SAINTS have five players named in the 2021 Betfred Super League Dream Team.
The outstanding Morgan Knowles is named at loose forward for the third season running – and has now well and truly taken over the mantle of retired Sean O’Loughlin in this annual selection.
Morgan Knowles (Pic: Bernard Platt)
Prop Alex Walmsley, who has had a storming end to a quality season, makes his third Dream Team appearance having also featured in 2015 and 2020.
Jack Welsby scoring (Pic: Bernard Platt)
There is a first appearance for last year’s Grand Final match winner Jack Welsby, at centre, although the youngster has shown his versatility by playing at full back and most recently stand off.
Alex Walmsley (Pic: Bernard Platt)
Mark Percival, who has bounced back from long-term injury in fine style, is handed the other centre berth.
Mark Percival (Pic: Bernard Platt)
The ever-consistent Jonny Lomax is the fifth Saints member of the 2021 Dream Team composition.
Jonny Lomax
This year’s team features players from six different teams and includes seven new faces, as well four players who retain their spot from 2020.
Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel contender Sam Tomkins takes the first spot on the team sheet as he claims the Full Back jersey for a sixth time. It is Tomkins first appearance in the team since 2013.
Tomkins is joined by three of his Dragons teammates; Tom Davies, who topped the metre maker (3332m) and ball carrier (399) charts; James Maloney, top point scorer (227pts) and goal kicker (101 conversions); and hard-running prop, Sam Kasiano whose last gasp try at Dacia Magic Weekend helped the Dragons win the League Leaders’ Shield for the first time.
Liam Farrell, who topped the charts for post contact metres (1408m) and was also second in both the metre maker (2956m) and ball carrier (396) charts, makes his fourth appearance, having previously been selected in 2015, 2019 and 2020.
Man of Steel Panellist, and four-time Dream Team player, Terry O’Connor said: “I have had the pleasure of watching these extraordinary athletes perform to the highest levels, week-in-week-out this season and it is a tremendous reward to see them recognised with a place in this years Betfred Super League Dream Team.
“To see players from half of the teams in the competition I think shows the depth of talent currently on show in Super League, even more so when you consider some of the players who missed out on a spot in the Dream Team.”
“It is always great to see new faces break into the Dream Team and the inclusion of the likes of Jack Welsby, Tom Davies and Kruise Leeming this year is fantastic. A special mention must go to Liam Farrell and Morgan Knowles who have retained their positions for a third year running – a fantastic example of their talent and consistency.”
2021 Betfred Super League Dream Team.
1. Sam Tomkins, Catalans Dragons.
2. Tom Davies, Catalans Dragons.
3. Jack Welsby, St Helens.
4. Mark Percival, St Helens.
5. Ken Sio, Salford Red Devils.
6. Jonny Lomax, St Helens.
7. James Maloney, Catalans Dragons.
8. Alex Walmsley, St Helens.
9. Kruise Leeming, Leeds Rhinos.
10. Sam Kasiano, Catalans Dragons.
11. Liam Farrell, Wigan Warriors.
12. Kane Linnett, Hull KR.
13. Morgan Knowles, St Helens.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel