Five wingers to watch in 2021

27 Jan 2021

Five wingers to watch in 2021

We pick out five wingers to look out for in 2021.

Tom Davies (Catalans Dragons)

The performances of Tom Davies went under the radar last season. Davies, who joined Catalans Dragons at the start of 2020, didn't play for 16 months after breaking his ankle in April 2019. Coming back from such an injury would be a challenge for any player, but Davies took it all in his stride and finished the 2020 season with 13 tries in just 10 matches, which included hat-tricks against Wakefield Trinity and Leeds Rhinos. With a full pre-season under his belt, the 24-year-old looks a good bet to establish himself as one of the best wingers in Betfred Super League. 

Liam Marshall (Wigan Warriors)

Liam Marshall's unbelievable length-of-the-field try against Huddersfield Giants was one of 2020's most iconic moments. With the half-time hooter about to sound, Marshall kicked the ball deep and used his searing pace to regather and score one of the great Super League tries. Unfortunately, Marshall will likely remember 2020 for all the wrong reasons after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury against Castleford Tigers in August. Marshall will miss the early weeks of the 2021 season, but he does hope to return to full training in April and pick up where he left off for a Wigan Warriors side desperate to end their trophy drought.

Tommy Makinson (St Helens)

Tommy Makinson has been awarded a testimonial year in 2021 by St Helens. It's a fitting reward for one of Super League's most consistent performers over the last decade. Makinson made his Saints debut back in 2011 and remains one of the best speedsters in the game. Injury and suspension meant the 29-year-old couldn't match his 23-try exploits of 2019 last season. The England international still played an integral role in Saints' triumphant year and expect him to be back near the top of the try-scoring charts when Super League gets underway on March 25. 

Liam Tindall (Leeds Rhinos)

Liam Tindall caught the eye after almost scoring a spectacular debut try in Rhinos' match against Dragons in September. Tindall used his fabulous footwork and blistering speed to leave the Dragons defenders in his wake before eventually being hauled down agonisingly short of the line. Tindall did cross for his first Super League try a few weeks later against Saints and will be looking to build on his efforts in 2021. Rhinos, of course, already have plenty of talent on the wing, so Tindall will likely have to wait for an extended run in the side. Based on the evidence we've seen so far, he'll make the most of every opportunity he gets.

Krisnan Inu (Salford Red Devils)

It was pleasing to see Krisnan Inu sign a new contract with Salford Red Devils. He's one of those players who always seems to make things happen. Inu only featured once for Red Devils pre-lockdown last season, but he returned to the team in September and made up for lost time. The Kiwi international scored 10 tries and proved once again how crucial he is to Red Devils. Inu's reliability off the kicking tee remains another huge asset to his game. The 33-year-olds efforts helped earn him a place in the 2020 Dream Team.