Three Former NRL Players To Look Out For In The Super League In 2021

Embed from Getty Images

There has been a whole host of transfer activity between NRL clubs in Australia and Super League teams in England ahead of the 2021 campaign.

Those making the switch from Australia across to Europe will be hoping to light up the Super League like many have done before them.

Here is a look at three of the most interesting transfers which have taken place in the off-season, and how they might be able to help their team have success.

Ricky Leutele

Centre Ricky Leutele featured for NRL champions Melbourne Storm last season after signing a deal late in the year from Toronto Wolfpack. The Samoan international has a lot of experience at the highest level as he played 129 games for the Cronulla Sharks in the NRL between 2010 and 2018.

The next chapter in Leutele's career will come with Huddersfield Giants in the Super League. It is an excellent signing for Ian Watson's men as he proved on his return to the NRL last year that he was still in great shape.

Leutele will make the Giants back-line even stronger in 2021. Huddersfield are shaping up to be a team which can really challenge for trophies next year. They are 13.0 in the rugby betting to win the Grand Final, a game they are bidding to reach for the first time since the league was rebranded in 1998.

Josh Reynolds

Hull FC's new signing Josh Reynolds needs no introduction to those in the UK who have watched the NRL over the last 10 years. The half-back is a State of Origin winner and has played in the Grand Final on two occasions in Australia.
Reynolds is renowned for being a great leader on the pitch, something which is going to be invaluable for Hull FC. The past few years have been difficult for him as he has suffered a number of injuries, so he will be hoping he is over those problems now.

Hull FC lost in the semi-final of the play-offs in 2020. They were beaten 29-2 by the Wigan Warriors. Head coach Brett Hodgson will be hoping the addition of Reynolds will help them take the next step towards the Grand Final.

King Vuniyayawa

Fiji international King Vuniyayawa has agreed a contract to join Leeds Rhinos in 2021. The former rugby union player featured five times last year for New Zealand Warriors in the NRL.

Vuniyayawa is a back rower who will replace Ava Seumanufagi who has returned to Australia. Although he has only played a handful of games in the NRL, Leeds' new signing has the potential to continue to progress in the sport.

The 25-year-old has played for Manurewa Marlins, Papakura Sea Eagles and Howick Hornets in New Zealand. 2020 was his breakthrough season in the NRL and on the evidence of those games, he could have a lot of success in England for his new club.

This year's Super League begins on March 11, with the Grand Final scheduled to take place on October 9 at Old Trafford.