Top 10 Super League transfers for 2022

As is often the case with Super League, there has been plenty of transfers confirmed despite the season still going on.

This list will rank the top ten signings based on the impact they are likely to have on the clubs they are destined for, and how well they fit into the squad.

10 Will Hopoate to St Helens

Hopoate is a surprising signing from Saints due to his inconsistency and some bad reviews from Canterbury Bulldogs fans. However, his experience cannot be denied and he certainly has quality that Saints and Tonga Head Coach Kristian Woolf can unlock.  

9 Peter Mata’utia to Warrington Wolves

Mata’utia will follow Daryl Powell to Warrington ahead of next season.  He has had a strong season this year and will make a good replacement for Jake Mamo. His skill and power will add to the squad well, and with Powell as head coach he will continue to get the best out of him.

8 Brodie Croft to Salford Red Devils

Croft may be just what Salford need after a disappointing season. The promising halfback had a brilliant start to first team rugby league with Melbourne, but has plateaued slightly at Brisbane. He will be coming to Salford with a point to prove, and it will sound like a familiar story to many Salford fans given what happened with Jackson Hastings back in 2019.

7 James Bentley to Leeds Rhinos

It was announced that Bentley had decided to sign for Leeds Rhinos near the start of the season. The enthusiastic and often controversial back rower will add plenty of aggression to the Leeds forward pack. He has improved dramatically in the last couple of seasons and has become an important player for Saints when he stays on the pitch.

6 Curtis Sironen to St Helens

It seems as though Sironen has been brought in to replace the departing James Bentley, and is a shrewd signing. A player with well over 100 NRL appearances, who can play both at second row as well in the halves. His career has been plagued by injuries which may be a problem, but if he can stay fit, he will be a real asset.

5 Jake Mamo to Castleford Tigers

Jake Mamo finally seems to be getting the recognition he deserves. He scored 16 tries in the regular season despite originally being considered a rotation player. However, he has forced his way into the first team and as a result has managed to get a move to Castleford where he looks sure to be a starting player.

4 Blake Austin to Leeds Rhinos

Austin has had flashes of brilliance in the last couple of seasons but generally has failed to replicate his 2019 form. However, a fresh start and partnering up with Aidan Sezer will surely see a spike in performance. It also has added benefit as the signing also weakens a rival side.

3 Joey Lussick to St Helens

 To follow up the extension of James Roby’s contract with the signing of Joey Lussick is a statement of intent from Saints. Lussick barely had a bad game for Salford during his two-and-a-bit year spell at the club. His control around the ruck, as well as his underrated kicking game will help Saints stay in control of games in typical fashion.

2 Aidan Sezer to Leeds Rhinos

Sezer will link up with former his Canberra teammate Blake Austin in the halves next season, and will surely be competing for Man of Steel, if last season’s form is anything to go by. With 155 NRL matches to his name, as well as a Super League Dream spot in his first season, it could be just what Leeds need to re-establish themselves as real title contenders. 

1 Lachlan Coote to Hull KR

This is the best signing for the 2022 season, not just for the on-field boost it provides, but also the statement it makes. Although Hull KR are a decent sized club, for them to sign one of the very best players in the league from the current champions is both surprising and impressive. Coote has arguably been the best player in the last three seasons, and his reliability, goalkicking and intelligence will be vital for a team hoping to build on what’s been a strong season.