Ever wonder what makes a rugby league star? It often starts with being crowned Super League Young Player of the Year. It's like a crystal ball, hinting at a future filled with success. But does that early promise always translate into a stellar career? Let's find out!
In 2025, St Helens sensation Harry Robertson captured the title. This wasn't just a win; it was a statement. Bursting onto the scene, he consistently delivered at centre, racking up 12 tries and five assists. Beating out formidable opponents like Wigan’s Junior Nsemba, Huddersfield’s George Flanagan Jr., and Hull FC’s Lewis Martin, Robertson quickly became the talk of the town. If he keeps up this pace, a spot on the international stage for the World Cup seems almost inevitable.
Robertson now joins a prestigious club of past winners. We're diving deep into the careers of every winner since 2010. Where are they now? Did they reach their full potential? Get ready for some surprising twists and turns!
Before we jump in, be sure to check out the latest episode of The Serious About Rugby League Show on YouTube for even more rugby league insights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJEg5OR1XRo
A Look Back: Super League Young Players of the Year Since 2010
2024: Junior Nsemba
Nsemba's 2024 win was a sign of things to come. He was nominated again the following season. But here's where it gets controversial... he didn't win a second time. Despite this, his talent was undeniable, earning him an England debut against Samoa at Headingley. This proves that even without consecutive wins, early recognition can open doors to incredible opportunities.
2023: Josh Thewlis
The Warrington winger has become a mainstay in the first team. With Matty Ashton sidelined, Thewlis stepped up, proving his experience and reliability. He even scored the opening try in last year's Challenge Cup Final. And this is the part most people miss... despite his efforts, the Wolves fell short at Wembley. This highlights the bittersweet nature of individual success in a team sport.
2021 & 2022: Jack Welsby
The St Helens full-back is now a regular for England. While he was surprisingly dropped for the last two Ashes tests, most expect him to reclaim the number one jersey by the end of the year. Welsby stands out as one of only two players to win the award in consecutive years. His contributions were instrumental in St Helens' Grand Final victories during both award-winning seasons. The question remains: will he continue to dominate the fullback position for years to come?
2020: Harry Newman
Harry Newman received the award during the challenging, COVID-affected year. He had firmly established himself in the Leeds squad. However, his season was tragically cut short by a double leg break in a match against Hull KR. But here's where it gets controversial... Newman was also set to join Perth Bears. This injury not only impacted his season but also potentially altered the trajectory of his career. How different would things be if that injury hadn't happened?
2019: Matty Lees
The St Helens stalwart is celebrating a testimonial year in 2026, marked by a pre-season game against Castleford Tigers. Since his debut in 2017, Lees has accumulated close to 200 appearances for the Red Vee, a milestone he’s set to achieve early in the upcoming campaign. Lees demonstrates that consistency and dedication can lead to a long and celebrated career with a single club. What do you think contributes to such loyalty in modern rugby league?
2018: Jake Trueman
Trueman, currently with Wakefield Trinity, won the award while playing for Castleford Tigers. Since then, he's moved to Hull FC and then to Trinity, where he made 18 appearances under Daryl Powell. Trueman's journey illustrates the often unpredictable nature of a rugby league career, with players moving between clubs in search of opportunity and success.
2017: Oliver Gildart
The Hull KR centre won the award during his time with Wigan. After a stint in the NRL, he's returned to Super League in impressive form. In his award-winning year, he scored 14 tries in 20 matches, forming a potent partnership with current Rovers teammate Joe Burgess. Gildart's story shows that a move to the NRL isn't always a guaranteed path to success, and sometimes a return to Super League can reignite a career.
2016: Tom Johnstone
The Wakefield winger had a stellar 2016, scoring 20 tries in 25 matches. But here's where it gets controversial... while this earned him the individual award, injuries have plagued much of his career. After a strong 2025 campaign, culminating in an Ashes call-up, Johnstone seems to have found a new lease of life after returning to Trinity from Catalans Dragons. Can he finally put his injury woes behind him and consistently perform at his peak?
2015: George Williams
Williams burst onto the scene as an 18-year-old at Wigan in 2013 and has since made 338 senior appearances. Since winning the award, he's played in two World Cups and earned 23 England caps. He also spent time in the NRL with Canberra Raiders and is rumored to be joining the Dolphins in 2027. Williams' career is a testament to hard work and determination, showcasing the potential for young talent to achieve great things on both domestic and international stages. Could we see him return to the NRL and make a bigger impact the second time around?
2014: Daryl Clark
Clark's 2014 campaign was truly remarkable, as he scooped both the Young Player of the Year and the Man of Steel award in the same season. In his final year at Castleford Tigers, he led his team to a Challenge Cup Final and a playoff spot, earning his England debut. Now a consistent Super League hooker and an international regular, he recently signed a new deal with St Helens, keeping him at the club until the end of 2027. Clark's story is an example of how a breakthrough season can catapult a player to stardom. Do you think he'll add more silverware to his collection at St Helens?
2013: Ben Crooks
Crooks is the first player on this list who is no longer playing in Super League. He currently plays for Championship side Halifax and has transitioned from centre to the back row. In 2013, he represented Hull FC, scoring 20 tries in 22 matches. Moves to Castleford, Leigh, Hull KR, and Keighley followed, along with a year in Australia with the Wentworthville Magpies. Crooks' career illustrates that success doesn't always mean staying at the top level. Sometimes, finding the right fit and enjoying the game is just as important. What do you think about players moving down a division to prolong their careers?
2012: Zak Hardaker
Hardaker, now with Hull FC, played in every game for Leeds in 2012 and was part of their Grand Final-winning side against Warrington Wolves. He later won the Man of Steel award in 2015 before a short stint in the NRL with Penrith Panthers. After returning, he was a key player for Castleford in their 2017 campaign, but off-field issues led to his departure. Stints at Wigan, Leeds, and Leigh followed before joining Hull FC ahead of 2025. Hardaker's career is a rollercoaster, marked by both incredible highs and significant lows. Does he deserve a second chance to prove himself at Hull FC?
2011: Jonny Lomax
The veteran St Helens playmaker has been a one-club man throughout his career, with 378 appearances to his name. While George Whitby is the exciting young half currently at the club, Lomax was once in that position, starting his career in 2009 and becoming a first-team regular two seasons later. During his time with St Helens, he's won five Grand Finals, a Challenge Cup, and a World Club Challenge, as well as earning 15 caps for his country. Lomax represents the epitome of loyalty and dedication to a single club. Is this something we see less of in modern rugby league?
2010: Sam Tomkins
The recently retired full-back was the first player to win the award back-to-back, also scooping the trophy in 2009. As a youngster, Tomkins was considered one of the most exciting talents England had produced, and he certainly lived up to the hype. The Wigan legend made over 200 appearances across two stints before joining Catalans in 2019 to finish his career. In his seven seasons with the Dragons, he was crowned Man of Steel, won a League Leaders Shield, and helped them reach two Grand Finals. Tomkins' career is a reminder that early promise can indeed translate into lasting success. What's your favorite memory of Sam Tomkins on the field?
So, what do you think? Does winning the Super League Young Player of the Year guarantee a successful career? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
