When a rugby league side hits a rich vein of form, there are two players who inevitably attract the most attention: the No.6 scrum‑half and the No.7 stand‑off. These half‑backs are the architects of the attack, the voices that direct the defence, and the players whose partnership often determines whether a team is thriving or merely surviving.
Even when a club is struggling, the scrutiny remains intense. Fans and analysts alike question whether the combination of scrum‑half and stand‑off is clicking, whether their kicking strategies are effective, whether the passes they deliver are accurate, and whether alternative pairings might produce better results. In short, the half‑back partnership is the barometer of a team’s overall health. After nine rounds of the 2026 Super League season, the table is astonishingly tight.
Leeds sit at the summit with just four points separating them from Catalans, who occupy seventh place. Warrington Wolves and Hull Kingston Rovers sit in third and fifth respectively, each holding a game in hand. The competition is fierce, and the prevailing style of play this year emphasizes rapid play‑the‑ball, higher scoring totals, and an increased emphasis on attacking flair.
Within this context, the spotlight naturally falls on the duos tasked with steering their squads around the park. Are the teams at the top of the ladder powered by the brilliance of their half‑backs? Can Leeds attribute its early dominance to the partnership of Jake Connor and Brodie Croft? If so, what specific elements of their collaboration are clicking?
Equally important is the question of consistency. Can a half‑back pairing maintain a high level of performance week after week, as we have seen with St Helens’ Jackson Hastings when paired with George Whitby, Jonny Lomax or Tristan Sailor? Or are there hidden factors beyond the half‑backs that are influencing outcomes?
Sky Sports Rugby League pundits have taken a deep dive into the data and offered their rankings of the most influential half‑back combinations. Jodie Cunningham highlighted the impact of Wigan’s Harry Smith and Bevan French, noting that the pair have barely featured together this season and are currently unavailable.
She explained, "Smith allows French to be the maverick and run. While you have to discount them for now, once they return I believe their impact will be massive, and the current struggles of the team reflect their absence." Cunningham then turned her attention to Hull KR, suggesting their half‑backs might be exerting more influence than Leeds’ duo at this stage. She pointed out that Hull KR full‑back Lachie Miller plays a pivotal role in facilitating ball movement and creating scoring opportunities, thereby reducing the pressure on Brodie Croft to generate try assists. "Miller’s nine try assists put him ahead of both Connor and Croft, and his involvement changes the dynamic of the Leeds attack," she argued.
She continued, "The reason I rank Hull KR’s half‑backs above Leeds is because Miller’s contribution at full‑back gives Leeds a different kind of freedom. While Connor and Croft are vital, Miller’s presence means Croft can focus more on orchestrating play rather than being the primary try‑scorer." Cunningham also praised Hull KR’s Lewis and May for their all‑round contributions.
Lewis boasts nine tries and eight try assists, matching Connor’s assist numbers while also adding his own tries to the tally. May, meanwhile, has two tries and an impressive 13 try assists, underscoring his playmaking prowess.
"When you look at the total points generated by these players, it’s clear they form a proven half‑back partnership," she concluded. The broader picture suggests that while individual brilliance matters, the chemistry between the scrum‑half and stand‑off—and the support they receive from other key players like the full‑back—creates a multiplier effect. A half‑back pairing that can seamlessly combine tactical kicking, incisive passing, and strategic vision will often lift the entire team’s performance.
Looking ahead, the Super League will continue to broadcast every match live, with two games per round shown exclusively and the remaining five available on Sky Sports+. This extensive coverage provides fans with ample opportunity to watch how half‑back duos evolve throughout the season, how injuries and form fluctuations affect partnerships, and how coaches adapt their game plans to maximise the strengths of their playmakers. In summary, the influence of half‑backs in the Super League cannot be overstated. Whether it’s Leeds’ Connor‑Croft combination, Hull KR’s Miller‑Lewis‑May axis, or any other emerging duo, the ability of these players to command the game, execute precise kicks, and deliver accurate passes is central to a team’s success.
As the season progresses and the table continues to shift, the rankings of the most effective half‑back pairings will likely evolve, offering a compelling narrative for supporters and analysts alike.