Opinion: Dream Team 2022 contenders

1 Sep 2022

Opinion: Dream Team 2022 contenders

The 2022 Betfred Super League Dream Team will be unveiled on Sunday - the 13 best players across the competition recognised for their unrelenting efforts during the regular season.

But who will be selected? We've taken a look at some of the contenders that could earn a spot in this year's Dream Team. 

Full Back

Before the Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel voting went dark in Round 15, there were two front runners: Jai Field & Tui Lolohea. And the in-form full backs will likely battle it out for a spot in the 2022 Dream Team.

It’s been a remarkable turnaround for Field, who’s 20221 season was decimated by injury. He returned with an immediate vengeance this year and hasn’t looked back since - Field’s evasion, speed and creativity has been integral to the Warriors devastating attack this year.

Lolohea’s move to Huddersfield was a chance to establish himself as one of the competitions best – and he hasn’t disappointed. A pre-season move from the halves to full back was a stroke of genius from Ian Watson and has allowed Lolohea to find career best form. He’s second in try assists across the competition and the focal point of Huddersfield's attack.

Winger

Where to start? The three leading try scorers in the competition will certainly be in the running for a Dream Team spot. Bevan French, Ken Sio and Tommy Makinson have lit up the competition in 2022 and have to be in the picture for a place on the wing.

And don’t forget about the likes of Joe Burgess, Liam Marshall and Ash Handley too. Burgess and Marshall are both arguably in career best form, whilst Handley has been impeccable for Leeds – he sits top of the Super League metre making charts and averages over 140 metres per game this season.

Centre

Salford’s acquisition of experienced centre Tim Lafai may have swept under the radar ahead of the 2022 season - but his contribution to the Red Devils back line has been immense.

Lafai has been devastating on the Salford edge and a key contributor to their success this year – particularly during the second half of the season. He tops the Super League offload charts and has formed a formidable partnership out wide with Joe Burgess.

Half back

Saints talismanic half-back Jonny Lomax has been a regular feature in the Dream Team for the past two years - and he’ll be a front runner again in 2022. The Champions have had their fair share of injuries this year, but Lomax has been a constant figure. He’s rarely shirked responsibility and proved time and time again why he is one of the most consistent performers in the competition.   

A new face that could emerge in the Dream Team this year is Salford’s Brodie Croft. He arrived in Super League after a turbulent couple of seasons in the NRL but has found solace at the Red Devils. An regular presence over 26 rounds, Croft’s work rate and effort with ball in hand has complimented the Salford spine perfectly. He optimises hard work and spreads infectious energy across the Red Devils side.

Prop

Like Jonny Lomax, St Helens’ Alex Walmsley has been a Dream Team regular in the past two seasons. And, like his Saints and England teammate, Walmsley is hugely influential to his side. Of the 21 Super League games Walmsley has been part of this season, Big Al has failed to carry the ball for over 100 metres just three times – he is a wrecking ball through the middle third and one of the most imposing figures in the competition. 

Hooker

It was imperative that Ian Watson got his recruitment right in 2022 and signings such as Danny Levi have certainly vindicated his decisions. Levi is a livewire from dummy half and provides exceptional service to his forward pack. His decision making and ability to run the ball at the right time often helps the Giants get on the front foot – Levi's contributions to Huddersfield’s success this season cannot be understated.

Second Row

Perhaps the most competitive position this year, there are several second rowers deserving of a shirt after superb seasons.

Joe Batchelor’s rise has been nothing short of exceptional. Fresh from a breakout year in 2021 that saw him establish himself as a key figure in St Helens’ back row - he’s only getting better. Saints have had a few disruptions in the back row this year but Batchelor's presence hasn't faltered.

After a luckless run with injuries, Kallum Watkins has reinvented himself in Salford’s back row. He returned to the Red Devils side in April and has been one of their standout players in every game he’s played, proving that his class is permanent.

Chris McQueen has had a marvellous 2022 season - he’s crossed for more tries than any other forward in Super League and has become a real leader in the Giants pack. McQueen’s experience has been integral to the Giants top four finish and he’ll be vital to his sides push for a maiden Super League Grand Final appearance.

And of course, the irreplaceable Liam Farrell. He's such a consistent player that he perhaps sneaks under the radar at times, but his contributions to the Warriors side for such a prolonged period is nothing short of inspirational. And he's showing no signs of slowing down. 

Loose Forward

Joe Westerman claimed a clean sweep of awards at Castleford Tigers awards night last week and will be a favourite for the loose forward position in this year’s Dream Team. The recognition he has received in West Yorkshire is testament to his consistency throughout 2022 and his efforts in the middle for the Tigers. He was arguably Wakefield’s best player last season and has maintained the same high standards during his first season back at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle. 

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