Originally Posted by
Webbo Again
Thought it's be interesting to see how others scored each of the players out of ten for the season. Only criteria is that they must have played at least 3 games. My own thoughts would be:
Lachlan Coote – 8
Slow start to the season but rediscovered his form as the season progressed. Not quite as pivotal in attack as in the previous couple of years but so solid at the back and his organising of the defence remains brilliant.
Tommy Makinson – 7
Tenacious as ever as the consummate all-round winger. Fewer opportunities to show his attacking/running skills.
Kevin Naiqama – 7½
Brilliant MoM performance in the Grand Final capped off a typically solid season for a player who always pulls it out more for the big games.
Mark Percival – 7
Season a little disjointed by injuries, but overall a strong return after almost a season out last year. Not as many breaks as pre-injury but that try against Wire…
Regan Grace – 7½
Electric when has a bit of space (which is still sadly not often enough) and the best broken-field player in SL, but has also come on leaps and bounds in defence and positioning.
Jonny Lomax – 6½
Less effective individually in attack, but defence still superb. A totally professional display in the Grand Final, and has helped Dodd settle in seemlessly.
Theo Fages – 6
A true warrior with a defence that’s peerless for a halfback. The CCF performance was both great and gritty, but missed the run-in through injury.
Alex Walmsley – 9
Another with a slow start to the season, but went on to show he’s clearly the best prop in SL by a mile. Some unbelievable displays of power running.
James Roby – 7½
Just keeps going. At times looked a little struggling, but in some games – including big ones - rolled back the years with masterclass performances.
Matty Lees – 6½
A solid season, interrupted by an ankle injury for a player unluckier than most. Defensively superb, but still a little limited in impact with ball in hand.
Joel Thompson – 5
A disappointment overall, after his body let him down; one season too far. Gracious enough to recognise this and not string the club along, and improved in the 2nd half of the season, putting in a strong performance in the CCF.
James Bentley – 6
Looking good before the bad injury, then went ‘nutcase’ after returning, niggling and slamming opposition players in equal measure, but falling foul of refs.
Morgan Knowles – 8½
Quietly went about his business of absolutely smashing opposition ball carriers in the middle. But also handy with the ball in hand when required. A brilliant player.
Sione Mata’utia – 6½
Patchy start to his Saints career with some fans beginning to grumble, but came on strong as the season wore on with great defence and strong running in the channels, plus some ball-playing ability. I’m expecting big things next year.
Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook – 6½
The Joker is showing his age a little, but still delivers punch and still gets under the skin of opposition players and fans alike.
Kyle Amor – 6
A reliable back-up that trundles the ball in and makes yards after collision.
Agnatius Paasi – 6½
Mixed bag of performances, sometimes looking brilliant/sometimes passive, but improved consistency toward the latter end of the season to help prevent too much of a drop-off in intensity when Walmsley goes off.
Jack Welsby – 9
Late last season showed what he’s capable of, and he not only carried that on this season, but elevated it further. His progression has been amazing. Puts doubt in the minds of defenders and has both a great rugby brain and ability to time a pass. Superb talent.
Aaron Smith – 5
Not too many chances, and when his did get on the field did a solid job but nothing more, lacking zip from DH (but maybe just following instructions)
Joe Batchelor – 7
Such a brilliant progression from a player who looked a little more than squad-filler, to nailing down the right-SR spot with a series of strong performances that defied many expectations, capped by a great GF.
Lewis Dodd – 7
A lot of hype around the lad from an early age, and introduced slowly. But looks to have both the skill and the confidence to make the 7 shirt his own.
Josh Simm – 5
Like Smith, very limited chances. Despite there definitely being *something* there in terms of talent, needs to step up if he’s to make it.