When a rugby league side hits a streak of form and everything seems to click, the two players wearing the No. 6 and No. 7 jerseys instantly become the focus of discussion.
These are the scrum‑half and the stand‑off – the partnership that dictates tempo, directs traffic and often decides whether a team can sustain its momentum. The same scrutiny falls on them when a club hits a rough patch; pundits and fans alike start questioning whether the combination is effective, whether their kicking game is on target, whether their distribution is crisp, or whether an alternative pairing might unlock better results. After nine rounds of the 2026 Super League season, the table is astonishingly tight.
Leeds sit at the summit with four points separating them from Catalans, who occupy seventh place. Warrington Wolves and Hull Kingston Rovers sit in third and fifth respectively, each with a game in hand.
The prevailing narrative this year has been one of fluid, high‑scoring rugby – faster play‑the‑ball speeds, more points on the board and a heightened emphasis on attacking flair. In such an environment, the half‑backs who marshal the attack and issue the commands become even more pivotal. The central question is whether the teams that sit at the top of the ladder are being propelled there by the performances of their half‑backs.
Can Leeds, for instance, attribute its early dominance to the partnership of Jake Connor and Brodie Croft? If so, what specific elements of their game are clicking?
Conversely, can a side experience a dramatic shift in fortunes simply by tweaking its half‑back pairing, as St Helens have demonstrated with Jackson Hastings working alongside George Whitby, Jonny Lomax and Tristan Sailor in various combinations? Sky Sports Rugby League’s panel of experts has taken a deep dive into the data and the intangibles, ranking the half‑back duos they believe are delivering the most impact. Among the voices is Jodie Cunningham, who highlighted the situation at Wigan. She noted that Harry Smith and Bevan French have scarcely shared the field together this season and are currently unavailable.
"You can clearly see the impact of Smith’s absence," she said, "and we know how much French contributes when he’s paired with him. Smith allows French the freedom to be a maverick and run his own lines. While we must discount their current lack of minutes, once they return I expect their influence to be massive – the team’s current struggles reflect that void." Cunningham then turned her attention to the Hull KR half‑backs, arguing they may be exerting more influence than the Leeds pairing at this stage. She explained that Lachie Miller, Hull KR’s full‑back, plays a crucial role in enabling Leeds to spread the ball and generate points.
"Miller’s presence eases the pressure on Brodie Croft in terms of try assists and scoring opportunities. While Connor and Croft’s partnership is vital, Miller’s involvement in the three‑quarter line is equally significant. He has already recorded nine try assists, outpacing both Connor (eight) and Croft (three)." The analysis continued with a comparison of the contributions from the Hull KR back‑row.
"Lewis and May are arguably more influential because they take on greater control, pressure and creative responsibility. Lewis boasts nine tries and eight try assists, matching Connor’s assist tally while also crossing the line himself. May, meanwhile, has added two tries and an impressive 13 try assists. When you aggregate their direct point contributions, they form a proven half‑back combination that rivals any in the league." Beyond the raw statistics, the discussion underscored the importance of context.
A half‑back’s effectiveness is often amplified or diminished by the surrounding talent. For Leeds, the synergy between Connor, Croft and Miller creates a multi‑dimensional threat: Miller’s running lines and play‑making ability relieve Croft of some creative burden, allowing him to focus on tactical kicking and defensive organization.
In contrast, Hull KR’s reliance on Lewis and May showcases how a forward‑heavy side can still generate scoring opportunities through dynamic half‑back play. The broader implication for clubs is clear: cultivating a cohesive half‑back partnership can be a decisive factor in a tightly contested league.
Coaches must balance the individual strengths of their scrum‑half and stand‑off, ensuring they complement each other’s skill sets while also integrating the full‑back and outside backs into a fluid attacking structure. When this balance is achieved, teams can unlock higher scoring rates, quicker ball movement and a more resilient defense – all hallmarks of the 2026 Super League season. As the campaign progresses, the rankings are likely to shift.
Injuries, form fluctuations and tactical adjustments will constantly reshape the hierarchy of half‑back duos. What remains certain is that the half‑back partnership will continue to be the barometer by which success is measured, and clubs that master this relationship will be best positioned to climb the ladder and sustain their place at the top of the Super League.