Super League 2024 preview and predictions
After what feels like an eternity since the 2023 Grand Final, Super League is back this week and I can finally come out of my winter hibernation.
Now I’ve been through every Super League team individually, it’s time to wrap it all up into one big, bumper preview that’s full of probably terrible predictions. Let’s start with how I see the table looking after round 27…
- Wigan Warriors
- St Helens
- Catalans Dragons
- Hull KR
- Warrington Wolves
- Leigh Leopards
- Hull FC
- Leeds Rhinos
- Huddersfield Giants
- Salford Red Devils
- Castleford Tigers
- London Broncos
The play-offs
Nothing particularly groundbreaking in this, and my top six is the same as last year’s, albeit with a couple of teams swapped around. Wigan look stronger on paper than last year, while St Helens are always there or thereabouts and Catalans have been a fixture in the top four since 2020.
In 4th, I’m backing Hull KR to have another big year. They’ve lost some good players in the off-season, but I’ve been impressed with their recruitment. As for Warrington, they’re the biggest uncertainty in the competition, but I have a feeling that Sam Burgess will get them firing and at least claim a top six spot.
And lastly, in my eyes, Leigh are no one-season wonders, especially following the arrival of Matt Moylan. The Leopards are here to stay and I can see them taking the final play-off spot.
The chasing pack
I’m expecting a much-improved Hull FC this year, and I think them and Leeds will go close in the battle for 6th, but fall just short. The Rhinos have made two great signings in the shape of Brodie Croft and Andy Ackers, but their forward pack looks a bit light to me.
Huddersfield should be better than last year, but I just can’t see who they’ll overtake, so I’m tipping them for 9th again, while I’ve gone for Salford in 10th. The Red Devils are more than capable of causing a surprise, but their squad looks thin and they can’t keep punching above their weight.
I’ve gone for Castleford to finish 11th, and that’s mainly down to the fact that there’s only one team worse than them. Maybe the Tigers will surprise me, but they look to have one of the weakest squads in the league, although that crown goes to London. It’s a minor miracle to see the Broncos here in the first place, so it’s not a knock on them, but any squad that has part-time players in it will surely get outclassed most weeks.
Welcome to the show that has it all 🤩
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) February 8, 2024
This is the @Betfred #SuperLeague 2024 😤#NothingLikeLeague pic.twitter.com/XkfLdrAfik
Grand Final Winners – Wigan Warriors
It seems an obvious shout, and maybe that’s where this prediction will fall over, but the Warriors are the team to beat this year, although St Helens and Catalans will push them all the way again.
Challenge Cup Winners – St Helens
Any of my top nine could win the Challenge Cup this year, but if I was putting money on someone I’d go with Saints, as it’s rare to see them go through a season without a trophy.
Steve Prescott Man of Steel – Jack Welsby
It seems inevitable that Welsby will collect this award at some point and I’m backing him to do it in 2024, as he continues to go from strength to strength. I’m even going to go out on a limb here and predict the other two platers who’ll make the shortlist – Jai Field and Matt Moylan.
Super League Young Player of the Year – Matty Nicholson
I’m expecting St Helens’ George Delaney to be firmly in the running for this award, but as I’m tipping them to have the MOS winner, I’m tipping Warrington’s Matty Nicholson to claim this award. The 20-year-old was in the running in 2023, and he should get plenty more game time in 2024 to stake his claim.
Super League Coach of the Year – Matt Peet
If Wigan win the League Leaders shield and the Grand Final like I suspect, then Peet should be a shoo-in for this award. Mind you, that theory didn’t hold up last year, although there are no arguments from me that Adrian Lam was a worthy winner. If Peet doesn’t win this year, then I’m backing Willie Peters at Hull KR.
So, there we have it. Add your comments below or get in touch on social media to let me know how wrong I am and I’ll be sure to look back at this in October to see just how wrong I got everything!
