Veteran Ryan Hall Cracks Top Five English Wingers in Super League 2024
While wingers often grab the spotlight as a team’s leading try-scorers, the current crop of English outside backs in Super League is quite impressive. Over the years, the competition has witnessed exceptional wide men, and the 2024 season is no exception, with veteran Ryan Hall making a strong case for the best English winger.
Super League legend Ryan Hall has surprisingly secured a spot in the top five English wingers so far this year, despite the exclusion of notable names like Tommy Makinson and Tom Johnstone. Johnstone’s move to Catalans in 2023 highlighted his immense potential, and he was a Man of Steel contender, but his form has dipped in 2024. Makinson, the St Helens veteran, has been relatively quieter this season compared to his prolific exploits in the previous two years, where he amassed a combined 46 tries for the Red Vee. Intriguingly, reports suggest Makinson will replace Johnstone at Catalans for the 2025 season, which could reignite his scoring prowess.
At number five, Ryan Hall’s invaluable presence for Hull KR remains evident. The veteran’s physical build, more akin to a prop than a winger, has seen his pace decline, but his ball-carrying ability continues to be a significant asset for the Robins. Hall has consistently scored 15 or more tries in each of his three seasons at Craven Park, including a brace in the Challenge Cup and a try against Wigan in his most recent outing. Although this will be Hall’s last season at Craven Park, the news of his return to Headingley for one final campaign in 2025 has generated excitement among rugby league enthusiasts.
Warrington’s Matty Ashton claims the fourth spot, showcasing his blistering pace alongside fellow speedsters Matt Dufty and Josh Thewlis. Ashton, who joined the Wolves from Swinton after his remarkable 30-try season in 2019, marked his first 20-try campaign in 2023. His form has continued into the current season, having scored three tries in his opening eight matches, including an impressive performance in Warrington’s Challenge Cup victory over St Helens. Ashton’s England experience in the recent Test series against Tonga has undoubtedly bolstered his standing in Super League, and he will be a strong contender for national team selection moving forward.
At number three, Leeds Rhinos’ Ash Handley has made a significant impact, earning his England debut last season and scoring a hat-trick against France. However, his early-season form and injury issues have prevented him from cracking the top two on this list, despite his potential to challenge for the title of the best English winger in Super League.
Wigan Warriors’ Liam Marshall claims the second spot, with his teammate Abbas Miski often stealing the limelight. Marshall has been a consistent performer, tallying an impressive 50 tries over the past two seasons and nine in the first nine rounds of the current campaign. Additionally, his contributions in the Challenge Cup, with six tries, further solidify his status as one of the leading English wingers in the competition.
Topping the list is Huddersfield Giants’ Adam Swift, who has been the standout signing of the 2024 season so far. After an influential 2023 campaign with Hull FC, where he scored 19 Super League tries, Swift has taken his game to new heights with the Giants. He currently leads the league in several key metrics, including try-scoring, with an astonishing 15 tries in just 11 games, nearly outscoring the entire Hull FC squad. Swift’s electrifying performances have placed him firmly at the top of the ranking for the best English wingers in Super League 2024.
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