling that this has been a disappointing season for Ratchford, by his very high standards. Only four tries and none since April, as well as a collection of defensive horror shows have combined to give him a placing far lower than his actual ability. His many moments of absolute brilliance this season have reminded us that if he can be more consistent, he has all the ability to be one of the top players in this league.
Scoring the opening try of Warrington's year in the Round One victory over Leeds.
This may seem quite a low placing for a player who has been integral to some of the best rugby Warrington have played in 2019, but I can't get away from the feeling that this has been a disappointing season for Ratchford, by his very high standards. Only four tries and none since April, as well as a collection of defensive horror shows have combined to give him a placing far lower than his actual ability. His many moments of absolute brilliance this season have reminded us that if he can be more consistent, he has all the ability to be one of the top players in this league.
57) SAM TOMKINS
Season Highlight:
Kicking a winning goal from 50 metres in Round Four against Warrington.
It makes me old to think that the poster boy of Super League when I was growing up is now approaching 31. In his first season in France the full back has got nine tries and 18 assists, quite a low return in comparison with the rest of his career. However, he is still one of the most gifted players in the league. His running, pass selection and kicking game is still very difficult to handle and he remains a top player.
56) LIAM MARSHALL
Season Highlight:
A hat-trick of tries away from home as Wigan edged out Wakefield in September.
Wigan have become more and more free-scoring as the season has gone on, and the form of winger Liam Marshall has been influential in that. The 23-year-old had only scored once by 18th May, but from then until 27th September he managed 14 tries. A pacy winger with the ability to take the line on, he was no stranger to clean breaks and tackle busts this season. Depending on Adrian Lam's choices, he could find gametime hard to come by next season with the arrival of Bevan French and the comebacks of Dominic Manfredi and Tom Davies also on the cards.
A hat-trick of tries away from home as Wigan edged out Wakefield in September.
Wigan have become more and more free-scoring as the season has gone on, and the form of winger Liam Marshall has been influential in that. The 23-year-old had only scored once by 18th May, but from then until 27th September he managed 14 tries. A pacy winger with the ability to take the line on, he was no stranger to clean breaks and tackle busts this season. Depending on Adrian Lam's choices, he could find gametime hard to come by next season with the arrival of Bevan French and the comebacks of Dominic Manfredi and Tom Davies also on the cards.
55) ALBERT KELLY
Season Highlight:
Finishing an absolutely jaw-dropping move away at Castleford in July, capping off a superb individual performance.
A player who has frightening ability and can be delightful to watch when on-song, Albert Kelly pretty much epitomised Hull FC's 2019 season: Utterly sensational when things are going well, but nowhere to be seen when the chips are down. Kelly, and Hull's, consistency is an issue but don't let that detract from a wonderful technical player who scored 12 tries and got 11 assists in just 19 appearances this season - including that breathtaking hat-trick at Castleford.
Finishing an absolutely jaw-dropping move away at Castleford in July, capping off a superb individual performance.
A player who has frightening ability and can be delightful to watch when on-song, Albert Kelly pretty much epitomised Hull FC's 2019 season: Utterly sensational when things are going well, but nowhere to be seen when the chips are down. Kelly, and Hull's, consistency is an issue but don't let that detract from a wonderful technical player who scored 12 tries and got 11 assists in just 19 appearances this season - including that breathtaking hat-trick at Castleford.
54) MIKE MCMEEKEN
Season Highlight:
Two tries and two assists in Castleford's win over London at the end of June.
A player like Mike McMeeken defines consistency. McMeeken sees a hell of a lot of the ball for a second rower, which leads to him being one of the highest carriers and metre-makers statistically in the position. He has also been a very good tackler for Castleford this year, particularly from marker. Tigers fans would probably like to see him be a bit more productive in front of the line.
Two tries and two assists in Castleford's win over London at the end of June.
A player like Mike McMeeken defines consistency. McMeeken sees a hell of a lot of the ball for a second rower, which leads to him being one of the highest carriers and metre-makers statistically in the position. He has also been a very good tackler for Castleford this year, particularly from marker. Tigers fans would probably like to see him be a bit more productive in front of the line.
53) JOSH CHARNLEY
Season Highlight:
A hat-trick of tries in Warrington's sensational 63-12 demolition of Hull FC in Round Nine.
