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Five rugby league legends 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 beyond 2022?

Terry O’Connor – Jarrod O’Connor

Ellery Hanley – 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 20, 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.

Steve McNamara – Ben McNamara

After impressing on debut against Castleford in October in 2020, Ben McNamara made another three appearances as Hull FC made it to the semi-finals of the play-offs that year. 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. Though currently injured, the past few months have seen McNamara’s game thrive, and, at just 20 years of age, son Ben is likely to be a name that you’ll hear about in years to come.

Leon Pryce – 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. Though he has currently been sat out because of a ten-game ban, Pryce has the world at his feet.

Keith Mason – Lukas Mason

Despite being just 16, 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, having signed up to major rugby league agent Distinct Rugby.

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