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Wigan lift the Super League trophy after winning the 2018 Grand Final

Super League 2019: Team-by-team guide and best bets for the new rugby league season

By Sporting Life

Rugby League

Thu January 31, 2019 · 6y ago

Check out our team-by-team guide with finishing position predicitons - plus best bets - for the new Betfred Super League season.

Recommended bets

1pt Jake Trueman to win the Man of Steel award at 40/1

1pt Tom Johnstone to be Super League top tryscorer at 11/1

For details of advised bookmakers and each-way terms, visit our transparent tipping record

Tom Carnduff

Jake Trueman to win the Man of Steel award at 40/1

Castleford have been dealt another huge blow with Luke Gale set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines. His 2018 season was largely disrupted by injury too and it'll leave Daryl Powell short of a crucial player going into the new campaign. What we did see last season though was a strong campaign from Jake Trueman stepping up in Gale's absence and putting in a number of strong performances. He won Super League's Young Player of the Year award and will be a pivotal part of this Cas side once again this season.

Castleford are expected to sit behind the likes of Wigan, Warrington and St. Helens in this season's final standings, but if Trueman can carry over that form and lead the Tigers on the pitch from his half-back position throughout the season, there is every chance he could be in the running for the senior accolade in October.

David Ord

Tom Johnstone to be top Super League tryscorer at 11/1

The Wakefield winger is one of he rising stars of the English game - and a deadly finisher. He crossed for 24 tries last season despite missing games through injury and has continued his free-scoring exploits through tpre-season.

He looks a fair bet at double-figure odds to top the chart this term with last year's winner Ben Barba back in the NRL - and Danny Brough alongside him in a Trinity jersey. The latter may be 36 now but the scrum-half still possesses the best kicking game in the competition and clearly Johnstone will be a target for many of those last-tackle plays.

Greg Eden heads the market and with an injury-free campaign will be there or thereabouts despite Castleford losing one of their main attacking sparks - Luke Gale - for the whole campaign.

Tom Johnstone: Flying start to new season

Tom Johnstone - deadly finisher for Wakefield

Check out Ian Laybourn's team-by-team guide to the new Betfred Super League season.

CASTLEFORD TIGERS

Coach: Daryl Powell (since May 2013).
Captain: Michael Shenton.
2018 finish (after 23 rounds): 3rd.
2018 leading scorers: tries - Greg Eden 18; goals - Jamie Ellis 54; points - Jamie Ellis 117.
Biggest Super League win: 74-16 (v Salford, 2002).
Biggest Super League defeat: 62-0 (v Warrington, 2011) (also lost 70-12 v Hull KR, 2012).
Ground and capacity: The Mend-a-Hose Jungle (formerly Wheldon Road), 12,000.
2018 average attendance: 7,604 (down 1,341).
Record Super League attendance: 11,731 (v Leeds, 2004).

Ins: Jordan Rankin (Huddersfield), Chris Clarkson (Hull KR, on trial).

Outs: Gadwin Springer (Toronto), Jy Hitchcox, Jake Webster, James Green (all Bradford), Quentin Laulu-Togagae (Halifax), Kieran Gill (Newcastle Thunder on season-long loan), Joe Wardle (Huddersfield).

Sky Bet odds to finish top: 13/2

Key man: Jake Trueman, the reigning young player of the year, will need to shoulder yet more responsibility in the absence Luke Gale if the Tigers are to challenge for a maiden title.

Prospects: Castleford's prospects diminished when Luke Gale hobbled off the training park on the first Saturday in January and, although they look sure to finish in the top half of the table, the play-offs might just be beyond them.

Prediction: 6th.

CATALANS DRAGONS

Coach: Steve McNamara (since June 2017).
Captain: Remi Casty.
2018 finish: 8th.
2018 leading scorers: tries - David Mead 15; goals - Josh Drinkwater 76; points - Josh Drinkwater 134.
Biggest Super League win: 76-6 (v Widnes, 2012).
Biggest Super League defeat: 60-12 (v Leeds, 2006).
Ground and capacity: Gilbert Brutus Stadium, 13,180.
2018 average attendance: 8,145 (down 467).
Record Super League attendance: 11,856 (v Wigan, 2016, also drew 18,150 for visit of Warrington to Barcelona's Olympic Stadium in 2009).

Ins: Sam Tomkins (Wigan), Matty Smith (St Helens), Matt Whitley (Widnes).

Outs: Josh Drinkwater (Hull KR), Louis Anderson (released), Vincent Duport (Lezignan), Fouad Yaha (Agen RU), Iain Thornley (Leigh).

Sky Bet odds to finish top: 20/1.

Key man: Matty Smith has been given the chance to resurrect his career after it stalled at St Helens and, although his predecessor Josh Drinkwater did a fine job in 2018, the former Wigan maestro could be the man to ignite the Catalans' back line.