While it has been a pretty dry second part of the season for Josh Charnley, it can not be forgotten that he started 2019 in absolutely riproaring form and was up until about May running at a rate of more than a try a game. Braces at Huddersfield and Wakefield were only bettered with a memorable hat-trick at Hull, but Charnley is not just about the scoring and the flying finishes, he is also a terrific winger defensively and also with the ball in hand from his own line. Let's hope he gets better service in 2020.
A hat-trick of tries in Warrington's sensational 63-12 demolition of Hull FC in Round Nine.
While it has been a pretty dry second part of the season for Josh Charnley, it can not be forgotten that he started 2019 in absolutely riproaring form and was up until about May running at a rate of more than a try a game. Braces at Huddersfield and Wakefield were only bettered with a memorable hat-trick at Hull, but Charnley is not just about the scoring and the flying finishes, he is also a terrific winger defensively and also with the ball in hand from his own line. Let's hope he gets better service in 2020.
52) DANNY HOUGHTON
Season Highlight:
Season Highlight:
Being crowned Super League's top tackler at the league's awards night in October.
He might have finished 2nd last season, but the Hull FC hooker has gone one better this year and won the award for Super League's top tackler with 1259 for the year. 249 of those were from marker, another category that he has topped. Perhaps I would like to see him be a bit more productive in front of the line, 12 assists is okay but he has only one try of his own this year, which prevents him from being discusses in the Clark and Roby echelon.
51) TRENT MERRIN
Season Highlight:
Being appointed Leeds captain mid-season after the departure of Kallum Watkins to the Gold Coast Titans.
One of Leeds Rhinos' big recruits for 2019 was Trent Merrin from the Penrith Panthers. Merrin has proved to be an excellent acquisition and has been one of few shining lights in a tough year at Headingley. It was a bit of an iffy start to Super League life for Merrin, but he adapted brilliantly in the second half of the season at loose forward. He has made over 900 tackles in his debut season in England, while coming close to 3000 metres worth of yardage, as well as a massive 60 offloads. Imperative that Leeds keep him, but a NRL return is possible.
Being appointed Leeds captain mid-season after the departure of Kallum Watkins to the Gold Coast Titans.
One of Leeds Rhinos' big recruits for 2019 was Trent Merrin from the Penrith Panthers. Merrin has proved to be an excellent acquisition and has been one of few shining lights in a tough year at Headingley. It was a bit of an iffy start to Super League life for Merrin, but he adapted brilliantly in the second half of the season at loose forward. He has made over 900 tackles in his debut season in England, while coming close to 3000 metres worth of yardage, as well as a massive 60 offloads. Imperative that Leeds keep him, but a NRL return is possible.
50) JULIAN BOUSQUET
Season Highlight:
Scoring two tries - his only two of the season - in an Easter Monday win over Castleford Tigers.
In 50th place is Catalans Dragons prop Julian Bousquet. The 28-year-old has been excellent in the Dragons' front line this season, missing just three Super League games all year and being a key member of the French team's much-feared forward pack. Few Catalans players can hold their heads up high after an awful end to the season, but Bousquet is one who gives his all every game and would improve most Super League teams.
49) KEN SIO
Season Highlight:
A superb display live on Sky in August as Salford defeated Warrington 22-6, Sio getting a second-half hat-trick.
Salford's wonderful run to the Grand Final was made even more impressive given the attacking and exciting rugby that they played - though this was only possible because of the finishing ability of their main scorers - and Ken Sio was their second highest scorer with 13 tries. As well as being a flying finisher, he is also a good defensive winger, missing just 13 tackles all season.
A superb display live on Sky in August as Salford defeated Warrington 22-6, Sio getting a second-half hat-trick.
Salford's wonderful run to the Grand Final was made even more impressive given the attacking and exciting rugby that they played - though this was only possible because of the finishing ability of their main scorers - and Ken Sio was their second highest scorer with 13 tries. As well as being a flying finisher, he is also a good defensive winger, missing just 13 tackles all season.
48) BILL TUPOU
Season Highlight:
Making a remarkable 270 metres from 17 carries in the March win over Leeds at Headingley.
I remain convinced that Wakefield's season would've been different if Bill Tupou was fit for all of it. Sure, Trinity had a horrendous number of injuries through the season, but losing a player who on his day is the best centre in the league completely derailed them. For Tupou to make 270 metres, particularly away from home, is absolutely staggering. Was starting to recover form in his first few games back at the end of the season, and the 29-year-old will be crucial in 2020 for Wakefield.
