Six Super League young guns to look out for in 2021

With the 2021 campaign just around the corner, every young player at every club will be hoping to get their chance on the big stage.

2020 saw the likes of Jacques O’Neill, Joe Cator and Jack Welsby impress, but just which six youngsters should we look out for in 2021?

Kai Pearce-Paul – Wigan Warriors

The 19-year-old made his professional debut against St Helens in 2020 and will be aiming for more this campaign after 12 months in a full-time capacity. A graduate of the London set-up, Pearce-Paul made the daunting move north just a year ago, but has settled in seamlessly at the DW Stadium. The 6″5 forward is tipped for big things and 2021 could well be the beginning of that.

Josh Eaves – St Helens

Despite making his debut back in 2019, Josh Eaves has had to wait patiently for a chance at St Helens. Being behind James Roby and Aaron Smith in the pecking order was always going to be tough, but in the one appearance the hooker did make in 2020, he was impressive. Now 23 years of age, it is time for Eaves to come into his own and make his mark on this Grand Final-winning squad.

Sam Walters – Leeds Rhinos

Sam Walters signed from Widnes at the start of the 2019 academy season and has earned quite a reputation at Headingley in that time. At 6’5, Walters is an uncompromising forward with a skilful offload game which may come in handy for the Rhinos in 2021. Making his debut in 2020, the 20-year-old did not look out of place in the three games he played.

Corentin Le Cam – Catalans Dragons

A 21-year-old promoted to the first-team squad probably wouldn’t gain so many headlines if that youngster was not a whopping 6’9. Although Le Cam has not yet made his debut for the Dragons, head coach Steve McNamara is keen to see the towering forward in action in 2021. And, so is everyone else.

Ben McNamara – Hull FC

After impressing on debut against Castleford in October last year, Ben McNamara made another three appearances as Hull FC made it to the semi-finals of the play-offs. A halfback with an intelligent rugby brain, McNamara will fancy his chances of getting some more game time and will likely thrive, learning from Aussie half Josh Reynolds.

Will Tate – Hull KR

Though just 19 years of age, Will Tate impressed greatly for the Robins in his four appearances towards the back end of 2020. Signing professional terms last summer, the explosive three-quarter will almost certainly be in Tony Smith’s thoughts. And, with a full pre-season under his belt, fullback/winger Tate could well be pushing for double figures in 2021.