Christmas came early for St Helens fans when it was confirmed that Jack Welsby had signed a major contract extension, but a number of other Super League clubs could be set to gift fans with new signings over the festive period.
Whilst most teams are done with their recruitment for the 2024 season there are still some Super League sides that have business to be done, and some of them could be lining up for a Christmas day announcement to treat their fans.
Last year we saw Doncaster, then in League One, confirm that they had signed former Leeds Rhinos man Brett Ferres with the prop helping guide them to promotion and the Championship.
Could 2023 see some significant transfer business done during this festive period? Here are the Super League sides that likely will be involved in signings if they are to happen.
Leigh Leopards – Tristan Sailor
The Leopards have reportedly been interested in a winger throughout this off-season with interest in Leeds Rhinos Derrell Olpherts specifically. With the former Cas man keen to stay and fight for his spot at Headingley it’s left Adrian Lam’s side looking elsewhere, and that’s seen them eye up Sailor. The Brisbane Broncos youngster can also play full-back and is reportedly set to become a Leopard in the coming days. That is per the League Scene Pod who claim that Sailor’s Visa has been approved and a three-year deal is imminent.
London Broncos – Karl Lawton
The Broncos are one of the Super League sides that need help in plenty of positions, as to be expected given that they earned promotion in such shocking fashion. Having been closer to the relegation zone than the playoffs for the first half of the season their incredible turnaround left little time to recruit. As such they’re now somewhat behind the eight ball but they do have quota spots available. One of those is likely to be filled by Manly Sea Eagles’ utility Karl Lawton, as reported at the start of the month. The hooker could well be snapped up soon as a Christmas gift to Broncos fans.
Catalans Dragons – A St George Illawarra Dragon
Steve McNamara’s side have had a complicated off-season, losing plenty of their Grand Final side and then also having confusion over the status of Sio Taukeiaho. The Tongan international had tried to leave the club mid-season but failed a medical with Canterbury Bulldogs, meaning currently the club and player find themselves in an awkward position. Taukeiaho wants out, but Catalans want compensation or a player swap and per Treize Mondial the Dragons are looking for the latter with St George Illawarra Dragons seemingly the club in question.
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