Many Players Move Teams for 2026 Super League Season

The Super League is changing for the 2026 season as many players move to new teams. Some players are coming from other leagues, like the NRL. This could make the games more exciting.
By Newsroom | Sports, Rugby League |

Key Transfers Signal Competitive Reshaping for the Upcoming Season

The 2026 Super League season is poised for significant strategic realignments, driven by a substantial volume of player transfers across the league. Numerous clubs have engaged in active recruitment, bringing in both established talent and promising newcomers. This period of transition suggests a dynamic competition, with teams aiming to bolster their rosters and establish a strong presence from the outset of the new campaign. The sheer breadth of these movements indicates a considerable degree of roster churn, impacting team compositions and potentially influencing league standings.

Super League 2026: 10 intriguing signings to watch - 1

Comprehensive Overview of 2026 Super League Transfers

The Super League transfer window for the 2026 season has seen a considerable influx of player movements. Reports from various sports outlets detail over 100 confirmed transfers, encompassing both new signings and departures from clubs. These movements are not limited to domestic transfers, with players arriving from the National Rugby League (NRL) and other competitive leagues.

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Super League 2026: 10 intriguing signings to watch - 2

  • Notable Player Arrivals: Several players have made notable moves, including Andy Ackers to Leeds Rhinos, Rowan Milnes to Hull KR, and Ethan Ryan to Oldham. The Castleford Tigers have been particularly active, securing players such as Brock Greacen from Newcastle Knights and Blake Taaffe from Canterbury Bulldogs. Catalans Dragons have seen departures including Sam Tomkins and Theo Fages, while Huddersfield Giants have welcomed Niall Evalds from Hull KR.

  • Inter-League Movements: The transfer activity also highlights movements between Super League and the NRL, with players like Ryan Sutton joining Gold Coast Titans (though the source article has Sutton moving from Gold Coast Titans to Bradford Bulls, there is a discrepancy). This influx of NRL talent is expected to elevate the competitive standard within the Super League.

  • Club-Specific Activity:

  • Hull KR: A significant number of players have departed Hull KR, including Rowan Milnes and Eribe Doro who are noted as joining Leeds Rhinos and Bradford Bulls respectively in some reports, while also being listed as new signings for Hull KR in others. This discrepancy in reporting requires further clarification.

  • Castleford Tigers: Have confirmed a substantial number of signings, including Brock Greacen, Blake Taaffe, Mikaele Ravalawa, and Semi Valemei.

  • Catalans Dragons: Have experienced numerous departures, including established players like Sam Tomkins, Theo Fages, and Tevita Pangai Jr.

  • Huddersfield Giants: Have seen arrivals such as Niall Evalds and Mathieu Cozza.

  • St Helens: Appear to have a notable contingent of players moving to other clubs, rather than being primary recipients of new signings, with players like Dayon Sambou and Jonny Vaughan moving to Wigan Warriors, and Oliver Polec moving to Leeds Rhinos according to one report.

  • Warrington Wolves: Have secured several new players, including James Bentley from Leeds Rhinos and Albert Hopoate from Canberra Raiders.

Key Signings and Strategic Impacts

The transfer window has revealed several strategic acquisitions aimed at strengthening specific positions and overall team performance.

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Super League 2026: 10 intriguing signings to watch - 3

Attack-Focused Signings

A number of transfers suggest a focus on bolstering offensive capabilities.

Super League 2026: 10 intriguing signings to watch - 4

  • Mikaele Ravalawa (Castleford Tigers): Arriving from St George Illawarra Dragons, Ravalawa is noted as a significant threat on the wing, with a strong try-scoring record in the NRL. His inclusion is anticipated to add considerable attacking prowess to the Tigers' lineup.

  • Blake Taaffe (Castleford Tigers): Formerly with Canterbury Bulldogs, Taaffe is described as a "running threat," and his move to Super League presents an opportunity for him to establish himself in a new environment.

  • Jake Arthur (Hull FC): The son of a prominent coach, Arthur is seen as ready for a first-team role, with the potential to play hooker and front-row, adding versatility to Hull FC's attack.

Experience and Leadership Recruitment

Several signings bring valuable experience and leadership to their new clubs.

