Revealed: The kind of player every Super League club needs to sign to reach the next level

Recruitment is key in rugby league. Those who recruit well rocket to the top whilst those who fail to do so begin to limp down the table.

A strange 12 months of recruitment is now set to unfold. High-profile players like George Williams are available, coaches are about to change at a number of teams and bring in different philosophies whilst some of the league’s biggest clubs are set for major rebuilds. Thus, plenty of players are about to move teams next season.

So, here’s the kind of player your club needs to sign to reach the next level whether they arrive this season or before the next.

Castleford: A hard-working second-row

It was recently confirmed that Cas legend Oliver Holmes would be leaving the club at the end of the year creating a bit of a hole in the Tigers pack. The persistent injuries to Cheyse Blair also makes the second-row position one of importance in terms of the Tigers’ recruitment. They need someone who can do the hard yards and replace what will be lost when Holmes leaves at the end of the year. The Tigers could also do with a centre due to the fact Michael Shenton is nearing the end of his career whilst Peter Mata’utia is also on his way out. However, the rumoured arrival of Alex Sutcliffe could resolve this issue.

Catalans: A utility forward

The Dragons have always been associated with big forwards and they’ve often had plenty of depth in the pack as well. But this year, despite their brilliant season, they seem to have a little less depth in the middle and will be hoping to avoid injuries in the forwards as they look to compete at the top. All of this could be alleviated by bringing in a big body who can cover prop, second-row and loose-forward.

Huddersfield: A ball-playing fullback

The Giants have struggled this year at fullback. Ashton Golding continues to be plagued with injuries whilst Lee Gaskell has also been derailed by the odd knock. Gaskell also appears headed to Wakefield so a creative fullback who can operate like another stand-off would be ideal for the Giants.

Hull FC: A hard-working prop

In recent weeks, Hull have been under a bit of pressure in the middle of the park due to Scott Taylor’s injury. Thus, it seems the Black and Whites need to add a little more depth to their front-row ranks. They need someone who will graft and ameliorate any injury to their first choice big men.

Hull KR: An organising scrum-half

Jordan Abdull has been outstanding this season and is well in the hunt for the Man of Steel at this stage. Meanwhile youngsters Rowan Milnes and Mikey Lewis have also impressed. But right now, the duo are perhaps too young to be entrusted with the role of partnering Abdull week to week. Moreover, perhaps bringing in another experienced half would give the exciting duo another mentor from which to learn allowing them to take another step towards fulfilling their brilliant potential.

Leeds: A creative stand-off

The halves have been a problem position for Leeds since 2017. That season, Leeds clinched their eighth Super League title and its no coincidence that they all came under the stewardship of Danny McGuire and Rob Burrow whilst Kevin Sinfield featured in the first seven of them. Since then, Leeds have been struggling to find the right formula. Luke Gale was a smart acquisition but with partner Rob Lui injured and heading home at the end of the season, the Rhinos will need a new number six. It’s a chance to find the perfect partner for Gale and bring in someone who’s going to add the flare and creativity that McGuire and Burrow used to be so brilliant at conjuring.

Leigh: A powerful prop

In defeat against Wakefield, Leigh’s bench consisted of two halves, a hooker and a centre. When you consider the size and power most teams feature on the bench, this is a far departure from that. Leigh do have some quality forwards but plenty of them have struggled with injuries this season. To avoid relegation, the Centurions need to bring in another big prop as soon as possible.

Salford: A creative stand-off

Recently, Kevin Brown confirmed he’d be retiring at the end of the year. Meanwhile, Tui Lolohea has been heavily linked to Huddersfield. Salford may need to replace the pair but already have Dec Patton at the club who could very well fill the void left by Brown. So what about Lolohea? A creative spark needs to be brought in should he leave but even if Lolohea stays another creative halfback would still give Salford greater options and make them more potent in the attack.

St Helens: An organising scrum-half

At this moment, it looks like Theo Fages is on his way out of St Helens. There are also doubts about the future of Lachlan Coote and even James Roby won’t last forever. Thus, St Helens need to add to their spine. There’s been talk that Matt Dufty could fill the void Coote would leave but what about Fages and Roby? Lewis Dodd and Arron Smith have big futures but the Saints will still need a leader and organiser to lessen the blow of any departure so a new number seven would be ideal.

Wakefield: A prolific winger

Wakefield have struggled in the backs this season thanks to a series of injuries to the likes of Tom Johnstone and Innes Senior. It’s true that despite the undeniable quality of Johnstone’s understudies, Trinity miss something when he’s not in the side. Bringing in another winger of similar quality to Johnstone would take the pressure of him and his fitness and perhaps make Wakefield a more balanced side. Like many, Trinity could very well do with another big body in the middle as well as a loose-forward if rumours about Joe Westerman’s future are to be believed.

Warrington: A commanding loose-forward

In April, Jason Clark admitted in the Warrington Guardian that he didn’t know where his future lies. If the Wolves lose him, he’ll need some replacing. He brings great leadership and experience to the Warrington pack. You may argue that Oliver Holmes’ arrival will lessen the impact of Clark’s potential departure. But Holmes has always been better out wide. The Wire will need someone who can strengthen the middle if Clark does leave.

Wigan: An experienced prop

Wigan have one of the most complete squads in the league. Even their pack is outstanding. They have the world class John Bateman, the in-form Liam Farrell and the criminally underrated Morgan Smithies available in the back-row as well as a host of brilliant youngsters. However, they could still do with one more big prop following the departure of George Burgess. Brad Singleton was a savvy signing but Wigan need to bring in another prop to take the pressure of him, Byrne and Bullock in the middle.