Joe Lovodua, Frankie Halton and six more Super League surprise packages in 2022

The Super League season has reached the halfway point and we’re poised for an enthralling few months. St Helens have been the best side in the competition, so far, of that there is no doubt, but the likes of Catalans Dragons, Wigan Warriors and Huddersfield Giants aren’t too far behind them.

There’s been some outstanding performers, but some players may have caught fans off-guard with their displays, too. Here, Rugby League Live takes a look at some of the surprise packages of the year so far.

Lolohea has found a new lease of life in Super League since making the move to Huddersfield Giants over the off-season. The Tonga international has always been capable of producing moments of magic, but he struggled for consistency at times in a Salford Red Devils shirt.

However, since being handed the full-back reins at the John Smith’s Stadium by Ian Watson, Lolohea has undoubtedly been one of the best players in the competition. The Tonga international has set up 17 tries this season, a total only bettered by Jake Connor, and with 47 tackle busts to his name, he’s been one of the strongest runners of the ball.

He’ll have the chance to get his hands on some silverware this weekend, too, as he competes in the Challenge Cup final against Wigan Warriors.

Few, if any, Super League fans knew of Joe Lovodua before Hull FC announced his signing back in October. The hooker had been playing on a part-time basis for South Sydney Rabbitohs’ NSW Cup side, but he was handed a one-year deal by the Black and Whites and challenged to prove himself in the Northern Hemisphere.

Prove himself he has, as Lovodua is regarded as a key member of Brett Hodgson’s side and one of the signings of the year. The Fijian has made 15 appearances this year in