With three new additions to the Super League competition in 2026, there will be plenty of players hoping to impress as they step up to the top tier.
Be it their first time in Super League or their return to the first division, players from Bradford Bulls, Toulouse Olympique and York Knights will be embracing the opportunity to test themselves against the Northern Hemisphere’s best.
With that in mind, we have selected five players who will be making the step up that are expected to perform well. New signings have not been included, the list features only those who were regulars in the second tier in 2025.
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Five promoted players hoping to shine in Super League
Jack Martin (York Knights)
The Aussie prop joined Mark Applegarth’s side half-way through 2024, and has instantly become a fan favourite. Making 39 appearances, his strong running and aggression in defence made him one of the best forwards in the second tier, and if he can replicate that in the top flight, he will be a test for even the most established props in Super League.
Zac Fulton (Bradford Bulls)
The Bradford back-rower was initially set to depart back to Australia after the 2024 season, but U-turned that decision to extend his stay at Odsal. A former NRL player with Manly Sea Eagles, the 24-year-old has the makings of a Super League quality forward, and proved that during his time in the second tier, scoring 21 tries in 59 matches.
Olly Ashall-Bott (Toulouse Olympique)
The former Super League man is making his return to the top flight after spending the last three seasons in the Championship. The 27-year-old was part of Toulouse’s squad in 2022, and after being the side’s top try scorer last season, will be hoping to carry that form into the new season. He has also played for Widnes, Salford, Wakefield and Huddersfield in Super League over the course of his career.
In Toulouse’s pre-season tie with Catalans earlier this week, the full-back impressed after producing a promising display that included a long-range try, could it be a sign of things to come from him this year?
Toa Mata’afa (York Knights)
Another one of York’s quota players, Mata’afa can play in the halves or at full-back, and instantly hit the ground running when he arrived at the club in May 2025. Scoring 12 tries in 19 matches, he was part of the club’s 1895 Cup win at Wembley over Featherstone Rovers.
Mitch Souter (Bradford Bulls)
With Super League set to improve the speed of the rucks in 2026, one player who will benefit hugely from that is the Bulls’ Souter. Running from dummy half is a strength of his, and he has shown that on many occasions in a Bulls shirt. Whilst he will again be second choice, that means he is likely to start from the bench, and a quick ruck against some tired defenders could mean that the Aussie causes chaos when Bradford are in attack.
He showed that in Bradford’s pre-season game with Leeds, and managed to pounce on the defence on more than one occasion.
