A signing from each Super League club to be excited about in 2021

Drew Darbyshire

John Bateman returns to Wigan in 2021 after two seasons in the NRL with Canberra Raiders

There are plenty of new recruits we can be excited to watch in Super League this year.

For the purpose of this feature, we have picked one signing from each club in the top flight that we are looking forward to watching in 2021…

Castleford Tigers – Niall Evalds

Evalds has joined Castleford on a one-year deal from Salford. The 27-year-old scored 101 tries in 146 games for the Red Devils and is a joy to watch. Evalds is an England Knights international and has plenty of pace along with great footwork.

Catalans Dragons – Gil Dudson

Catalans have made two signings ahead of the new season so far – Dudson and Mike McMeeken. Dudson was fantastic for Salford in his two years there, and the Welshman will no doubt add plenty of power to the Dragons pack.

Huddersfield Giants – Ricky Leutele

Leutele is a very, very good signing for Huddersfield. The Samoa international made 128 appearances for Cronulla before linking up with Toronto, scoring 20 tries in 35 games for the Wolfpack. Leutele is a great strike centre who will no doubt put smiles on the faces of Huddersfield fans.

Hull FC – Josh Reynolds

The former New South Wales half-back has signed a two-year deal with Hull, with an option of a third. Reynolds is an excellent playmaker, having scored 44 tries in 160 NRL games for Canterbury Bulldogs and Wests Tigers. He will provide plenty of creativity for Brett Hodgson’s side.

Hull Kingston Rovers – Brad Takairangi

The Cook Islands and New Zealand international has penned a two-year deal with the Robins. Takairangi has a wonderful skillset and will provide versatility to Tony Smith’s outfit, being able to play back-row, centre or half-back.

Leeds Rhinos – Zane Tetevano

Zane Tetevano in action for New Zealand

Powerhouse prop Tetevano will add size and aggression to the Rhinos in 2021 after joining the club on a three-year deal from NRL Grand Finalists Penrith Panthers. Tetevano is a New Zealand and Cook Islands international.

Leigh Centurions – James Bell

Scotland international James Bell could make his debut for Leigh

Bell is a smart loose forward with an incredible work rate. The Scotland international started his career in the NRL with New Zealand Warriors before enjoying two seasons with Toulouse. Bell is a brilliant pick up for the Centurions and he will be hoping to play in his second World Cup for Scotland later this year.

Salford Red Devils – Joe Burgess

Burgess has joined Salford on a three-year deal from Wigan. The winger scored 107 tries in 129 appearances across two spells for the Warriors. Burgess will be hoping to make his way into the England squad for the World Cup in 2021.

St Helens – Sione Mata’utia

Saints have made four signings for 2021 – Mata’utia, Agnatius Paasi, Joel Thompson and Dan Norman. Mata’utia, 24, has made more than 100 NRL appearances for Newcastle Knights and has represented Australia and Samoa at international level. He will be one to watch for Saints this year.

Wakefield Trinity – Mason Lino

Samoa international Lino is a big coup for Wakefield, having signed a three-year deal with Trinity. He is a goal-kicking half-back who causes plenty of problems for opposition defences. Lino is an entertaining player to watch when he’s got the ball in his hands.

Warrington Wolves – Greg Inglis

Australia and Queensland legend Inglis will play in Super League for the first time in 2021 as he joins Warrington. The 33-year-old is one of the greatest players of the modern era, having scored 150 tries in 265 NRL games.

Wigan Warriors – John Bateman

Wigan fans will no doubt be made up to see Bateman back at the DW Stadium this year following his two successful seasons in the NRL with Canberra Raiders. The Great Britain and England international has been given Wigan’s famous number 13 shirt for 2021.

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