Grading every Super League club’s 2024 recruitment

There have been plenty of big name signings this Super League off-season with champions Wigan Warriors splashing out on the likes of Luke Thompson, whilst Leeds Rhinos aim to return to the play-offs courtesy of stars such as Andy Ackers and Brodie Croft.

Each and every team have made a whole host of signings, whilst there’s also been plenty of talent leave some clubs, but how does each Super League side’s recruitment and retention rate compared?

Serious About Rugby League have ran through the big ins and outs for each side to grade every club’s business.

Castleford Tigers: D-

The Tigers biggest recruit is actually in their head coach office with Craig Lingard making the jump from Championship side Batley to take the reigns at the Jungle. He’s joined by new assistant Danny McGuire and the pair have a tough task on their hands. Cas have focused squad building on getting younger, however they do run the risk of inexperience consequent to that. Some of their overseas signings are unknowns, whilst their Super League recruits don’t scream starting quality.

Catalans Dragons: D

After making the Grand Final there are lofty expectations for Catalans however they have lost a huge core of their team. Sam Tomkins, Mitchell Pearce, Adam Keighran, Tyrone May and Matt Whitley are all stars that have left, with the team’s spine being decimated. The players they’ve brought in are quality such as Theo Fages, but again they’re relying on their NRL recruits to hit the ground running.

Huddersfield Giants: C+

Ian Watson’s side have lost some key senior players such as Jermaine McGillvary, Nathan Peats and Chris McQueen, as well as young stars like Owen Trout and Will Pryce however they’ve done well to replace most of them. Adam Swift is a brilliant signing and they’ve looked down under for help in the spine, Newcastle Knights’ Adam Clune arriving.

Hull FC: C+

Losing Jake Clifford was a monster blow for FC and their inability to find a true half-back hurts them. They’ve brought in Fa’amanu Brown but the Kiwi is more naturally a hooker as opposed to a half. There’s been a clear motive to invest in the pack with three NRL props landing on Humberside, helping to replace Chris Satae. A worry would be where the tries come from after losing Adam Swift but the positive is the clear intent in their signings – size and power.

Hull KR: B

Rovers have made some excellent signings, so much so that they may have to leave out some big names when naming their 17 next season. Peta Hiku is a name familiar to Super League fans and he’s set to play full-back, with ex-Cas man Niall Evalds serving as cover there and on the wing. Tyrone May is the splash signing and he replaces the departing Brad Schneider. The retirement of Kane Linnett was swiftly remedied by the arrival of Kelepi Tanginoa.

Leeds Rhinos: A-

This set of business by Leeds would perhaps be worthy of an A had they not lost young prop Sam Walters who looks set to be a star. Even so they have brought in Mickael Goudemand from Catalans, but the stars of the show is the new-look spine. Lachie Miller, Brodie Croft, Matt Frawley and Andy Ackers could well take this Leeds team to another level under Rohan Smith if they can gel together.

Leigh Leopards: C

The big name arrival of Matt Moylan cloaks what has been an ordinary transfer window for Leigh. Owen Trout is a brilliant pickup but the recruitment for the Leopards this season has primarily been about building depth in the squad, something they’ve managed to do. Losing Ben Reynolds is a blow but Moylan is a clear upgrade, perhaps another centre could be needed after losing both Gildart and Wardle.

London Broncos: D-

The only reason the Broncos don’t score lower is that they’re playing with the cards they’re dealt. Under IMG they’re almost certain to go down so throwing silly money on the field would make no real sense. Their ability to retain plenty of their promotion squad is a boost and Rhys Kennedy from Hull KR is a savvy pick-up, but there’s serious concerns over the quality of this side.

Salford Red Devils: D-

The Red Devils have had somewhat of a catastrophic off-season with both Brodie Croft and Andy Ackers having departed. Thankfully the club could retain Ryan Brierley who has extended his contract, but the loss of Ken Sio and potential loss of Joe Burgess see them incredibly short at the back. Nene Macdonald is the big name signing alongside Wigan pair Cade Cust and Joe Shorrocks, however it has to be argued that Paul Rowley’s side appear a lot weaker than in 2023.

St Helens: C+

Losing someone like James Roby is always going to be a tough off-season but Saints have actually done well. Making just a handful of signings they’ve recruited quality in Daryl Clark, Tee Ritson and Matt Whitley, three men who will be sure to feature in their 17 most weeks. Of course the experience of Roby is irreplaceable but in Daryl Clark they have one of Super League’s best hookers. If they can find a Will Hopoate replacement with their remaining quota spot then it looks to be a solid off-season.

Warrington Wolves: B

The Wire have lost Daryl Clark but they’ve added Sam Powell and Brad Dwyer to aid Danny Walker, whilst also boosting their squad elsewhere. Plenty will come down to how Sam Burgess takes to coaching but getting centres Toby King and Rodrick Tai offers huge competition and represents an upgrade over the retired Peter Mata’utia. They’ve also added more size to their pack which so much of their early season dominance in 2023 was built on.

Wigan Warriors: B

For many Wigan have absolutely smashed the off-season and whist that is certainly true for their forward pack, questions have to be asked of their backs. Losing Toby King after his loan spell is brutal and the club could lack depth in the three quarters and on the wing. Much of those concerns are overlooked though given the arrivals of players like Sam Walters, Luke Thompson, Kruise Leeming and of course Adam Keighran who will step into the centres. It certainly seems that the reigning champions have improved which is a scary thought.