It’s almost the end of the Autumn international calendar, which means Super League players and clubs will now have their focus firmly set on 2025.
There have been signings aplenty over the last few weeks, but with more time to secure them and more time to work with what they’ve got, here’s what we think every side needs to do ahead of next year.
What every Super League team still needs ahead of 2025
Castleford Tigers
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The Tigers seem to have sorted their centre situation but could now do with a prop or second-rower, with the props not really impressing in 2024 and Nixon Putt and Elie El-Zakhem departing.
One solution for the prop situation could be solved if reports are true that Judah Rimbu has signed for the club.
He pushes Liam Horne into the 13 role, meaning Westerman can slot into the front-row and add some experience and size in there.
Catalans Dragons
Losing Jayden Nikorima and Jordan Abdull means a backup half-back was top of the list, but Sam Tomkins coming out of retirement makes full-back Arthur Mourgue a decent option to instead play alongside Théo Fages or star signing Luke Keary.
Mourgue isn’t natural there though, so this may be something they look to sort ahead of next year.
Huddersfield Giants
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The Giants need someone to grab this side by the scruff of its neck and get them to start playing with desire.
This could be someone like Tom Burgess, whose signing brings vast experience to the squad.
Hull FC
They need to allow their new signings to gel – there are a lot of them, and they have a lot of quality.
There’s no use chopping and changing every week if it doesn’t start well, and they need to stick with a relatively certain 13 if they’re to make it to their best possible level.
Hull KR
The Robins need to use their quality and new-found experience of playing on the biggest stage to go one better this year.
Some smart signings with winning pedigree – not least Jared Waerea-Hargreaves – should put them in good stead to do this.
Leeds Rhinos
The Rhinos look like they’ve made some really good additions to their side for next year, and there isn’t actually too much that would realistically improve the starting 13.
However, the loss of Rhyse Martin is a huge one, and although they’ve made some smart signings for the prop position, they could still improve in the second-row.
Leigh Leopards
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With David Armstrong joining Leigh Leopards for 2025, it seemed clear that Matt Moylan would move into the halves again, to play alongside Lachlan Lam.
However, now he has announced retirement, meaning the Leopards have to look elsewhere for a star to play in the halves.
This season saw six different players start a game at stand-off, showing that Adrian Lam is not completely convinced by any of them – with only Gareth O’Brien playing over ten games there.
Salford Red Devils
The Red Devils seem to have a good half-back pairing sorted in Marc Sneyd and Jayden Nikorima, but could do with some cover for them, especially as Sneyd’s legs start to slow down.
One man that they may be interested in is Jack Hughes, who despite not being a natural in the position is off-contract and started three Super League games there in August for Leigh Leopards in 2024. Given that he is a second-rower primarily, he also provides a good option there as well.
He was in the halves for wins over Castleford Tigers and Hull FC in August, as well as a loss to Wigan.
St Helens
A side stacked full of players, they’re not low on options anywhere, but a key issue seems to be an inability to put points on the board in tough games. Lewis Dodd has left so they will have a new-look spine but perhaps the most important signing is Lee Briers and how Saints can implement his attacking system.
Wakefield Trinity
Trinity will look very different next year, and like Hull FC, they need to let their team gel.
However, more specifically, they may be looking for a surefire hooker to push Liam Hood.
Warrington Wolves
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With Leon Hayes in need of some time to get back to speed, and Josh Drinkwater leaving, a half is needed in Warrington.
Oli Leyland provides another option, but they need someone with real quality if they’re to achieve their goal of getting some silverware and remaining one of the best sides in Super League.
Wigan Warriors
Keep Matt Peet. Keep winning.