Making a remarkable 270 metres from 17 carries in the March win over Leeds at Headingley.
I remain convinced that Wakefield's season would've been different if Bill Tupou was fit for all of it. Sure, Trinity had a horrendous number of injuries through the season, but losing a player who on his day is the best centre in the league completely derailed them. For Tupou to make 270 metres, particularly away from home, is absolutely staggering. Was starting to recover form in his first few games back at the end of the season, and the 29-year-old will be crucial in 2020 for Wakefield.
47) WILLIE ISA
Wigan's ever-dependable Willie Isa has enjoyed another good season at the cherry and whites and appeared in every single Wigan game this year. A top tackler, Isa regularly makes more than 40 tackles and nearly always above 30 per match. His work-rate in the second row is exemplary, and it is only moments of ill-discipline that prevent him from being one of the league's best in that position.
Season Highlight:
Making 53 tackles as his side ground out a win over Castleford in April, keeping the Tigers to just four points. Wigan's ever-dependable Willie Isa has enjoyed another good season at the cherry and whites and appeared in every single Wigan game this year. A top tackler, Isa regularly makes more than 40 tackles and nearly always above 30 per match. His work-rate in the second row is exemplary, and it is only moments of ill-discipline that prevent him from being one of the league's best in that position.
46) TUI LOLOHEA
Season Highlight:
A try and three assists in Salford's battering of Catalans in July.
Tui Lolohea joined Leeds Rhinos from Wests Tigers at the start of the season and struggled to find his place in a struggling team. The Rhinos agreed a deal for Salford's Robert Lui in June, and despite being only 17 games into his Headingley career, Lolohea was sent the other way as a direct replacement for Lui. He was played at six and found a home at the AJ Bell, looking more comfortable with the ball and showing a far greater show of creativity in the Salford team, seamlessly replacing Lui and forming a good partnership with Jackson Hastings. Sometimes players don't fit at certain clubs but it doesn't mean they aren't good. Tui Lolohea was a prime example of this - three tries in 17 games at Leeds, four in 14 at Salford.
Season Highlight:
A try and three assists in Salford's battering of Catalans in July.
Tui Lolohea joined Leeds Rhinos from Wests Tigers at the start of the season and struggled to find his place in a struggling team. The Rhinos agreed a deal for Salford's Robert Lui in June, and despite being only 17 games into his Headingley career, Lolohea was sent the other way as a direct replacement for Lui. He was played at six and found a home at the AJ Bell, looking more comfortable with the ball and showing a far greater show of creativity in the Salford team, seamlessly replacing Lui and forming a good partnership with Jackson Hastings. Sometimes players don't fit at certain clubs but it doesn't mean they aren't good. Tui Lolohea was a prime example of this - three tries in 17 games at Leeds, four in 14 at Salford.
45) KANE LINNETT
Season Highlight:
Season Highlight:
39 tackles and none missed in May's loss to Huddersfield Giants.
While it has been a tough season for Hull KR, their new signing for 2019 from North Queensland has been a model of consistency in the second row. Linnett has proved to be a player who raises his game in the big occasion, with three tries against Leeds, and made more than 100 metres in the June win over rivals Hull FC, though his highest tally of metres was in the final game of the season against Salford, where he made 195 and scored a try.
44) THEO FAGES
Season Highlight:
Getting on the end of a Lachlan Coote kick to score the first try of Saints' semi-final demolition of Wigan.
Despite getting a fair bit of criticism from Saints fans in the early part of the season, Theo Fages has had an excellent end to the year and is improving in the number seven role for the newly-crowned Super League champions. The Frenchman has improved his passing, while his defensive work is still excellent. His end product is also on the up, with a try in the playoff semi-final the icing on top of a truly magnificent individual performance. 22 assists for the season is very impressive.
Getting on the end of a Lachlan Coote kick to score the first try of Saints' semi-final demolition of Wigan.
Despite getting a fair bit of criticism from Saints fans in the early part of the season, Theo Fages has had an excellent end to the year and is improving in the number seven role for the newly-crowned Super League champions. The Frenchman has improved his passing, while his defensive work is still excellent. His end product is also on the up, with a try in the playoff semi-final the icing on top of a truly magnificent individual performance. 22 assists for the season is very impressive.
