Photo / Richard Spranger 
Counties Manukau has produced more Super Rugby players each season during the Reon Graham era and after another strong performance in the NPC, Steelers players are knocking on the door of contracts for 2026.
The wider squad draft, with 12 players getting added per franchise, will see a number of players in line to get contracts and is set to take place after this weekend’s NPC final.
Counties Sports Hub takes a look at each Steeler’s chances of getting a deal.
Current Super Rugby stars
Dalton Papali’i (Blues) – enjoyed a strong campaign with the Steelers and will be eager to get himself back in the All Blacks frame.
Hoskins Sotutu (Blues) – played well for the Steelers but does appear to be well down the pecking order for the All Blacks. Like Papali’i though, he is a dead cert to play Super Rugby until he looks abroad.
Cam Roigard (Hurricanes) – the best halfback in the country and maybe even the world. Roigard is a certainty for the Hurricanes.
Etene Nanai-Seturo (Chiefs) – another outstanding campaign with the Steelers has helped Nanai-Seturo earn selection in the All Blacks XV squad. He will be a key player for the Chiefs in 2026.
Ioane Moananu (Crusaders) – the impressive hooker is going from strength to strength and has signed to play for the Waratahs in 2026. He could be a great signing for the Australian outfit.
Jimmy Tupou (Chiefs) – the Steelers skipper enjoyed another strong campaign in 2025 and has signed on with Moana Pasifika for 2026.
Zuriel Togiatama (Drua) – the Fijian hooker has been a regular with the Drua over the past few seasons and that should continue next season. Came back from injury to make an impact late with the Steelers.
Alamanda Motuga (Moana Pasifika) – the loose forward battle injury in 2025 but is a classy player that has contributed strongly to Moana Pasifika in recent seasons, Expect the Samoan international to be pushing hard for a new deal.
Peniasi Malimali (Chiefs) – dangerous with ball in hand and adding other aspects to his game. Malimali has been with the Chiefs the past few years but is unsigned for 2026. His form for the Steelers should make him a target in the draft.
Riley Hohepa (Hurricanes) – the popular first-five has made the move to Japan immediately and will not be back for Super Rugby in 2026.
Tevita Ofa (Moana Pasifika) – the versatile outside back got a taste of Super Rugby with Moana Pasifika in 2025 and has re-signed for 2026. He enjoyed another strong season with the Steelers.
Emosi Tuqiri (Drua) – Tuqiri played with the Drua in 2025 and is set to return there next season after his stint with the Steelers.
Potential newcomers
Gibson Papalili – one of the best players on the field against Canterbury in the quarter-final. Strong runner, big left foot, light feet and good defender – surely a Super team will pick him up.
Adam Brash – great on both sides of the ball, can play all three loose forward positions and scored three tries against Tasman for good measure. Very close to cracking the Chiefs in 2025, surely the Bombay captain will be playing Super Rugby in 26.
Keran van Staden – not bettered all year. Won Steelers Player of the Year and very deserving. As a tighthead he won’t play his best rugby until he is 25, so a Super side needs to get in early and secure this up-and-coming prop from Pukekohe.
Joshua Gray – one the quickest and sharpest wingers in NPC, will a Super side take a punt on the try scoring machine?
Cam Church – came to Counties Manukau with big wraps from his schoolboy days and boy has the Karaka lad delivered. Like Brash can play all three positions.
Cohen Brady-Leatham- real find in 2025 for Counties Manukau and will surely get himself at the very least a Super Rugby development contract.
Leo Ngatai-Tafau – enjoyed his best season to date playing at lock rather than his usual loose forward spot. Impressed enough to get a look at a wider squad deal.