Super League 2023: Players leaving the NRL before the new season – part 2 | Rugby League News
Our second part of a look at the players who joined Betfred Super League clubs from the NRL for the 2023 season; watch 66 Super League games live on Sky Sports in 2023 and stream on NOW TV
Last update: 02/02/23 6:09 p.m.
Paul Vaughan is one of two strikers Warrington has signed with the NRL
In part two of our look at the players swapping the NRL for the Betfred Super League in 2023, we profile new signings from Hull Kingston Rovers, St Helens, Wakefield Trinity and Warrington Wolves…
Tom Opacic (Hull Kingston Rovers)
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Tom Opacic has joined Hull Kingston Rovers for the 2023 Betfred Super League season
Signed by: Parramatta eels
Position: Center.
Top honors: None.
Opacic was denied the chance to sign off on a move to Parramatta with an NRL Grand Final appearance due to a hamstring injury, so he will no doubt be eager to get going in the east. Hull after signing a two-year contract. The center also represented Brisbane Broncos and North Queensland Cowboys, making 83 NRL appearances in total.
Sauaso ‘Jesse’ Sue (Hull Kingston Rovers)
Signed by: Newcastle Knights
Position: Prop/second row/front free.
Top honors: 10 selections for Samoa.
The Samoan international has earned a reputation as one of the NRL’s most feared strikers during spells with the Wests Tigers, Canterbury Bulldogs and Newcastle, and is particularly valued for his work in defence. The 30-year-old also brings experience from 172 NRL games to the Robins.
Rhys Kennedy (Hull Kingston Rovers)
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A preview of what Rhys Kennedy will bring to Hull Kingston Rovers in the 2023 Betfred Super League season
Signed by: Brisbane Broncos
Position: Sustain.
Top honors: None.
Kennedy, 28, is another player who has been brought in to bolster new Hull KR head coach Willie Peters’ options in the squad. The 6-foot-6 17th prop also brings a lot of presence to the team, being the tallest player on the previous club team, the Broncos.
Wesley Bruins (St Helens)
Signed by: Sydney South Rabbitohs
Position: Three quarters.
Top honors: None.
Dewsbury-born Bruines is another England player returning to these shores after a stint in Australia, having spent last season with the Rabbitohs development team. The 19-year-old has represented Yorkshire at U17 level and the English Community Lions team.
Renouf Atoni (Wakefield Trinity)
Signed by: Sydney Roosters
Position: Sustain.
Top honors: None.
Atoni started his career with Canterbury, making 43 NRL appearances before moving to the Roosters for 2022. He made no appearances for them last year but is keen to prove himself in the Super League after signing a one-year contract at Wakefield with an option for a second.
Kevin Proctor (Wakefield Trinity)
Signed by: Free agent
Position: Second row.
Top honors: 1x NRL Grand Final, 22 caps for New Zealand.
The New Zealand international and 2012 NRL Grand Final winner had been without a club since his Gold Coast contract was terminated in controversial circumstances in July, but signed a one-year contract with Trinity. Proctor brings a wealth of experience and ability to the back line and is likely to be a key player as Wakefield aim to avoid another year in the relegation battle.
Josh McGuire (Wolves of Warrington)
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Josh McGuire explains why he chose to sign for Warrington Wolves and follow in the footsteps of rugby league icon Adrian Morley
Signed by: Dragons of St George Illawarra
Position: Prop/second row/front free.
Top honors: 1x Rugby World Cup, 1x State of Origin, 8 caps for Australia, 7 caps for Samoa.
The versatile striker arrives at Halliwell Jones Stadium with over 250 NRL appearances to his name after spells with Brisbane, North Queensland and St George, as well as being a World Cup winner with Australia in 2017. McGuire will bring strength to the Wolves pack too.
Paul Vaughan (Warrington Wolves)
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New Warrington Wolves sign Paul Vaughan on how he makes sure he gets the most out of himself every week after joining the 2023 Betfred Super League season
Signed by: Canterbury Bulldogs
Position: Sustain.
Top honors: 2x State of Origin, 6x caps for Italy, 2x caps for Australia.
Another big-name Australian signing for Wolves in 2023, Vaughan should prove a major asset to them in the top tier. The 31-year-old made over 200 appearances for Canberra, St George and Canterbury, and was part of two home state New South Wales triumphs.
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