43) HARRY NEWMAN
Season Highlight:
Season Highlight:
An absolutely excellent performance live on Sky as Leeds defeated Wakefield, Newman deservedly collecting the man-of-the-match award.
In Matty Lees, Morgan Knowles, Joe Philbin and Morgan Smithies, we have seen some young players become excellent forwards this season, but very few backs have emerged. Harry Newman is the exception. I have been blown away by the quality that this 19-year-old has shown in the centres for Leeds, making 20 appearances and scoring four tries, getting the same number of assists. He is a very confident runner and makes huge yardage because of his tackle busts, and has all the tools to be a star for both Leeds and Super League.
In Matty Lees, Morgan Knowles, Joe Philbin and Morgan Smithies, we have seen some young players become excellent forwards this season, but very few backs have emerged. Harry Newman is the exception. I have been blown away by the quality that this 19-year-old has shown in the centres for Leeds, making 20 appearances and scoring four tries, getting the same number of assists. He is a very confident runner and makes huge yardage because of his tackle busts, and has all the tools to be a star for both Leeds and Super League.
42) RHYS WILLIAMS
Season Highlight:
Season Highlight:
The Welsh winger bagged two tries as London defeated Catalans in June, making 176 metres as well.
You could make a very strong case for Rhys Williams being the hardest working winger in Super League this season. The Welshman was full of endeavour and grit every time he took to the field - which was 29 times - he didn't miss a match. As well as being a good finisher and a quick runner, which helped him to 13 tries, he has been quite remarkable at doing the dirty work of a winger - bringing the ball out from his own line and big yardage carries early on in the set. Williams had 467 carries of the ball - the second highest of any player in the league and was also the league's third biggest metre-maker with 3616 for the season. A brilliant player and a top signing for Salford in 2020.
You could make a very strong case for Rhys Williams being the hardest working winger in Super League this season. The Welshman was full of endeavour and grit every time he took to the field - which was 29 times - he didn't miss a match. As well as being a good finisher and a quick runner, which helped him to 13 tries, he has been quite remarkable at doing the dirty work of a winger - bringing the ball out from his own line and big yardage carries early on in the set. Williams had 467 carries of the ball - the second highest of any player in the league and was also the league's third biggest metre-maker with 3616 for the season. A brilliant player and a top signing for Salford in 2020.
41) KELEPI TANGINOA
Season Highlight:
Season Highlight:
Making 175 metres - his highest of the season - in Round 29 as Wakefield secured Super League status for 2020 with victory over London.
Tanginoa was signed from Manly Sea Eagles in May to aid Wakefield's awful injury situation, and he not only bolstered the squad but injected it with some real quality in the forward areas. He made a huge impression in his first home game, completing 28 tackles and making 151 metres in a magnificent performance, despite being on the losing side against Leeds. He kept this form up for the second half of the season and has proved to be a very shrewd addition.
Tanginoa was signed from Manly Sea Eagles in May to aid Wakefield's awful injury situation, and he not only bolstered the squad but injected it with some real quality in the forward areas. He made a huge impression in his first home game, completing 28 tackles and making 151 metres in a magnificent performance, despite being on the losing side against Leeds. He kept this form up for the second half of the season and has proved to be a very shrewd addition.
40) ALEX MELLOR
Season Highlight:
Season Highlight:
Making 56 tackles in the Round 26 fixture against Castleford, missing just one.
2019 has been a long and unenjoyable year for Huddersfield Giants, but the performances of Alex Mellor have been a rare positive. Mellor is only 25 but has spent 2019 establishing himself as one of the Giants' standout players and one of Super League's rising second rowers. Mellor nearly always makes more than 30 tackles per match and has been superbly consistent for Simon Woolford's team. He will be a big loss to Huddersfield and a huge gain to Leeds in 2020.
2019 has been a long and unenjoyable year for Huddersfield Giants, but the performances of Alex Mellor have been a rare positive. Mellor is only 25 but has spent 2019 establishing himself as one of the Giants' standout players and one of Super League's rising second rowers. Mellor nearly always makes more than 30 tackles per match and has been superbly consistent for Simon Woolford's team. He will be a big loss to Huddersfield and a huge gain to Leeds in 2020.
