Over 90 additions were made by the 12 Super League clubs before to the start of the 2024 season, and as usual, a few of them have lit up the competition this year.
But who has been the best signing this season?
We’ve ranked the top ten.
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10. Kruise Leeming (Wigan Warriors) – Popular in the Love Rugby League.
If Leeming had been more fortunate with injuries, he would have risen higher in this ranking. He’s only missed seven Super League games this season, but he’s been a huge loss for Wigan when he hasn’t played, especially with so many injuries in that same #9 position.
The Warriors did excellent business by bringing him back from the NRL, where he played for the Gold Coast Titans in 2023.
9. Rodrick Tai (Warrington Wolves).
Like many of the athletes that come over from Papua New Guinea, ex-PNG Hunters ace Tai was a bit of a mystery. The centre took a few weeks to find his stride, but once he did, he never looked back.
With 17 outings in a Warrington shirt under his belt, the 25-year-old has secured a new contract at The Halliwell Jones Stadium until 2025.
8. Herman Ese’ese (Hull FC)
Herman Ese’ese
Herman Ese’ese, a New Zealand and Samoa international, salutes Hull FC supporters after a game in 2024. Ese’ese has been the bright spot among Hull’s senior figures in what has been a disappointing season on the pitch.
The prop didn’t get off to the best start with his card against Hull KR on the first night, but he’s been outstanding since then, in our opinion. FC appear even more lost and lacking when he isn’t available. His signing from the Dolphins is a rare occurrence for the Airlie Birds in recent years in terms of excellent recruitment.
7. Daryl Clark (Saint Helens)
“Daryl Clark is on fire, running through the middle of the park.” The fact that Saints fans have been mimicking that song around away ends around the country in recent months demonstrates just how good Clark has been for them since joining from Warrington in the off-season.
The hooker was signed in to replace James Roby, who will retire at the end of 2023. No one was ever going to be able to totally replace him, but Clark has come close – he’s scored 12 tries (7T, 5A) in 19 Super League outings this season.
6. Brodie Croft (Leeds Rhinos).
Brodie Croft
Brodie Croft celebrates a try for the Leeds Rhinos in 2024.
Leeds, like Hull FC and Ese’ese, haven’t exactly lit the world on fire in 2024, but when they have, playmaker Croft has nearly always been at the centre of it. Despite a tough year at Headingley, he has managed to record 17 assists in 20 Super League matches while also scoring six tries.
Big things were expected of the 2022 Man of Steel when the Rhinos bought him from Salford alongside Andy Ackers, not least because of the large price required to acquire the pair. Croft has delivered abundantly.
5. Peta Hiku(Hull KR)
If KR manager Willie Peters had kept Hiku at full-back for the entire 2024 season, he would not have made this list. When the senior Kiwi international arrived from the North Queensland Cowboys and was given the #1 jersey, the first few weeks were a nightmare for him.
But once he moved into the centres, the Gisborne native flourished – and he’s been one of the best players in the entire Super League, so we’d be astonished if he’s not on the Dream Team. 14 tries and six assists in the league is not to be overlooked, especially considering he was playing in the wrong position for a few games.
4. Matthew Moylan (Leigh Leopards)
Matthew Moylan
Matt Moylan in action with the Leigh Leopards in 2024
There’s no doubt that Leigh signed Moylan to play alongside Lachlan Lam in the halves, but because to the colossal number of injuries the Leopards have had to deal with in 2024, the Australian – now sidelined himself – has spent the majority of his first Super League season at full-back.
Nonetheless, the Kangaroos international has impressed wherever he has played since joining the Cronulla Sharks. Moylan has five tries and 15 assists in just 18 league matches. When the Leythers have a fit squad again next year, it will be thrilling to watch what he can do in the halves.
3. Kelepi Tanginoa(Hull KR)
Despite Wakefield’s problems on the road to relegation last season, Auburn-born Tanginoa was consistently a standout player. To bring him in, KR had to rejig their quota spot situation and allow Rhys Kennedy go, which seemed like a risk at the time, but in a high-flying Robins team, Tanginoa has demonstrated why he was worth the difficulty of acquiring him.
The 30-year-old, who has yet to miss a game for Willie Peters’ side in 2024 and recently passed the century mark in Super League games, played a significant role in KR’s transition from a competent squad to serious title contenders.
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2) Luke Thompson (Wigan Warriors)
Luke Thompson
In 2024, Luke Thompson gave a thumbs up to the camera after a Wigan Warriors win. Despite returning from the NRL and Canterbury Bulldogs, Thompson exceeded expectations. We’d be surprised if he didn’t walk away with a slew of awards every time Wigan holds their annual awards ceremony.
The Billinge-born prop appears to be chosen to our Team of the Week every Monday and consistently delivers. He’s made over 500 tackles in the Super League alone this season, including over 100 on the marker, while playing some extremely massive minutes, and on rare occasions a full 80 (!). A top player.
1. Nene MacDonald (Salford Red Devils).
Moving on to the man who tops our list: Macdonald. The centre has helped Salford’s attacking threat rise several levels, whether through the danger he poses with the ball in hand or his ability to lure people out of the line.
His total of 3081 metres this season is the third-highest in the Super League, yet it is only the tip of the iceberg in terms of his stats. It’s a joy to watch the 30-year-old, and we’d be surprised if he doesn’t make the Super League Dream Team when it’s announced in a few weeks.
\When the Papua New Guinean left Leeds, it was clear that he was departing on terrible terms, and it appeared that he would be leaving the Super League permanently. But the Red Devils and Paul Rowley persuaded him to continue in the competition, and they’re far better off as a result.
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