Top 10 Super League Debutants
14 Oct 2019
1. Lachlan Coote
In his first year at Saints, Lachlan Coote will have played in two finals, the Challenge Cup and Grand Final. Along the way he's become a hero on the terraces with the famous 'He's the reason' song. Coote has made 22 try assists and 14 tries this season, kicking 95 goals.
2. Blake Austin
Blake Austin came to Super League in pre-season with a heavy load of expectations on his shoulder as the bookies favourite for the 2019 Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel award, he lived up to those expectations and is one of the nominees to win the coveted award. Austin has scored 18 tries, assisted 12 and made 2414 metres.
3. Kevin Naiqama
The Fijian international came to England known for the pride of representing his country after an emotional display during his home country's national anthem during the World Cup. Naiqama started the season on fire, he made a positive display on his debut against Wigan where he scored the first of his 17 tries.
NAIQAMA! Boom 💪 Evalds takes it well
Live on @SkySportsRL Main Event & Arena now #SuperLeague #OwnTheMoment pic.twitter.com/E7G9XmVnuQ
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) October 12, 2019
4. Ratu Naulago
The unheard of Ratu Naulago joined Hull FC on trial at the start of the season, Lee Radford showed his faith in the Fijian flyer and Naulago repaid Radford with some blistering performances for the black and whites.
5. Konrad Hurrell
The Tongan powerhouse's much anticipated arrival to Leeds Rhinos may have not been the best from a team perspective but as individual performances go, Hurrell was one of their best players. He quickly become a fans favourite with his powerful runs and a big hit on former Rhino, Zak Hardaker.
6. Morgan Smithies
18-year-old Morgan Smithies made his Super League debut this season for Wigan Warriors, since then, he has gone from strength to strength smashing the Super League tackle count for a single game after making 72.
7. Trent Merrin
A tough start to the season for Merrin, the departure of Kallum Watkins to Gold Coast Titans and Merrin was given the captaincy. His leadership skills were for all to see as the players followed Merrin in putting in some positive peformances. Merrin made 60 offloads, 902 tackles and 2917 metres.
THE 2019 CHAMPS ??? #GrandFinal @Saints1890 #OwnTheMoment pic.twitter.com/09F2rgv9GH
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) October 12, 2019
8. Jason Clark
The former South Sydney Rabbitohs star came to Warrington Wolves in the background of Blake Austin's signing. Clark was an integral part of Steve Price's squad throughout the season and was often voted as player of the match by his peers. Clark made 27 appearances, making 1583 and 704 tackles mostly as an interchange.
9. Kelepi Tanginoa
Kelepi Tanginoa joined Wakefield Trinity halfway through the season, they had a tough end to the season but Tanginoa was one of the shining lights in Chris Chester's side. With his powerful runs Tanginoa made 1480 metres, 44 tackle busts and 316 metres in 14 appearances.
10. Sam Kasiano
Catalans Dragons announced the signing of big Sam Kasiano from Melbourne Storm early in the season, his powerful runs, handling skills and offloads started countless Catalans attacks. Kasiano made 33 offloads, 1335 metres, four assists and three tries.
*Jackson Hastings
Jackson Hastings made his Salford Red Devils debut the 2018 Super 8s Qualifiers, he helped guide them to safety and quickly become a fans favourite. This year, he made his full Super League debut and won the 2019 Steve Prescott MBE the Man of Steel award.
