15 Super League stars set for quota exemption – news on their Hull FC, Hull KR & Wigan futures

It seems that the Super League quota rules will have a big shake-up for 2026, which will affect a number of the league’s biggest names.

It was revealed earlier this year that relaxations on the rule were being considered for future campaigns.

Currently, clubs can have a maximum of seven ‘non-Federation trained players’ in their squad – and these players are defined as those that didn’t play three seasons of rugby in Europe before they turned 21.

According to Yorkshire Live, the new rule changes set to come into effect in 2026 will see quota players become exempt if/once they have spent six consecutive years as a Super League player.

This is not affected by citizenship status, as the original proposals suggested – and will be a year later than first planned.

As it stands, there are 15 Super League players that would become exempt under this rule change – and here are their current contract situations.

The 15 Super League stars set for quota exemption and the latest on their futures

Hull KR could be in an excellent position if Rhyse Martin is their player from next season, as is expected. He and Kelepi Tanginoa, who signed ahead of this season, would both be exempt from being quota players under the new rules, allowing them to bring more players in to take up the vacant spots.

Matt Parcell would also be exempt, but he’s expected to leave, with his contract up at the end of the year. He has been offered to clubs but may retire once his contract is up.

Other outgoing players from top sides that would be exempt are Konrad Hurrell of St Helens, Warrington half Josh Drinkwater and Wigan Warriors veteran Willie Isa, whose contracts are all also up after this season and who haven’t signed a new contract keeping them at their clubs.

Drinkwater will certainly be leaving, but the others could, potentially, stick around if they and the club wish.

Castleford Tigers half Jacob Miller would also be exempt, and his contract runs through 2025 – just before the changes come into play, meaning he may not stay in Super League anyway.

Catalans Dragons duo Manu Ma’u and Chris Satae would also be exempt. Ma’u is expected to retire when his contract, until the end of 2025, expires, but Satae, previously linked with a Hull FC move, may further his contract, which also ends in 2025.

Another side with two players that would become exempt are Huddersfield, with Tui Lolohea and Sebastine Ikahihifo being in Super League for long enough. Lolohea extended his contract for another two years earlier this season, while Ikahihifo did the same thing last season.

Hull FC’s Carlos Tuimavave and Ligi Sao are also included in the list – but Tuimavave could leave at the end of the season, while Sao is contracted through 2025.

As well as Drinkwater, Warrington Wolves have Luke Yates, who has just signed from Huddersfield. He originally signed a two-year contract until 2026, starting from next year, and is on loan currently.

Finally, Wigan Warriors – as well as Willie Isa – have surely the biggest name on this list. Bevan French, who has a huge contract through the 2028 season, will also drop off the quota list, freeing them to make another huge overseas signing if they wish.