When a rugby league side hits a vein of confidence, when its players seem to be moving in perfect sync, the spotlight inevitably falls on the two men wearing the numbers six and seven. These are the scrum-half and the stand‑off – the primary architects of a team’s attacking rhythm and the chief on‑field strategists. Their influence is just as pronounced when a club is struggling; pundits and fans alike begin to question whether the partnership is delivering the necessary spark, whether their kicking and passing are precise, and whether an alternative combination might revive the squad's fortunes.
After nine rounds of the 2026 Super League, the table is astonishingly tight. Leeds sits at the summit with just a four‑point cushion separating them from Catalans, who occupy seventh place.
Meanwhile, Warrington Wolves and Hull Kingston Rovers are perched in third and fifth respectively, each with a game in hand that could dramatically alter the standings. The season so far has been characterised by a faster tempo – quicker play‑the‑ball speed, higher scoring totals and a greater emphasis on attacking flair. In this environment, the half‑back pairing becomes the engine that drives the team’s tempo, dictating the speed of the ball and the direction of the attack. The question on everyone’s mind is whether the clubs that sit at the top of the league have earned their positions largely thanks to the performances of their half‑backs.
Can Leeds, for instance, attribute its early dominance to the synergy between Jake Connor and Brodie Croft? If so, what specific elements of their game are clicking? Conversely, can a side like St Helens maintain its consistency when it rotates its key play‑makers – such as Jackson Hastings partnering with George Whitby, Jonny Lomax or Tristan Sailor – and still produce winning results?
To answer these questions, Sky Sports Rugby League’s panel of experts have compiled a ranking of the most influential half‑back duos currently plying their trade in the competition. Their analysis goes beyond simple statistics; it looks at how the pair’s decision‑making, kicking accuracy, defensive organization and ability to create try‑scoring opportunities impact the overall performance of their clubs. One of the most vocal contributors, former player and current pundit Jodie Cunningham, highlighted the situation at Wigan.
She noted that Harry Smith and Bevan French have scarcely shared the field together this season, and both are presently unavailable. "You can clearly see the impact of Smith’s absence," Cunningham said, "and we also know how much French adds to that combination when he is on the pitch. Smith gives French the freedom to be a maverick and to run his own lines. While we have to discount their current lack of game time, once they return, their influence could be the biggest factor in Wigan’s fortunes.
Their current struggles reflect that void." Cunningham then turned her attention to Hull KR, arguing that their half‑backs may be exerting a greater influence than the Leeds pair at this stage of the campaign. She explained that Lachie Miller, Hull KR’s full‑back, plays a pivotal role in enabling his teammates to circulate the ball and generate points. "Miller eases the pressure on Brodie Croft in terms of try assists and scoring opportunities," she said.
"While the partnership between Connor and Croft is vital, Miller’s involvement creates a three‑way threat that is hard for opponents to contain. He has already recorded nine try assists, surpassing both Connor’s eight and Croft’s three." Further emphasizing Miller’s importance, Cunningham argued that his presence is a key reason she placed Hull KR’s half‑backs above Leeds’s duo in her ranking. "Miller is the final piece of that puzzle. That is why I rank Lewis and May above Connor and Croft – they exert more control, pressure and influence because they lack a comparable weapon at full‑back." She also praised Jack Broadbent’s contributions but felt his impact does not match Miller’s.
"Broadbent has been excellent, yet his influence on the Hull KR side is considerably less than Miller’s on Leeds. Consequently, Lewis and May shoulder a larger share of the creative burden.
Lewis, for example, is among the league’s top try‑scorers with nine tries and also provides eight try assists, matching Connor’s assist tally while adding his own scoring threat. May, meanwhile, has contributed two tries and an impressive 13 try assists.
When you assess their combined contributions and how they translate into points, it becomes clear that they form a proven and highly effective half‑back partnership." The broader narrative of the 2026 season underscores how crucial the half‑back partnership has become in modern rugby league. Faster play‑the‑ball cycles mean that any hesitation or mis‑execution at the base of the scrum can quickly lead to lost momentum and missed scoring chances.
Consequently, teams that boast a half‑back duo capable of swift decision‑making, accurate kicking, and creative passing are often the ones that climb the ladder. Beyond the statistics, the chemistry between the two players is paramount. A scrum‑half who can read the stand‑off’s intentions and vice‑versa creates a seamless flow that can break down even the most disciplined defenses.
This synergy is evident in Leeds’s early success; Connor’s strong running lines and Croft’s incisive passing have combined to unlock stubborn opposition packs, while Miller’s counter‑attacking prowess for Hull KR adds an extra dimension that keeps opponents guessing. Looking ahead, the rankings are likely to evolve as injuries heal and teams solidify their combinations. If Wigan’s Smith and French return to full fitness, they could dramatically reshape the upper echelons of the table.
Similarly, if St Helens continues to rotate its play‑makers without sacrificing cohesion, it will provide a case study in how depth and versatility can be leveraged to sustain success. In conclusion, the half‑back pairing remains one of the most decisive factors in the Super League’s competitive landscape.
Whether it is the established duo of Connor and Croft, the emerging partnership of Lewis and May, or the potential resurgence of Smith and French, the ability of these players to command the game, dictate tempo, and create scoring opportunities will continue to be the benchmark by which clubs measure their progress. As the season unfolds, fans can expect further debate and analysis, but one thing is clear: the half‑backs are the true conductors of the symphony that is modern rugby league.