Tommy Makinson: One of Super League’s Greatest-Ever Wingers
As St. Helens club chairman Eamonn McManus correctly pointed out, Tommy Makinson will forever be remembered as ‘one of St Helens’ greatest-ever wingers.’ This got us thinking – is he the best winger the Super League has ever seen?
Over the weekend, Saints confirmed that the 32-year-old Makinson would be departing the club at the end of the current season. The academy product is widely expected to join French outfit Catalans Dragons next.
The Seven Greatest Super League Wingers
To examine this question, we’ve compiled a list of the seven greatest Super League wingers of all time (in our opinion) and ranked them, with Makinson included. If you disagree with our order, feel free to let us know!
7. Jermaine McGillvary
Debuting for his hometown Huddersfield Giants in 2010, McGillvary went on to score 209 tries in 312 appearances over more than a decade with the club. The 36-year-old may not have a lot of silverware, but his loyalty and prolific try-scoring make him a Super League great.
6. Ade Gardner
Bought by St Helens from Barrow Raiders in 2002, Gardner went on to score 173 tries in 286 appearances for the Red V over 12 seasons, winning the Grand Final in 2006 and the World Club Challenge in 2007.
5. Josh Charnley
Despite a brief stint in rugby union, the 32-year-old Charnley has amassed an impressive career, scoring over 300 tries and winning three Super League titles and four Challenge Cups. He’s undoubtedly one of the best wingers to come out of England.
4. Tommy Makinson
Makinson will go down as one of Super League’s all-time greats, having made over 300 appearances for his beloved St Helens. The 32-year-old needs just one more try to reach 200 in the Red V jersey and has been a key part of the club’s most successful era.
3. Pat Richards
The Australian winger joined Wigan Warriors in 2006 and was a driving force behind their revival, winning two Super League titles and six major honors in seven seasons. He scored 168 tries in 224 appearances and was named Man of Steel in 2010.
2. Lesley Vainikolo
The Tonga-born winger arrived at Bradford Bulls in 2002 and made an instant impact, scoring 149 tries in just 152 appearances for the club. His prolific try-scoring, including six in one game, cemented his status as one of the best wingers in Super League history.
1. Ryan Hall
In our opinion, Ryan Hall is the greatest winger the Super League has ever seen. The Leeds Rhinos legend will soon become the competition’s all-time top try-scorer, with 287 tries in 417 appearances. A six-time Super League champion and 39-time England international, Hall’s longevity and success make him the undisputed number one.
“Tommy Makinson will forever be remembered as ‘one of St Helens’ greatest-ever wingers.'” – Eamonn McManus, St. Helens Club Chairman
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