Generally Super League clubs have finished their recruitment at this time of the year but there’s still the possibility of same late off-season signings .
Some teams are more well-rounded than others whilst some have glaring needs, but here’s one player that every Super League side could sign to strengthen ahead of 2024.
Castleford Tigers – A halfback
This has been a problem position for Castleford in recent times and could be again with Danny Richardson still recovering from injury and the Tigers’ new halfback Rowan Milnes picking up an injury himself. Another halfback would provide much needed depth.
Catalans Dragons – Centre
The Dragons seem to be in desperate need of a centre. They saw lots of their Grand Final starting 13 leave at the end of the 2023 campaign, including Adam Keighran from their starting centre slot. Steve McNamara’s side do have an open quota spot if Sio Taukeiaho leaves, but otherwise would have to search domestically.
Huddersfield Giants – Brad Dwyer
Dwyer is a weird one because he has already made a move this off-season, switching Hull FC for Warrington Wolves, but there had been strong rumours he would leave the club for Salford. Since then the Red Devils have made some signings but the Giants head into 2024 with 32-year-old Adam Milner and young overseas recruit Thomas Deakin. Perhaps the experience of Dwyer would be something the Giants opt for in an otherwise well rounded squad,
Hull FC – Derrell Olpherts
FC are a team who have focused on rebuilding their pack in the off-season with the arrival of some big bodies from down under, but with the loss of star winger Adam Swift they’re light on the position. Liam Tindall has been recruited and there are some youngsters waiting in the wings but targeting a potentially out of favour Olpherts could be a smart move.
Hull KR – Rugby Union Winger
There’s been plenty of talk about Hull KR looking to rugby union to bolster their squad and whilst it’s been confirmed Regan Grace isn’t an option, an alternative union winger could well be what the Robins opt for. In such a well rounded squad it’s a luxury that they could afford.
Leeds Rhinos – Lee Kershaw
It’s been talked about a lot this season that Wakefield’s Lee Kershaw is on the move and Leeds was seemingly the destination. He’s been pictured training with the club but so far no deal has been done, could it happen in early 2024?
Leigh Leopards – Tristan Sailor
The Leopards have been linked with the Brisbane Broncos winger/full-back and it’s certainly a position that would benefit them. Whilst Josh Charnley and Tom Briscoe were exceptional in 2023 the depth behind them isn’t amazing, and Sailor brings youth to the position.
London Broncos – Sam Eseh (Loan)
The Broncos have only made six signings since their promotion and they’re at risk of becoming the Super League whipping boys in 2024. A move to enquire about the loan status of some of Super League’s up and coming talents like newly signed Wigan man Sam Eseh would be an incredibly smart move, one that suits both sides too.
Salford Red Devils – Fouad Yaha
The Red Devils have lost Ken Sio who has returned down under on compassionate grounds and it’s been reported by Rugby League Live that Joe Burgess is set for the exit too. In that case the club would be desperate for a winger and Catalans’ Yaha found himself on the fringes last year with Englishmen Johnstone and Davies doing so well. A proven Super League talent could be a brilliant pick-up in a position of need.
St Helens – Justin Olam/Samisoni Langi
Saints are in desperate need of a centre, they’ve even left open the number three to accommodate for a centre to be bought. With Will Hopoate leaving the club and then retiring it’s left the Red Vee looking “overseas and domestically” for a replacement. Melbourne Storm’s Justin Olam could be the overseas option, whilst Samisoni Langi could be brought in after leaving Wakefield and fill Saints’ last quota spot.
Warrington Wolves – Yusuf Aydin
Aydin hasn’t found too much game time at Hull KR since his move from Wakefield Trinity but Warrington are a club that could do with a younger prop, one of very few needs in an incredibly well rounded squad. The Wire don’t stand out at too many positions but have solid depth all around, potentially barring the front row after the loss of Thomas Mikaele.
Wigan Warriors – A back
The 2023 Super League champions are being tipped for a repeat of their success based on their impressive squad but the club are actually quite short in their backs. Matt Peet has stocked up on forwards but beyond his starting wingers and centres the team are thin on the ground with young Zach Eckersley as one of the most experienced back-ups.