Prospects: A full pre-season under Steve McNamara ought to avoid a repeat of the Dragons' disastrous start to 2018 and, with Sam Tomkins adding a touch of class to their back line, the signs are looking good.

Prediction: 5th.

Sam Tomkins - star recruit for Catalan

HUDDERSFIELD GIANTS

Coach: Simon Wolford (since April 2018).
Captain: Leroy Cudjoe (to be confirmed).
2018 finish: 5th.
2018 leading scorers: tries - Darnell McIntosh 14; goals - Danny Brough 67; points - Danny Brough 130.
Biggest Super League win: 66-6 (v Widnes, 2012).
Biggest Super League defeat: 86-6 (v Leeds, 1999).
Ground and capacity: John Smith's Stadium, 24,169.
2018 average attendance: 5,471 (down 402).
Record Super League attendance: 15,629 (v Leeds, 2008).

Ins: Akuila Uate (Manly), Matt Frawley (Canterbury Bulldogs), Tom Holmes (Featherstone), Reiss Butterworth (Bradford), Scott Grix (Wakefield), Joe Wardle (Castleford).

Outs: Ryan Hinchcliffe (retired),Jake Mamo (Warrington), Shannon Wakeman (released), Tyler Dickinson (Batley), Danny Brough (Wakefield), Oliver Russell (Leigh, on season-long loan), Jordan Rankin (Castleford).

Sky Bet odds to finish top: 33/1

Key man: Matt Frawley has arrived in England as something of an unknown quantity but the Giants will need a major contribution from the Australian half-back as they begin life after Danny Brough.

Prospects: Huddersfield will clearly benefit from a first pre-season under Simon Woolford, who enjoyed a prolonged honeymoon period on his arrival last summer, but they do not look equipped to mount a play-off challenge and the early loss of Jermaine McGillvary is a body blow.

Prediction: 8th.

HULL FC

Coach: Lee Radford (since September 2013).
Captain: Danny Houghton.
2018 finish: 6th.
2018 leading scorers: tries - Bureta Faraimo 17; goals - Marc Sneyd 51; points - Marc Sneyd 111.
Biggest Super League win: 82-6 (v Salford, 2004).
Biggest Super League defeat: 72-10 (v Wakefield, 2018, also lost 71-0 at
Bradford in 2005 play-offs and 80-10 at Warrington in the 2018 Super 8s).
Ground and capacity: KCOM Stadium, 25,586.
2018 average attendance: 11,854 (up 395).
Record Super League attendance: 23,004 (v Hull KR, 2007).

Ins: Levy Nzoungou (Salford), Danny Langtree (Oldham), Matty Dawson-Jones, Jordan Thompson (both Leigh).

Outs: Jordan Abdull (London Broncos), Jack Downs (Batley).

Sky Bet odds to finish top: 16/1

Key man: Jake Connor is Hull's Jack of all Trades who could make the stand-off spot his own. He will be looking to kick on from his impressive performances for England in 2018.

Prospects: Out of contract at the end of the year, Lee Radford is the coach under most pressure, especially after ending 2018 with 11 straight defeats. Without significantly strengthening in the close season, they are unlikely to be play-off contenders.

Prediction: 9th.

HULL KR

Coach: Tim Sheens (since November 2016).
Captain: Joel Tomkins.
2018 finish: 10th.
2018 leading scorers: tries - Ryan Shaw 11; goals - Ryan Shaw 56; points - Ryan Shaw 156.
Biggest Super League win: 70-12 (v Castleford, 2012).
Biggest Super League defeat: 84-6 (v Wigan, 2013).
Ground and capacity: KCOM Craven Park, 12,255.
2018 average attendance: 7,873 (up 444).
Record Super League attendance: 12,090 (v Hull FC, 2018).

Ins: Kane Linnett (North Queensland), Ryan Lannon (Salford), Weller Hauraki (Widnes), Jimmy Keinhorst, Mitch Garbutt (both Leeds), Josh Drinkwater (Catalans Dragons).

Outs: Justin Carney (Byron Bay), Chris Clarkson (Castleford, on trial), Ben Kavanagh (Halifax), Danny Tickle (Workington), James Donaldson (Leeds), Maurice Blair, Kieren Moss (both released), Jordan Walne (Barrow), Liam Salter, Matty Marsh (both York), Joe Cator (Leigh).

Sky Bet odds to finish top: 66/1

Key man: Danny McGuire will be aiming to go out on a high as he prepares to hang up his boots at the end of the season and he still possesses enough class to make a big impression.

Prospects: Tim Sheens has arguably been the busiest coach in the off season, re-shaping his squad after their bottom-four finish in 2018 but the Robins will do well to improve on last year's 10th place.

Prediction: 10th.

