Now that the dust has settled and the 2018 Super League season is well and truly underway, we thought it was time to see how some of English rugby’s new recruits are faring.
After the raft of pre-season signings, it is inevitable that some players will adapt quickly, whereas others may struggle to find their feet.
Here is our list of the six best-performing new recruits from across Super League thus far.
6. Danny McGuire- Hull Kingston Rovers
Moving to a newly-promoted side is always going to be difficult- doing so when you have a glittering CV is inevitably going to get tongues wagging.
However, the 35-year old has proved exactly why there was huge fanfare upon his arrival; he may not be the youngest, but his wisdom and experience was certainly something that Tim Sheens’ side was lacking.
McGuire has adapted to his new surrounding incredibly well and has formed an impressive partnership with Chris Atkin in the halves.
Survival is the aim for Hull KR this season, and with McGuire continuing to roll back the years, they may well achieve just that.
5. David Mead- Catalans Dragons
In what has been a rather disappointing 2018 so far in Perpignan, David Mead has been a shining light since his arrival from the NRL.
Many Dragons recruits arrived with big expectations but arguably only the 29-year old Papua New Guinea international has lived up to the billing.
With six tries and one assist so far, Mead has proven himself to be a shrewd acquisition and one that Steve McNamara needs to build around for the remainder of the season.
Even with the return of fellow back Tony Gigot to the side, Mead has established himself as a regular starter and a fans’ favourite.
Now, he must somehow encourage his team-mates to perform with similar style and verve if the Dragons are to avoid the dreaded ‘Middle 8’s’.
4. Sitaleki Akauola- Warrington Wolves
He may have missed the opening few rounds of the season but big ‘Sita’ is rapidly developing into a cult hero at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
The 26-year old arrived from Penrith in the off-season but his move went largely under the radar, mainly due to the likes of Tyrone Roberts, Ben Murdoch-Masila and Bryson Goodwin arriving in the same window.
Nevertheless, the forwards’ fearless runs down the centre are proving to be a real handful for most in Super League and he is showing himself to be a precious weapon from head coach Steve Price’s interchange bench.
If you want an indication of Akauola’s determination with ball in hand, take a look at his run at the start of the second half against Wakefield Trinity below!
