Every Super League club’s off-contract priorities with Hull KR and Hull FC facing major calls

There are a huge number of players off-contract at the end of the 2025 Super League season and we’ve picked out who each club should prioritise.

Some clubs have far more players to sort out than others with the likes of Hull KR and Leeds Rhinos down to just five decisions each, which is in stark contrast to those such as St Helens and Catalans Dragons who have more than 10 without deals for 2026.

Plenty of deals for 2026 and beyond have already been done with recent ones seeing Wakefield Trinity extend their try-scoring prop Caius Faatili, whilst Leeds Rhinos also secured Tom Holroyd until the end of 2028 having already sorted Mikolaj Oledzki, Riley Lumb, James Bentley and James McDonnell out with new deals.

As we approach the halfway stage of the season, we’ve picked out one player that each Super League club should be making huge efforts to tie down for 2026 or beyond.

Which off-contact player each Super League club should sign for 2026

Castleford Tigers – Jeremiah Simbiken

A number of the players that Castleford have off-contract are either older or fringe players but one man who is neither, and is also a quota player, is Jeremiah Simbiken. Injured at the moment, the Papua New Guinean second-rower has made a massive impact and it’s evident how Danny McGuire’s side are missing him. Tying him down beyond 2025 would be massive but if not possible, then George Lawler should become a priority.

Catalans Dragons – Matthieu Laguerre

Catalans are a confusing team at the moment with the club still not officially confirming Steve McNamara’s exit (at the time of writing), and their owner has also spoken out about why they’ve not sorted any new deals. Bernard Guasch recently stated: “We only renewed one of the 14 players whose contracts were expiring and we didn’t sign any players for 2026,” adding that players must “get their hands dirty”. One man who has done that and warrants a new deal is centre Matthieu Laguerre, especially given how few and far between high-level centres are.

Huddersfield Giants – Zac Woolford

Recent heavy defeats don’t make for good reading but there’s no denying that Huddersfield are better with Zac Woolford in the starting line-up. His NRL pedigree shines through in a team that can lack composure and control. Young Aidan McGowan or stalwart Leroy Cudjoe are others who should be near the top of the contract renewal list.

Hull FC – Liam Knight

Knight was brought in on short notice to replace Ligi Sao who is out injured for the season. The prop has taken to Super League brilliantly and is one of the form props and that’s seen other teams circle making him someone Richie Myler must try and pin down for 2026 and beyond.

Hull KR – Tyrone May

Hull KR have just six off-contract but with confirmation that Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and the likelihood that Micky McIlorum departs, there are just four to sort through. One man who appeared to be on his way out was Tyrone May but performances of late have highlighted just how valuable he is. Teams who win over extended periods of time rarely change their spine and you’d argue that retaining the tried-and-trusted May gives them a better chance in 2026 than a new recruit, unless that recruit is off genuine superstar quality.

Leeds Rhinos – Kallum Watkins

Like Hull KR, Leeds don’t have many off-contract players. There are three off-quota with both Matt Frawley and Ethan Clark-Wood’s Headingley futures looking in doubt, whilst Sam Lisone could be set for an extension. However, it’s the homegrown veterans who the Rhinos should prioritise in Ryan Hall and Kallum Watkins. With Watkins being the younger man and Maika Sivo set to return from injury next year, you’d prioritise the forward but we expect both to be renewed anyway.

Leigh Leopards – Lachlan Lam

Leigh have nine players without deals for 2026 but Lachlan Lam is by far the most significant of them. The playmaker is the heartbeat of the Leopards and should be a no-brainer renewal for those in charge.

Salford Red Devils – Harvey Wilson

The Salford situation makes this a difficult one as no one truly knows what will be going on next year. Whilst tying down overseas stars such as Jayden Nikorima and Loghan Lewis would be nice, a more savvy re-signing would be someone like Harvey Wilson. The young forward has a bright future and can be a player that a pack is built around, whilst still being relatively cheap on the salary cap.

St Helens – Matt Whitley

St Helens have plenty off contract but several of those are reported to be heading elsewhere, including James Bell who has been linked to Hull FC. Of those not linked away, someone like Matt Whitley makes sense for a new deal. He’s proven his versatility this year when playing in the centres and he’s among Super League’s most underrated players.

Wakefield Trinity – Jay Pitts

He might be one of the oldest players in the Wakefield squad but he’s among the most influential. Pitts has been brilliant for Trinity for years but he’s getting his flowers this season and rightly so. There’s still more miles in his 35-year-old legs and his leadership is invaluable.

Warrington Wolves – Connor Wrench

Amid recent reports from All Out Rugby League that Toby King and Paul Vaughan have signed new deals, tying down another of the club’s centres could be a wise move. Wrench has only just made his return from injury but he has reminded everyone of what a special talent he is. With fellow centre Rodrick Tai another without a contract for 2026, Wire could save a quota spot and opt with Wrench to compete alongside King and Arron Lindop in the outside backs.

Wigan Warriors – Adam Keighran

Probably the most obvious name on this list. Adam Keighran has been massive for Wigan since arriving ahead of the 2024 season. He has spoken of NRL ambitions previously but contract talks have also been discussed lately. Worth around 30 points a year from his goal-kicking, the centre should be top of Matt Peet’s priority list.