As the NRL salary cap rises and more Super League clubs go bust, we are going to see more English players heading down under to play in the worlds best competition.
In January I listed the to ten English players in Rugby League. A lot has changed since then. After all, you’re only as good as your last game.
So who are the top five English Rugby League players in the game right now?
1. James Graham
His competitiveness, his work rate and his ability throw in a little bit of ball playing as a forward makes him the best English player in the game. When Graham runs out on the footy field he is going to war. It doesn’t matter who the opposition is Graham makes it personal. I love that sort of attitude from a forward!
2. Gareth Widdop
Has shown so much class since moving to the St George/Illawarra Dragons. There were questions last year about whether he was worth the money the Dragons are paying him this year, and whether he could get the job done when he wasn’t surrounded by the same class of players he was at the Storm. All of those questions have been answered. In a difficult season for the Dragons he has been a star.
3. Sam Burgess
Not in the same form he showed last year but still doing pretty well for the Rabbitohs. Ever since he signed to play Rugby Union in 2015 he has just lost his edge. He used to play with fire and really take opposition teams on. He doesn’t do that any more.
4. Sam Tomkins
His defense is terrible, that can no be denied. In attack however he is showing signs of class. His footwork has always been great and he has a great instinct for when he needs to pass and when he needs to run the ball. He is also improving slowly. Unfortunately his defense is so poor, otherwise he would be higher up this list.
5. George Burgess
Like his brother he just isn’t having the same impact as he did last season. The difference is that the experience he is getting right now will help him become one of the best front rowers in the game as time goes on.
What do you think? Did I get it right? Did I miss anyone out? Should the order be changed? Feel free to leave a comment below!
