Five legends of rugby league whose sons will take Super League by storm

Being a rugby league player takes all kinds of commitment and talent.

For some stars, that commitment and talent often gets passed down to sons, nephews and even grandsons. Wigan star Tommy Leuluai, for example, is son of former Hull FC man James Leuluai.

But, just which sons should we be looking out for in Super League in the near future?

Jarrod O’Connor

Hailing from Widnes, it’s perhaps a little surprising that Jarrod O’Connor – son of former Salford, Wigan and Widnes forward Terry – has progressed through the Leeds Academy. However, the opportunity presented itself when the Vikings, for whom O’Connor had signed as a youngster, went through financial troubles in 2019. The state of affairs in 2020, thanks to COVID and the bunched-up fixture list, meant that young players like O’Connor were able to get some game time. Despite being a loose-forward, he was drafted in to play hooker by Rhinos coach Richard Agar. He made his debut against the Catalans Dragons on 30 September and went on to play four games in total and now has 16 under his belt – though he will be heading on-loan to the Bradford Bulls for 2022.

Umyla Hanley

The last name says it all; son of former Great Britain wonderman Ellery Hanley, Umyla is determined to make it in rugby league as his own player. The Wigan fullback is only 19, but made his debut for the Warriors against St Helens in 2020. Granted, that game ended in a 42-0 defeat, but Hanley showed some impressive touches and earned more appearances in 2021. It will be interesting to see if the teenager can get anywhere near filling the shoes of his father, but who knows what amount of pedigree is running through the Hanley genes.

Ben McNamara

After impressing on debut against Castleford in October last year, Ben McNamara made another three appearances as Hull FC made it to the semi-finals of the play-offs. Son of former Bradford back-rower and current Catalans coach Steve, Ben is a halfback with an intelligent rugby brain and will fancy his chances of getting some more game time in 2022 after making eight appearances for the Black and Whites so far. Learning from Aussie half Josh Reynolds will see McNamara’s game thrive, and, at just 20 years of age (as of today), son Ben is likely to be a name that you’ll hear about in years to come.

Will Pryce

Will Pryce, the son of former Bradford, St Helens, Catalans and Hull utility back Leon, signed professional terms with Huddersfield Giants back in September 2019. The youngster became part of the Giants’ Academy after completing two years as part of the under-16s scholarship side. Pryce – a halfback like his father – received his first international honours in July 2019, when he was named in the England Youth squad to play France, scoring a crucial interception try in the game. Still only a teenager, Pryce excelled in the back end of the 2021 Super League season, earning a cap for the England Knights against Jamaica as he gets ready to take his Super League game to the next level in 2022.

Lukas Mason

Despite being less than 16 years of age, Lukas Mason needs no introduction. His father, Keith, was an incredibly tough enforcer during his rugby league career, plying his trade mainly for St Helens and Huddersfield. And, having been brought up in a difficult environment by a single mother, Keith will have taught son Lukas all the attributes and attitudes needed to make it in the big time. Now a film star, Keith will be hoping son Lukas will be the star of the show in years to come, with a new Wigan Warriors scholarship under his belt.