When a rugby league side hits a purple patch and everything seems to click, the two players wearing the numbers six and seven often attract the most attention. These are the scrum‑half and the stand‑off, the partnership that dictates the tempo, distributes the ball and makes the tactical decisions that can turn a good performance into a dominant one.
The spotlight shines just as brightly on them when a team is struggling. In those moments coaches and fans alike start to question whether the link between the half‑backs is working, whether their kicking game is precise, whether their passes are on target, and whether an alternative pairing might produce better results. After nine rounds of the 2026 Super League, the table is tightly packed: Leeds sits at the summit with just four points separating them from Catalans, who occupy seventh place. Warrington Wolves and Hull KR are positioned third and fifth respectively, each holding a game in hand.
The season has been defined by a faster, more fluid style of play – quicker play‑the‑ball situations, higher scoring matches and an increased emphasis on attacking flair. In this environment the half‑back pairing becomes even more crucial, as they are the primary conduits for the team’s strategic direction on the field. The big question is whether the teams leading the competition are being propelled forward by the quality of their half‑backs. Can Leeds, for example, credit its early‑season surge to the combination of Jake Connor and Brodie Croft?
If so, what specific elements of their partnership are clicking? Conversely, can a side maintain its success despite frequent changes in its half‑back duo, as St Helens have demonstrated with Jackson Hastings alternating between George Whitby, Jonny Lomax and Tristan Sailor? The answers lie in a deeper analysis of the performances, statistics and expert opinions surrounding the league's most influential duos. Sky Sports Rugby League pundits have taken on the task of ranking the half‑back pairings they believe are delivering the most impact.
Jodie Cunningham highlighted the situation at Wigan, noting that Harry Smith and Bevan French have barely had a chance to gel this season due to injuries. "You can clearly see the impact of Smith's absence and the influence French has when he does play," she said. "Smith allows French to be the maverick and run. While we have to discount their current lack of continuity, once they are both fit I would argue their combined impact could be the biggest in the league.
Their current struggles reflect the missing link." Cunningham then turned her focus to Hull KR, arguing that their half‑backs may be exerting more influence than Leeds' duo at this stage. She pointed out that Lachie Miller, Hull KR's full‑back, plays a pivotal role in facilitating ball movement and creating scoring opportunities. "Miller's ability to link with the halves reduces the pressure on Brodie Croft in terms of try assists and try‑scoring," she explained.
"While Connor and Croft's partnership is important, Miller's involvement adds a third dimension that amplifies Leeds' attacking threat. Miller himself has recorded nine try assists, surpassing both Connor (eight) and Croft (three)." According to Cunningham, this is why she ranks Hull KR's half‑backs – Lewis and May – above Leeds' Connor and Croft.
"Lewis is up there with nine tries and eight try assists, matching Connor's assist tally while also crossing the line himself. May has contributed two tries and an impressive 13 try assists. Their combined output translates directly into points, making them a proven and influential half‑back pairing." Beyond the raw numbers, the qualitative aspects of these partnerships matter.
A successful scrum‑half must have a sharp eye for gaps, quick hands to deliver clean passes from the ruck, and the ability to organise the defensive line. The stand‑off, meanwhile, needs vision to orchestrate set plays, a reliable kicking game to gain territory, and the composure to execute under pressure.
When these two players complement each other's strengths, the whole team benefits – the forwards receive cleaner ball, the backs get space to exploit, and the overall tempo of the game can be accelerated. Leeds' early dominance can be traced to Connor's physicality and Croft's creativity. Connor, a powerful runner, often draws in defenders, creating space for Croft to exploit with darting runs or tactical kicks.
Croft, on the other hand, possesses a deft touch and an instinct for finding the weak side of the defence, which has resulted in several line‑breaks and try‑assisting passes. Their synergy is evident in the way they communicate on the field, using subtle gestures and pre‑planned signals that allow them to adapt quickly to the flow of the game.
Hull KR's duo, Lewis and May, bring a slightly different dynamic. Lewis combines speed with a knack for breaking tackles, frequently turning short passes into line‑breaks. May, a more traditional play‑maker, excels at directing traffic with precise passes and strategic kicks. Together they have forged a balanced attack that can both grind down a defence with hard runs and unlock it with well‑timed kicks.
The broader trend across the league suggests that teams with a clear, consistent half‑back partnership tend to enjoy more sustained success. Consistency allows the pair to develop an intuitive understanding, reducing errors and improving decision‑making speed. However, depth is also valuable; clubs that can rotate capable half‑backs without a drop in performance, like St Helens, demonstrate resilience against injuries and fatigue. Looking ahead, the race for the top of the table will likely hinge on how these duos evolve.
If Leeds can keep Connor and Croft healthy and fine‑tune their interplay, they stand a strong chance of maintaining their lead. Should Hull KR's Lewis and May continue to deliver high assist numbers while adding more tries to their tally, they could close the gap quickly. Meanwhile, Wigan's potential resurgence hinges on the return of Smith and French, whose combined skill set could make them the most feared half‑back pairing once fully fit. In summary, the influence of half‑backs in the Super League cannot be overstated.
Their ability to manage the game's tempo, execute strategic kicks, and provide clean, incisive distribution is a cornerstone of modern rugby league success. As the season progresses, the rankings of these partnerships will shift, but the fundamental truth remains: a cohesive, high‑performing scrum‑half and stand‑off duo is often the decisive factor that separates champions from the rest of the pack.