Top 5 signings ahead of the 2023 season

Super League clubs have had a busy off-season, with all teams making lots of great signings in preparation for the upcoming year. I have given my thoughts on what I think the best five signings are so far and what they will add to their new employers.

1. Zak Hardaker. Leeds Rhinos-Leigh Leopards

Zak Hardaker put pen to paper on a deal to take him from the Rhinos to Leigh, and it is a massive signing for the newly promoted club. Hardaker is a versatile back, being able to cover centre and fullback, and has massive Super League experience. He was a massive part of the Leeds squad that went all the way to the Grand Final last season, and will be sorely missed this season at Headingley, a great signing for the Leopards.

2. Nene Macdonald. Leigh Leopards-Leeds Rhinos

Going in the opposite direction is Papua New Guinea back Nene Macdonald. He is a great signing by Rohan Smith, and should easily go straight into the Rhinos starting 13. Macdonald comes to Headingley in great form after scoring 27 tries in 27 games last season for Leigh in the Championship. He will cause chaos for defences this season in Super League, and fills a big Zak Hardaker sized hole in that centre position for the Rhinos.

3. Jake Connor. Hull FC-Huddersfield Giants

The versatile English back, recently given the number one shirt for this season, is a great signing for the Giants. Arguably one of the form players last season, leading Super League in try assists, he will bring great creativity to a Giants backline in need of it following the immediate departure of centre Ricky Leutele, and is already the replacement for outgoing star Will Pryce, who will leave the club to join Newcastle Knights at the end of the 2023 season.

4. Renouf Atoni. Sydney Roosters-Wakefield Trinity

An under the radar signing from Wakefield, prop Renouf Atoni is a great signing from the Sydney Roosters in the NRL. Despite this signing going under the radar, it is a huge one, as he will bring a lot of power to Trinity’s pack, The New Zealand born prop will also bring a lot of experience to their squad, having played over 40 NRL games during his time in Australia. Atoni could be a key player for them as they look to push higher up the table this season and this is why he makes my list.

5. Ricky Leutele. Huddersfield Giants-Leigh Leopards

Another quality signing from Leigh, Leutele has made the switch over from the Giants to Leigh for the upcoming season. A cult hero during his time at the John Smiths Stadium, he will bring real all round quality to Leigh. He is a fine try scorer, racking up 20 tries during his two seasons at Huddersfield. He will also add a lot of experience to Leigh, and this could be vital in helping them avoid the yoyo of promotion and relegation. This is a fantastic signing for Leigh, and with the addition of Hardaker, they could have a really mean looking midfield this season.

Honourable mentions:

Liam Sutcliffe. Leeds Rhinos- Hull FC

Gareth Widdop. Warrington Wolves- Castleford Tigers

In conclusion, with the 2023 Super League quickly approaching, we’re already some talented additions to the competition for the upcoming year with more expected to follow before round one.

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