One of the stars of the season, the former Wakefield youngster looks set to be a Super League player next season, and it will be interesting to see how he gets on. It's likely the fullback played his last game for Batley on Sunday evening, as Hooley is heavily linked with a move to Leeds Rhinos in 2023. Read More: Sam Tomkins has message for England Rugby League World Cup doubters Like the majority of players in this Batley side, Manning wouldn't cost a lot on the salary cap, and even if a lower-end Super League side brought him in as back-up, you know you could rely on the former Leeds Rhinos forward to step in when needed and his vast experience in the game would be useful for several teams in the top flight. Manning may be in the twilight stages of his career, but the second-rower has played out of his skin for Batley in 2022 and has been instrumental in helping the Bulldogs pack punch above their weight against sides who are spending a lot more than them on the cap.

Here, we take a look at three Batley players who are ready to make the step up into Super League.

Led by coach Craig Lingard, the West Yorkshire outfits' rise to the Betfred Championship final captured the hearts of the neutrals, with some key individuals standing out for the Bulldogs throughout their heroic campaign.

They may have seen their Super League dreams shattered by Leigh Centurions on Sunday evening, but for Batley Bulldogs, 2023 will always be regarded as one of the club's best seasons to date.

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