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  • Ryan Sutton (Bradford Bulls): Sutton's arrival at Bradford Bulls generated considerable attention, signifying a high-profile addition for the club. His experience is likely intended to provide a strong foundation.

  • Jackson Hastings (St Helens): Hastings is recognized for his talent, and his presence is expected to influence team dynamics, particularly in the spine positions. His move to St Helens is viewed as a significant acquisition.

  • Jazz Tevaga (Wakefield Trinity): With extensive NRL experience, Tevaga's signing by Wakefield Trinity is expected to provide a seasoned presence and leadership on the field.

Young Talent and Potential Development

The transfer market also reflects an investment in emerging talent.

  • Ed Chamberlain (Hull FC): Although on a season-long loan to Hull FC, Chamberlain represents a player whose development will be closely watched.

  • Arthur Romano (Hull FC): Having previously been with Catalans Dragons, Romano's move to Hull FC is seen as an opportunity to further develop his career and contribute to his new team.

Club-Specific Transfer Activity Analysis

An examination of individual club activities highlights differing strategies in the transfer market.

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ClubNumber of Ins (Confirmed)Notable InsNumber of Outs (Confirmed)Notable Outs
Hull KR(Implied significant)Rowan Milnes, Eribe Doro (Note: Conflicting reports suggest they are leaving Hull KR for other clubs, e.g., Bradford Bulls, Leeds Rhinos).(Implied significant)
Castleford Tigers11Brock Greacen, Blake Taaffe, Mikaele Ravalawa, Semi Valemei, Jordan Lane, Jack Ashworth, Renouf Atoni, Liam Hood, Darnell McIntosh, Tom Weaver13George Griffin, Josh Simm, Innes Senior, Will Tate, Liam Horne, Tex Hoy
Catalans Dragons(Not explicitly detailed)14Sam Tomkins, Theo Fages, Tevita Pangai Jr, Arthur Romano, Cesar Rouge, Elliott Whitehead, Tariq Sims, Luke Keary, Reimis Smith
Huddersfield Giants5Niall Evalds, Mathieu Cozza, Chris Patolo, Asher O’Donnell, Olly Russell(Not explicitly detailed)
St Helens4Shane Wright, Jacob Host, David Klemmer, Jacob Douglas(Implied significant)Dayon Sambou, Jonny Vaughan, Oliver Polec (all moving to Wigan or Leeds per other reports)
Warrington Wolves7James Bentley, Liam Byrne, Albert Hopoate, Toafofoa Sipley, Josh Smith, Sam Stone, Kelepi Tanginoa12Paul Vaughan, Stefan Ratchford, Dan Russell, Tom Whitehead, Matt Dufty, Lachlan Fitzgibbon
Wakefield Trinity8Neil Tchamambe, Tyson Smoothy, Jazz Tevaga, Tray Lolesio, Jordan Williams, Kian McGann, Will Tate, Jack Sinfield9Renouf Atoni, Mathieu Cozza, Liam Hood, Olly Russell, Jack Croft, Josh Griffin
Wigan Warriors3Dayon Sambou, Jonny Vaughan, Oliver Wilson(Not explicitly detailed)

Note: Numbers for "Ins" and "Outs" can vary slightly between sources due to reporting nuances regarding loan deals and permanent transfers, as well as the timing of publication.

Conclusion: A Period of Strategic Rebuilding

The transfer activity leading up to the 2026 Super League season indicates a period of considerable rebuilding and strategic repositioning for many clubs. The movement of established players, particularly those with NRL experience, suggests a desire to enhance competitiveness and challenge for top honors. The conflicting reports surrounding some player movements, such as those involving Hull KR, highlight the need for further verification of finalized deals. The culmination of these transfers will undoubtedly shape the narrative and competitive landscape of the upcoming season, with teams demonstrating varied approaches to roster management, from aggressive recruitment drives to more measured adjustments. The league's landscape is clearly undergoing a significant transformation, driven by these player movements.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many players have moved teams for the 2026 Super League season?
More than 100 players have officially changed teams.
Q: Are players coming from other leagues?
Yes, some players are joining from the National Rugby League (NRL) and other leagues.
Q: Which teams have been very active in signing players?
Castleford Tigers have signed many new players, and Hull KR has also seen a lot of player movement.
Q: Why are so many players moving?
Teams are trying to get better for the new season by signing new players and changing their teams.