Out of the shadows
They didn't make the play-offs but they did made a big impact throughout Super League XVII. Jordan Fiddes turns the spotlight on an alternative Dream Team
By Jordan Fiddes
Last Updated: 17/12/14 1:11pm
Our alternative Dream Team is made up of players who have enjoyed stellar seasons, but for the league's lesser lights.
You may have seen the official Super League Dream for 2012. You seen Phil Clarke's Dream Team based on Opta statistics, but here's one that you may not have expected to see.
This Dream Team is made up of players from teams finishing outside of the top 8 in 2012 - the men who have enjoyed stellar seasons, but for the league's lesser lights.
Full-Back: Brett Kearney (Bradford Bulls)
Without discussing the turmoil at Bradford Bulls this season, Brett Kearney was very unlucky to miss out on a play-off debut in 2012.
The full-back has been a consistent performer for the Bulls, scoring 15 tries in only 22 appearances. The 29-year old will be looking to continue this run into 2013 after Bradford were awarded a place in Super League for at least another year.
2012 Highlight: 4 tries against London Broncos in Round 20
Winger: Kieran Dixon (London Broncos)
The Broncos youngster has gained numerous plaudits for his performances this season and looks to have a very bright future in the game. He averaged a try in every other game for the Broncos, who finished 12th in the Super League ladder.
Although he was awarded the number 21 shirt, Dixon became a regular fixture on the wing in the London side. Expect big things to come from the former Hemel Stegs amateur in 2013.
2012 Highlight: 2 tries in the final game of the season against Hull KR
Winger: Jodie Broughton (Salford City Reds)
The speedster has been the major highlight of Salford's 2012 season, bagging 15 tries in just 21 games. The winger averaged 170 metres per game in what was deemed an unsuccessful season for the Reds.
Broughton's outstanding form has been recognised by many, not least England Coach Steve McNamara, who named him in his Knights Squad come the end of season internationals.
2012 Highlight: 2 tries in the win against Warrington in Round 19
Centre: Joel Moon (Salford City Reds)
Joining his Reds partner, Joel Moon also had an impressive 2012. Signed from the New Zealand Warriors in the off-season, he was restricted to 17 appearances in his first season in Super League due to injury. He is already being linked with some of the top clubs in Super League for 2013.
In his limited game time, he produced nine tries and eight assists, an average un-matched outside of the play-offs.
2012 Highlight: Top metre-maker in the win at Bradford in Round 8, scoring 2 tries
Centre: Keith Lulia (Bradford Bulls)
Signed from Newcastle Knights, Lulia made an impressive start to his Super League career in 2012. In a team fighting adversity, he produced numerous eye-catching performances including the final try at Hull KR back in March.
With another season in Super League confirmed, Bradford will rely on Lulia's performances to help them reach the play-offs for the first time in five years.
2012 Highlight: Try-scorer in away win at Wigan in Round 19
Scrum-Half: Matty Smith (Wigan Warriors - Previously: Salford City Reds)
The Salford scrum-half had such an excellent start to the 2012 season that he was signed by Wigan Warriors in early July.
Smith was the "go-to" man for the Reds in the first half of the season and it is no coincidence that Salford lost seven of the remaining eight games without him.
The 25-year-old will have big boots to fill in Thomas Leuluai's absence next year but the England Knights scrum-half has shown his potential in 2012.
2012 Highlight: Instrumental in the win over Warrington in Round 19
Stand-Off: Blake Green (Hull KR)
Another player picked up by Wigan, Blake Green continued his outstanding 2011 form in this year's Super League campaign, although it was hampered by injury.
He made only nine appearances for Hull KR who narrowly missed out on the play-offs. Green's absence played a huge role in the Robins ultimately missing out on the post-season.
Green's performances, more importantly, caught the eye of Wigan coach Shaun Wane who said: "We have admired his style of play for some time at Wigan, with his ability to attack the line, his kicking game and his strong defence."
2012 Highlight: Key performer in the narrow win against rivals Hull FC
Prop: Tom Burgess (Bradford Bulls)
The 6 foot 4 prop has had an excellent season at the Bulls, which is likely to land him a move to South Sydney following in his brother's footsteps.
The fearless teenager has averaged over 200 metres per match this season, making him a very popular teammate at the Bulls. Another year of Super League under his belt will make him a very formidable opponent in the NRL next season.
2012 Highlight: Completing 1,944 meters with ball in hand
Hooker: Paul McShane (Widnes Vikings - on Loan from Leeds Rhinos)
It is no coincidence that the Vikings' season began to improve when they acquired Paul McShane on loan from the Rhinos.
The hooker made only 11 appearances for Widnes, scoring three tries. However, in that time Widnes' performances significantly improved. McShane is likely to return to the Rhinos for 2013, yet his performances at Widnes should give him more chance of a first-team place.
2012 Highlight: Man of the Match performance against Castleford in Round 19
Prop: Jake Emmit (Castleford Tigers)
Castleford endured one of their worst seasons since their return to Super League in 2008, however Emmit was a consistently good performer in a struggling team. He made a total of 2,550 meters in 2012 and 99 marker tackles, more than any other Tigers forward.
Castleford have made a number of signings for 2013, but Jake Emmit is likely to remain a mainstay in that team.
2012 Highlight: Top metre-maker in the win over Huddersfield in Round 20
Second-Row: Frank Winterstein (Widnes Vikings)
Not many predicted much from the Vikings in 2012, however Frank Winterstein exceeded expectations in an outstanding individual season. The second-rower scored seven tries in 26 appearances and gained an average of 176 metres per game.
Signed from the Crusaders at the end of 2011, Winterstein maintained his good form throughout 2012. Widnes are building for the future and Winterstein will be at the forefront of those plans.
2012 Highlight: Try-scorer in Widnes' emphatic victory over Castleford in Round 19
Second-Row: Vinnie Anderson (Salford City-Reds)
Signed from Warrington, Vinnie Anderson continued his good form in 2012 with Salford. A forward with great ball handling skills is more of a requirement in modern day Rugby League and Anderson certainly fills that quota. He produced 32 offloads and four try assists in 2012.
At 34, Anderson may only have a few years left in Super League and Salford fans will be hoping that he can finish his illustrious career with them.
2012 Highlight: Try scorer in the final game of the season
Loose Forward: Jamie Langley (Bradford Bulls)
Jamie Langley has been with the Bulls since turning professional in 2002 and, although 2012 may not have been a good year for the team, individually, it was exceptional. The power-house loose forward made 140 marker tackles, the sixth best in the whole of Super League.
Unlucky to miss out on the England squad, Langley will be hoping for more good performances with the Bulls in 2013 and a top eight finish.
2012 Highlight: Completing over 2,000 metres with ball in hand