Six Tackles: Youngsters who could make their debut and shine this year

There are plenty of fine prospects in Super League but we have picked out the six young players who could really take their chances at their respective clubs in 2018. 

Olly Ashall (Widnes Vikings)

Injuries weren’t the kindest to Ashall in 2017, with him suffering a serious knee injury in the early stages of the season. However, he has made a full recovery and has played a couple of pre-season friendlies for the Vikings.

He is a real livewire at full-back with quick feet. Ashall is confident with the ball in hand and is a constant threat to opposition defences. He’s got enough talent to be a regular for years to come at Widnes.

Luke Hooley (Wakefield Trinity)

The 19-year-old is one of the most talked about players in Yorkshire at the minute. He spent time on loan at Oldham Roughyeds and Dewsbury Rams last season and impressed.

He is yet to make his proper first team debut for Trinity but if you were putting money on anyone making debuts this season, put your money on Hooley. A joy to watch.

Taylor Prell (Warrington Wolves)

Prell has had a very different pathway to first team rugby than others in this list. Warrington signed the winger from Yorkshire Canegie last April and is one of the quickest players in the league.

He is a former England Rugby Union Under-20 international and scored four tries in one of his first games for the Wolves against Hull FC. He certainly knows where the try-line is.

Levy Nzoungou (Salford Red Devils)

The 19-year-old joined the Red Devils from Toulouse Olympique in the off-season and will be looking to push his way into Ian Watson’s regular 17-man squad this year.

He is a former Academy Grand Final winner with St Helens and has even spent time with Melbourne Storm in the NRL, before he moved to Toulouse. He is a big prop who causes teams a lot of damage.

James Bentley (St Helens)

The 21-year-old has played first-grade before but that was for Bradford Bulls in the Championship. He established himself as one of the best back-rowers in the second-tier while at Odsal.

He faces a new challenge this year, with St Helens, who will be targeting silverware. If he plays just like he did at Bradford then Saints have got a very, very good player on their hands.

Caine Barnes (Wigan Warriors)

The 18-year-old has been one of the stand-out forwards in the Under-19s Academy League for quite a while. He is one of the strongest props at his age and played for Swinton Lions on dual-registration in their Challenge Cup win at Huddersfield Giants last term.

He was handed a professional deal ahead of the 2017 season, despite having two years left on his Academy contract. He is also a regular in the England Academy side. Remember the name.

What do you think of our list? Let us know in the comments below.