Six young players to watch in Super League
With the pressure of reaching the top eight ever increasing, we hope it doesn’t get in the way of some of these players coming through in the upcoming campaign.
We’ve picked out six young players to watch – but let us know any gems that you’ve seen coming through the ranks at your club.
George Williams (Wigan)
By no means a rookie, having made 23 appearances for the Warriors, but Williams at 20 years old has been handed the number six jersey by Shaun Wane which suggests big things are expected of him. Another one off the incredible Wigan production line, and he would appear to have the world at his feet.
Dixon was almost the forgotten man of 2014, cruelly denied a big move and a big season by a horrific injury playing for England Knights at the end of 2013. He looked set for Salford, but having been forced to stick it out at London Broncos and playing just four times last season, he has now moved to Hull KR. Chris Chester has handed him the number one jersey, and the platform of full-back could be just what he needs to make the most of his electrifying pace that could see him rival Morgan Escare as the most exciting back in the league.
Will Maher (Castleford)
Towering prop Maher was the first player to graduate from the RFL Regional Academy programme after joining the Tigers on a two-year deal from the Cumbrian Regional Academy in December 2013. He has since turned out for England Academy and made his Super League debut against Warrington last August.
Declan Hulme (Widnes)
The young centre, recently 22, scored two well taken tries in the Vikings’ pre-season win over St Helens, and 2015 could be the breakthrough year for a player who has been in and around the Widnes first team for the past two seasons. He scored four tries in four appearances last season, and will be looking for more opportunities in 2015.
Andre Savelio (St Helens)
Saints are hardly short of big forwards, but one lad from their academy who would add to even the most fearsome of packs is Savelio. Just 19, Savelio tips the scales at over 17 stone and stands at 6ft 1, and made his Super League debut against Leeds last term.
Curtis Naughton (Hull)
The former Bradford full back, still only 19, has returned to Super League following a stint Down Under with Sydney Roosters. He faces a battle on his hands to claim a first team spot, especially with Jamie Shaul ahead of him, but Naughton could be a player that forces his way in to the reckoning and makes a difference to yet another new look Hull side.
Which of your club’s young players have you been impressed with in pre-season? Tell us in the comments box below.