The Super League season is coming to a close and that means it will soon be award season. Of course, the Man of Steel is the big one, with three or four players in the frame to be named the Super League player of the season and there’ll be a handful of other awards dished out, too.
However, this campaign has seen a host of young players establish themselves in the top flight with most Super League clubs bringing through promising academy prospects. It’s a positive sign for the future of English rugby league and it says a lot about the direction the sport is trying to move in, too.
But, who have been the league’s standout players aged 23 and under this season? We’ve taken a look at all 12 Super League clubs and picked their young player of the season.
Castleford Tigers: Cain Robb
The hooker has spent time on the sidelines through injury this season but when he’s been fit he has been a key man under Craig Lingard. He’s made 15 appearances off the bench this season, with his liveliness out of dummy half being noted. The 21-year-old is one Cas fans are getting excited about.
Catalans Dragons: Cesar Rouge
The France international is still trying to find his natural place in the Catalans line-up but he has made 17 appearances this season in all competitions, with three tries coming along the way. He’s another promising French talent to come off the production line down in Perpignan.
Huddersfield Giants: Sam Halsall
Halsall isn’t exactly a rookie, but he is still only 23 years of age as he prepares to bring his second season with the Giants to an end. He’s made 19 appearances this season and scored nine tries to further establish himself as a key man within the Giants fold.
Hull FC: Lewis Martin
One of the few positives to come from Hull FC’s woeful season, Martin has been a joy to watch at times on the wing. He’s still only 20, but he has made 22 starts this season and scored eight tries, with the club putting their faith in him moving forward.
Hull KR: Mikey Lewis
Rovers may be one of the most exciting teams to watch in the Super League, but they haven’t used much young talent at all this season, with Lewis still considered one of the youngest in the squad. He’s 23, but he consistently turns in performances beyond his years and he may well be set to pick up the Man of Steel award.
Leeds Rhinos: Jarrod O’Connor
Like Halsall and Lewis on this list, O’Connor isn’t exactly new to Super League but he’s still only 23 and can be considered a youngster. Alfie Edgell, Riley Lumb, Ned McCormack and Jack Sinfield are amongst those looking to break through and establish themselves in years to come but O’Connor has been a regular once more this season.
Leigh Leopards: Umyla Hanley
Hanley probably needed a strong season at Leigh this time around and that’s exactly what he’s had with 14 tries coming in 26 appearances for the Leopards. He’s been a staple in Adrian Lam’s side to establish himself at Super League level.
London Broncos: Oliver Leyland
The 23-year-old has been a key man for the Broncos this season in the halves, making 25 appearances and touching down for three tries. He’s assisted 16 tries, with one drop goal and 38 goals coming along the way, prior to the clash at Catalans Dragons. According to reports, he’ll be joining Warrington Wolves next season.
Salford Red Devils: Amir Bourouh
Salford are another club who have favoured experience over youth this season, with Bourouh being their most used player aged 23 or younger. He’s only made 11 appearances, but he will be linking up with Hull FC next season. Loghan Lewis, who joined from Canberra Raiders in May, has shown his ability, too, in his limited time with the club.
St Helens: George Delaney
Delaney earned a call up to the England squad in June, such have been his performances with St Helens this season, with the 20-year-old building on his breakthrough campaign last time around. The front-rower will hope to have a big say on the remainder of Saints’ campaign.
Warrington Wolves: Matty Nicholson
Nicholson will be joining Canberra Raiders next season, with the back-rower catching the eye once more in the colours of Warrington. The 21-year-old has touched down for five tries in 19 appearances, with his tackle count reaching 602.
Wigan Warriors: Junior Nsemba
One of the stars of the 2024 season, Nsemba has been unplayable at times for Wigan with his performances seeing him called up for England. He’s got seven tries for the club, including four in his last seven games.
