Super League Clubs Eyeing Championship Talent for 2025 Season
As the Super League season approaches its midway point, the league table is starting to take shape. The clubs at the top have a clear idea of what they need to do to compete for honors this season, while those at the bottom can identify the weaknesses in their squads. It has been a constant flurry of transfer activity since the window opened on May 1st, with clubs scouring the NRL and their Super League rivals to find players who could help turn their season around or improve their fortunes for 2025. Names like John Asiata, Ryan Hall, and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves will all feature for new Super League clubs next season.
Uncovering Hidden Gems in the Championship
However, Super League clubs may be overlooking a valuable source of talent – the Championship. This division has a proven track record of producing outstanding talent, and Super League clubs could uncover a hidden gem in unexpected places. With that in mind, we have identified three Championship players who are ready to make the step up to the top flight.
Eribe Doro: A Physical Presence in the Forward Pack
Eribe Doro, the 23-year-old Manchester-born forward, started his career with the Warrington Wolves, making his Super League debut in 2020. After spells with the Widnes Vikings and Halifax Panthers, Doro has found his stride with the Bradford Bulls, becoming a physical presence in their forward pack. His impressive performances have caught the eye of Super League clubs, and a return to the top division seems imminent, whether it be with Hull KR or elsewhere.
Cory Aston: Instrumental in Sheffield Eagles’ Resurgence
Cory Aston’s career has taken a circuitous route, but he has found his footing back where he started – with the Sheffield Eagles. The half-back broke into the Eagles’ side in 2013 as an 18-year-old and impressed enough to earn a move to Leeds Rhinos, though it didn’t work out. After stints with Castleford Tigers and London Broncos, Aston returned to Sheffield in 2022 and has been instrumental in the club’s recent resurgence, scoring nine tries in 28 appearances last season. With quality halves in high demand, a Super League side may be tempted to give Aston a second chance in the top division.
Maxime Stefani: A Powerful Try-Scoring Forward
Maxime Stefani, the powerful Toulouse Olympique second-rower, has been a revelation in the Championship. The 26-year-old Frenchman has scored an impressive seven tries in just nine appearances this season, highlighting his prowess as a try-scoring forward. Stefani has Super League experience, having played 13 times for Olympique in 2022, and with IMG placing greater emphasis on the number of French internationals in the Catalans squad, he could be the perfect addition to bolster their pack.
As the 2023 Super League season reaches its midpoint, these three Championship standouts are ready to prove their worth at the top level and could be the difference-makers their respective clubs are seeking.
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