3 of the 8 players nominated for buy of the year in ESL are ex-Knights
Mason Lino (Wakefield Trinity)
Wakefield needed a half-back for the 2021 season and in Lino they found a man they can rely on.
The Samoa international clearly enjoyed himself in his debut Super League season, scoring five tries, laying on nine more and taking control of Wakefield’s kicking game, which became one of the club’s strong points as the season wore on.
In his final game of the season, Lino broke a Super League and NRL record by slotting his 36 th consecutive successful conversion.
Sione Mata’utia (St Helens)
The forward was one of the more high profile players to arrive in the Super League ahead of the campaign and he didn’t disappoint.
His consistency and energy in the Saints pack proved hugely important and although he missed Saints’ Challenge Cup win over Castleford at Wembley, he’s played a big role this season.
Luke Yates (Huddersfield Giants)
Ian Watson was quick to make a move for Luke Yates after making the switch from Salford Red Devils to the John Smith’s Stadium and it’s easy to see why.
Yates is one of the fittest middles in the competition, the fact he sits fourth in the competition’s tackle charts tells us that, having completed 737 throughout the year. However, with 243 carries to his name, few players have seen the ball more than he has, too.
He wasted no time in becoming a fan favourite in West Yorkshire and he’ll be keen to build on an impressive debut season with the Giants.