Top five Super League signings of the 2023 season

The off-season was a particularly long one this time around with the season starting slightly later on account of the World Cup, but it just meant more time for transfer business.

As it turned out plenty of clubs rushed to do their business before the World Cup with just a handful of deals taking place after Australia lifted the trophy in late October.

After seven rounds of Super League these are the five signings who have had the biggest impact so far.

Paul Vaughan

Vaughan has been the best forward in Super League this season. His impact on Warrington has been immense, transforming them from a side battling relegation to top of the league and potential contenders for silverware.

Many questioned Vaughan’s decision to move to Warrington, saying he could have got a gig in the NRL. He has well and truly shown that, with him averaging 172 metres per game, as well as scoring three tries in seven appearances.

Tom Johnstone

There were doubts about Tom Johnstone’s role in the Dragons side, with Tom Davies and Fouad Yaha seemingly ahead of him in the pecking order. However an injury to Yaha has been nothing but a positive for the former Wakefield man, who has been in try-scoring heaven.

Johnstone has nine in seven so far this season, and needs just 10 more to reach a century of four-pointers in Super League – an achievement which he will no doubt reach this year.

Adam Keighran

Johnstone’s teammate Keighran spent most of last year at NSW Cup side, North Sydney Bears. However, that hasn’t stopped him fitting right in to Super League, with the centre excelling in multiple positions for the Dragons.

The 25-year-old has seven try contributions in seven games so far, and is also handy with the boot, converting 21 goals from 27 attempts.

Keighran’s contract runs out at the end of the year, but if he keeps up this form for the rest of the season, expect him to sign on the dotted line for years to come.

Nene MacDonald

When Leeds let Liam Sutcliffe leave the club to join Hull FC, many fans were confused. But that confusion now ceases to exist after the impact Nene MacDonald has had.

The PNG international missed the opening day defeat to Warrington, but since making his Rhinos debut has excelled in both the centre and wing sports.

MacDonald is the Rhinos top metre maker and averages 10.6 metres a carry.

James Batchelor