Opinion: 2020 debutants dream team

Super League in 2020 saw many young players given the chance to shine. 

No relegation, midweek matches and Covid-19 isolation rules meant clubs were willing to give their youngsters an opportunity.

Who stood out? We pick a Dream Team of the players who made their Super League debut this year. 

Bailey Hodgson – Castleford Tigers

The highly regarded full-back made his first team debut for Castleford Tigers late on in the 2020 season against Hull KR after impressing at academy level for club and country. The 18-year-old has signed a three-year deal with NRL club Newcastle Knights and will head over to Australia hoping to learn his trade under the guidance of the Knights. He follows his uncle and ex Rovers hooker Josh Hodgson across the pond, where young Bailey will be aiming to make a big splash.

Liam Tindall – Leeds Rhinos

The Leeds Rhinos youngster almost scored one of the most memorable debut tries during the round 14 match against Catalans Dragons. Pulled down inches from the try line after a making a break from halfway, it would have been the perfect start to his first team career. However, he did manage to cross the whitewash during his second appearance of the year during a defeat to St Helens – and those two impressive performances will hopefully set him up for more first team opportunities next year. 

The young Rhinos came to play 💯

Liam Tindall so close to a ridiculous try 🤯#SuperLeague #SLLeeCat pic.twitter.com/W0FetxAH1x
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) September 30, 2020

James McDonnell - Wigan Warriors

James McDonnell has been part of the Wigan Warriors set up since 2014. He has played with the academy for three years, winning two grand finals during that tenure. McDonnell has represented England at academy level, as well as being joint-top try scorer in Warriors' 2019 academy team. He was part of a young Warriors squad who took on Saints back in September, debuting alongside five other youngsters. 

Will Tate – Hull KR

Will Tate made his debut for Rovers against Rhinos back in September, impressing coach Tony Smith during a disappointing defeat. Tate went on to play a total of four games in the red and white during the 2020 season, scoring his first try for the club when he lined up against Huddersfield Giants. Tate has played at full-back and on the wing for the first team this year but played a lot of his academy rugby league in the centres, showing his versatility and creating more opportunity for him to shine for the Robins in 2021. 

Matty Ashton – Warrington Wolves

Despite suffering a hamstring tear which required surgery midway through the season, it has been a debut season to remember for Matty Ashton. He burst onto the Super League scene in the opening round in 2020, lining up at full-back against the Warriors and immediately making an impact with his speed and energy with ball in hand. Ashton has been a joy to watch for Warrington Wolves this year whether he’s played at fullback or on the wing - and will be even better next year with a season’s Super League experience under his belt. 

Lewis Dodd – St Helens

18-year-old Lewis Dodd has been tipped for a big future in the Red Vee. He signed a four-year deal at the beginning of 2020 after impressing during Saints' first two reserve matches, as well as lining up for the Saints during a pre-season friendly. Dodd was set to make his debut against the Giants early in September - but was agonisingly omitted from the squad on the eve of their game due to Covid-19 track and trace rules. He did eventually get to make his debut later that month, starting on the bench against local rivals Warriors, earning a victory in his first Super League outing. 

Ben McNamara – Hull FC

Son of Catalan Dragons head coach Steve McNamara, Ben will be hoping to create his own legacy in Super League after debuting with Hull FC this year. He is the third generation in his family to play top level rugby league and made the dream start to his first-team career - scoring a try on debut during Hull FC’s win against the Tigers in round 14. Part of the current England Academy squad, McNamara will be hoping to build on his first team experience and get more game time in 2021.  

McNamara on his debut! Magic from Connor ✨@hullfcofficial extend the lead again live on @SkySportsRL Arena, #SuperLeague #SLCasHul #SLNextGen pic.twitter.com/9Ialzqp0YL
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) October 1, 2020

Ronan Michael – Huddersfield Giants

Ronan Michael’s path to a first-team debut is unique. The Irishman has only been involved in rugby league for the past three years, spending most of his youth playing rugby union. He was given an opportunity by the Giants and signed with the club, before heading out to Canberra Raiders to get some experience with the NRL club. However, Covid-19 cut that short and brought him back to England where he was able to make his first team debut in the final round of the season.

Connor Aspey - Salford Red Devils

Connor Aspey is another young player who earned a professional contract this year. The young hooker has impressed around at Salford Red Devils and was rewarded with a first team debut against Rovers in October. The opportunity presented itself due to the Red Devils' Challenge Cup success, Aspey taking full advantage of coach Ian Watson’s desire to rest players in the build up to the final. The energetic hooker will be hoping for more opportunities next year, and with first choice hooker Joey Lussick headed back to Australia, there may be more chances in the first team for young Aspey. 

Muizz Mustapha - Leeds Rhinos

Muizz Mustapha will link up with Rovers in 2021 after making his Rhinos debut this year. He is another player to benefit from his sides Challenge Cup run in a condensed season after the enforced break, playing twice for the Rhinos with coach Richard Agar choosing to sit out some of his first team stars during their pursuit of Challenge Cup glory. Mustapha made a great impact off the bench in his two games played, amassing 64 tackles, and showing his ability to take on season pro’s down the middle. Rovers fans will no doubt be excited by the prospect of Mustapha at their club next year.  

Harry Rushton – Wigan Warriors

Harry Rushton is another Warriors player who made his debut in their league defeat to Saints in September. The 19-year-old was in the thick of the action that evening, reflected in an impressive 41 tackle effort. Headed to the Raiders in 2021, Rushton signed a three-year deal with the NRL side next season and will join a quartet of English players in the Australian capital - fellow Warriors academy graduates George Williams and Ryan Sutton, as well as England internationals Elliot Whitehead and Josh Hodgson. 

Ellis Robson – Warrington Wolves 

Ellis Robson played for Oldham St Annes as an amateur and has been part of the Wolves academy set up for several years. Captain of the Wolves under-19s side in 2018, Robson made a first team appearance during a pre-season friendly that year but made his Super League debut for the Wolves against Hull FC in September. The backrower has gone onto play five times this season and recently signed a two-year extension with Wolves and will be hoping for more opportunities in the first team squad. 

Connor Bailey – Wakefield Trinity

An adaptable player who has played in several positions at academy level and first grade, Connor Bailey looks to be an exciting prospect for Wakefield Trinity. In a difficult season on the pitch for the club, the performances of their young players on debut was a positive outcome in an otherwise challenging year. Bailey’s debut against Hull FC was complimented by coach Chris Chester, no doubt impressed by the youngster’s efforts and expecting to give him more opportunities to play in 2021.