Jamie Shaul (Hull FC)
Undoubtedly Super League’s top fullback this year, Shaul has enjoyed a real breakthrough year as Hull’s main man at the back. He has been sensational and, on occasions, untouchable at the back of the field. Is he in contention for England honours this year if Hull continue like this for the rest of 2016?
Denny Solomona (Castleford)
Super League’s top try-scorer has been nothing short of amazing once again in 2016. He already has an incredible 28 tries following the first 23 games – and he has missed a handful of those matches, too. His nearest challenger is Widnes’ Corey Thompson on 20 – so does he have that particular award in the bag already?
Ryan Atkins (Warrington)
With England not exactly blessed with an abundance of centres, Ryan Atkins’ return to top form in 2016 may have come at an ideal time. The Warrington centre has been in imperious form throughout this year, scoring tries aplenty as well as creating them for his side.
Mahe Fonua (Hull FC)
Although he has number two on his back, Fonua is thriving in the centres at Hull this year. One of several big names to arrive from the NRL in the off-season, the former Melbourne man is proving to be a hugely influential member of Lee Radford’s side as they hunt silverware on all fronts this season.
Dom Manfredi (Wigan)
Manfredi has once again stepped up this year for Wigan, proving to be a fine replacement for Sydney-bound Joe Burgess. Although last year was his breakthrough year, the winger has established himself as one of Shaun Wane’s most crucial assets in 2016 with his wing play – and he has been sensational on occasions.
Kurt Gidley (Warrington)
The veteran Australian has dispelled the myth that all overseas imports take a while to adjust to life in Super League. He, alongside half-back partner Chris Sandow, has been sublime this year, oozing class for most of the season and showing exactly why Warrington brought him to the Wolves.
Chris Sandow (Warrington)
A real close call between Sandow and Hull’s Marc Sneyd – and had we been able to fit them both in, we would have. But Sandow just gets the edge for his scintillating play on occasions this year; alongside Gidley, he has been a joy to watch, and a key reason why Warrington remain in the hunt for all three trophies this season.
Scott Taylor (Hull FC)
Taylor has been the competition’s standout prop this season, seemingly flourishing in the familiar surroundings of his hometown club. The move back home to Hull has brought the very best out of him, and he is contributing with some tries as well as all the usual things you expect from a top prop forward.
Daryl Clark (Warrington)
Much like team-mate Ryan Atkins, Clark has been magnificent this year, finding his best form once again after a difficult 2015. The former Man of Steel looks almost as good this year as he did throughout 2014, and is now justifying the significant transfer fee Warrington paid to lure him across the Pennines from Castleford. An England hooker this year, perhaps?
Chris Hill (Warrington)
No forward in Super League has made more metres than the Warrington captain this year, once again underlining his importance to the Wolves. Tony Smith’s side are a far better side when Hill is out on the field, and you would expect Wayne Bennett to have noticed that, too.
Ben Currie (Warrington)
Currie has been one of Super League’s standout players this year – but then on the other hand, he has gone under the radar with some of the work he does for Warrington. Hard-working, committed and full of guile and creativity, Currie is looking every inch an international forward with some of his play this year.
John Bateman (Wigan)
Bateman may have been suspended for eight weeks of this season, but it’s impossible to ignore the fact that when he’s out on the field, Wigan are a far better side. The forward gives so much to the Warriors with his work-rate and his creativity skills, which rank him among the best forwards in Super League for sure.
Gareth Ellis (Hull FC)
The leading contender for Man of Steel so far this year? That’s how good Gareth Ellis has been this season. The Hull captain has led from the front on plenty of occasions in 2016, and is the perfect example of Hull’s rejuvenation as a major force in Super League this season. If Hull do win something this year, Ellis will have played a key part in it all.
Honourable mentions: AKA the subs bench!
Junior Moors (Castleford), Danny Houghton (Hull FC), Marc Sneyd (Hull FC), Glenn Stewart (Catalans)
