The top five Super Leagues have confirmed transfers for 2025 so far

VaselineMay 26, 2024

0 4 minutes read

The top five Super Leagues have confirmed transfers for 2025 so far

Transfer activity is heating up after a relatively quiet start to the Super League window. The Super League picture for 2025 is taking shape as more deals are announced, with some huge names already signed up for next season.

While some of Super League’s biggest names are yet to show their hand in the market, clubs such as Wigan Warriors, St Helens and Warrington Wolves will be working hard behind the scenes to build squads capable of competing for the top prize of the Super League. The rumor mill has gone into overdrive in recent days with the reported availability of several NRL stars.

With that in mind, we look at the five biggest deals completed so far, in anticipation of more massive transfers to come.

John Asiata – Leigh Leopards at Hull FC

John Asiata. Credit: Imago Images

John Asiata’s move to Hull FC isn’t just huge for its on-field implications. It is also probably the most controversial deal that has been done so far. Asiata’s move to FC was announced at the start of May and sent shockwaves through the Super League. He became the first signing announced by Hull’s director of rugby, Richie Myler.

In the aftermath of the move, Leigh Leopards owner Derek Beaumont claimed he was left stunned by the deal and dismissed FC’s behavior as desperate. The Asian apologized to Leigh fans afterwards for the way the move was communicated.

All the controversy surrounding the deal threatened to overshadow what could be a brilliant deal for the Blacks. The Asian was a talisman for the Leopards during his time with the club. He was instrumental in their promotion from the Championship and their first highly successful season back in Super League. He was a crucial part of the team that finished in the top four and lifted the Challenge Cup in 2023.

If he can make a similar impact in 2025 for Hull then their fans will be very happy.

Esan Marsters – Huddersfield Giants at Salford Red Devils

Credit: Imago Images

Marsters’ move to Salford Red Devils is hot in the media, but one that will have huge consequences. Marsters has been one of Huddersfield Giants’ best players this season, notching four tries and five assists in his 11 Super League appearances this season.

Marsters is second in the Super League for meters made, with 1,808 in his 11 games. He has the fourth most tackles with 71 and is in the top 10 for carries and offloading. Salford are the team Huddersfield must catch to earn a place in the end-of-season play-offs. So losing such a key player to their close rivals is a huge blow.

Salford already have one of the best center partnerships in Nene MacDonald and Tim Lafai. However, Lafai’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season and it will be interesting to see what implication Marsters’ move has on his future.

While the Marsters deal is huge on its own, the secondary impact can make it even bigger.

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves – Sydney Roosters at Hull KR

Credit: Imago Images

According to an old saying, a week is a long time in politics, and this saying is equally relevant in sports. So it’s only natural that the three months that have passed since Hull KR announced the signing of Jared Waerea-Hargreaves seem like a lifetime ago. However, that doesn’t diminish the size of the coup the Robins have pulled off with this deal.

Waerea-Hargreaves is a giant of the modern game. The towering prop had a glittering NRL career, winning three NRL titles and three World Club Challenge titles. Played 307 NRL games, scoring 16 tries. His career began with the Manly Sea Eagles before a move to the Sydney Roosters sparked a 14-year love affair.

Despite being 35, Waerea-Hargreaves is still at the top of his game and a regular in the Roosters squad, making nine appearances so far this season. In a recent interview, former Super League legend Matt Adamson claimed that KR have already sealed the season signing of Waerea-Hargreaves.

The Robins are making a great team for 2025 and Waerea-Hargreaves can be the icing on the cake.

Tom Johnstone – Catalans Dragons at Wakefield Trinity

Credit: Imago Images

Although not currently in Super League, Wakefield Trinity can lay claim to having completed some of the best pre-2025 business as they look to mount a Championship comeback.

Current England International signing Mike McMeeken from Catalans Dragons would claim inclusion on this list were it not for the deal to bring Tom Johnstone back to Wakefield for 2025. England International Johnstone is one of England’s most prolific goalscorers attempts. in Super League, having 113 career tries in 143 appearances. He was the competition’s leading try scorer in the 2023 season and was a crucial part of the Dragons side that reached the Grand Final last year.

Johnstone has a long association with Wakefield, coming through the ranks at Belle Vue. He played 115 times for Wakefield, making his debut in 2015, before leaving for the south of France. Wakefield have ambitions to break into the top half of Super League. If they continue to bring in players of Johnstone’s caliber, they have a good chance of doing so.

Ryan Hall – Hull KR to Leeds Rhinos

Credit: Imago Images

Leeds Rhinos fans of a certain era could be forgiven for getting a little misty-eyed when the news broke that Ryan Hall would be returning to the club for 2025. The former Rhinos man had some of his best years with the club after came through the Leeds academy system and was a key part of their golden generation.

However, despite the clear sentimental angle behind the move, it’s a transfer driven by more than nostalgia. Ryan Hall remains one of the best wings in Super League and has been a key element of Hull KR’s success in recent years. He has made 11 appearances for the Robins this season, scoring six tries. He has made the fifth most meters in Super League this season with 1555 in his 11 appearances and has the fourth most hauls in the league with 210.

Leeds have struggled to make meters away from their own line, so Hall will add something in that department. He also brings valuable experience and leadership qualities to a Leeds side that seem to lack it at crucial times.

Hall’s move back to Leeds may be one of those rare transfers where both heart and head can be satisfied.

VaselineMay 26, 2024

0 4 minutes read

John Asiata – Leigh Leopards at Hull FC

Esan Marsters – Huddersfield Giants at Salford Red Devils

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves – Sydney Roosters at Hull KR

Tom Johnstone – Catalans Dragons at Wakefield Trinity

Ryan Hall – Hull KR to Leeds Rhinos

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