Super League Team of the Decade: Right Wing

As the Decade draws to a close, we continue our search for the Super League Team of the Decade.

We have already had a look at the options at fullback, now we take a look at the right wing options. These are in no particular order.

Tom Briscoe (Hull FC and Leeds Rhinos)

Briscoe had started his career at Hull FC, and scored a very impressive 90 tries in 147 games during his time on Humberside.

It was during his time at the Black and Whites where he made his England debut, and became known on the international stage.

The 29-year-old also earned his first Wembley appearance in 2013, but Hull were beaten by Wigan Warriors.

After that season, he made the move to Leeds Rhinos. He made an instant impact there as he scored a hat trick on his debut against Hull KR.

Later that year, he claimed his first piece of silverware as Leeds won the Challenge Cup for the first time since 1999. They had been runners-up numerous times during that period. They beat Castleford Tigers in the final.

Then just a year later, he helped Leeds win the treble. He scored a record five tries in the Challenge Cup Final against Hull KR in scooping the Lance Todd Trophy.

His try also sparked the incredible comeback win against Huddersfield  Giants to win them the League Leaders Shield.

They completed the trilogy with a win over Wigan at Old Trafford in the Super League Grand Final.

He, along with the Rhinos, struggled for consistency in 2016, but 2017 saw them back to their best as they claimed another Super League title.

His success and natural scoring ability is why he is on the list.

Josh Charnley (Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves)

Charnley burst onto the rugby league scene in 2010, and emerged as a brilliant finisher.

He won his first trophy in 2011 as the Warriors beat Leeds in the Challenge Cup Final at Wembley, scoring a try in the process.

It was then he took the decision to have a try at rugby union, but he wasn’t too successful. He played for Sale Sharks, but only managed four tries in over 30 games.

He announced his return to rugby league in 2018 and signed with Warrington. In his first season, he helped the Wolves to both the Challenge Cup Final and the Super League Grand Final, though they did lose both games.

Wire would get their Challenge Cup glory a year later as they beat St Helens at Wembley.

On his day, Charnley is one of the best finishers in the league, so that is why he makes the list.

Tommy Makinson (St Helens)

Makinson came onto the scene in 2011, and it was evident to see that he was livewire who was willing to do everything to score.

He caught the eye in the 2011 Grand Final when he produced some unbelievably quick thinking and instinct to ground the ball from behind Brent Webb, who looked like he had ushered the ball dead.

This didn’t stop there. In 2014 he earned himself a reputation as a top finisher, his specialty being finishing efforts right in the corner, when he seemingly would have no room.

He finished as top try scorer that year as Saints claimed their first Super League title since 2006. He showed his versatility in this game as he went to fullback after Lance Hohaia had to go off following the infamous clash with Ben Flower.

Saints then struggled for a few years, but Makinson’s game continued to grow and was named International Player of the Year in 2018.

After years of falling short in the semi-finals, Saints finally got their hands on another Super League title in 2019. Makinson finished as top try-scorer and even added a drop goal in the final against Salford.

Makinson is certainly one of the best finishers, especially from the seemingly-impossible angles and that is why he has a reputation as one of the best wingers in the world.

Jermaine McGillvary (Huddersfield Giants)

McGillvary made his Huddersfield debut in 2010. He came through the academy system, but impressed whilst on loan at Batley Bulldogs.

In 2009, he broke the record for most tries in a game for Batley as he scored five against Whitehaven.

He soon settled to life in the Super League, and was given the Albert Goldthorpe Medal, awarded to the Rookie of the Year, in 2011.

He and the Huddersfield team had their crowning moment in 2013, when they finished top of the table for the first time in over 80 years.

On a personal level, McGillvary’s best season was in 2015, as he finished top try scorer and was named in the Super League Dream Team.

Since then, it has been a bit of a struggle for Huddersfield, but McGillvary is still a performer. As a result, he has continually been involved in the England and Great Britain setup.

He has been a steady influence during a rocky time for Huddersfield, and his finishing ability is why he makes the list.

Pat Richards (Wigan Warriors and Catalans Dragons)

Richards will go down as one of the most complete backs to have played in the Super League era.

He was the first Australian to score over 1,000 points for the Warriors.

Richards was pivotal for the Warriors as they won the Super League title in 2010, breaking the record for most points in the regular season, beating Wigan legend Andy Farrell.

His performances did not go unrecognised either as he won both the Man of Steel award and the Albert Goldthorpe Medal, which he shared with teammate Sam Tomkins.

The next year saw him help the Warriors to the Challenge Cup title, as he kicked four conversions.

He left the Warriors after the 2013 season, but it was a season to remember as the Warriors completed a League and Cup double. Richards scored a try in the Super League Grand Final win over Warrington.

The winger left having been Wigan’s third all time highest points scorer, third all time goal scorer, Super League try scorer, second best Super League points scorer and second goal scorer in the Super League.

Richards returned to the Super League for one more year with Catalans Dragons in 2016. He played 21 games before retiring at the end of the season.