The Betfred Super League is back this year in full strength, despite only Wigan Warriors playing all of their scheduled matches last season.
With a whole host of NRL stars arriving in the UK, it’s a good chance to look at the top five Super League players to watch in 2022.
Sam Tomkins (Catalan Dragons)
Man of Steel Tomkins helped Catalan win their first League Leaders’ Shield and starred in the Super League Grand Final.
The 32-year-old fullback featured in the Super League dream team and is sure to be an exciting prospect again this season under Betfred Coach of the Year Steve McNamara.
The Dragons have since boosted their pack with NRL talents including:
Prop forward Dylan Napa, who joined from the Canterbury Bulldogs, and Australian legend Mitchell Pearce, who joined from Newcastle Knights.
Pearce has played over 300 NRL games at halfback and will link up with Tomkins to create some exciting play.
Jake Mamo (Castleford Tigers)
Mamo, 27, has played in the Super League since joining Huddersfield Giants in 2017.
He has since become known for his interceptions, pace and ball handling skills.
The Australian scored 16 tries at a centre/winger role for Warrington Wolves last year but was signed by the Tigers this season in a decision which split the Wire fanbase.
New Cas’ coach Lee Radford said Mamo will help the side enter a fresh era of rugby league, similar to their 2017 finish.
In 2017, Castleford won the League Leaders’ Shield and finished on a massive +391 points difference.
New signings includes experienced Leeds Rhinos forward Alex Sutcliffe and Tongan international Mahe Fonua.
David Fusitu’a (Leeds Rhinos)
Fusitu’a, 27, gained recognition in 2017 when he scored a hat trick to help Tonga beat New Zealand in the Rugby League World Cup.
Despite struggling with injury over the last two seasons, the winger racked up 61 tries in 108 NRL games.
He previously starred for the New Zealand Warriors and finished as top try scorer in 2018.
The Rhinos finished fifth last year and made it to the semi-finals of the play-offs.
This season they have reworked their attack including a new halfback partnering.
Aidan Sezer, who joins from the Giants, and Blake Austin, who joins from Warrington, will look to find their rhythm together as they did playing for Canberra Raiders back in 2018.
Ken Sio (Salford Red Devils)
Sio was the league’s top try scorer last year with 19 tries, scoring four in one game against Hull FC.
He also had the third highest metres made from ball carries (2943m) and was selected for the official dream team.
Centre Deon Cross, who signed from Widnes Vikings, said that Sio is a great mentor and will impress again.
Salford did however finish 11th last year and have already made attacking progress by signing three talented and versatile backs.
Newcomers Ryan Brierly and Marc Sneyd both have experience and are joined by 24-year-old NRL halfback Brodie Croft.
Will Pryce (Huddersfield Giants)
Pryce, 19, is the son of legend Leon Pryce and was awarded the number one shirt for Huddersfield this season.
Rugby legend Leon Pryce has won four Super League Grand Finals, six Challenge Cups and captained Great Britain 17 times.
The young fullback has represented previously England Knights and said that he learns a lot from his father.
Former England international Ritchie Matters called Pryce one of the most exiting Super League talents in the past 12 years.
New signings supporting Pryce includes NRL player Danny Levi, Chris Hill, experienced Warrington forward, and French international Theo Fages.
(Feature image under creative commons licence by Barrau Gerard @ https://commons.wikimedia.org/)
