Martin Offiah's Super 13 to watch in 2008

On the eve of Super League XIII, Martin Offiah (pictured) exclusively picks out for The Rugby League Blog his 13 players to watch in 2008. Significantly, all are homegrown, and with the number of British players rising by 12 per cent in the competition this season, that must bode well for England's chances in the World Cup in Australia this autumn. His 13 include a couple of young stars, a London bolter, some old friends returning to the sport and a sprinkling of world class individuals. "With an end to relegation, clubs are encouraged to develop their homegrown players and there's a particularly rich crop this year, "Offiah, the former Wigan and Great Britain legend, said. Do you agree with his choice ?

     

     

     

Top row from left: Burgess, McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Robinson, Walker. Middle row from left: Briscoe, Sinfield, Burrow, Sculthorpe. Bottom row from left: Roby, Brough, Penny, Mathers

Offiah kicks off his selection with the 2007 Super League young player of the year.

SAM BURGESS
"He's a lad of 19 who picks himself out. A huge talent for Bradford. You can't help but be reminded of Andy Farrell. Like Faz, Sam scored a try against New Zealand on his Great Britain debut last year. He's an outstanding young player with a huge future," Offiah said.

LOUIE McCARTHY-SCARSBROOK
"I was the first Hackney boy to make it at international level in rugby league and I don't see why Louie can't be the first lad from the Isle of Dogs to do the same. He made a big impact up front in his first full season for Harlequins. If he progresses at the rate he is, he'll make it at the highest level."

LUKE ROBINSON
"He's gone from Wigan to Salford and now Huddersfield. I can't help but be reminded of Andy Gregory. He's all action at scrum half, with a great running, passing and kicking game. He's one of those never afraid to take on the line, a player I love watching."

CHEV WALKER
"He's come back to league from Bath and has arrived at Hull KR looking bigger and fitter than ever. Big things are expected of him but he's a player capable of meeting all the expectations."

SHAUN BRISCOE
"Another fine player produced by Wigan, who they let go of and has now moved across to Hull Kingston Rovers from Hull. He's a strong, brave full back who's going to have a big impact for Hull KR, I'm sure."

KEVIN SINFIELD
"He's Leeds's linch-pin and a superb leader, who kicks his goals and just gets on with it. He led Leeds to Grand Final victory last year and he'll be their rock again this year."

ROB BURROW
"He's gone from good to world class, as he showed for Great Britain in the whitewash of New Zealand last year. A superb general on the field but also a brilliant individual talent who can break up the tightest of defences."

PAUL SCULTHORPE
"He's had three seasons virtually wrecked by injury. If he is finally fit, it'll be like having a new player for St Helens, because at his best there is no finer player in this country than Scully."

JAMES ROBY: "The 2007 Man of Steel and heir apparent at No 9 to Keiron Cunningham for St Helens. I still think Keiron has a big part to play for Saints alongside the likes of Sean Long, but James is already a seasoned international and represents the future for the club."

DANNY BROUGH
"I love Danny because he's such a throwback. He's a little guy who has such a big impact. Hull let him go too early, especially after his dropped goal and great performance in their 2005 Challenge Cup win over Leeds. He helped Castleford win promotion and he's going to be great this year back at Wakefield."

KEVIN PENNY
"I'm one of those who's talked him up. It's always difficult for a natural tryscorer like Kevin, because people just expect you to keep scoring. In his second season at Warrington, opponents will be better prepared for him. But he's a fantastic young talent who'll thrive in the company of some of the big name players Warrington have signed."

RICHIE MATHERS
"He was a super full back at Leeds. His move to Gold Coast Titans probably didn't work out as he'd have liked because of injuries, but I think he's going to play a big role at Wigan this year under Brian Noble and he'll have learnt from his time in the NRL."

KARL PRYCE
"It's good to see another player back from rugby union. It didn't work out for him at Gloucester because of injury problems. He still needs to get back to full fitness. Once he does, his size, strength and skill will certainly help Wigan."

And the grand final winner come October 4 at Old Trafford ? "I'm not a betting man. If I was, I'd take a punt on Warrington after all their signings," Offiah said. "But I think it'll be between St Helens and Wigan."

Comments

[SaintStunnar]

Obviously barrett.

[Poiuytre]

But obviously he ain't on here coz he's a Kiwi. But if you where having a Super 13 based on foreign players playing for SLE clubs, who would you have in?

