2025 is here and the new Super League season is now just six weeks away. As such, every club across the competition will be stepping up their preparations and they’ll be in trial action over the coming month in an attempt to get themselves up to speed.
Wigan Warriors were the team to beat last season with the Cherry and Whites winning all four trophies available to them. They’ll hope to be even better this season, while others will be working hard to close the gap, with Hull KR, Warrington Wolves, St Helens, Catalans Dragons and even Leeds Rhinos on their tail.
It makes for what promises to be an exciting season then, as a raft of clubs approach the new campaign with genuine trophy hopes and aspirations. With the salary cap being tight for most clubs, youngsters look set to get plenty of chances once more in 2025 and here we’ve picked out just one player from each club who could be a breakout star this year.
Castleford Tigers – Jenson Windley
The half-back got his chance in the Castleford Tigers line-up towards the back end of last season and he certainly made the most of it. His debut came in the loss to Warrington Wolves in August and in just his second appearance he played a starring role and touched down for a try against Hull FC. He went on to play five games for the Tigers under Craig Lingard and with the club lacking half-back depth, he could be the man to get the nod in the event of an injury under Danny McGuire.
Catalans Dragons – Guillermo Aispuro-Bichet
The young centre has made just five appearances for Catalans Dragons but he has already played a starring role on the international stage for France in their World Cup qualifier against Ukraine in October. He baggd two tries in that 74-8 win and made his mark as he readies himself for what could be a big year for him at the Stade Gilbert Brutus. Catalans aren’t blessed with a huge amount of depth in the outside backs and the 19-year-old will get opportunities.
Huddersfield Giants – Kieran Rush
A Jamaica international of three caps, the 22-year-old will fancy his chances of being able to build on the six appearances he made off the bench for Huddersfield last season. He’s contracted until 2026 and after spending time away from the club, most recently at Dewsbury Rams and Keighley Cougars, he’ll be doing all he can to seal an opportunity to show what he can do in Super League in 2025.
Hull FC – Logan Moy
Moy is arguably the most exciting youngster emerging in the city of Hull right now and the 19-year-old will be keen to make even more of an impact this year. The full-back made 16 appearances for the Black and Whites last season, with the club being forced to look his way earlier than expected and with Jordan Rapana in the number one spot, he might have to wait for his chance under John Cartwright. But, after spending pre-season with the former New Zealand international, he’ll be in a much better place to kick on this year.
Hull KR – Bill Leyland
Leyland is no stranger to first-team rugby and while he may have spent the entirety of the 2024 season on the sidelines, his performances in the Championship with London Broncos in 2023 were enough to persuade Hull KR to take him to east Hull for the new season. The hooker made 32 outings that season to help the club to promotion and he’ll be keen to show what he can do in Super League. With Jez Litten and Michael McIlorum at the club, the 21-year-old might have to wait for his chance but he’ll be ready and waiting when it comes.
Leeds Rhinos – Tom Nicholson-Watton
Nicholson-Watton was handed a new three-year deal in November, that’s how highly the West Yorkshire club rate the young prop, who made seven appearances last time around. He’s been given the number 22 shirt, indicating there are plenty ahead of him in the front-row pecking order, but the 22-year-old will be looking to kick on and establish himself in Brad Arthur’s plans in the new season.
Leigh Leopards – AJ Towse
Like Leyland above, Towse is no stranger to senior rugby having spent three seasons as a regular in the York Knights line-up. However, Leigh have given the winger the chance to make the step up to Super League and the 21-year-old will be determined to establish himself in the top flight quickly. He’s competing for a spot with the likes of Josh Charnley and Darnell McIntosh, but chances will fall his way.
Salford Red Devils – Harvey Wilson
Wilson made the switch from Wigan Warriors in May on a contract that runs until the end of the upcoming season and he went on to make five appearances for the Red Devils last season. He even got himself a try in the 60-10 win over Huddersfield in August. Salford have added to their pack ranks in the off-season but Wilson will be in Paul Rowley’s plans.
St Helens – Harry Robertson
Last season was probably Robertson’s breakthrough year, making nine appearances in the St Helens line-up and announcing himself to the rest of Super League with his performances. But, should he continue on his current trajectory, 2025 could be the year that Robertson gives Paul Wellens a real selection headache as he strives to compete for a regular spot in the line-up.
Wakefield Trinity – Harvey Smith
Wakefield announced they had tied down Smith on a deal until 2028 on New Year’s Day, with the England Academy international being one the club are excited about. He made 13 appearances for Trinity in the Championship last season and while he has Liam Hood and Thomas Doyle for competition, Daryl Powell will be keeping a keen eye on his development.
Warrington Wolves – Aaron Lindop
Lindop made something of a splash in his first season as a Warrington Wolves first-teamer with six tries coming in nine appearances. That includes a couple of braces, with two-try performances coming against Wigan Warriors and London Broncos. The outside back doesn’t turn 19 until March but he’s very highly rated and Sam Burgess could find himself looking to Lindop with regularity this season should injuries occur in the back line.
Wigan Warriors – Jack Farrimond
There was a degree of pressure on Farrimond last season as he stepped into the Wigan side to replace the injured Bevan French, but he passed the test with flying colours as he looked the part and made his mark. The half-back went on to make eight appearances for the Cherry and Whites, scoring four tries along the way. He’ll be looking to involved even more this year.
