Exciting Times Ahead for Super League: A Ranked Breakdown of the Hype Surrounding 8 NRL Stars Joining in 2025

Exciting times are on the horizon for Super League as over 20 high-profile signings from the NRL have been confirmed for the 2025 season. Among the eight NRL stars making the move to the Northern Hemisphere, here’s a ranked breakdown of the hype surrounding their arrivals.

8. Nick Cotric (Catalans Dragons)

The 25-year-old outside back has penned a three-year deal with Catalans, bringing his Canberra Raiders career to an end. While Cotric boasts nearly 150 first-grade appearances and Grand Final experience, he has spent much of 2024 playing in the New South Wales Cup. With several other big-name signings at the Stade Gilbert Brutus, Cotric’s move has generated less fanfare compared to some of his fellow NRL recruits.

7. Elliott Whitehead (Catalans Dragons)

Whitehead, 35, will return to Catalans a decade after departing for the NRL and Canberra Raiders. The veteran England international’s longevity in Australia is impressive, but his signing has not created as much buzz as some of the other high-profile arrivals in Super League.

6. Tom Burgess (Huddersfield Giants)

After over a decade with the South Sydney Rabbitohs, the prop will make his Super League comeback with the Huddersfield Giants on a three-year deal. While his signing initially generated excitement, subsequent high-profile transfers have slightly diminished the hype around Burgess’ move.

5. Tevita Pangai Jr (Catalans Dragons)

The 28-year-old Tongan powerhouse, standing at 6’3″ and weighing 120kg, has signed a one-year contract with the Catalans Dragons. Known for his divisive character, Pangai Jr’s potential to either excel or flop has piqued the interest of rugby league enthusiasts.

4. Luke Keary (Catalans Dragons)

After helping the Sydney Roosters win two NRL Grand Finals, the 32-year-old playmaker has penned a two-year deal with the Catalans Dragons. Despite reports of his impending retirement, Keary’s superstar status has generated a decent level of anticipation around his move to the Stade Gilbert Brutus.

3. Tristan Sailor (St Helens)

The 26-year-old Brisbane Broncos back has signed a two-year contract with reigning Super League champions St Helens. Sailor’s electric performances have created a great deal of hype, and Saints fans will be eagerly awaiting his arrival to help the club continue their success.

2. David Armstrong (Leigh Leopards)

The 23-year-old Newcastle Knights full-back has agreed a three-year deal with Leigh Leopards, a signing that has been highly anticipated by the club’s supporters. Armstrong’s impressive breakthrough in the NRL has built significant excitement around his potential impact in Super League.

1. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (Hull KR)

Topping the list is the 35-year-old New Zealand international, who has signed a one-year contract with Hull KR. Waerea-Hargreaves is a true legend of the game, having won three NRL titles with the Sydney Roosters. The hype around witnessing such an accomplished player in Super League before he retires is palpable.

As these NRL stars prepare to make their mark in the Northern Hemisphere, rugby league fans are eagerly anticipating the 2025 season and the impact these high-profile signings will have on the competition.

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