St Helens ended their five-year wait for Grand Final success after they beat Salford City Reds 23-6 at Old Trafford to lift the championship for a 13th time earlier this month. Saints, who topped the regular-season table, have been the standout team this year and they were rewarded for their consistent performances in the Grand Final in what was Justin Holbrook’s final game as head coach before departing for the NRL.
The 2019 Super League campaign has given rugby league fans so many magical moments. Here is a close look at what the best three tries of the year were.
Tom Johnstone (Week 2- Wakefield Trinity v St Helens)
We go all the way to week 2 of the season for the first of the three leading tries of the year and it goes to Wakefield’s Tom Johnstone. The Trinity winger looked to have it all to do to get the ball over the line as he was close to the touchline with two Saints defenders closing in on him, however, Johnstone used a cartwheel finish, as illustrated in Lottoland’s best rugby try guide, to finish off the play. It was a fantastic piece of skill from the winger as not only did he have to make sure none of his body was in touch, the grounding with the ball had to be controlled. Johnstone continues to enhance his reputation in a Wakefield shirt and this particular try deserves recognition as it was very special.
Josh Charnley (Week 17 Warrington Wolves v Catalan Dragons)
In week 17 of the Super League, Josh Charnley proved why he is one of the leading wingers in his team’s 30-10 victory against the Catalan Dragons. Wolves worked the ball from left to right just past the halfway line. Once Charnley received the ball, he opted for a kick and chase where he gave the Dragons players at least a 20-metre head start. The Warrington man showed fantastic speed to get onto the ball and touch the ball down for an unlikely try. Charnley finished the season with 17 tries but the one against French opposition was arguably his best of the bunch.
George Williams (Week 29 – Wigan Warriors v Castleford Tigers)
Wigan Warriors proved how much of a dangerous team they can be in week 29 against the Castleford Tigers in their final regular-season game of the campaign which they won 26-8 at the DW Stadium. Oliver Gildart received the ball on his own 20 metre-line and was under pressure given his field position, however, he soon turned the situation around by bursting through the Castleford front line. Gildart and Wigan had a lot of work still to do at that point but an excellent offload by the centre into the hands of George Williams ensured he was able to finish the move off for his second try of the game. The pace and accuracy Wigan showed in their passing was almost impossible to defend.
The Super League returns in 2020 in February where Toronto Wolfpack will replace the London Broncos after they were promoted from the Championship following the ‘Million Pound Game’.
