Super League's Lachlan Miller, Jai Field and Rhyse Martin

Half-way through 2025, the RFL made a key rule change for next year, and it is one that has had a huge impact for recruitment going into next season.

That change saw clubs being allowed to have 10 non-federation, or ‘quota’, players in their squad, as opposed to seven, meaning more overseas signings could be made.

In short, a ‘quota’ player is defined by someone who has not played any rugby league in Europe for three years or more up until the age of 21.

The majority of recruits that come from Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea fall into this category, however there are some exceptions.

For example, Leigh Leopards duo Lachlan Lam and Ethan O’Neill both don’t count on the quota due to them growing up in England when they were younger and playing amateur rugby in the country whilst their parents were playing in Super League.

Here is a run-down of how every club currently stands in terms of quota players, and when their contracts come to an end.

Every Super League club’s quota spots assessed

Bradford Bulls: 7

The newly-promoted Super League side are determined to remain in the division long term, and have done so by bringing in a multitude of players, three of which take quota spots.

Jayden Nikorima and Loghan Lewis join from Salford Red Devils, whilst Caleb Aekins makes the switch from Featherstone Rovers.

Overseas players such as Logan Bayliss-Brow and Emmanuel Waine initially had Bulls contracts until the end of 2026, however their Super League status now means they remain in talks with the club over a full-time deal.

Bradford Bulls quota players: Mitch Souter, Caleb Aekins (both 2026), Jayden Okunbor, Waqa Blake, Zac Fulton, Loghan Lewis (all 2027), Jayden Nikorima (2028)

Castleford Tigers: 10

The Ryan Carr-led side are currently up to max capacity at present, however that could be about to change. If reports elsewhere are to be believed, full-back Tex Hoy is on the outer, and if he does depart would free up another quota spot.

Six of the Tigers’ signings for next year are from overseas, including the Fijian duo of Mikaele Ravalawa and Semi Valemei.

In what is a new era at the West Yorkshire club, both Carr and Chris Chester will be hoping their new recruits will be a key part in their improvement next year.

Castleford Tigers quota players: Daejarn Asi, Zac Cini, Tex Hoy, Joe Stimson (all 2026), Tom Weaver, Brock Greacen, Semi Valemei, Renouf Atoni (all 2027), Blake Taaffe, Mikaele Ravalawa (both 2028)

Catalans Dragons: 9

The Perpignan-based outfit will have nine players on the quota in their 2026 squad, however only two of them played for the club in the season just gone.

Chris Satae and Nick Cotric remain the only overseas players in their squad from last year, with the club bringing in seven overseas players as part of their major rebuild.

Catalans Dragons quota players: Chris Satae (2026), Nick Cotric, Solomona Faataape, Zac Lipowicz, Josh Allen, Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui, Charlie Staines, Ben Condon, Toby Sexton (all 2027)

Huddersfield Giants: 8

Luke Robinson’s men have an impressive selection of overseas players, however their problem last season was that they spent too much of the year on the sidelines.

Starting halves Tui Lolohea and Adam Clune missed a combined 36 games in all competitons, with Clune making just six appearances all year.

Incoming recruits Asher O’Donnell and Chris Patolo will join the club, taking their total to eight as it stands.

Huddersfield Giants quota players: Jacob Gagai, Tui Lolohea, Adam Clune, Taane Milne (all 2026), Tristan Powell, Zac Woolford, Asher O’Donnell, Chris Patolo (all 2027)

Hull FC: 10

Another club full to capacity, John Cartwright’s FC have made some shrewd additions to their squad next year, as they look to reach the play-offs after narrowly missing out this season.

Three signings take up quota spots, with Sam Lisone, Jake Arthur and James Bell all joining the club.

Prop Ligi Sao was exempt from the rulings last year after picking up a season-long injury in February, however he is now back on the list after signing a deal to play on in 2026.

Hull FC quota players: Jed Cartwright, Liam Knight, Ligi Sao (all 2026), John Asiata, Sam Lisone, Jake Arthur, Aidan Sezer (all 2027), Cade Cust, James Bell (both 2028), Herman Ese’ese (2029)

Hull KR: 7

FC’s biggest rivals, Hull KR have three spots to play with, should they wish to add to their treble-winning squad.

Tom Amone, who joins from Canterbury Bulldogs after a loan spell at Castleford Tigers, is the only new overseas recruit, whilst Sauaso Sue and Tyrone May are the longest-serving quota players having joined in 2023.

