The phrase ‘super-sub’ is a term very few players want to be associated with, because, first and foremost, they’d love to be starting every match.
However, there are some players that flourish coming from the bench and turning a game on its head in favour of their own team.
In this week’s League Express, we ask you this – who is the best impact sub in Super League? We’ve picked out six candidates. Make sure to cast your vote at the bottom of the article.
Brad Dwyer (Warrington)
The young hooker has made 11 appearances, with eight of them coming from the bench. His latest appearance from the bench was in Warrington’s defeat of Widnes in the Challenge Cup last week, coming off the bench to score.
Aaron Heremaia (Widnes)
In Heremaia’s 18 appearances this season, 11 have come from the bench. The former Hull FC hooker has been a key component of Denis Betts’ plans, with the Vikings much better off when he replaces Lloyd White for his spell.
Frank Pritchard (Hull FC)
The Tank has made eight of his 15 appearances from the bench this season, and, given his size, is probably the biggest ‘impact’ player in the competition. His influence is different to the aforementioned hookers, but he can cause havoc down the middle after 20 minutes.
Gadwin Springer (Castleford)
A reliable impact player for Daryl Powell, with Springer making all 12 of his appearances off the bench this season. With Andy Lynch out, Castleford have been vulnerable down the middle of the pitch. However, Springer, along with Matt Cook, have managed to swing momentum in Castleford’s favour several times this year.
Ryan Sutton (Wigan)
Having come off the bench 13 times this season, Sutton has been an impressive player for Wigan this year. The Warriors are rarely out-muscled, but Sutton ensures they continue to win the wrestle down the middle when he enters the action.
Alex Walmsley (St Helens)
Walmsley has started as many games as he has from the bench, but perhaps his best performances come when he takes to the field midway through the first-half.
The 2015 Man of Steel candidate has been a fantastic impact player for Saints, replacing Kyle Amor among others and maintaining their dominance.
