When a rugby league side hits a rich vein of form, the spotlight inevitably falls on the two players who occupy the No. 6 and No. 7 jerseys.
These half‑backs – the scrum‑half and the stand‑off – are the chief architects of a team's attacking rhythm and often the first to be scrutinised when things go awry. Whether a squad is soaring or struggling, pundits, coaches and fans alike ask the same set of questions: Are the half‑back partnership clicking?
Is their kicking game precise? Do they deliver the right passes at the right time?
And might an alternative combination produce a better result? After nine rounds of the 2026 Super League season, the table is extraordinarily tight. Leeds sits at the summit with just four points separating them from Catalans, who sit in seventh place.
Meanwhile, Warrington Wolves and Hull Kingston Rovers occupy the third and fifth spots, respectively, each with a game in hand that could see them surge higher. The prevailing narrative this year has been one of free‑flowing rugby – faster play‑the‑ball speeds, higher scoring totals and an increased emphasis on attacking flair. In that context, the half‑backs are the players tasked with issuing the tactical orders, dictating tempo and steering their teammates around the park. The central question for analysts is whether the teams leading the competition are being propelled forward by the excellence of their half‑back duos.
Can Leeds attribute its early dominance to the partnership of Jake Connor and Brodie Croft? If so, what specific elements of their collaboration are working so well? Conversely, can a rotating half‑back combination still generate consistent success, as appears to be the case for St Helens, where Jackson Hastings has linked effectively with both George Whitby, Jonny Lomax and Tristan Sailor at different stages of the campaign? To answer these queries, Sky Sports Rugby League’s panel of experts have compiled a ranking of the most influential half‑back pairings currently on display in the Super League.
Their analysis draws on a blend of statistical output – try assists, line breaks, kicking metres – and qualitative assessment of how each duo influences the overall structure of their side’s attack. Jodie Cunningham, a former England captain and current pundit, highlighted the situation at Wigan.
She noted that Harry Smith and Bevan French have scarcely featured together this season, and both are presently unavailable. "You can clearly see the impact of Smith's absence," Cunningham said, "and we know how much French adds to the team when he’s on the field. Smith allows French to be the maverick and run.
While we have to discount them for now, once they return I would argue their impact could be the biggest in the league, and the current struggles of Wigan reflect that loss." Turning her attention north, Cunningham compared the influence of Hull KR’s half‑backs with that of Leeds’ pairing. She argued that Hull KR’s duo may be marginally more influential at this stage, largely because of the role played by full‑back Lachie Miller in Leeds’ attacking framework. "Miller is a key piece that enables Leeds to move the ball quickly and create scoring opportunities," she explained. "His presence eases the pressure on Brodie Croft in terms of try assists and crossing the line.
While Connor and Croft’s partnership is vital, Miller’s interplay with them adds an extra dimension." Miller’s own statistics underscore his importance: he has recorded nine try assists, surpassing both Connor (eight) and Croft (three). Cunningham further argued that Miller’s contributions, combined with those of his fellow backs Lewis and May, elevate the overall influence of the Leeds backline.
"Lewis is up there with nine tries and eight try assists, matching Connor’s assist tally while also scoring himself. May, meanwhile, has added two tries and an impressive 13 try assists.
When you look at how these numbers translate into points, it becomes clear that the Leeds half‑back unit, supplemented by Miller’s playmaking, is a proven, high‑impact combination." The discussion also touched on the broader tactical trends shaping the league. Faster play‑the‑ball cycles have placed a premium on half‑backs who can execute quick, accurate passes and make decisive kicks that shift field position. Defensive responsibilities have also risen; modern half‑backs must organise the defensive line, communicate effectively and often act as an additional tackler in the middle third.
Consequently, the most successful duos are those that blend creativity with disciplined structure. Looking ahead, the rankings are likely to evolve as injuries heal and teams settle into their optimal line‑ups. Should Smith and French return to Wigan, their partnership could dramatically reshape the club’s fortunes.
Similarly, if Hull KR’s half‑backs continue to dominate, they may propel the club into a top‑three finish despite currently sitting in fifth place. For fans eager to keep up with the latest developments, Sky Sports will broadcast every Super League match live this season, offering two exclusive live fixtures each round and coverage of the remaining five games across its channels. The league’s dynamic nature ensures that the half‑back battle will remain a focal point of analysis throughout the campaign, with each team striving to fine‑tune the chemistry that could see them lift the championship trophy at season’s end.