Rugby League News: Rising Stars Shine in Super League 2024
As the business end of the Super League season approaches, the 2024 campaign has witnessed an array of outstanding young talents asserting their presence on the grandest stage. The debates around the prestigious Steve Prescott Man of Steel, the Super League Dream Team, and the coveted Young Player of the Year award have been livelier than ever.
The Young Player of the Year award is particularly noteworthy, as it recognizes the brightest prospects aged 21 or under at the start of the season. Love Rugby League has predicted the players who could feature on the shortlist for this accolade at the end-of-season Super League awards.
7. Lewis Martin (Hull FC)
The 20-year-old winger has been a standout performer for Hull FC, scoring eight tries in 21 appearances despite the team’s struggles with injuries and suspensions.
6. Umyla Hanley (Leigh Leopards)
Hanley, who turned 22 during the campaign, has seized his chance at Leigh, scoring 14 tries in 23 appearances and impressing in both wing and centre positions.
5. Zach Eckersley (Wigan Warriors)
The Oldham native has enjoyed a stellar breakthrough season with Wigan, scoring six tries in 14 appearances, including one in their Challenge Cup triumph at Wembley.
4. George Delaney (St Helens)
The 20-year-old prop has stepped up for the injury-hit St Helens side, making 21 appearances and emerging as one of the competition’s premier young forwards.
3. Junior Nsemba (Wigan Warriors)
The towering back-rower has become a key member of Wigan’s forward pack, making 22 appearances, 19 of them as a starter, with his barnstorming carries causing plenty of damage for opposition defences.
2. Matty Nicholson (Warrington Wolves)
The 21-year-old has been a revelation for Sam Burgess’ Warrington Wolves, with his relentless tackling and strong running on the edge earning him a move to the NRL with Canberra Raiders next year.
1. Brad O’Neill (Wigan Warriors)
At just 21 years old, O’Neill has already amassed nearly 70 appearances for Wigan, winning a Super League title, League Leaders’ Shield, two Challenge Cups, and a World Club Challenge. With an England debut already under his belt, the sky is the limit for this young prodigy.
“The debates around the prestigious Steve Prescott Man of Steel, the Super League Dream Team, and the coveted Young Player of the Year award have been livelier than ever.”
🔗 Source
