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Betfred Super League Preview 2023

The Betfred Super League is back for the 2023 season.

After a stellar 2022 that saw St Helens defeat the Leeds Rhinos 24-12 in the grand final, to claim their 10th title and fourth in a row, all eyes will be on the rest of the league to see if they can stop the Saints.

This season sees the introduction of Leigh Leopards formally (Centurions) back into the competition after winning promotion last October. 

Meet the teams 

Castleford Tigers 

In his first season as head coach Lee Radford almost took the Tigers all the way into playoffs. However, just missed out in 7th place, one win of the Salford Red Devils. This year’s captain Paul McShane welcomed new signings Jacob Miller, Gareth Widdop and many others as his side look to push higher up the table.

With this talented lineup the Mend-A-Hose Jungle faithful should enjoy a successful season and enjoy some playoff action. 

Catalan Dragons

With the relegation of Toulouse Olympique, the Dragons remain the only side from France. It was a positive regular season for Steve McNamara as coach with his side ending the campaign in fourth. However, after a poor loss at home to the Rhinos in the playoffs the French side will be keen to avenge that result and challenge the Saints for top spot.

After a strong World Cup, key player Sam Tompkins will be wanting to take that form into his club side, as they look to become the first non-English side to win the title. 

Huddersfield Giants 

A year for ‘what if’s’ in 2022 for the Giants. A third place finish was followed by a shock eliminator loss to the Red Devils. A two point Challenge Cup final defeat to rivals Wigan (14-16) and Head Coach Ian Wastson has plenty to overcome. There should be no fear within the club that his side can once again compete for silverware. Especially with the return of Jake Connor and new signings such as Kevin Naiqama and Harry Ruston. 

Hull FC

Tony Smith’s venture from the ‘Red and White’ side of Hull did not go fully to plan last year as his side ended the season in ninth, one place behind rivals Hull KR. This year there should be some optimism that Smith can leapfrog the Rovers as his squad looks to have a more settled nature to it.

Jake Trueman and Tex Hoy will add a lot of power to the side but a playoff place might be one step too far in 2023. 

Hull KR 

New head coach Willie Peters arrives from down under with a big job to maintain the recent rebuild over the past few years. His side are filled with new signings, Louis Senior, Sauaso ‘Jesse Sue plus captain Shaun Kenny-Dowall they are too good to go down. If they keep the rebuild going they should be able to stay ahead of the city rivals and perhaps push towards a playoff spot. 

Leeds Rhinos 

2022 was a rollercoaster for the Rhinos, sitting in the lower end of the table and favorites to go down the arrival of Rohan Smith pushed them up the league all the way into the grand-final.

They have opted for a leadership team with no captain selected for the 2023 season. The arrival of James McDonnell should add a lot for the Rhinos but if injuries occur they could suffer more than others and slip out of the playoff spots.

Leigh Leopards

Promotion is no easy task but with just one loss all year, the then Centurions flew back into the Super League. However the off-season was filled with great controversy as they opted to rebrand their club into the Leopards.

Staying up is a tough ask but with the signings of Ricky Leutele, Zak Hardaker and Tom Briscoe they have a talented squad with the main question is can they gel as a team and avoid going straight back down ?

Salford Red Devils 

Once again they proved critics wrong by nearly making it to a Super League final only losing to eventual winners St Helens 19-12. Half-back Brodie Croft will once again play an influential role in 2023.

Unfortunately the Red Devils squad depth isn’t too great and they will have to stay healthy for their season to end in silverware. 

St Helens

The phrase five times a charm isn’t well known but it could become known this season as the Saints chase an unprecedented fifth Grand-Final success in a row. Despite their success new head coach Paul Wellens knows his side have far from reached their full capability with Jack Welsby and Lewis Dodd a key part of their side.

With many sides improving can anyone stop the ‘Saints from marching into another final ? 

Wakefield Trinity 

Trinity are always strong contenders for relegation and this year is no different. Despite a raft of new signings such as Renouf Antoni and Kevin Proctor coach Mark Applegarth has a tough job in trying to keep his side up, and will need the home crowd of Belle Vue to get behind them.

Warrington Wolves 

Last season started with so much promise with the arrival of new coach Daryl Powell however they only just avoided the drop finishing second bottom. This year the Wolves will need George Williams to click as well as Paul Vaughan and spring them up the table.

Captain Stefan Ratchford knows they have the capacity to reach the playoffs but after such a disaster in 2022. How much pressure will Powell be to bring victories quickly?

Wigan Warriors

Challenge Cup success for the Warriors sparked Matt Peet’s side as they reached the semi-finals of the league. 2023 should be a decent year for the cherry and whites as they try to claim their first title since 2018. Their squad sees little to no change with only three arrivals in Jake Wardle, Ryan Hampshire and Toby King. With no departures, they should have a great chance in going one further and reaching the Grand-final and maybe even clinching the title. 

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