The Super League season is nearly upon us as the newest and one of the most interesting and and vital seasons in rugby league history with IMG taking charge of the sport fully this year.
It is also the first time when Sky Sports will be showing every game alongside SuperLeague+ as well as BBC’s first ever Super League game as they begin to show 15 games across the season as the free to air TV deal.
All of this will culminate in the first legitimate IMG grades which is set to cause a real stir among fans as Super League places are determined by the likes of finances and attendance as well as on field performance.
A big season ahead, so here are our predictions for how the Super League table will look.
1. Wigan Warriors
In the eyes of some, Super League Champions Wigan Warriors are strong in 2024 than they were in 2023. At the least, they are just as strong in 2024. They are the clear favourites to finish top and retain their Super League title come the Grand Final at Old Trafford.
2. St Helens
After missing out on Old Trafford for the first time since 2018, St Helens will have a point to prove and are the club who look most likely to topple Wigan given their experience on the big stages. They have recruited well to replace those who have left the club such as legend James Roby.
3. Leeds Rhinos
Leeds Rhinos have arguably had the most transformative transfer business. They have drafted in Salford Red Devils duo Andy Ackers and Brodie Croft as well as the electric Lachie Miller. They look to have a star studded squad but have to prove it.
4. Hull KR
For the second year in a row Hull KR look like they could be a genuine contender and for the second year in a row we believe they will finish 4th. There is a lot of pressure on their new signings such as Tyrone May replacing Jordan Abdull. They still have an exceptional squad.
5. Catalans Dragons
The French club are coming into 2024 on the back of three competitive seasons but this is a real changing of the guard after the loss of Sam Tomkins, Mitchell Pearce and Tyrone May. They will still have the edge at home but may need some time to settle in.
6. Leigh Leopards
Leigh made the play-offs in 2023 but there has been speculation that the club could suffer from second season syndrome. They have made some big statement signings such as Matt Moylan and picked up a big win over Warrington Wolves in pre-season.
7. Warrington Wolves
That defeat and the clear work to do in the eyes of Sam Burgess ahead of the new Super League season is the reason I have predicted Warrington to miss out on the play-offs. The Wolves need to see this project through even if it gets off to a slow start.
8. Huddersfield Giants
Another club who you could very easily say will make the play-offs given some of the quality in their squad but after last season the Giants aren’t a side who look like they have the edge on the other clubs around them needed to make play-offs often losing close games.
9. Hull FC
The loss of Jake Clifford for Hull FC could be key for the Black and Whites and they didn’t have the best end to pre-season when they lost 40-0 to Wigan Warriors. This is a long project, so like Warrington, their needs to patience at Hull FC.
10. Castleford Tigers
There is a far better feeling at Castleford in 2024. They have an exciting young squad with potential. Questions were asked when they drew with London Broncos in pre-season but there are more positives than negatives.
11. Salford Red Devils
The Red Devils arguably had the worst off-season. They have lost Brodie Croft, Andy Ackers, Ken Sio and Joe Burgess for the new Super League season. They conceded 50 against St Helens in pre-season. There is work to be done.
12. London Broncos
It is easy to pick the newly promoted side to finish bottom but there is a lot up against London. They were last to recruitment given their promotion and have lost key men to injuries for the new season such as Bill Leyland.
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