The rugby league world is buzzing as the Super League’s transfer merry-go-round for the 2026 season kicks into high gear. With the ink barely dry on some of the biggest moves in recent memory, clubs across England and France are reshaping their rosters, betting big on fresh faces and bidding emotional farewells to long-serving stars. From Castleford Tigers’ bold overhaul to Leeds Rhinos’ changing of the guard and the headline signings at Catalans Dragons and Warrington Wolves, the landscape for next year’s campaign is already shifting dramatically.
October 2025 has proven to be a pivotal month for transfer news, with Love Rugby League publishing an exhaustive list of confirmed ins and outs for the 2026 Super League season. Notably, the Salford Red Devils have been left out of the tally due to uncertainty about their future and a mass exodus of players throughout 2025. The focus, instead, has turned to the confirmed permanent transfers—no loan returns here—guaranteeing that the names on this list will be suiting up for new clubs when the next campaign kicks off.
Castleford Tigers have been among the busiest in the market, making a statement with nine new signings for 2026, five of whom arrive from rival Super League teams. The most eye-catching addition is experienced outside back Darnell McIntosh, who joins from Leigh Leopards on a two-year deal. McIntosh, who has notched up 169 Super League appearances and 74 tries during spells with Huddersfield Giants, Hull FC, and Leigh, is seen as a player who can inject much-needed power into the Tigers’ backline. Director of rugby Chris Chester, who previously signed McIntosh at Leigh, couldn’t hide his enthusiasm, saying, “Darnell’s yardage carries are his biggest strength – he’s very good at getting teams on the front foot and this is certainly an area we have struggled with in 2025. Darnell is excited about the challenge and I know he’s looking forward to working with Ryan Carr and playing in front of the Cas faithful.”
McIntosh himself is relishing the fresh challenge, stating, “For me as a player, it’s exciting getting to work with someone like Ryan Carr, who I’ve only heard good things about from other players – both about his coaching style and him as a person. With the players already there, it should be a competitive group that can push each other week on week and get the best out of everyone, including myself.” He added, “Chris knows what I’m about and believes in what I can bring to the club, and having that backing from him drives me and gives me the confidence to play my best rugby and repay that faith.”
The Tigers’ transformation comes at a cost, with nine members of the 2025 first team squad departing. Among those leaving are winger Innes Senior and forward Muizz Mustapha, both released, while centre Josh Hodson heads to Sheffield Eagles and Sam Wood will suit up for York Knights in 2026. The exodus signals a new era for Castleford, and with the transfer window still open, further changes could be on the cards.
Elsewhere, Catalans Dragons have gone for a major shake-up, bringing in the likes of Toby Sexton from Canterbury Bulldogs, Solomona Faataape (Wests Tigers), Harvey Wilson (Salford), Josh Allen (Dolphins), Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui (Gold Coast Titans), Charlie Staines (Wests Tigers), Josh Simm (Castleford), and Lewis Dodd (South Sydney Rabbitohs). The Dragons are also waving goodbye to a host of big names, including Sam Tomkins (retirement), Theo Fages (Pia Donkeys), Tevita Pangai Jr (Warrington), and Elliott Whitehead (retirement), among others. That’s a lot of experience out the door, but fresh blood is coming in, promising a fascinating new look for the Perpignan outfit.
Huddersfield Giants have also been active, adding Niall Evalds (Hull KR), Mathieu Cozza (Wakefield), Chris Patolo (Manly Sea Eagles), and Asher O’Donnell (Brisbane Tigers) to their ranks. They’re saying goodbye to club legend Leroy Cudjoe, who retires after a storied career, and several others whose futures remain to be confirmed.
Hull FC, not to be outdone, have signed Sam Lisone (Leeds), Jake Arthur (Newcastle Knights), Connor Bailey (York), Joe Batchelor (St Helens), James Bell (St Helens), Harvie Hill (Wigan), Arthur Romano (Catalans), and Joe Phillips (Goole). The club bids farewell to Cobie Wainhouse (Hull KR), Jordan Rapana (retirement), Jordan Lane (Castleford), and a raft of others. It’s clear that Hull FC are building for the future, with a mix of Super League experience and young promise.
Hull KR have snapped up Jumah Sambou (Oldham), Tom Amone (Canterbury Bulldogs), Declan Murphy (Salford), and Cobie Wainhouse (Hull FC), while letting go of several key figures including Neil Tchamambe (Wakefield) and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (retirement). The churn is real, and fans will be eager to see how the new faces bed in.
Leeds Rhinos, meanwhile, are undergoing a significant transition. The club has not confirmed any new signings for 2026 but has seen an exodus of talent, including Morgan Gannon (New Zealand Warriors), Sam Lisone (Hull FC), Matt Frawley (retirement), and Andy Ackers, who has been released from his contract to join Bradford Bulls. Ackers, who joined Leeds from Salford Red Devils in 2023, made 35 appearances but found opportunities limited after a long-term hamstring injury. Rhinos sporting director Ian Blease acknowledged Ackers’ contributions, saying, “We have agreed to Andy’s request for a release to enable him to take up another option for next season. On behalf of everyone at the club, I would like to thank Andy for his efforts for the Rhinos and we wish him and his young family all the best with their future.”
Ackers’ move to Bradford Bulls, who are awaiting confirmation of their place in the 2026 Betfred Super League, has been described as a “statement signing” by coach Kurt Haggerty. Ackers, for his part, is optimistic: “Bradford is a massive club with a rich history and I cannot wait to get going again and get my love back for playing. I still haven’t played my best rugby yet; the last couple of years have been a bit hit and miss, but knowing Kurt and the relationship I have with him, I really do think he’ll get the best out of me.”
Other clubs making waves include Leigh Leopards, who have added Jacob Alick-Wiencke (Gold Coast Titans) and Oliver Polec (St Helens), while losing Darnell McIntosh to Castleford. St Helens have picked up Shane Wright (Salford) and Jacob Host (South Sydney Rabbitohs), but say goodbye to Morgan Knowles (Dolphins) and several others. Wakefield Trinity have been busy, with new arrivals including Neil Tchamambe (Hull KR), Tyson Smoothy (Brisbane Broncos), Jazz Tevaga (Manly Sea Eagles), Tray Lolesio (Dolphins), Jordan Williams (Featherstone), and Kian McGann (St Helens). Departures from Wakefield include Josh Griffin (York) and Liam Hood (Castleford).
Warrington Wolves have bolstered their squad with Tevita Pangai Jr (Catalans), Toafofoa Sipley (Manly Sea Eagles), Liam Byrne (Wigan), and Albert Hopoate (Canberra Raiders), while saying farewell to Paul Vaughan (York) and Stefan Ratchford (retirement). Wigan Warriors have signed Dayon Sambou and Jonny Vaughan (both from St Helens), but lose Christian Wade (Newcastle Red Bulls), Liam Byrne (Warrington), and Harvie Hill (Hull FC).
With so much movement and so many high-profile names swapping allegiances, the stage is set for a thrilling and unpredictable 2026 Super League season. As the dust settles and clubs finalize their squads, fans across the league are left to speculate: will these bold moves pay off, or will the new-look lineups take time to gel? One thing’s for sure—rugby league’s transfer drama is far from over, and the road to next season promises plenty more twists and turns.
