Shaun Johnson and Ben Murdoch-Masila among NRL stars who could be Super League bound

May 1st is a crucial day in the diary of every Super League club. It marks the beginning of the recruitment window for the following season. In simple terms, it means that clubs can sign players from clubs for the following season.

This is an exciting time for fans, as they can begin to see how their clubs will shape up the following season. For fans of the top sides, such as Wigan and St Helens, it is a chance to see who may be lifting silverware in their colours next year. For strugglers like Castleford and Hull FC, it is an opportunity to get excited for better things to come.

As May 1st rapidly approaches, many Super League clubs will be looking to the NRL to strengthen their squads. Here are 5 of the top off-contract NRL stars who could turn to Super League.

Martin Taupau

NRL veteran, Martin Taupau, consistently attracts interest from Super League teams. Taupau, once heaving linked with Leeds Rhinos, played 150 for Manly Sea Eagles, before moving to Brisbane Broncos.

He has been a key player for the Broncos since the move. But with the Samoan’s contract up at the end of the season, he may be on the radar of several Super League clubs. Who knows, with the Rhinos pack lacking explosive power, he may even finally make the move to Headingley.

David Armstrong

David Armstrong to Leigh is a rumour that keeps bubbling away. The Newcastle Knights full back is on the Leopards’ radar and looks likely to join the club this season.

Leigh coach, Adrian Lam, has spoken glowingly of Armstrong in the past, and Leigh are keen to bring Armstrong in as soon as possible. However, the move is dependent on Leigh freeing up a quota spot.

Until they do that, the Armstong move will remain on hold. Leigh owner, Derek Beaumont, is working hard behind the scenes to make the move happen. Leigh will surely get their man soon.

Anthony Milford

Anthony Milford came close to moving to Super League for the 2024 season. However, his move to Leigh collapsed after he chose to stay in the NRL for family reasons. Milford’s contract with the Dolphins expires at the end of 2024. Now may be the time to make the move to Super League.

Milford has had a difficult time since moving to the Dolphins. Injuries have blighted his spell, and people have questioned his attitude. But he is a player with great ability. He showed this in Samoa’s run to the 2021 Rugby League World Cup final.

A Super League move may be just what Milford needs to rediscover his best form.

Shaun Johnson

Shaun Johnson is one of the biggest names in Rugby League and has had a glittering career at the highest level. The man who broke England’s hearts in the 2013 World Cup is off contract at the end of the season and has yet to agree his next move.

The 33-year-old has been vocal about his desire to stay with the New Zealand Warriors for the rest of his career. But his contract is up, and he has yet to agree an extension. The decision on whether to retain him rests with Warriors coach, Andrew Webster.

If Johnson does not agree on an extension with the Warriors, could now be the right time to finally make a move to Super League?

Ben Murdoch-Masila

Ben Murdoch-Masila was a favourite at Salford Red Devils and Warrington Wolves, until his return to the NRL in 2021. The Tongan wrecking ball sent Super League defences flying regularly and has been doing the same in the NRL.

Reports linked Murdoch-Masila with a return to Super League in 2023. Catalans Dragons were interested, but “Big Ben” signed for St George Illawarra instead, where he has regularly featured.

However, his contract expires at the end of the current season, and he would be a great addition to any Super League squad. Should Murdoch-Masila decide now is the right time to return to the UK, there will be no shortage of clubs interested in him.