Danny McGuire - curtain comes down on a glittering career

LEEDS RHINOS

Coach: Dave Furner (since September 2018).
Captain: Kallum Watkins.
2018 finish: 9th.
2018 leading scorers: tries - Tom Briscoe & Ash Handley 10; goals - Kallum Watkins 34; points - Kallum Watkins 96.
Biggest Super League win: 86-6 (v Huddersfield, 1999).
Biggest Super League defeat: 66-10 (v Castleford, 2017).
Ground and capacity: Headingley (16,500, expanding to 19,500 when fully open).
2018 average attendance: 12,352 (down 2,221).
Record Super League attendance: 23,246 (v Castleford, 2018, at Elland Road).

Ins: Trent Merrin (Penrith), Konrad Hurrell (Gold Coast), Tui Lolohea (Wests Tigers), James Donaldson (Hull KR), Callum McLelland (Edinburgh RU).

Outs: Joel Moon (returned to Australia), Ryan Hall (Sydney Roosters).Jimmy Keinhorst, Mitch Garbutt (both Hull KR), Brett Delaney (Featherstone).

Sky Bet odds to finish top: 13/2

Key man: Tui Lolohea will provide Leeds with the specialist stand-off they have missed since the departure of Danny McGuire and his partnership with Richie Myler will be crucial to their hopes.

Prospects: The only way is up for the Rhinos under new coach Dave Furner, especially if they can find someone to score the tries in Ryan Hall's absence.

Prediction: 4th.

LONDON BRONCOS

Coach: David Ward (since November, 2017).
Captain: Jay Pitts.
2018 finish: 2nd in Championship.
2018 leading scorers: tries - Kieran Dixon 22; goals - Jarrod Sammutt 87; points - Jarrod Sammut 251.
Biggest Super League win: 72-8 (v Wakefield, 2005).
Biggest Super League defeat: 82-6 (v Warrington, 2011).
Ground and capacity: Ealing Trailfinders, 5,000.
2018 average attendance: 896 (up by 5).
Record Super League attendance: 9,638 (v Paris at The Valley, 1996).

Ins: Luke Yates (Newcastle Knights), Ryan Morgan (St Helens, season-long loan), Matty Fozard (Sheffield Eagles), Greg Richards (Leigh), Nathan Mason (Huddersfield), Jordan Abdull (Hull), Morgan Smith (Warrington).

Outs: Ben Evans (Toulouse), Matty Davis (Warrington), Daniel Harrison (returned to Australia), Daymeric Pelo (released), Michael Channing (retired), Jarrod Sammut (Wigan), Api Pewhairangi (returned to New Zealand), Tom Spencer (Leigh).

Sky Bet odds to finish top: 150/1.

Key man: Jordan Abdull could be facing a make-or-break time in his career following his departure from Hull. He has a big task as the Broncos seek to consolidate following their surprise promotion back to Super League.

Prospects: The Broncos defied all expectations by pipping Toronto to promotion from the Championship and it would be an even bigger shock if Danny Ward's men manage to survive, despite having the advantage of playing on their own artificial surface in Ealing.

Prediction: 12th.

SALFORD RED DEVILS

Coach: Ian Watson (since July 2015).
Co-captains: Lee Mossop and Mark Flanagan.
2018 finish: 11th.
2018 leading scorers: tries - Jake Bibby 11; goals - Robert Lui 31; points - Robert Lui 86.
Biggest Super League win: 56-16 (v Bradford, 2011) (highest score 58-26 v London, 2014).
Biggest Super League defeat: 96-16 (v Bradford, 2000).
Ground and capacity: A J Bell Stadium, 12,000.
2018 average attendance: 2,823 (down 1,118).
Record Super League attendance: 10,146 (v Catalans, 2012).

Ins: Ken Sio (Newcastle Knights), Adam Lawton (Redcliffe Dolphins), Gil Dudson (Widnes), Adam Walker (free agent, from March 13).

Outs: Craig Kopczak (Wakefield), Luke Burgess (retired). Lama Tasi (Warrington), Ryan Lannon (Hull KR), Jack Littlejohn (Mudgee, Australia), Kriss Brining (York), Gavin Bennion (Swinton).

Sky Bet odds to finish top: 100/1

Key man: Jackson Hastings made a big impression during his short-term spell with the Red Devils at the back end of last season and his decision to sign on again for 2019 provided them with a much-needed boost.

Prospects: Ian Watson has proved his ability to put together a competitive team despite the financial constraints that always seem to bedevil the club but he might be grateful for the presence of London as he battles to avoid relegation.

Prediction: 11th.

