Going into this season – just as with every Super League campaign – there were plenty of high profile signings, shock switch, recruits from down under and relative unknowns hoping to make their mark on Super League.
But as we draw to the end of the season, which signings have made the biggest first impression and really caught the eye?
That’s the question we’re hoping to answer today with our top 10 signings of Super League XXVII.
10. Konrad Hurrell
This was a controversial one. A hero to the South Stand at Headingley, Konrad Hurrell made the switch to rivals St Helens linking up with national coach Kristian Woolf as the Champions looked to topple the legacy of Leeds’ threepeat by going one better in 2022. Given the number 23 shirt, he was seen as a squad player but has instead cemented himself as first choice with injuries to the likes of Will Hopoate and Lewis Dodd. He’s also laid the groundwork for one of Tommy Makinson’s best seasons in Super League – which is some going – with plenty or barnstorming runs coupled with nuanced offloads as we saw him back to his best. From the moment he scored that first intercept try on debut to his tries against his former club, he’s been a hit at the Totally Wicked Stadium.
9. Olly Ashall-Bott
After the shock departures of Mark Kheirallah and Johnathon Ford, Toulouse were desperate for more pivots and in the end turned to Olly Ashall-Bott who wasn’t going to get a look in at Huddersfield with Will Pryce, Ash Golding and Tui Lolohea all ahead of him at fullback. So, he took a gamble in joining the French club and has been sensational. He’s their most dangerous player and has made some top defenders look foolish.
8. Daniel Alvaro
From one Toulouse signing to another. Although Ashall-Bott gave Toulouse a chance of survival, it still seemed like a pipe dream until Daniel Alvaro arrived. He gave the French club something they sorely missed: a foothold in the game by being able to match opponents in the middle. He’s given them steel and has them believing they can survive.
7. Cade Cust
Many were expecting Wigan to struggle this season especially following the loss of Jackson Hastings but the decision to bring in the relatively unknown Cade Cust as his replacement was a masterstroke. He’s knitted together Wigan’s attack nicely creating the platform for Jai Field and Bevan French to shine.
6. Patrick Mago
Another savvy signing from the Warriors, Patrick Mago was exactly what Wigan were lacking in 2021. Size, power and go forward as well as a real impact off the bench. The way he devastated Leeds alongside Jai Field in Round Two truly underlined how he was going to change the Wigan pack and he’s only improved since.
5. Daniel Levi
Huddersfield’s transfer business going into 2022 has proven to be exceptional. Danny Levi has been one of their best pieces of recruitment with the hooker adding speed to their ruck and really bringing the best out of the rest of their pack as well as the spine.
4. Chris Hill
Another Giant in the shape of Chris Hill also makes the top five and but for injury he could’ve been even higher. He’s been a great leader for the Giants, a great source of go forward and has provided a priceless winning mentality to Ian Watson’s side.
3. Brodie Croft
Many had Salford tipped to finish 11th this year but the Red Devils have proven to be a special side especially in attack largely down to men like Brodie Croft. The halfback’s willingness to express himself has made him a joy to watch as has his running game which has routinely devastated teams.
2. Tui Lolohea
Back to Huddersfield – an ironically the previous holder of Salford’s six jersey which now belongs to Brodie Croft – and Tui Lolohea has been an exquisite signing. Reunited with Ian Watson and now playing fullback, Lolohea has been a joy to watch all season due to his signature step as well as his creativity. He’s been the beating heart of the Huddersfield attack which has led them to the top four.
1. Tim Lafai
Who else was it going to be? Tim Lafai has been so good he destroyed the Champions St Helens almost all by himself recently. A powerful runner with a killer offload, he has been impossible to stop for long spells this season. He’s been a big part of what has made Salford special this year and has always been a joy to watch. The test of a signing is how much they change the club and he’s turned Salford – alongside Croft and others like Deon Cross – into a play-off contender in 2022.
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