With the Super League season just around the corner, each club’s new signings are beginning to embed themselves as they look to impress their new fans. But, just which five recruits should we be most excited about for 2021?
5. Albert Vete – Hull KR
A 6 ft 2, 110kg powerhouse prop, Albert Vete joins Hull KR from Melbourne Storm for whom he made just eight appearances. Still only 27, Vete should be in the pomp of his career and his majorly strong carries and hard-hitting defence are likely to get Rovers fans on their feet.
4. Greg Inglis – Warrington Wolves
Almost everyone in the rugby league fraternity will be watching GI with great interest in 2021. After coming out of retirement to play for Warrington, the centre will be hoping to rejuvenate a career that became stagnant due to injury. With age against him – he is 34 – Inglis is a quandary: will he be a hit or not? Only time will tell.
3. Niall Evalds – Castleford Tigers
He had been Salford’s most important player for a good few years, but Niall Evalds has started afresh at the Jungle for 2021. Having signed just a one-year deal, the fullback will be keen to impress. And, with a spine of Jake Trueman, Danny Richardson and Paul McShane alongside him, Evalds is likely to thrive in the new environment.
2. Luke Yates – Huddersfield Giants
Having joined Salford from London ahead of the 2020 season, Luke Yates became one of the Red Devils’ most consistent forwards, helping to guide the club to a Challenge Cup final. And, he follows former boss Ian Watson to the John Smith’s Stadium – arguably the mentor that brought the best out of Yates in 2020. Watch him thrive in a massive Huddersfield pack in 2021.
1. John Bateman – Wigan Warriors
Back at Wigan following a superb two-year spell in the NRL with Canberra, John Bateman has the world at his feet. Still only 27, the uncompromising forward is 16/1 with Sporting Index to be crowned Man of Steel – which looks an absolute bargain. Bateman is joining a Wigan side that narrowly missed out on a Grand Final victory in 2020, but with the Bradfordian in the ranks, the Warriors can definitely go one better.
