In just a few days time, the most talked about Super League season in years is set to kick off. The controversial new era of rugby league in Europe has divided many, with the fresh format leaving fans both excited and apprehensive about the next nine months.
It’s everyone’s dream to lift the Super League trophy at Old Trafford, but many eyes will be set on the middle eight and the ‘Million Pound Game’. Every club has strengthened this winter, and 2015 looks set to be the closest season in recent memory.
Here are my predictions.
Castleford Tigers
The surprise package of 2014. Daryl Powell pulled together a side that many expected to struggle and took them to Wembley and a top-four finish. The losses of Mark Sneyd, Daryl Clark and Craig Huby will be hard for the fans to take but signings such Ben Roberts and Luke Gale should ensure another season of entertaining rugby for the Tigers. I’d expect a different style this year, with Scott Moore pulling the strings from dummy half.
Key man: Daryl Powell. He has lost some key players and has a tough job in proving 2014 wasn’t just a one season wonder, especially now the element of surprise has gone.
Prediction: Ninth
Catalan Dragons
Already a formidable side at home, the signings of Todd Carney and Willie Tonga will only increase the level of expectation at the Stade Gilbert Brutus. Many expected Laurent Frayssinous to pay for last season’s disastrous run with his job, but a bold and loyal stay of execution from chairman Bernard Guasch was repaid by dumping Leeds Rhinos out of the play-offs at Headingley. The outstanding Morgan Escare will be looking to add to his exploits of 2014 in what should be an exciting season for the Dragons.
Key man: Todd Carney. The Aussie bad boy is expected to take Super League by storm.
Prediction: Fourth
Huddersfield Giants
Much of the Giants support will look back on 2014 as a missed opportunity after the league topping heroics 12 months earlier. The winter recruitment has been solid, if unspectacular, but any side boasting attacking talents such as Danny Brough and Luke Robinson should be certainties for another stab at the top eight
Key man: Danny Brough. Remains the most exciting English halfback in Super League who can win a game singlehandedly.
Prediction: Fifth
Hull FC
Despite another season of underachievement, expectations remain high for the Old Faithful. The merry go round of halfbacks continues and much will depend on new recruits Leon Pryce and Mark Sneyd. Jamie Shaul continues to improve and Curtis Naughton could be a player worth keeping an eye on. A top eight finish is well within their grasp, but a slow start and the pressure could mount for Lee Radford.
Key man: Leon Pryce. On his day he has the ability to unlock any defence in Super League.
Prediction: Eighth
Hull Kingston Rovers
It’s been an eventful close season for new Rovers coach Chris Chester. Eighteen players have either retired or left the club, and a further 13 brought in. Travis Burns is a big loss to the Robins, but Terry Campese is more than capable of filling that void. Blending so many players together in such a short space of time may prove to be the biggest challenge for rookie Chester, but assistant Willie Poching, fresh from his success at Warrington and Leeds, may prove to be the shrewdest signing yet.
Key man: Terry Campese. Big things are expected of the ex-State of Origin and international star.
Prediction: Twelfth
Leeds Rhinos
Another year and another trophy for the Rhinos. But the Challenge Cup win failed to make up for a disappointing home defeat in the play-offs. With arguably the best back line in Super League, coach Brian McDermott will be looking to give his youngsters more game time as he prepares to smooth the transition from old guard to new. Liam Sutcliffe appears to be the heir apparent to Kevin Sinfield, and Jamie Peacock will be looking to finish his glorious career with a victory at Old Trafford.
Key man: Zak Hardaker. Despite his troubles, Hardaker proved to be a genuine match winner in 2014.
Prediction: Sixth
St Helens
Last season’s double winners have recruited well and will be looking to add further silverware to the trophy cabinet this year. A fit again Luke Walsh will be raring to link up with new signing Travis Burns, and Atelea Vea looks an adequate replacement for the departed Sia Soliola.
Key man: James Roby. Man of the match in last season’s grand final, and the finest hooker in Super League.
Prediction: First
Salford Red Devils
Another influx of big name players look set to keep Marwan Koukash and Salford Red Devils at the forefront of rugby league headlines in 2015. Koukash has publicly stated that a top eight spot is a minimum this year, and with players such Rangi Chase, Kevin Locke, Ben Jones Bishop and Michael Dobson anything less will be seen as a drastic failure. With such talent at his disposal, Iestyn Harris will be expected to produce a formula of successful and entertaining rugby at the AJ Bell Stadium this year.
Key man: Michael Dobson. His partnership with Chase is potentially mouthwatering.
Prediction: Seventh
Wakefield Trinity Wildcats
Trinity again defied the odds last season by finishing a comfortable 12th and avoiding relegation. James Webster has recruited well, but the lack of depth in the backs could prove to be the difference between a relegation battle and a top eight charge. The pack has been bolstered by some heavyweight signings and mavericks Tim Smith and Jarrod Sammut are capable of unlocking even the most stringent of Super League defences.
Key man: Tim Smith. It’s no coincidence that Trinity’s fortunes switched as soon as Smith returned from Salford.
Prediction: Tenth
Warrington Wolves
The Wolves head into 2015 with a settled and strong looking squad. The addition of international hooker Daryl Clark will add a new dimension to their attacking play. Replacing Adrian Morley and Lee Briers proved challenging for Tony Smith last season, but Ashton Sims will go somewhere towards filling that void, and Stefan Ratchford will be expected to make the number six jersey his own this season.
Key man: Joel Monaghan. Super League’s top scorer in 2014 will be looking to add to his average of more than a try per game this year.
Prediction: Third
Widnes Vikings
A relatively quiet off-season shows the confidence Dennis Betts has in his squad. Jon Clarke’s retirement will be a blow, but in Aaron Heremaia they have an experienced and able replacement. Chris Clarkson will bring a winning mentality from his time at Leeds. Manase Manuokafoa should add some bulk up front but repeating last season’s top eight finish may prove to be too much.
Key man: Kevin Brown. Named in the 2014 Dream Team, Brown will be looking to replicate the same form this time around.
Prediction: Eleventh
Wigan Warriors
Still hurting from October’s dramatic grand final defeat, the Warriors will be itching to make amends. Blake Green will be a big loss, but the famous Wigan production line has Ryan Hampshire, Sam Powell and George Williams all knocking on the door for a regular first team shirt this year. Lee Mossop is a welcome return from Parramatta, and Taulima Tautai will add an explosive element to an already strong group of forwards. The biggest worry for Warriors fans will be the persistent rumours linking Shaun Wane with a move to the NRL.
Key man: Matty Smith. Smith’s leadership will be key this year as Wane looks to to promote a young half back partner from within.
Prediction: Second
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