The new faces who could make a big impact in 2026
09:56, 11 Feb 2026Updated 10:06, 11 Feb 2026
Wakefield’s Tyson Smoothy.
A new season brings new faces to the Super League competition, from NRL Grand Final winners to X-factor players chasing regular game time.
The expansion of quota rules to 10 has seen several Super League clubs recruit heavily from overseas, and here’s a look at some of the standout arrivals to watch in the upcoming campaign.
Toby Sexton
Among the highest-profile transfers of 2026, Catalans Dragons have added talented playmaker Toby Sexton to their squad – although the Australian will return home after just one season, having already agreed a deal with incoming NRL club Perth Bears.
Sexton, 24, arrives in Super League with 65 NRL appearances to his name, having spent three seasons at the Gold Coast Titans before another three at Canterbury Bulldogs.
NRL Immortal Andrew Johns has been among those to share praise for the Queenslander in recent memory, having played a key role in Canterbury’s early season success in 2025 before falling down the pecking order behind Lachlan Galvin. Sexton is certainly one to watch in 2026 as he looks to lead a new-look Dragons outfit under Joel Tomkins.
Karl Lawton
Hull KR were keen to replace Kelepi Tanginoa following the back-rower’s move to Warrington Wolves, and Karl Lawton quickly emerged as the club’s number one target.
Lawton makes perfect sense for the Robins, bringing versatility and another hooker option for Willie Peters alongside Jez Litten and rising star Bill Leyland. The 30-year-old gives the reigning champions greater balance and boasts more than 100 games of NRL experience with the Gold Coast Titans, New Zealand Warriors, Manly Sea Eagles and North Queensland Cowboys.
Blake Taaffe
Blake Taaffe arrives at Castleford Tigers on a three-year deal, aiming to establish himself as a first-team regular after mixed opportunities in the NRL.
The 26-year-old made 12 appearances for Canterbury Bulldogs in 2025 and previously featured 31 times across a three-year stint with South Sydney Rabbitohs. Handed the starting full-back shirt by new Tigers boss Ryan Carr, Taaffe could be an exciting addition to Super League as he looks to reach his full potential.
Mikaele Ravalawa
Poweful Fijian winger Mikaele Ravalawa arrives looking to rediscover his best form, having scored 67 tries in 98 appearances for St George Illawarra Dragons before injuries struck.
He managed just three NRL appearances last year on loan at South Sydney Rabbitohs. Boss Carr has overseen a major overhaul at The Jungle ahead of his first season in charge, and Ravalawa’s signature certainly grabbed headlines.
Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui
Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui arrives as a relative unknown, having made just 28 NRL appearances for Gold Coast Titans between 2023 and 2025, all but one from the interchange bench.
However, the younger brother of Australia and Queensland star Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, and still only 24, the forward will be keen to impress with his best years still ahead of him.
Chris Patolo
Chris Patolo has already caught the eye of new Huddersfield Giants head coach Luke Robinson following his move from the NRL.
The 24-year-old, who joined from Manly Sea Eagles, has been one of Huddersfield’s standout performers during pre-season and is firmly on the radar heading into 2026.
Jake Arthur
Hull FC’s new number six joins his father, Leeds Rhinos head coach Brad Arthur, in England following his move from Newcastle Knights, having previously featured for Parramatta Eels and Manly Sea Eagles.
Alongside realising his own full potential, Arthur will be looking to build a strong partnership with full-back Will Pryce, with the duo set to spearhead Hull’s attack in 2026. He has signed a two-year deal with the Black and Whites and is eager to make his mark both at the club and across the competition.
Adam Cook
There is plenty of buzz surrounding Leigh Leopards’ new half-back after his switch from Canberra Raiders on a three-year deal.
Adam Cook had previously attracted interest from Super League but felt 2026 was the right time to make the move and kick-start his senior career. Known for his quality kicking game, he is set to partner Lachlan Lam, having also previously captained Canberra’s New South Wales Cup side. Cook made his NRL debut in 2020 and has also spent time with North Queensland Cowboys and New Zealand Warriors.
David Klemmer
David Klemmer is one of the biggest names to have made the move during the off-season after agreeing a two-year deal with St Helens, a club that begins a new era under newly-appointed Paul Rowley.
The forward brings with him a wealth of elite experience, including 14 State of Origin appearances for New South Wales and 19 caps for Australia.
He has played 260 NRL matches across stints with St George Illawarra Dragons, Wests Tigers, Newcastle Knights and Canterbury Bulldogs, and will add significant power to Saints’ middles.
Tyson Smoothy
It is rare for an NRL Grand Final winner to arrive in Super League immediately after lifting the Premiership trophy, but Wakefield Trinity have added proven quality with the signing of Tyson Smoothy from Brisbane Broncos.
The former Melbourne Storm hooker, who also featured in Brisbane’s 2023 Grand Final defeat to Penrith Panthers, begins a new chapter after signing a three-year deal under Daryl Powell. The 26-year-old could prove to be one of the signings of the season.
Charlie Staines
Super League will welcome another NRL Grand Final winner in 2026 as winger Charlie Staines joins Catalans Dragons on a two-year deal.
The 25-year-old twice won the Premiership with Penrith Panthers and became just the sixth player in history to score four tries on his professional debut, in a 56-24 victory over Cronulla Sharks.
Also capable of playing full-back, Staines joined Wests Tigers ahead of 2023 and in total made 77 NRL appearances, scoring 39 tries. He also made his international debut with Samoa in 2022 against Tonga.
Jazz Tevaga
Samoa international Jazz Tevaga has been a popular figure in the NRL, amassing more than 150 appearances across stints with New Zealand Warriors and Manly Sea Eagles.
He enjoyed an impressive 2025 campaign at Manly, his sole season with the club, quickly becoming a fan favourite. The 30-year-old has been handed the starting loose-forward role at the DIY Kitchens Stadium and is set to play a key role as Wakefield look to build on their play-off finish under Powell last season.
Josh Smith
Warrington Wolves will hope they have unearthed Super League’s next hidden gem in Josh Smith, who is another to arrive as a relative unknown from the Queensland Cup.
The centre will be determined to establish himself as a regular, having been named Brisbane Tigers’ Player of the Year in 2025. He has competition with Toby King and Albert Hopoate for a place in Sam Burgess’ starting XIII, alongside Warrington youngster Arron Lindop, but the 24-year-old has certainly put his best foot forward across pre-season, including an impressive first outing in the friendly against Widnes Vikings.
Super League 2026 Preview ON SALE NOW
The new Super League season is upon us and to get you ready for kick-off we’ve got the essential season preview ON SALE NOW.
Packed full of exclusive interviews with the game’s big hitters on and off the field, we also profile the new faces to watch out for and predict the biggest stories of the year. Featuring exclusive interviews from all 14 clubs, features, analysis and predictions, Super League 2026 really is your one stop shop for the new season.
Purchase your copy today, or in participating retailers, supermarkets and independents newsagents from Wednesday, February 4, 2026. For online orders, postage and packaging applies. Online orders will be dispatched from February 4, 2026.