📰 The Super League off-season is heating up with major personnel changes, early injury concerns, and intriguing transfer rumors bridging the gap between the NRL and the English competition.
Leadership Change: Matty Lees Takes St Helens Captaincy
In a significant announcement from the reigning champions, St Helens have named star prop forward Matty Lees as their new club captain for the 2026 season. Lees, a cornerstone of the dominant Saints pack, takes over the leadership duties from the long-serving and respected half-back, Jonny Lomax.
The appointment comes as Lees enters his Testimonial Year, providing an extra layer of motivation for the club veteran. Lees is determined to use his influence and on-field drive to ensure St Helens remain the benchmark team in Super League, competing fiercely for all major trophies, including the Challenge Cup and the Grand Final. Lees’s powerful running and defensive work ethic embody the culture of success at the club, making him a popular choice to lead the Red V into the new era under a new coach. This move highlights the club’s emphasis on forward pack leadership.
Hull FC Hit with Early Injury Concern
Across the league, the early pre-season training has brought an unwelcome headache for Hull FC. The club is reportedly dealing with an early injury concern surrounding captain and primary playmaker, Aidan Sezer.
The star half-back is currently undergoing a long-term rehabilitation program following shoulder surgery received during the off-season. While Sezer remains “touch and go” for the start of the 2026 Super League season, his commitment to working with the medical team offers hope for a timely recovery. Any delay in his return would be a major blow to Hull FC’s season preparations and immediately place pressure on their halves rotation. Maintaining fitness and managing key players is already proving to be a challenge ahead of the season opener.
NRL Young Gun Offered to Super League Clubs
Adding fuel to the transfer rumor mill, news has emerged from Australia that a young gun from the Sydney Roosters has been offered to Super League clubs for the 2026 campaign. Xavier Va’a, a promising 22-year-old prop, is reportedly exploring options in the English competition due to salary cap constraints and a heavily stacked forward pack at the NRL powerhouse.
Va’a, a former Queensland U/19s Origin captain who has featured prominently in the NSW Cup and made his NRL debut, represents a significant opportunity for Super League sides with available overseas quota spots. Clubs like Castleford Tigers, Catalans Dragons, Leigh Leopards, and Wakefield Trinity, all of whom have a single quota spot remaining, will be keenly interested in securing a forward with his pedigree and potential. The ongoing flow of young NRL talent across the globe continues to shape the competitive balance of Super League.