08 March 2024 , 20:08
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When Danny McGuire retired in 2019, I think he thought no one would ever get near his Super League try-scoring record.
That was especially so given Ryan Hall - a likely challenger - had gone to the NRL that same year. But it does now look more than likely that Hally will actually surpass that amazing record of 247 tries this season. He reached 241 with his latest effort for Hull KR against Warrington on Thursday.
I’m surprised, too, that that record is now in sight. But players are playing for longer than ever so there’s always a chance chasing records like this. Hally’s 36 now but his quality over time is peerless. Normally you’d say a winger wouldn’t play into his mid-30s because he’d lose his pace. And Ryan has lost some of his speed.
But pace wasn’t the main reason why he’s been the best British winger in Super League: it’s more to do with his physical strength - that ability to carry the ball from backfield like he does - his ability to read plays defensively and the skill of getting the ball over the line with such little space to play with.
That’s what a modern-day winger is all about: being able to defend high kicks, making 20 carries a game and scoring tries when you think there’s no room for him to score a try.
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Hull KR's Ryan Hall (REX/Shutterstock)Hally still brings that to KR. He’s just a handful for opponents to try and control. I feel he’s enjoying his rugby more than ever, too.
And when you get into your mid-30s you savour it a little more as you realise you’re lucky to do what you do and it’s a privilege to get paid doing something you love.
Hally was a bit unlucky with injuries when he left Leeds for Sydney Roosters. He didn’t score a try in the NRL but all the other areas of his game he was still exceptionally strong at.
He’s proving that again as he enters his fourth season with Rovers. And Danny Mags knows it.
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