The runners and riders as Betfred Super League 2023 season kicks off
The new Super League season is almost here as players, fans and clubs go into the latest campaign with renewed hope. There are also a number of key questions we should have answers to by the time next autumn's Grand Final comes around.
Can anyone end St Helens' hold on the Betfred Super League trophy or will they complete a record-extending fifth success? Have Wigan Warriors got what it takes to overtake them or will Huddersfield Giants - with Jake Connor back in situ - be the team to beat?
Will it finally be Warrington's year and will Leigh Leopards finally change their spots and avoid relegation? Here's a look at what's to come as Mirror Sport's Dave Craven sifts through each club to see what they will bring as we look forward to a campaign that promises plenty of twists and turns.
Castleford Tigers
Coach: Lee Radford
Captain: Paul McShane
Frenchie 'obsessed' with actor Henry Cavill and has shrine dedicated to him
Key gain: Gareth Widdop
Key loss: Derrell Olpherts
Predicted finish: Eighth
Title odds: 16/1
Verdict: They need new half-back pairing of Gareth Widdop and Jacob Miller to click - and stay fit - but could still be a real battle to make the top-six. And how will key man Joe Westerman pull up after his much-publicised off-field issues?
Catalans Dragons
Coach: Steve McNamara
Captain: Ben Garcia
Key gain: Tom Johnstone
Key loss: Sam Kasiano
Predicted finish: Fourth
Ex-England star Gale preparing for future off pitch while starring for Keighley
Title odds: 8/1
Verdict: Big changes up front but still plenty of class, especially with Tom Johnstone’s arrival, and are always competitive under Steve McNamara.
Huddersfield Giants
Coach: Ian Watson
Captain: Luke Yates
Key gain: Jake Connor
Key loss: Ricky Leutele
Predicted finish: Third
Title odds: 12/1
Verdict: Not many better squads in terms of depth and some genuine star talent in their ranks, especially with the return of Jake Connor and acquisition of ex-St Helens star Kevin Naiqama.
Hull FC
Coach: Tony Smith
Captain: Carlos Tuimavave
Key gain: Tex Hoy
Key loss: Jake Connor
Predicted finish: Tenth
Title odds: 16/1
Verdict: Need new boss Tony Smith to sprinkle his magic but need new Aussie recruits to make an instant impression and are also without half-back signing Jake Trueman for the early months.
Hull KR
Coach: Willie Peters
Captain: Shaun Kenny-Dowall
Key gain: Tom Opacic
Key loss: Albert Vete
Predicted finish: Ninth
Title odds: 50/1
Verdict: With NRL trio Tom Opacic, Jesse Sue and Rhys Kennedy all arriving, new boss Willie Peters has plenty to work with but play-offs might still be out of reach.
Huddersfield Giants signing Jake Connor (Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)Leeds Rhinos
Coach: Rohan Smith
Captain: None named
Key gain: Nene McDonald
Key loss: Zak Hardaker
Predicted finish: Sixth
Title odds: 8/1
Verdict: Leeds improved vastly after Smith’s mid-season arrival last year to reach Grand Final but they’ll need to improve again to secure a top-six spot.
Leigh Leopards
Coach: Adrian Lam
Captain: John Asiata
Key gain: Ricky Leutele
Key loss: Sam Stone
Predicted finish: 11th
Title odds: 40/1
Verdict: With quality recruits like Zak Hardaker and Ricky Leutele the promoted club should have enough to stay up but they need some early wins.
Salford Red Devils
Coach: Paul Rowley
Captain: Kallum Watkins
Key gain: Ollie Partington
Key loss: Elijah Taylor
Predicted finish: Seventh
Title odds: 33/1
Verdict: Great news about Man of Steel Brodie Croft extending his stay and they should improve. But so should plenty of their play-off rivals…
St Helens
Coach: Paul Wellens
Captain: James Roby
Key gain: Tee Ritson
Key loss: Regan Grace
Predicted finish: Second (But Grand Final winners)
Title odds: 2/1
Verdict: No major losses to their squad and with Alex Walmsley, Jonny Lomax and Mark Percival all rested after sitting out the World Cup and Lewis Dodd fit again after Achilles woes, things look great for Paul Wellens’ first year in charge.
Wakefield Trinity
Coach: Mark Applegarth
Captain: Matty Ashurst
Key gain: Kevin Proctor
Key loss: Jacob Miller
Predicted finish: 12th
Title odds: 100/1
Verdict: Have plenty of potential but squad depth is a worry for Mark Applegarth’s first season as a head coach and could need Leigh to implode to avoid the drop.
Warrington Wolves
Coach: Daryl Powell
Captain: Stefan Ratchford
Key gain: Josh Drinkwater
Key loss: Gareth Widdop
Predicted finish: Fifth
Title odds: 8/1
Verdict: Powell under real pressure after a wretched year and star signing Josh McGuire’s seven-game ban after being sent off in a friendly is far from ideal. But they should come good and expect George Williams to be in Man of Steel running.
Wigan Warriors
Coach: Matt Peet
Captain: Liam Farrell
Key gain: Jake Wardle
Key loss: Tommy Leuluai
Predicted finish: First
Title odds: 10/3
Verdict: Impressed under Matty Peet last year and can get better again especially with Jake Wardle and Toby King looking to shine at centre but will it be enough to dethrone Saints…?
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