TUESDAY POLL: Ablett is finally recognised with place in new-look Dream Team

The England second-row may have won five Grand Finals, two World Club Challenges and a Challenge Cup but he has traditionally never commanded as much attention as some of his contemporaries like Kevin Sinfield, Jamie Peacock and Danny McGuire.

Although not as eye-catching or high-profile as others, Ablett is certainly highly rated in the game for his consistency, all-around ability – in defence and attack – plus useful versatility.

The sport’s media, who vote for the mythical XIII deemed to be the best players of the season, recognised that yesterday when the 28-year-old was named as one of eight debutants in the 2014 Dream Team.

“It is a real privilege to wear this shirt,” Ablett told The Yorkshire Post, after being unveiled at St Helens.

“It is a great team this year and there’s been some real quality second-rows as well.

“So, to beat off some of that competition I am delighted.

“I’m sure it must have been a difficult decision to come to and I am just very honoured to be included like this.”

The all-English Dream Team is drawn from seven clubs – Huddersfield Giants are the only side involved in the play-offs not to feature – and sees Jamie Peacock, Ablett’s Leeds colleague, make a record-extending 10th appearance, having made his debut in 2000.

Although Leeds have finished the campaign in sixth – they host Catalan Dragons in an elimination play-off on Saturday – they have five players in the side, more than any other club.

Winger Ryan Hall earns his fourth appearance since 2009, and, like Ablett, centre Kallum Watkins and full-back Zak Hardaker make their bows.

Leeds, however, have lost their last five league games heading into the play-offs. They did win the Challenge Cup during that spell but Ablett, who debuted for them in 2004, conceded: “It’s been a funny old season.

“You win at Wembley and most of the season you’re in the top two or three but then you lose a couple and come the end you’ve lost five on the bounce and end up in sixth.

“It’s been disappointing but I think this (five in Dream Team) is in recognition of what we did at the start and middle of the season when our defence, in particular, was great and, also, for getting to the Challenge Cup final and winning it.”

Ablett, who nudged out England team-mates Liam Farrell and Brett Ferres plus Headingley colleague Brett Delaney and rising Wigan star John Bateman for his Dream Team spot, is adamant they can turn around their form.

“Hopefully, we can finish the season on a high,” he added. “We’re confident we can piece together four really good performances to hopefully win another Grand Final.

“We’ve a difficult start this Saturday against a Catalan team bang in form. We know we’ve lost five but we know what we’re capable of and that we can bring a performance when we need to.”

It is no surprise Castleford Tigers are represented in the Dream Team with centre Michael Shenton and hooker Daryl Clark obvious picks following their brilliant form on the way to a Challenge Cup final appearance against Leeds and a best Super League finish of fourth.

“Their inclusion is a reflection of how well we’ve gone this year,” said Castleford coach Daryl Powell. “It’s real pleasing. They’ve been superb all year. Shenny’s been outstanding as a player and as a captain, while Clarkey’s just been phenomenal with what he has done.

“If Grant Millington had stayed fit I think he’d have had a real shout, too, and Andy Lynch must have been close as well.”

Warrington prop Chris Hill – tipped to challenge Peacock and Clark for Man of Steel – is included for a second time while St Helens winger Tommy Makinson and Elliott Whitehead, the ex-Bradford second-row who has scored 18 tries for Catalan this term, also win their first selection.

Wigan loose-forward Sean O’Loughlin saw off Millington’s challenge to make his fifth Dream Team appearance in a row – becoming the fourth player in history to achieve such a feat – while Widnes’ Kevin Brown registers his, and the club’s maiden appearance.

Wigan scrum-half Matty Smith makes the cut for a second year.