Ranking Super League’s recruitment so far as St Helens lead the way, Leeds and Warrington impress, and Castleford Tigers disappoint.
Hull KR’s Elliot MInchella is congratulated by Tom Amone after scoring a try against Brisbane Broncos.
More than a third of the way through the Super League season, a number of off-season signings are already proving to be inspired additions – while others are still struggling to make their mark.
With clubs beginning to settle into their campaigns, here’s how every Super League side ranks so far based on their recruitment in 2026.
Bradford Bulls – B
Bradford’s return to the top flight has been hampered by an injury crisis, making their recruitment drive difficult to properly judge after 10 rounds of Super League.
Star signings Jayden Nikorima, Eribe Doro, Ryan Sutton, Joe Mellor, Esan Marsters and Waqa Blake have all suffered long-term injuries. However, Ethan Ryan, Caleb Aekins and Loghan Lewis have been regular performers, helping the Bulls to three wins so far this season.
Castleford Tigers – D
Sitting just above the foot of the table, Castleford’s season has not gone to plan under head coach Ryan Carr. There have been mitigating circumstances, with star signing Blake Taaffe suffering a season-ending ACL injury in the opening round.
Krystian Mapapalangi has emerged as one of the competition’s best signings, with Castleford quick to extend the outside-back’s contract at the OneBore Stadium.
However, several of their other recruits are still yet to make a major impression in Super League.
Catalans Dragons – B
Catalans have also endured turbulence in 2026, with Joel Tomkins returning to England for personal reasons just two months into the season.
The Dragons currently sit eighth in the table with five wins from 10 matches, while Australian centre Solomona Faataape has been one of their standout off-season signings. Zac Lipowicz, Charlie Staines, Toby Sexton and Lewis Dodd have also impressed during a rollercoaster campaign so far.
Huddersfield Giants – C
Huddersfield have now ended their search for a new head coach, with former Gold Coast Titans assistant Jim Lenihan taking charge with immediate effect. He will hope to spark an upturn in form, with the Giants currently sitting bottom of the Super League table.
Hull FC – B-
Connor Bailey and James Bell have been among Hull’s standout new additions in 2026, although Bailey recently suffered a broken collarbone. Jake Arthur has shown glimpses of quality, while Harvie Hill has been a consistent presence in the middle following his move from Wigan.
After a bright start to life with the Black and Whites, Sam Lisone is now sidelined long term with a pectoral injury, while Arthur Romano has proven to be a shrewd addition.
Hull KR – B
Head coach Willie Peters made few changes to his treble-winning squad, with Tom Amone arriving as a direct replacement for Jared Waerea-Hargreaves. The 2023 Super League Dream Team prop has been solid for Rovers, including scoring in their World Club Challenge triumph.
Tom Whitehead and Jordan Dezaria have also shown promise in limited opportunities.
Leeds Rhinos – B
Leeds were another club to keep changes to a minimum during the off-season, but Danny Levi has proven to be one of the signings of the year so far. He has been ever-present for the Rhinos in Super League, while Jack Bird has made an immediate impact following his early-season arrival from the NRL.
Jeremiah Mata’utia has spent time out on loan at Hull FC, while Ethan O’Neill is still finding his feet at Headingley.
Leigh Leopards – B-
Head coach Adrian Lam called for patience at the start of the season as Leigh adjusted to a new-look spine, and Adam Cook delivered his best display yet against Catalans after a slow start to the year.
Several of the club’s other recruits, however, are still waiting to make a significant impact.
St Helens – A+
St Helens top this list, with Jackson Hastings currently leading Super League for try assists. Joe Shorrocks, whose signing largely went under the radar, has quickly established himself as an influential figure, earning a new long-term contract. Veteran forward David Klemmer has also impressed.
Toulouse Olympique – C
Currently 12th in the table, Toulouse are still searching for consistency. They recently saw loanee Tyler Dupree depart on a permanent move to Castleford, while Australian Ethan Quai-Ward has since linked up with Sylvain Houles’ side.
Wakefield Trinity – B+
Tyson Smoothy has been hugely impressive, although reports suggest he could leave at the end of the 2026 season.
Former Leeds youngster Jack Sinfield has taken his opportunities with both hands, while Jazz Tevaga has quickly become the kind of player opposition fans love to hate.
Warrington Wolves – A
For the first time in a long while, Warrington appear to have got their recruitment spot on, aided further by the emergence of academy products such as Ewan Irwin.
Toafofoa Sipley, Liam Byrne, Albert Hopoate, James Bentley, Josh Smith and Kelepi Tanginoa have all impressed, helping Warrington to third.
Wigan Warriors – C
Like Hull KR and Leeds, Wigan had a relatively quiet off-season, although headline recruit Oliver Wilson suffered an ACL injury during pre-season. Jonny Vaughan and Finn McMillan are still yet to feature, while Dayon Sambou recently sustained a long-term PCL injury on his first start for the Warriors.
York Knights – B-
Paul Vaughan has been central to York’s first season in Super League, and the former Australia prop is showing no signs of slowing down. But Mark Applegarth’s squad has also been hampered by injuries, including a recent long-term blow to veteran Josh Griffin.