For some players, rugby league is in the blood and that’s evident in the number of current Super League players who also saw their father play in the competition.
Fans who were following the game at the start of Super League, back in 1996, will be watching some familiar names in the competition this year, as a host of sons – and in at least one case, a daughter – follow in the family footsteps. Here are 13 current players at top-flight clubs whose father previously played in Super League.
13 current Super League players whose fathers also played in the competition
Ben McNamara
The Leigh Leopards play-maker is son of Catalans Dragons coach Steve McNamara, who played for Hull FC, Bradford Bulls, Wakefield Trinity and Huddersfield Giants.
Jarrod O’Connor
Credit: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
A hooker or loose-forward with Leeds Rhinos, Jarrod’s father Terry O’Connor – now a Sky Sports pundit – played in Super League for Wigan Warriors and Widnes Vikings.
James Harrison
The prop, a Challenge Cup runner-up last year with Warrington Wolves, is son of Karl Harrison who played in Super League for Hull FC and coached Salford Red Devils.
Phoenix Laulu-Togaga’e
The Australian-born back will spend 2025 at Oldham, on loan from Hull KR. Though best known for his time at Sheffield Eagles, his father Quentin Laulu-Togaga’e played nine times in Super League for Castleford Tigers during the 2018 season.
Tiaki Chan
A prop with Wigan Warriors – who spent time on loan at Hull FC last year – Chan is the son of former Catalans forward Alex Chan.
Morgan Gannon
The Leeds Rhinos second-rower’s dad Jim Gannon played in Super League for Halifax, Huddersfield and Hull KR.
Oliver Gildart
Credit: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
Now with Hull KR, the former England back is son of Ian Gildart who featured for Oldham Bears at the start of the Super League era.
Fletcher Rooney
Tipped as a player with a big future, the full-back has followed in his father Jamie Rooney’s footsteps by playing in Super League for Castleford. Jamie Rooney also featured in the top flight with Wakefield.
Ethan O’Neill
A new signing for Leigh, from Queensland Cup side Burleigh Bears, the second-rower is son of Julian O’Neill, who played for Wigan, Widnes and Wakefield.
Jed Cartwright
Hull FC’s Australian centre/second-rower will be coached by his father John Cartwright this year. John spent the 1997 season with Salford.
Lachlan Lam
Credit: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
Another son being coached by his father, the half-back is one of Leigh’s prized assets. His father – and boss – Adrian Lam played more than 100 games for Wigan.
Jack Sinfield
A member of Leeds Rhinos’ first team squad since 2022, the half-back’s father Kevin Sinfield is Super League’s record goals and points scorer, having captained the same club to seven Grand Final victories.
Bella Sykes
Reigning young player of the year in Women’s Super League, the Leeds forward is daughter of Nathan Sykes, a prop who made more than 200 appearances for Castleford in the men’s competition.
