We’re on the eve of a new Super League season but clubs are already planning out their recruitment for 2027 and beyond.
Indeed, while the odd signing is still being announced, most Super League clubs have completed their business for the 2026 season, with retentions and 2027 signings now the focus for heads of recruitment and CEOs.
As such, they’ll be keeping a constant eye on who might be on the market and conversations might already have taken place.
With that in mind, here’s a look at some of the notable hookers entering in the final year of their respective contracts at their Super League clubs.
Jarrod O’Connor
The Leeds Rhinos man has been a key player at Headingley over the last couple of seasons and has been handed the number nine jersey for 2026. However, he’s off contract this year and is currently able to talk to other clubs about his future.
Leeds will be keen to tie him down and have already opened contract talks with the 24-year-old. Speaking on Boxing Day, O’Connor told Serious About RL that there was no rush on his contract situation.
However, it would not be a surprise if a number of Super League clubs were monitoring his situation with interest.
Cain Robb
Robb is facing an uncertain future to say the least after the hooker struggled to make the progress he would have hoped last season. A Love Rugby League report earlier this year claimed that Castleford had offered Robb’s services to other Super League clubs with the 22-year-old being seen as someone the club could move on.
He’s still with the Tigers, though, and he’ll be attempting to compete with Liam Hood and Chris Atkin for a spot in the side.
Sam Powell
Powell has signed a one-year extension with Warrington to extend his stay at the club into a third year. However, that means he is approaching the 2026 season with an uncertain future with a new deal to play for.
The 33-year-old was a relatively steady performer in a 2025 season in which Warrington struggled for any consistency at all. Much of Powell’s game time is expected to come off the bench once more in 2026, with Danny Walker seen as Warrington’s first choice nine.
However, he’ll be keen to make his presence felt on the field in 2026 and earn a new deal either at the Halliwell Jones Stadium or elsewhere.
Paul McShane
The 36-year-old veteran is coming towards the end of his career but he has committed to another year in Super League with York Knights, where he has spent the last 12 months. What his plans are beyond 2026 remain to be seen, but he has only signed a deal until the end of the season.
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