Opinion: Dream Team 2021

17 Sep 2021

Opinion: Dream Team 2021

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There can only be one player, right? Sam Tomkins has had a stellar season and is rightly a front runner for the Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel award. His immense form in 2021 has coincided with Catalans Dragons winning their first League Leaders’ Shield - Tomkins a vital part of that success.

Last season, he managed just 10 regular season games during a disrupted year. Of Catalans 8 wins in 2020, Tomkins played in 7. He was, is and will continue to be a vital part to the Dragons on field success. A classy player that has mesmerised fans in 2021.

Winger

There’s no doubting Ryan Hall’s quality following his debut year with the Robins. After a short and scoreless spell in the NRL, questions arose of whether he could still perform at the top level - he’s certainly silenced any naysayers. His try scoring antics in 2021 have been matched by his invaluable contributions carrying the ball. Hall averages over 140 metres a game for a side that had the worst metres gained average last season. A contribution which I’m sure hasn’t gone unnoticed inside the Robins camp.

On the subject of metre makers, Catalans Tom Davies tops the metre making charts with just one round to go in Betfred Super League. The former Wigan flyer has gone from strength to strength after an extended period on the sidelines through injury last season. He was duly rewarded with an England call up earlier in the year and is a reliable and effective ball carrier who does a lot of the tough stuff early in the Dragons sets.

Centre

Jake Mamo probably expected to be on the periphery of the Wolves squad in 2021 following the arrival of Greg Inglis. However, injuries to Inglis gave Mamo a chance to make a centre spot his own and boy, did he take it. The Wolves livewire has been a revelation this year, winning June’s Player of the Month award after some standout performances – none more so than his eye-catching hat-trick away at Wigan in Round `12. His stock has risen in 2021 after first bursting onto the scene with Huddersfield – he joins Castleford next year in stellar form and would be a worthy inclusion in the Dream Team.

Half back

A tough position with some outstanding contenders. First and foremost, the ever-reliable Jonny Lomax has been at his impeccable best this season. Playing in such a formidable Saints side, it’s easy to forget the presence Lomax has on the field. His ability to influence play and take control with ball in hand has made him one of the best players in Betfred Super League for the past few years.

Alongside Lomax as one of the most consistent halves on our shores is Jackson Hastings. Although Wigan have been far from their best over the past month or two, one thing has remained constant – Hastings. His effort is matched by a rugby nuance that allows him to create opportunities and dictate the Warriors attack. He is often the heartbeat of the Wigan side in the way he controls the team around the park and will be sorely missed next year.

Hull KR’s Jordan Abdull also deserves a mention. His form prior to picking up an injury last month was a huge contributor to the Robins push for the Play-Off’s. It’s little coincidence that they have struggled for consistency since his absence. His kicking game alongside his ever-improving skill with ball in hand has turned Hull KR from a struggling team at the foot of the table into a genuine top six threat. And he will only get better.

Prop

There has been half a dozen or so standout props that could easily make the Dream Team this season. Unfortunately, there’s only room for two. And one of those must be Alex Walmsley.

The Saints front rower continues to set the benchmark in Super League. It must be said that Kristian Woolf utilises him perfectly – very rarely is Walmsley forced to do big minutes, meaning he can exert all his energy into 20–25-minute stints – well, almost every week.. And it’s hugely effective. He is a nightmare to defend and puts his team on the front foot with his strong and tackle busting carries – reflected in being the only prop in the top 10 metre makers. He’s a leader in the St Helens pack and undoubtedly one of the best forwards in the game.  

Hooker

Leeds Rhinos Kruise Leeming has come of age in 2021. Constant changes in the Rhinos spine has left them unsettled throughout the year, but Leeming has consistently performed. Whether that be in his favoured hooker position or in the halves, he rarely has an off day and performs with profound maturity and composure.

It has been a slow rebuilding process at the Rhinos in recent years, but they are certainly heading on an upward trajectory – and Leeming will be front and centre for it. It would come as no surprise if Leeming was handed the Rhinos captaincy in 2022 or beyond.

Second Row

After leaving West Yorkshire for the South of France during the off season, Mike McMeeken has proved to be an astute bit of business for the Dragons. The back rower has missed just one league game this year and has been devastating on the right edge. His 9 tries and 6 assists reflect his constant attacking threat, whilst his average of 29 tackles a game solidify his all-round contributions. A real asset to the Dragons League Leaders winning side.

Loose forward

The final position is a 50/50 toss-up between Morgan Knowles and Joe Westerman. Both have been immense for their respective side this season and epitomise the role of a modern day loose forward.

Knowles has quickly become a star of not just St Helens, but Super League as well. His no nonsense, aggressive defence sets the tone for Saints, whilst his ball movement in and around the ruck cannot be understated. Similarly, for Westerman, it’s his ability to create space for his half backs to play second phase rugby that makes him such an asset. And, like Knowles, he’s a tidy defender with a big presence in the middle third.

Whoever earns the number 13 shirt in the Dream Team will be fully deserved of their spot. 

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