39) TONY GIGOT
Season Highlight:
Season Highlight:
A brilliant drop goal from 40 metres at Anfield in the Magic Weekend to secure victory over Wakefield.
I love watching Tony Gigot. I think he is such a clever player. He is box-office at his best and can produce incredible quality, which he has done a few times this season, whether at full back or in the halves. His kicking game is strong too and has helped him to 13 assists, scoring eight times himself too. He's a bit of a maverick and doesn't have the consistency to be up there with the best in Super League, but he's not short of raw talent, and his invention and creativity would improve any team. As it's happened, this has been his last season at Catalans - whoever picks him up next year has a very gifted player.
I love watching Tony Gigot. I think he is such a clever player. He is box-office at his best and can produce incredible quality, which he has done a few times this season, whether at full back or in the halves. His kicking game is strong too and has helped him to 13 assists, scoring eight times himself too. He's a bit of a maverick and doesn't have the consistency to be up there with the best in Super League, but he's not short of raw talent, and his invention and creativity would improve any team. As it's happened, this has been his last season at Catalans - whoever picks him up next year has a very gifted player.
38) MIKE COOPER
Season Highlight:
Season Highlight:
Scoring a brilliant try away at Castleford, forcing his way over despite multiple players hanging on to him.
It has been another really consistent season for Cooper, full of excellent performances in the front row. A very reliable player, the former St George man can never be faulted for endeavour and rarely makes mistakes either. This season has seen his terrific offloading game continue, with 50 for the season, as well as generally being very good in terms of metre-making and tackling. One of the top props in the league.
It has been another really consistent season for Cooper, full of excellent performances in the front row. A very reliable player, the former St George man can never be faulted for endeavour and rarely makes mistakes either. This season has seen his terrific offloading game continue, with 50 for the season, as well as generally being very good in terms of metre-making and tackling. One of the top props in the league.
37) DOMINIQUE PEYROUX
Season Highlight:
Season Highlight:
A glorious dummy and quick pass to set up Lachlan Coote in his side's victory over Hull KR in April.
In order for any rugby league side to play great attacking stuff, the foundations need to be laid for the skilful attackers by the hard-working forwards. Dominique Peyroux is one of these. A consistent tackler and strong carrier of the ball, Peyroux has added quality on the ball to his game this year, with a brilliant offloading game meaning that he is becoming increasingly productive in Saints' attack as well as defence, and also has seven tries to his name in 2019. The former Gold Coast man has been completely revitalised by the Titans' future coach and is now an integral part of the St Helens second row.
In order for any rugby league side to play great attacking stuff, the foundations need to be laid for the skilful attackers by the hard-working forwards. Dominique Peyroux is one of these. A consistent tackler and strong carrier of the ball, Peyroux has added quality on the ball to his game this year, with a brilliant offloading game meaning that he is becoming increasingly productive in Saints' attack as well as defence, and also has seven tries to his name in 2019. The former Gold Coast man has been completely revitalised by the Titans' future coach and is now an integral part of the St Helens second row.
36) MARK PERCIVAL
Season Highlight:
Season Highlight:
Scoring the last try in the Grand Final, touching down after meeting his own beautifully directed grubber kick.
For a centre to have eleven tries and nine assists yet this to be his driest season for three years shows how good he is. He might not have been as prolific in front of the line, but Percival's all-round game has still been superb, with 137 tackle busts helping him to make 2167 metres this season. The centre also saved a flurry of tries until the biggest stages of all - two in the playoff semi against Wigan, and then one genius try in the final, scoring from his own grubber kick.
For a centre to have eleven tries and nine assists yet this to be his driest season for three years shows how good he is. He might not have been as prolific in front of the line, but Percival's all-round game has still been superb, with 137 tackle busts helping him to make 2167 metres this season. The centre also saved a flurry of tries until the biggest stages of all - two in the playoff semi against Wigan, and then one genius try in the final, scoring from his own grubber kick.
And so that brings an end to Part One of my countdown, where we have revealed the first 25 players to place between 60 and 36. In Part Two, we will find out who ranks from 35-21 - look out for that in the next few days. Make sure to check out the rest of my season review content too, including my Super League team of the season piece!
Let me know your thoughts on this piece and my selections by getting in touch on Twitter @aloosewire, or leaving your thoughts in the comments section.
Daniel (@aloosewire)
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