When a rugby league side hits a purple patch, when the players seem to be in sync and the results keep rolling in, the focus inevitably lands on the two play‑makers wearing the numbers six and seven. These half‑backs – the scrum‑half and the stand‑off – are the architects of the attack, the voices that organise the defence, and the link between the forwards and the backs. Their influence is even more pronounced when a team hits a slump; analysts and fans alike start to question whether the partnership is clicking, whether their kicking game is on target, whether their passing is crisp, and whether a different combination might spark a revival.
After nine rounds of the 2026 Super League season the table is incredibly tight. Leeds sit at the summit with just a four‑point cushion separating them from Catalans, who occupy seventh place. Warrington Wolves and Hull KR are positioned third and fifth, respectively, but both clubs have a game in hand, meaning the race for the top is still very much open.
The prevailing theme of this year’s competition has been a faster, more fluid style of play – quicker play‑the‑ball speed, higher scoring games, and a greater emphasis on attacking flair. In such an environment the half‑backs’ role in dictating tempo and direction becomes even more critical. The question on everyone’s mind is whether the teams that are currently leading the league are doing so because of their half‑back pairings.
Can Leeds credit their early dominance to the partnership of Jake Connor and Brodie Croft? What specific attributes are clicking for them? And can other clubs replicate that success by rotating their halves, as St Helens have done with Jackson Hastings working alongside both George Whitby, Jonny Lomax and Tristan Sailor throughout the campaign?
To answer these questions we turned to a panel of Sky Sports Rugby League pundits, who have evaluated the performances of the league’s half‑back duos and ranked them according to influence, creativity and overall contribution to points. Their analysis highlights a few key themes that help explain why certain partnerships stand out.
Jodie Cunningham, a former England international and current analyst, opened her commentary by pointing out the impact of injuries on the Wigan pairing of Harry Smith and Bevan French. "Smith and French have barely featured together this season and both are currently unavailable," she explained. "You can clearly see the void left by Smith’s absence and the influence French normally brings. Smith gives French the freedom to run and be a maverick.
While we have to discount them for now, once they return I expect their combined impact to be massive, and the current struggles of Wigan reflect that loss." Cunningham then shifted her focus to Hull KR, arguing that their half‑backs have, at this stage of the season, been more influential than the Leeds duo. She cited the role of full‑back Lachie Miller in Leeds’ attacking structure, noting that Miller’s ability to distribute the ball eases the pressure on Brodie Croft when it comes to try assists and scoring. "Connor and Croft’s partnership is vital, but Miller’s involvement in the three‑quarter line adds another dimension. He has already recorded nine try assists, outpacing both Connor (eight) and Croft (three)." She continued, "Miller is the final piece of that puzzle.
That’s why I placed Lewis and May above Connor and Croft – they exert more control, pressure and influence, especially since they don’t have a full‑back of Miller’s calibre supporting them." Cunningham also highlighted the contributions of Hull KR’s own back‑rowers. Jack Broadbent, while a solid performer, does not have the same game‑changing impact as Miller does for Leeds. In contrast, Hull KR’s Lewis and May have been prolific: Lewis has scored nine tries and added eight try assists, matching Connor’s assist tally while also crossing the line himself.
May, meanwhile, has contributed two tries and an impressive 13 try assists. "When you look at how their contributions translate into points, you can see they remain a proven half‑back pairing," Cunningham concluded.
Beyond the statistics, the pundits emphasized several qualitative factors that differentiate the top duos: 1. **Game Management** – The best half‑backs control the tempo, knowing when to speed up the play and when to slow it down to retain possession.
Their decision‑making under pressure often dictates whether a team can sustain a scoring run. 2. **Kicking Accuracy** – Effective territorial kicking and well‑timed grubbers keep the opposition on the back foot and create scoring opportunities for the backs. 3.
**Communication** – Clear, constant dialogue between the scrum‑half and stand‑off ensures the forwards are aligned with the backs, especially during defensive sets. 4. **Adaptability** – The ability to adjust tactics mid‑game, whether by switching the point of attack or varying the kicking game, is a hallmark of elite pairings. 5.
**Support Play** – Half‑backs who can act as a secondary runner or provide off‑the‑ball support add an extra layer of unpredictability to the attack. Applying these criteria, the panel’s ranking placed the Leeds duo of Connor and Croft high on the list, but not unchallenged. Hull KR’s half‑backs, bolstered by the try‑scoring prowess of Lewis and the play‑making of May, were deemed equally, if not more, influential at this stage of the season. The analysis also hinted that as the campaign progresses, the rankings could shift dramatically, especially if injured players like Smith and French return to form.
For fans and coaches alike, the takeaway is clear: while a strong half‑back partnership can be a catalyst for success, it is not the sole ingredient. The surrounding talent – full‑backs, centres, and forwards – intertwines with the halves to create a cohesive unit.
Teams that can blend the strategic vision of their halves with the finishing ability of players like Miller, Lewis or May will likely maintain their position at the top of the table. Looking ahead, the Super League will continue to broadcast every match live, with two games each round shown exclusively on Sky Sports and the remaining fixtures available across the network. As the season unfolds, the ongoing debate about which half‑back pairing reigns supreme will remain a focal point for pundits, analysts, and supporters, offering a fascinating lens through which to view the evolving dynamics of modern rugby league.