When a rugby league side hits a vein of confidence and begins to click, two players on the field inevitably attract the most scrutiny: the No.6 scrum‑half and the No.7 stand‑off. Their influence is equally pronounced when a team is floundering; analysts and fans alike begin to question whether the partnership between the half‑backs is functioning, if their tactical kicking is on target, whether their passing lines are clean, and whether alternative combinations might yield better results. After nine rounds of the 2026 Super League season, the league table is astonishingly tight. Leeds sits at the summit with just four points separating them from Catalans, who occupy seventh place.
Warrington Wolves and Hull Kingston Rovers are positioned third and fifth respectively, each holding a game in hand that could see them surge higher. The prevailing theme of the current campaign has been fast‑paced, free‑flowing rugby, characterised by quicker play‑the‑ball speed, an uptick in scoring, and a heightened emphasis on attacking flair. In this environment, the half‑back pairing assumes a pivotal role. These two players are responsible for issuing commands, orchestrating the attack, and often dictating the tempo of the match.
The central question for supporters and pundits alike is whether the teams leading the table are being propelled forward by the quality of their half‑backs. Can Leeds attribute its early dominance to the synergy between Jake Connor and Brodie Croft? If so, what specific elements of their collaboration are clicking?
Moreover, can a duo maintain its effectiveness over a prolonged period, as we have witnessed with St Helens’ Jackson Hastings working seamlessly alongside George Whitby, Jonny Lomax and Tristan Sailor? To answer these queries, Sky Sports Rugby League’s panel of experts conducted a detailed review of the league’s half‑back pairings, ranking them according to their perceived impact on team performance. Their analysis highlighted several key observations.
Jodie Cunningham, a former England international and now a respected pundit, focused on the Wigan partnership of Harry Smith and Bevan French. She noted that the duo has had limited game time together this season, with both currently unavailable due to injury.
"You can clearly see the impact of Smith's absence," Cunningham said, "and we know the influence French brings when he is paired with him. Smith allows French to play the maverick, to run his own game. While we must discount their current unavailability, once they return I believe their combined impact could be the most significant in the league, and the current struggles of Wigan reflect that loss." Cunningham then turned her attention to Hull KR, suggesting that their half‑backs may be exerting a greater influence than the Leeds pairing at this stage. She explained that Lachie Miller, Hull KR's full‑back, plays a crucial role in facilitating ball movement and creating scoring opportunities.
"Miller’s involvement reduces the pressure on Brodie Croft in terms of try assists and try‑scoring," she argued, emphasizing that Miller’s nine try assists place him ahead of both Connor (eight) and Croft (three). This dynamic, she contended, means that while Connor and Croft’s partnership is important, Miller’s contributions amplify the overall effectiveness of Leeds' attack. Further, Cunningham highlighted the contributions of Hull KR’s own back‑rowers, Lewis and May.
"Lewis is up there with nine tries and eight try assists, matching Connor’s assist numbers while also crossing the line himself," she noted. "May, meanwhile, has added two tries and 13 try assists.
When you examine how their contributions translate directly into points, it becomes clear that they form a proven half‑back combination that is influencing games at a high level." The panel’s rankings suggest that while Leeds currently enjoys the top spot, the margin is slim and the league remains highly competitive. The influence of half‑backs extends beyond raw statistics; it encompasses leadership, decision‑making under pressure, and the ability to adapt tactics mid‑game. For instance, a scrum‑half who can vary the speed of service to the stand‑off can disrupt defensive structures, while a stand‑off with a reliable kicking game can gain valuable field position and force opponents into errors. Beyond the individual pairings, the broader context of the 2026 season cannot be ignored.
The rule changes encouraging quicker play‑the‑ball have forced teams to prioritize speed and agility, placing half‑backs at the heart of the transition from defence to attack. Their ability to read the game, execute swift passes, and choose when to kick versus when to run is now more critical than ever. Consequently, teams that have cultivated strong, instinctive relationships between their No.6 and No.7 have reaped the benefits in the early rounds. Looking ahead, the question remains: will the current leaders maintain their advantage, or will other half‑back duos emerge as the season progresses?
The fluid nature of injuries, form fluctuations, and tactical adjustments means that the hierarchy is likely to evolve. However, the early evidence suggests that the most successful teams are those where the half‑backs complement each other's strengths—one providing vision and strategic kicking, the other offering quick distribution and support play. In summary, the half‑back partnership is a decisive factor in the Super League’s opening stages.
Leeds’ Jake Connor and Brodie Croft have demonstrated a productive link, but the contributions of players like Hull KR’s Lewis, May, and full‑back Lachie Miller illustrate how a well‑rounded unit can amplify a team's attacking potency. As the season unfolds, observers will continue to monitor these pairings, assessing whether they can sustain their influence or if new combinations will rise to dominate the league’s narrative.