[Poiuytre]

Burrow and Sinfield looked good against Hull KR. Also impressed with Jake Webster in his first game since moving from GC Titans.

[Smitty]

Sculthorpe ? how fit is he ? The guy pulled out of his own testimonial. Wish him luck but feared he's gone at the highest level.

[martin ryan]

sam burgess will join the list of great british rugby league forwards.

[Ian, Hereford]

I would agree with most of the players Martin has picked, though I do think that Scully is to much of a risk these days. He seems to be constantly battling against injury. I think he has been fantastic for GB in the past but, I would seriously question having him in the squad now. I also think that Raynor should be included. He is the best winger in SL in my opinion.

[Ian, Hereford]

I would agree with most of the players Martin has picked, though I do think that Scully is to much of a risk these days. He seems to be constantly battling against injury. I think he has been fantastic for GB in the past but, I would seriously question having him in the squad now. I also think that Raynor should be included. He is the best winger in SL in my opinion.

[Th1rteen]

"I fully expect the 2008 season to uncover even more young kids with the skills to take them to the very top in rugby league."

Agreed. I expect new blood from the Dragons and Quins.

Of course when it comes to September, they'll be someone who we'll never had heard of now, who will completely tear up Super League and perhaps bag himself Young Player Of The Year Award. Well I'm hoping so anyway!

[Chris Harrison]

The era of Paul Sculthorpe being at the forefront of British Rugby League is over.

He is average at best, stop living in the past.

[West Yorkshire Robin]

Can someone tell Dave that franchising hasn't started yet and the welcome increase in home grown players is due to the new regulations which require all teams to include 5 U21's in their squads. This was happening with or without franchising.

Good choices from'chariots'.

[albert.]

I fully expect the 2008 season to uncover even more young kids with the skills to take them to the very top in rugby league.

[MJW]

LMS is likely to feature more at second-row this season, he likes the rough and tumble of the front-row, but he's got good hands and great pace for a big lad. Plus with more props on the roster this year there's less need to play him there.

I think Brian McDermott wants him to operate more as the type of big, fast, destructive running second-row that Quins have missed since Solomon Haumono left at the end of 2006. Quins already have two complete game back-rowers in Henry Paul and Rob Purdham, LMS will give something different.

[Jay]

Being a Londoner myself, it's nice to see Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook get a mention. I'm sure he has a big future in the game.

[alcabiades]

A bit biased towards Leeds academy products (Walker,Sinfield, Burrow and Mathers) but not unreasonable.

Can I say to Martin well done on your interview on Five Live, by keeping to the point of the new superleague season and not being dragged off onto RU despite the best efforts of Nicky Campbell.

[Doggies Choppies]

Spot on Martin. Sam Burgess is a real stand out player. Young, tough and hugely talented for Bradford and Great Britain during the Kiwis test series. He's the future of our great sport.

[adelwire]

Chariots - some great selections.

Obviously as a Warrington fan I am looking for a big season from Kevin Penny, but am equally excited at seeing the likes of Burgess, Burrows, Walker, Pryce (welcome back lads!). Lets continue to produce our own more and more give GB youth a chance and be less reliant on aging Aussies. Star Aussies/Kiwis always welcome 1 per team maximum.

[lee churchman]

sam burgess is the one who will have the biggest impact this season.
will be an all time great if he continues at his present rate of progress, which i'm sure he will.

[Dave]

Home grown players up by 12%

This franchising lark will never work..

Watch this space, franchising will take British RL to a new level. Opportunities willl open up for the young guns like have never been known for years.

[Th1rteen]

Yeah a very strong 13 there. Sinfield and Burrows were great for the Rhinos last season. As was Penny for the Wolves and Burgess for the Bulls, who is one of the games best youngsters. Have seen little of Chev Walker and Richie Mathers. And yeh I hope Scully has an injury-free season this year.

[Johnoco]

Louie McCarthy Scarsbrook is a good choice. Sam Burgess is hopefully going to do even better this year than last (which would be no mean feat)

[cadoo]

He thinks it will be between saints and Wigan good lad (Y)

Chariots!

[C Benson]

Couldn't argue with any of those nominations Martin. All fine players with excellent pedigree. I do believe that Sean O'loughlan from Wigan will emerge this season and fulfil his true potential and lets hope that young Sam Burgess continues his phenomenal development, because between him and little Rob Burrow, the English RL team could produce a couple of household names by the end of the year!