What the next generation of Super League looks like as best under-23 team packed with Hull FC, St Helens and Wigan Warriors stars

Looking ahead to the 2026 season and even beyond, we’ve picked out the best Super League team comprised of young stars.

The Super League Young Player of the Year award dictates that a player must be under 21 at the start of season to be eligible to win the award, however, we’ve upped that limit to 23 or younger because for many players, they don’t break through until that age.

Even aged 23, players still have a decade or more of their career ahead of them so it’s fair to say that this team certainly does meet the brief of what the ‘next generation of Super League looks like’.

That’s also not to say we’ve packed this team with 23-year-olds. In fact, just three players within the 17-man squad are 23, with the majority 21 or younger. All ages are correct at the time of writing with players selected in their primary position as well, though a number are versatile.

The best under-23 Super League team

Will Pryce – 23

The Hull FC full-back had some stiff competition such as Cai Taylor-Wray, Fletcher Rooney and Guillermo Aispuro-Bichet but Pryce gets the nod because of his experience, which includes time in the NRL. This year will hopefully be a true breakthrough year where Pryce becomes one of the top full-backs in Super League.

Zach Eckersley – 22

Adept at both full-back and centre, we’ve placed Eckersley on the wing because that’s where he spent the bulk of 2025 but the Wigan man’s versatility is a huge strength and is what makes him so exciting.

Harry Robertson – 20

The 2025 Super League Young Player of the Year, Harry Robertson is a serious talent and we’re only scratching the surface. It’s thought he may shift into the halves at some point in his career but he’s doing enough in the centres at the moment to get the nod here.

Davy Litten – 22

One of several young stars in Hull FC’s backline, Davy Litten could be set to follow in the footsteps of his cousin Jez and earn an England call-up in the future. He scored eight tries in 23 games last year after bouncing back from an injury-hit 2024.

Lewis Martin – 21

Martin topped the Super League try-scoring charts in 2025 and was unlucky in some people’s eyes to miss out on and England call-up. Another season at that level and he’ll be knocking on the door for a place in the World Cup squad.

Jack Farrimond – 20

Farrimond turned 20 last season and was given a bit more game time as injuries struck down Bevan French and when he got that game time, he shone. The young half scored nine tries in just nine games last season, having scored at home to St Helens the year prior to truly announce himself on the big stage.

George Whitby – 19

Another player who made a statement in his first big derby clash with George Whitby replacing Jonny Lomax for this year’s Good Friday derby, which Saints narrowly lost. Fans will eagerly await how Paul Rowley uses the young star, with many thinking he’s ready to be a Super League starter.

George Delaney – 21

Another St Helens youngster and another former Super League Young Player of the Year nominee. Delaney played much of last year off the bench but he’d start in this side.

Brad O’Neill – 23

One of the 23-year-olds in this squad and you won’t find many 23-year-olds with this amount of experience, and that’s despite missing a huge chunk of time due to injury. O’Neill is already one of the comps bets hookers and he could go on to dominate this position for years to come.

Jeremiah Mata’utia – 21

The first overseas player in the squad is Leeds Rhinos’ new signing from down under with the towering Jeremiah Mata’utia showing fans what they can expect in the Boxing Day game. With a pre-season under his belt, he can be a true force to be reckoned with.

Junior Nsemba – 21

Another former Super League Young Player of the Year and a player with multiple England caps, it’s easy to forget how young Junior Nsemba is.

Adam Holroyd – 21

He’s stepped up in recent years and has been rewarded with a starting shirt in 2025 with Adam Holroyd one of Warrington’s untapped stars.

Harvey Wilson – 21

One of the shining lights at Salford in 2025, Wilson rightfully earned a move to Catalans where he looks set to star under the tutelage of Benjamin Garcia.

Interchanges

Jack Sinfield – 21

Jack Sinfield is another player who is younger than you think with the new Wakefield Trinity signing an option at 14 in this side. He did play hooker at times under Brad Arthur last year, but he’ll be keen to start for Daryl Powell in 2026.

Harvie Hill – 22

Another Hull FC player on this list, though Hill is one they have signed for 2026. Wigan fans won’t forget his performance in the 2024 World Club Challenge and if he can reach that level for the Black and Whites then FC have got a serious player on their hands.

Presley Cassell – 19

One of the teenagers in this side and what a player he is, Presley Cassell is the next big thing out of Leeds and he’ll hope to build on his handful of appearances from 2025.

Brock Greacen – 23

Another overseas signing and another of the elder statesmen in this squad, despite being just 23. Greacen comes with big raps, signing from Newcastle with the big forward handed number 14 for Castleford for 2026.

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