Every Super League team’s breakthrough star in 2024 and their next steps

We’ve come to the end of what was another memorable year of rugby league. Wigan Warriors were the clear standouts in 2024 winning a historic quadruple over the course of the calendar year, but there plenty of other Super League talking points.

Hull KR made huge strides forward once more, Sam Burgess made an impact on his first season as a head coach at Warrington Wolves, while St Helens, Leeds Rhinos and Catalans Dragons were among those to fall way below expectations.

It makes for an intriguing 2025 but before we fully look ahead to the new year, we take a look back at every Super League side’s breakthrough star and contemplate their next steps.

Castleford Tigers – Cain Robb

Emerged off the bench 17 times across the course of the campaign and more than looked the part under the guidance of Craig Lingard. The addition of Judah Rimbu only adds to Robb’s competition for a starting spot, but he’s expected to get chances off the bench under Danny McGuire as he continues his development.

Catalans Dragons – Cesar Rouge

Rouge had been seen sparingly before last season, but 2024 was undoubtedly his breakthrough season, making 21 outings in all competitions. He failed to nail down a specific role, though, splitting his time between full-back, stand-off and the bench, and that will undoubtedly be his aim going into 2025. Catalans will be keeping a close eye on his development, too, with Arthur Mourgue set to leave the club at the end of the year.

Huddersfield Giants – Fenton Rogers

Rogers spent time with both Huddersfield and Bradford Bulls last season but still managed to catch the eye in eight run outs for the former. At 21, Rogers is still extremely young for a front rower, but he’ll spend this season learning and working alongside Tom Burgess and that could be invaluable for him as he looks to play an even bigger role.

Hull FC – Lewis Martin

The winger made 25 appearances in black and white last season and had enough about him to touch down for nine tries in what was an extremely difficult year for the club. Martin has a new head coach to impress in John Cartwright, though, and he has competition for places, too, with Harvey Barron getting the nod over him for the number two shirt. He’ll be determined to make that spot his own once more.

Hull KR – Phoenix Laulu-Togaga’e

Willie Peters didn’t make a habit of looking to youngsters last season, with Jack Broadbent being the youngest regular in the side. But given the previous experience the now 23-year-old had, last season cannot be considered a breakthrough. One youngster that did excel, though, was Laulu-Togaga’e as he scored 15 tries in 18 games to help Oldham to promotion while on loan. He’ll return to Oldham in 2025 and he’ll be keen to make even more of a splash in the Championship.

Leeds Rhinos – Alfie Edgell

The versatile 20-year-old appeared in numerous positions across the Leeds backline last season, filling in for injuries with regularity. He had hoped to get the nod in round one as Lachie Miller continues to struggle with injury, but an injury of his own could see him miss the start of the campaign. The additions of Maika Sivo and Jake Connor provide potential competition for places, too, but Edgell will be backing himself to shine once more in Super League when given the opportunity.

Leigh Leopards – Umyla Hanley

Given his family links, Hanley was always going to be under pressure at Wigan Warriors as he tried to make it in the game. His first year at Leigh didn’t go as expected either, making just two appearances. However, 2024 was the 22-year-old’s year as he scored 14 tries in 29 games for the Leopards. For Hanley his objective is now simply to build on last season, find even more consistency and play his role in what will be a new look back line.

Salford Red Devils – Loghan Lewis

Salford only signed Lewis from Canberra Raiders at the end of May at the age of 21, but he certainly made an impact in his 11 appearances for the club. He’s signed a deal for the 2025 season and he’ll be determined to continue his development and become one of Salford’s most important players.

St Helens – Harry Robertson

St Helens look set to rely on their academy a little more next season after seeing several senior men leave the club and Paul Wellens will have no problem giving Robertson the nod if necessary. He showcased his potential and talent in nine outings last time around and he’ll be looking to play his part next season and help the club bounce back from their sixth placed finish. He’ll be the man Wellens looks to should one of his starting spine members be forced to sit out and he’ll certainly be one worth watching.

Wakefield Trinity – Oliver Pratt

The 20-year-old made 34 appearances last season for Wakefield as he stepped up to become a regular first-teamer under Daryl Powell and he managed to touch down on 18 occasions. The jump up to Super League is a big one and Wakefield have recruited top flight experience in the centre spots, but Pratt will be pushing for the opportunity to show what he can do on the biggest stage.

Warrington Wolves – Leon Hayes

Hayes has been given the number seven shirt by Sam Burgess and that suggests he could be in for a big year at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. He made 10 outings last year before his season was cut short with an ankle fracture, but he now looks set to be Warrington’s starting scrum-half in 2025.

Wigan Warriors – Junior Nsemba

You run out of superlatives very quickly when trying to describe the season Nsemba had at Wigan Warriors in 2024. The back-rower had only made 16 appearances in cherry and white prior to the last season, but he starred as he announced himself as one of the brightest and best back-rowers in the world. The goal for Nsemba in 2025 will be continue his progress, nail down a spot in next season’s England line-up for the Ashes and help Wigan defend the trophies they won last time around.