Hull KR quota players: Sauaso Sue, Peta Hiku, Rhyse Martin, Kelepi Tanginoa (all 2026), Tyrone May (2027), Tom Amone (2028), Jai Whitbread (2029)

Leeds Rhinos: 6

The arrivals of 6’5 forward Jeremiah Mata’utia means that Leeds have six overseas players in their ranks for next year.

Like with Hull FC’s Sao, Maika Sivo received dispensation due to picking up an ACL injury in a pre-season friendly against Wigan Warriors in January, but will return to the list now he is back ready for selection.

Leeds Rhinos quota players: Brodie Croft, Keenan Palasia, Cooper Jenkins, Jeremiah Mata’utia* (all 2026), Maika Sivo, Lachie Miller (both 2027)

*Mata’utia has an extension option for a further 12 months in his contract

Leigh Leopards: 10

The Leopards are fully stacked when it comes to overseas players, and there are some huge names that fill out those positions.

Edwin Ipape, who has the longest current deal in Super League, is one of Leigh’s star names, whilst Isaac Liu and Tesi Niu both showed their talent in their maiden Super League campaigns.

Leigh Leopaards quota players: Aaron Pene, Alec Tuitavake, Isaac Liu (all 2026), Tesi Niu, David Armstrong (both 2027), Joe Ofahengaue, Jacob Alick-Wiencke, Adam Cook, Liam Horne (all 2028), Edwin Ipape (2031)

St Helens: 6

New signings David Klemmer and Jacob Host mean that Paul Rowley’s squad will contain six players on the quota next year, as he takes over from Paul Wellens.

Agnatius Paasi’s future has not yet been confirmed, and despite reports saying he has signed a new deal, he is currently out of contract and is not featured on the list.

St Helens quota players: Kyle Feldt, Tristan Sailor (both 2026), Shane Wright, Jacob Host, David Klemmer, Curtis Sironen (all 2027)

Toulouse Olympique: 4

One of the three promoted sides, Toulouse host the least amount of quota players in the division. as they sit at just four.

The vast majority of their squad are French-born talents, with the rest made up of English players that have moved across to the south of France.

Toulouse Olympique quota players: Paul Ulberg, Reubenn Rennie, Brendan Hands (all 2026), Luke Polselli (unknown)

Wakefield Trinity: 9

Following a brilliant first season back in the top flight where the club reached the top six, Trinity have bolstered their squad with some major NRL recruits.

Jazz Tevaga and Tyson Smoothy arrive from Manly and Brisbane respectively, whilst Tray Lolesio will hope to provide a Caius Faatili-esque impact at the club after signing from the Queensland Cup.

Wakefield Trinity quota players: Mason Lino, Lachlan Walmsley (both 2026), Seth Nikotemo, Tray Lolesio, Jazz Tevaga (all 2027), Ky Rodwell, Caius Faatili, Tyson Smoothy (all 2028), Caleb Hamlin-Uele (2030)

Warrington Wolves: 6

Sam Burgess has a tough task on his hands if he is to improve the side from last season’s efforts. Their efforts were dealt a further blow when recruit Tevita Pangai Jr told the club he wouldn’t be joining them, following his supposed move from Catalans.

New recruits Albert Hopoate and Josh Smith will improve the back line, however the injury proneness of Hopoate and the inexperience of Smith could come back to bite the Primrose and Blue.

Warrington Wolves quota players: Matt Dufty, Luke Yates (both 2026), Toafofoa Sipley, Albert Hopoate, Josh Smith, Sam Stone (all 2027)

Wigan Warriors: 6

Whilst they may not be full on spots, Wigan’s overseas star power makes them one of the strongest when it comes to quota players.

Jai Field and Bevan French are rightly the standout names, but you can make an argument that all the overseas players at the club have contributed significantly to their success over the past few seasons.

Wigan Warriors quota players: Patrick Mago*, Abbas Miski (both 2026), Jai Field* (2027), Adam Keighran, Bevan French (both 2028), Kaide Ellis (2029)

*Mago has an option for a further year in the club’s favour, whilst Field has options for 2028 and 2029 should he choose to extend.

York Knights: 10

York’s two newest signings, Ryan Jackson and John Sagaga, take up the final two places, meaning they are also at max capacity.

Most of the club’s overseas players have little experience in the NRL or Super League, and are a risk going into the top flight. However, some who have been at the club in 2025 have excelled.

Winger Scott Galeano became the club’s second top try scorer by the end of the season, despite joining part-way through the year.

York Knights quota players: Ata Hingano, Scott Galeano, Toa Mata’afa, Jordan Lipp, Jack Martin, Jesse Dee (all 2026), Mitch Clark, Paul Vaughan (both 2027), Ryan Jackson, John Sagaga (unknown)

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