NOW that the regular Super League season is done and dusted, those that didn’t qualify for the play-offs can look back and assess where they went wrong and where they need to improve in the future.
Across the 27 rounds, there have been many twists and turns with some incredible skill and ridiculous finishes permeating the Super League airwaves.
But, when analysing each Super League side, who has stood out?
Castleford Tigers – Liam Horne
In a poor season for Castleford, Liam Horne has enjoyed a remarkable rise to stardom. The PNG international joined the club towards the back end of the 2023 season, but he has taken his game to another level in 2024, becoming one of the Tigers’ most potent attacking weapons. Horne won the club’s Player’s Player of the Year at the recent awards ceremony, with the hooker often tasked with leading Castleford’s defensive line.
Catalans Dragons – Benjamin Garcia
It’s been one hell of a disappointing season for the Catalans Dragons after it all appeared to be going so well in the early rounds of 2024. A massive drop-off in form has seen the French side exit the play-offs, but the Dragons can always count on captain Benjamin Garcia to give 100 per cent each week. And it’s his never-say-die attitude that makes him Catalans’ best player in 2024 here.
Huddersfield Giants – Esan Marsters
There has been little to shout about from a Huddersfield Giants point of view this campaign, with the West Yorkshire side finishing outside the top six play-offs and Ian Watson paying the price for a run of poor form with his job. But, one shining light proved to be centre Esan Marsters. Marsters, who will be a Salford player in 2025, started his Huddersfield career slowly last season, but certainly took his performances up a gear in 2024.
Hull FC – Herman Ese’ese
There can only really be one winner here for Hull FC in an incredibly disappointing season. The Black and Whites only finished off the bottom of the Super League ladder due to worse points difference, but Herman Ese’ese was brilliant throughout. The forward carried hard, resembling a human wrecking ball at times, and put himself about in defence. In an in-form side, Ese’ese would have looked unstoppable.
Hull KR – Mikey Lewis
What a season from this man – and it’s not over yet. Mikey Lewis has been the best halfback in the competition in 2024 – and by a country mile. The Rovers man has consistently weaved his magic from the first whistle and has played a huge part in KR’s charge towards the top of the table as well as the semi-finals of the play-offs. Lewis will surely be a shoo-in for England’s autumn internationals with Samoa.
Leeds Rhinos – Rhyse Martin
In a highly inconsistent year from the Leeds Rhinos, there has been one beacon of consistency – and that is outgoing forward Rhyse Martin. The back-rower will be a Hull KR player in 2025, but he has left a lasting legacy at Headingley, providing the Rhinos with some magic moments and a remarkable kicking record. Out of all of Leeds’ recent overseas imports, Martin has been a firm favourite and he will be sorely missed.
Leigh Leopards – Robbie Mulhern
There were a number to choose from here for Leigh, with Tom Amone, Kai O’Donnell and Lachlan Lam all honourable mentions. But, Robbie Mulhern has been tremendous in the 20 games he has played for the Leopards in 2024. And it’s no surprise that Leigh are a better outfit with the Ireland international on the field. Known for his big carries and non-stop work ethic, Mulhern has been one of Super League’s most improved players.
London Broncos – Oli Leyland
If Josh Rourke had played the entire season after suffering a broken leg in pre-season, then he may well have pipped Oli Leyland to the post. However, Leyland has been superb all year long, regularly battling above his weight to mix it with the cream of the crop in Super League. The Londoner has not looked out of place whatsoever in the top flight so no wonder then that Warrington Wolves are said to be chasing him.
Salford Red Devils – Marc Sneyd
Tim Lafai and Nene Macdonald could well feel aggrieved to not be included in this list, but Marc Sneyd is the man that makes the Salford Red Devils tick. Sneyd has hit the form of his life for the Red Devils in 2024 with his pinpoint kicking and goal kicking often proving the difference between Salford winning and losing games. If we are having conversations about the best halfbacks in 2024 then Sneyd will have to be in the conversation.
St Helens – Daryl Clark
It’s hard to pick a standout star for St Helens this season, purely because their main stars have not been on the field for most of the year. The likes of Mark Percival, Alex Walmsley, Morgan Knowles and Jack Welsby have all faced lengthy periods on the sideline. But, Daryl Clark has been present for 21 of 27 rounds of Super League – and he has been key in helping Saints just about scrape a play-off spot.
Warrington Wolves – Matt Dufty
Matt Dufty has enjoyed something of a career resurgence whilst at Warrington Wolves. But 2024, in particular, has been an incredible year for the fullback. The livewire has registered the most metres of any Super League player by a country distance, but it’s Dufty’s impeccable attacking ability that has caused every top flight side problems in 2024. Yes, Cai Taylor-Wray has impressed in Dufty’s absence, but Warrington look well-placed for a Grand Final tilt with Dufty returning.
Wigan Warriors – Bevan French
Either Bevan French or Jai Field could have taken this mantle, but it’s the former that just about pips the latter. French is a gamechanger and, without him, Wigan are a totally different side. French has already wont he Man of Steel once and it wouldn’t be a shock to see the former Parramatta Eels man in the running once more in 2024.
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