Unearthing the Next Generation of Super League Stars: Ones to Watch in 2025

As the new year dawns, the rugby league world eagerly anticipates the emergence of fresh talent in the Super League competition. 2024 witnessed the meteoric rise of Wigan Warriors’ Junior Nsemba, who spearheaded the club’s success in claiming every major trophy.

Now, with the 2025 season fast approaching, we’ve identified a young gun from each Super League side who is poised to make a significant impact in the year ahead. To qualify, these players must currently be aged 23 or under, ruling out established stars like St Helens’ Jack Welsby and Hull FC’s Logan Moy.

Without further ado, let’s delve into our picks for the future stars of the 2025 Super League season.

Castleford Tigers – Fletcher Rooney

Rooney, an 18-year-old versatile back, made his debut for the Tigers in the final game of 2023 and went on to feature three times in the closing stages of the season. Former head coach Craig Lingard tipped the youngster to earn double-digit appearances in 2025, a prediction that seems highly plausible given Rooney’s early promise.

Catalans Dragons – Loan Castano

The 22-year-old loose forward has steadily climbed the ranks at the Dragons, learning from veteran captain Ben Garcia. After making his debut in 2022 and featuring on loan for Toulouse Olympique in 2023, Castano is expected to see his playing time increase substantially in the upcoming campaign.

Huddersfield Giants – Thomas Deakin

The Oldham-born hooker, who honed his skills in Australia, joined the Giants in 2024 and made eight appearances, often serving as the club’s water boy. With more opportunities anticipated under the guidance of Luke Robinson, 2025 could be Deakin’s breakthrough year.

Hull FC – Nick Staveley

The highly-rated utility forward was limited to just eight senior appearances in 2024 due to a season-ending ACL injury sustained in early April. However, with his recovery on track, the 20-year-old Leeds native is expected to feature prominently under new head coach John Cartwright.

Hull KR – Leo Tennison

The towering 21-year-old prop from Hull has been on the Robins’ radar for a few years, earning a single senior appearance alongside loan spells with Cornwall and Featherstone Rovers. With Craven Park’s front-row depth, Tennison will be eager to seize his chance and impress when given the opportunity.

Leeds Rhinos – Tom Nicholson-Watton

The 21-year-old prop has been rewarded with a long-term contract at Headingley, underlining the Rhinos’ faith in his potential. After making his senior debut in 2023 and featuring seven times in 2024, the youngster, who previously had a budding football career, is poised to take the next step in his rugby league journey.

Leigh Leopards – Will Brough

The 18-year-old centre, son of Super League icon Danny Brough, joins the Leopards after impressing for Wakefield’s youth and reserve teams. Although yet to make his senior debut, the towering teenager is an exciting prospect who will be eager to seize his opportunity at the newly-promoted Leigh.

Salford Red Devils – Matty Foster

The 23-year-old back-rower made 21 senior appearances, including ten in Super League, before his 2024 campaign was cut short by an ankle injury. The Red Devils saw enough potential in the youngster to hand him a one-year extension, and he will be aiming to make a significant impact in 2025 under Paul Rowley’s guidance.

St Helens – Noah Stephens

The 20-year-old prop was given ample playing time by Paul Wellens in 2024, making 14 appearances off the bench for the Saints. With the club’s injury woes, Stephens gained valuable experience and is poised to earn more starting berths in the upcoming season, potentially even scoring his first senior try.

Wakefield Trinity – Noah Booth

The versatile 20-year-old back featured eight times for Trinity in their promotion-winning campaign and was often an unused substitute or interchange. Booth has been rewarded with a new deal, and with Wakefield’s squad bolstered, he will be eager to seize his opportunities under Daryl Powell’s tutelage.

Warrington Wolves – Leon Hayes

The 20-year-old half-back was on the brink of cementing his place in Warrington’s starting lineup before a season-ending ankle injury. With Oli Leyland’s arrival, Hayes will be determined to reclaim his spot and prove his worth under the guidance of head coach Sam Burgess.

Wigan Warriors – Taylor Kerr

The 18-year-old loose forward is the latest product of Wigan’s renowned youth system. Yet to make his senior debut, the local lad has impressed at the academy and reserves levels, and the Warriors are known for providing opportunities to their promising youngsters, whether in their first team or through suitable loan arrangements.

As the 2025 Super League season approaches, these young talents are poised to make their mark and cement their place in the ever-evolving landscape of rugby league. Keep an eye out for these rising stars as they look to follow in the footsteps of Wigan’s Junior Nsemba and make a lasting impact on the game.

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