While hundreds of bookmakers in UK offer excellent odds on the rugby market, the game isn’t the fairest. The stars may differ in size and weight, with players ranging from around ten stone to almost 25. However, that’s what makes rugby to be such a compelling sport. Here are 2019’s top five international rugby players currently playing at the world stage.
Tui Lolohea (Tonga)
While Tui Lolohea started the season with Leeds, he got his best form after moving Salford mid-year. The 24-year-old rugby league star has made three appearances for Tonga this year, even becoming a candidate for player of the match in all these games.
Tui was a key player in Tonga’s historic win over Australia and Great Britain. He was also part of Salford’s team that played St Helens in this year’s Super League Grand Final, though the Saints emerged victorious at Old Trafford.
Sio Siua Taukeiaho (Tonga)
As a prop, second-row forward, and lock for the NRL team, Sydney Roosters, Sio Siua, is a unique rugby player. At the international level, the 27-year-old has played for New Zealand and Tonga, starting his career in 2010 with the Otara Scorpions, before joining the New Zealand Warriors.
While playing for Tonga, Taukeiaho has collected nine caps and formed an essential part in their rise in international ranks. More impressively, he captained Tonga during their victory against Australia, causing a major upset in the history of international rugby league.
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (New Zealand)
Playing as a New Zealand prop and for the Sydney Roosters, Waerea-Hargreaves has been among the best middles for the last several years. His skills have been valuable for the Kiwis this year, earning four caps for the team this year.
In the NRL, Jared launched his career with the Sea Eagles before joining the Roosters in 2010 when he featured in his first Grand Final. Jared also played for the National Rugby league All-Stars.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (New Zealand)
The New Zealand Warriors’ fullback is a freak rugby league player who always makes an appearance for New Zealand on the international scene. At 27 years, Tuivasa-Sheck has made 17 appearances for the Kiwis, recording a total of 14 tries.
Tuivasa-Sheck’s contribution was instrumental in New Zealand’s 2-0 victory over Great Britain, making him among the best rugby players in the world. Even better, he won the well-deserved Golden Boot award in 2019 for his excellent performance in the international scene.
Viliame Kikau (Fiji)
A Fijian NRL professional player, Vilaime Kikau, has enjoyed a remarkable year for his country and the Penrith Panthers. The blockbusting forward has had an incredible performance for Fiji, helping the Bati claim victory in three matches against Samoa, Lebanon, and Papua New Guinea.
In 2019, the 24-year-old forward has played a total of 18 games for Penrith in the NRL season as the team finished in 10th position. That was the first time that Penrith missed out on the finals since 2015. Nonetheless, Kikau is currently on top of his game right now.
