Phil Clarke beams over Super League’s best player: ‘He’s head and shoulders above everybody else for me’
Making superstars of Super League's biggest players is high on IMG's agenda. Photo by Steve Flynn/News Images.
Sky Sports commentator and pundit Phil Clarke believes St Helens superstar Jack Welsby is the current best player in the Super League competition.
The high praise came during the side’s televised 22-18 victory over Leeds Rhinos, with the full-back scoring the match-winning try at the Totally Wicked Stadium in Round 20.
Welsby, 22, burst onto a short pass from team-mate and half-back Jonny Lomax in the 67th minute to break away from the 40 metre line and help claim Saints’ 12th win of the season.
It was the England international’s second try of the night, having scored the first points of the second half after Leeds Rhinos were denied by the video referee.
Out-of-contract Will Hopoate opened the scoring inside the opening five minutes, before assisting winger Tee Ritson’s third of the season on the half-time hooter.
Welsby crossing twice for his seventh and eighth tries of the campaign in the second 40, with Rhyse Martin, Sam Walters and Nene Macdonald scoring for the visitors in their 11th defeat of the season.
What a play from @jackwelsby_ 🔥#SLStHLee pic.twitter.com/BRx6p8RXfZ
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) July 28, 2023
Jack Welsby praised as ‘Super League’s best
“If he’s not the best player in this competition, then I don’t know what I’m watching,” Clarke said on commentary for Sky Sports.
“He’s head and shoulders above everybody else for me, in attack and in defence, his competitive nature, the skills that he demonstrates and his ability to influence a game at key moments.”
“This trophy is coming back here he says,” Clarke added in Welsby’s celebration in front of the West Stand.
The victory has seen St Helens go on joint-points with rivals Wigan Warriors with 24 on the Super League table, with Matt Peet’s Warriors facing Leigh Leopards on Saturday live on Channel 4.
Rohan Smith’s Rhinos remain outside the play-offs in eighth position, four points away from sixth-placed Hull KR.