Clubs transfer deals graded
17 Oct 2019
Castleford Tigers: B
Castleford Tigers played 2019 without Luke Gale, and it was later announced he would sign for Leeds Rhinos, they’ll need to find another replacement for him, and there’s rumours St Helens’ Danny Richardson could be on the verge of signing for Daryl Powell’s men. Castleford also signed one of the hottest forward’s in the Championship from Toulouse Olympique, Tyla Hepi, he’ll be joined by Tongan international Sosaia Feki who signed from Cronulla Sharks. Powell has also added Salford’s George Griffin and Derrell Olpherts to his 2020 squad.
Catalans Dragons: B-
They’ve only made one signing so far, but Super League clubs will be jealous at the fact that James Maloney will head to Perpignan for 2020. Catalans 2019 season capitulated, and Steve McNamara will need to add a few more players to challenge for the top five after losing Greg Bird to retirement and Tony Gigot not renewing his contract.
Huddersfield Giants: B
Three key signings for Huddersfield Giants was kicked-off by the signing off Kenny Edwards from Catalans, the second rower is an impact player and in-form he’s one of the best in Super League. Ashton Golding featured Featherstone Rovers in the Million Pound Game, and was one of their star players in their fight to get promoted, and on his day he could be one of the top full-backs in the league. Adding to their pack, Simon Woolford's men confirmed the signing prop-forward James ‘The Enforcer’ Gavet from Newcastle Knights.
Hull FC: A
Hull FC fans would’ve been excited with the signing of Mahe Fonua, the former Black and White re-signed for the club on a three-year deal. But it’s the pack that is most exciting, the Tongan terminator, Manu Ma’u will be joined by Tevita Satae, Ligi Sao and Salford’s Josh Jones who was in the 2019 Super League Dream Team. St Helens winger Adam Swift will add depth to FC’s winger position, and Widnes Vikings’ Jordan Johnstone will come in and challenge Danny Houghton at hooker.
Is 2020 here yet? 😴
Who's looking forward to seeing @EhamFonua back in the ⚫??⚪?? @hullfcofficial #SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/Jzq1Pvnwo4
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) October 17, 2019
Hull KR: A-
Tony Smith’s men have made more signings than any other team in Super League as they look to avoid a repeat of 2019. They’ve made some astute signings with London’s Jordan Abdull and Matty Gee. Added quality to their wings with NRL star, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, one of the most talked about prospects in the Championship, Ethan Ryan and Toronto Wolfpack’s Nick Rawsthorne. While, Harvey Livett, Greg Minikin, Will Maher, and Matt Parcell will add much-needed Super League experience.
Leeds Rhinos: B-
A fit Luke Gale will be a very special addition for Leeds Rhinos; however, Gale missed the whole of the 2019 season after rupturing his Achilles in pre-season. The 2017 Man of Steel winner re-joined his boyhood club on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee. Alex Mellor had a tough year at Huddersfield, but he was one of their stand-out players in 2019, missing only three Super League games.
Salford Red Devils: B
It will be a tough transition in pre-season for Ian Watson’s men, returning to pre-season after their first ever Grand Final appearance. They’ve lost three of their top performers, Jake Bibby, Josh Jones and 2019 Man of Steel winner Jackson Hastings. They’ve signed experienced players; Chris Atkin, Kevin Brown, James Greenwood, Pauli Pauli, Dan Sarginson and some stand-out Championship players from Featherstone Rovers, Connor Jones and Jack Ormondroyd.
#ICYMI @SalfordDevils' TRIPLE SIGNING 🤩
Luke Yates ✅
Rhys Williams ✅
Elliot Kear ✅ #SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/HTufktVa5p
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) October 17, 2019
St Helens: C-
St Helens’ 2020 season may not be defined on the players they have signed, rather the players they can keep. In 2019, signings from the NRL included Kevin Naiqama and Lachlan Coote, both had stand-out years and were included in the 2019 Super League Dream Team. Grand Final winning Coach, Justin Holbrook has left for the NRL and new coach, Kristian Woolf will be hoping his British talent does not follow Holbrook. If Saints still have Luke Thompson and Tommy Makinson by round, that C- will turn to an A!
Toronto Wolfpack: C-
The first ever Canadian Super League side will need to make some big impact signings to to cement their place in Super League. No signings have been announced yet, they’ve lost winger Nick Rawsthorne to Hull KR and former Super League star, Ashton Sims has retired. However, they’ve been linked to a whole host of big names including, the one and only, Sonny Bill Williams.
Wakefield Trinity: B
Alex Walker was one of London Broncos’ stand-out players last year, and Wakefield would have beaten a lot of clubs to his signature. The hardest or bravest man in Super League, Joe Westerman has joined Chris Chester’s side with his teammate Chris Green from Hull FC. While, Ryan Atkins returned to Wakefield towards the end of 2019, and could form a partnership with metre-maker Bill Tupou in the centres.
Warrington Wolves: B
Warrington Wolves have signed highly rated youngsters, and two experienced stars. Matty Ashton was on fire for Swinton Lions last year and was one of the most promising talents outside of Super League.
The Wire announced the signing of Widnes Vikings duo Keanan Brand and Anthony Gelling, the Man of the People. Sammy Kibula spent the majority of last season on-loan at both, Dewsbury Rams and Swinton Lions from Wigan, he’ll add to Warrington’s huge pack.
Their big signing was announced early in 2019, they’ll already have superstar Blake Austin in their squad, but in the halves, they’ll have England star Gareth Widdop alongside him, and Steve Price will be hoping he’s fully recovered from his shoulder injury.
Wigan Warriors: A+
Wigan Warriors have made the best start to the 2020 off-season, their loss of George Williams to NRL side Canberra Raiders should not be too much of a hit. Especially, with his replacement, 2019 Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel winner, Jackson Hastings. Hastings will be joined by former teammate, Jake Bibby who will most likely join Oliver Gildart in centre’.
Wigan’s pack next year will be fearsome, the addition of England international George Burgess and former Castleford player Mitch Clark to go alongside the already experienced and young superstars coming through will be tough for the opposition to match.
