This weekend saw lots of Super League youngsters get their shot to play for the senior teams across the board. With many usual starters being rested ahead of the Super League season, there were a whole host of young players that stepped up in their place.
We’ve selected the top five youngsters who should be knocking on the door for potential starting spots in 2025, especially following some impressive third-round Challenge Cup performances.
Harvie Hill – Wigan
Following the news that starting prop Ethan Havard is going to be out with injury for a few months, Harvie Hill looks to be the one stepping into his shoes. Sean O’Loughlin has said that he’s been one of the best performers in pre-season and rewarded the 21-year-old with a start in their 48-12 win over Sheffield. He made some big carries down the middle, playing the first 17 minutes before returning in the 56th minute and setting up Kaide Ellis’ try in the last few minutes.
Hill made 21 Super League appearances in 2024 so will be hoping to turn some of those sub-appearances into starts. Since winning Wigan’s Academy Player of the Year in 2021, he’s gradually improved and gained more time season after season. This could be his breakthrough season as he looks to make the move to senior player and make it difficult for Havard to regain his place on his return.
Lewis Martin – Hull FC
A career-first hat-trick and a Player of the Match award to go with it (with a whopping 65% of the vote), Lewis Martin had the game of his life in the 52-6 win over York Acorn not only in attack but in defence too. He was solid under the high ball, made plenty of runs to get each set moving forward and has given head coach John Cartwright a selection headache for Hull FC’s first Super League game at Catalans. When your coach states that your performance was ‘outstanding’, Martin will be hoping it will give him the nod to start even more games in 2025.
Making his debut in September 2023, he managed to make 26 appearances in 2024. With Tom Briscoe out of contract at the end of the season, Martin could push to become Hull’s next number five. With Harvey Barron and Tom Briscoe getting the two and fiv shirts respectively, it looks like Martin is set to be the first reserve. However, that performance could definitely put him in contention to nab a starting spot in the opener.
🎥 Lew Martin reflects on his hat-trick display against York Acorn on Saturday…
Watch In Full 👉 https://t.co/bhs6usCsFF
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— Hull FC (@hullfcofficial) February 9, 2025
Cai Taylor-Wray – Warrington
Filling in for Matt Dufty is no mean feat but Cai Taylor-Wray stepped up in their 44-4 win over Whitehaven. He’s a player that head coach Sam Burgess has had an eye on for a while but has been impressed with his abilities at full-back. Grabbing a brace in round three and combining well with Stefan Ratchford for one means his development in the team is heading in the right direction.
Taylor-Wray definitely took his chances last season, debuting in June 2024 in a narrow defeat against Wigan. Burgess must believe in him, giving him the nod to cover Matt Dufty’s absence last August. Can he make that next step up and challenge Dufty for the number one spot permanently? Taylor-Wray was a proven tryscorer too in his academy and reserves teams in 2024, scoring 17 tries in 17 games.
Jack Sinfield – Leeds Rhinos
It’s a surname that’s legendary in the world of rugby league but Jack Sinfield is starting to put his own stamp on it. Despite debuting in April 2022 against Castleford, he’s yet to cement his spot in the Leeds first team. After an impressive display in Leeds’ 92-0 win over Wests Warriors, he could be in contention to give Matt Frawley some competition in 2025. However, his versatility could bolster his position as he operated at hooker in the first half of their Challenge Cup win.
Last season, Sinfield made just four starts for the first team so he’ll be hoping to better that in 2025. He’s definitely a player that head coach Brad Arthur has an eye on for the future but could 2025 be the season he really steps up to cover those key half-back and hooker roles?
Noah Stephens – St Helens
Starting on the bench, 2025 could be the year that Noah Stephens becomes a starting prop for St Helens. Head coach Paul Wellens has been so impressed with his work last season that he’s rewarded him with a four-year deal. He’s learned a lot under Alex Walmsley and is hoping to be the next number 8 for Saints once Walmsley retires. In Saturday’s 38-0 win over West Hull, he started on the bench but provided his Saints’ side with plenty of runs and metres for the backs to score off the back of. He’s a no-frills prop, which can only enhance the Saints pack in 2025.
Stephens only debuted in May 2024 but managed to make 14 appearances for the first team in 2025. Whilst it looks like he’ll start most games on the bench, he’ll be able to add some valuable minutes and much-needed forward power for St Helens. The more game time he can get, the more he’ll be able to solidify his chance at a starting spot for 2026.
There are lots of notable mentions to add to our top five youngsters list as 2025 looks set to be a great Super League season for young players across the league.
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