ST HELENS

Coach: Justin Holbrook (since May 2017).
Captain: James Roby.
2018 finish: 1st.
2018 leading scorers: tries - Ben Barba 28; goals - Danny Richardson 135; points - Danny Richardson 296.
Biggest Super League win: 78-4 (v Leigh, 2005).
Biggest Super League defeat: 70-0 (v Leeds, 2004).
Ground and capacity: Totally Wicked Stadium, 18,000.
2018 average attendance: 11,169 (up 223).
Record Super League attendance: 18,098 (v Warrington, 1996, at Knowsley Road).

Ins: Lachlan Coote (North Queensland), Kevin Naiqama (Wests Tigers), Joseph Paulo (Cronulla), Joe Batchelor (York),

Outs: Ben Barba (North Queensland), Jon Wilkin (Toronto), Matty Smith (Catalans), Ryan Morgan (London, on season-long loan).

Sky Bet odds to finish top: 3/1.

Key man: Jonny Lomax plays full-back for his country but will be leading the attack for his club from his favoured stand-off role in his testimonial season.

Prospects: Saints could never hope to fully replace Ben Barba but Lachlan Coote, Kevin Naiqama and Joseph Paulo are all quality recruits and the return from injury of England prop Alex Walmsley will add a sizeable chunk of power to their pack.

Prediction: 1st.

Jonny Lomax - set for run in favoured position

WAKEFIELD TRINITY

Coach: Chris Chester (since March 2016).
Captain: Jacob Miller.
2018 finish: 7th.
2018 leading scorers: tries - Tom Johnstone 24; goals - Ryan Hampshire 61; points - Ryan Hampshire 143.
Biggest Super League win: 72-10 (v Hull, 2018), also 68-6 v Halifax, 2003 and 62-0 v Wigan, 2016.
Biggest Super League defeat: 72-8 (v London, 2005).
Ground and capacity: Mobile Rocket Stadium, Belle Vue, 9,333.
2018 average attendance: 5,056 (down 227).
Record Super League attendance: 11,000 (v Castleford, 2006).

Ins: Danny Brough (Huddersfield), George King (Warrington), Craig Kopczak (Salford), Ben Reynolds (Leigh).

Outs: Liam Finn (Newcastle Thunder), Scott Grix (Huddersfield).

Sky Bet odds to finish top: 25/1.

Key man: Danny Brough may have turned 36 but that did not stop Trinity offering him a two-year deal to prize the goalkicking half-back away from Huddersfield and it could prove to be a smart piece of business.

Prospects: Chris Chester has guided his team to fifth-place finishes after 30 rounds in each of the last two years and they will be ready to make it three in a row if one of the anticipated big five falter.

Prediction: 7th.

WARRINGTON WOLVES

Coach: Steve Price (since October 2017).
Dual captains: Chris Hill and Jack Hughes.
2018 finish: 4th.
2018 leading scorers: tries - Tom Lineham 18; goals - Tyrone Roberts 32; points - Stefan Ratchford 114.
Biggest Super League win: 80-0 (v Wakefield, 2015).
Biggest Super League defeat: 72-2 (v St Helens, 2002).
Ground and capacity: Halliwell Jones Stadium, 15,000.
2018 average attendance: 9,782 (down 382).
Record Super League attendance: 15,008 (v Widnes, 2016).

Ins: Blake Austin (Canberra), Jason Clark (South Sydney), Matt Davis (London Broncos), Lama Tasi (Salford), Danny Walker (Widnes), Jake Mamo (Huddersfield).

Outs: George King (Wakefield), Dom Crosby (Leeds), Tyrone Roberts (Gold Coast), Ben Pomeroy (Catalans), Mitch Brown (released), Bodene Thompson (Toronto), Morgan Smith (London Broncos).

Sky Bet odds to finish top: 3/1

Key man: Blake Austin is Warrington's marquee signing who will be hoping to make a bigger impact than his predecessor Tyrone Roberts, who never really settled in the country.

Prospects: Warrington look sure to be title favourites in 2020 once Gareth Widdop arrives but they could end their long drought this year and, after four runners-up appearances in seven years at Old Trafford, few would begrude them the trophy.

Prediction: 2nd.

WIGAN WARRIORS

Coach: Adrian Lam (since November 2018).
Captain: Sean O'Loughlin.
2018 finish: 2nd.
2018 leading scorers: tries - Liam Marshall 16; goals - Sam Tomkins 96; points - Sam Tomkins 242.
Biggest Super League win: 84-6 (v Hull KR, 2013 and Bradford, 2014).
Biggest Super League defeat: 70-0 (v Leeds, 2005).
Ground and capacity: DW Stadium, 25,133.
2018 average attendance: 11,648 (down 2,021)
Record Super League attendance: 25,004 (v St Helens, 2005).

Ins: Zak Hardaker (ex-Castleford), Jarrod Sammut (London Broncos), Joe Bullock (Barrow),

Outs: John Bateman, Ryan Sutton (both Canberra), Sam Tomkins (Catalans), Josh Woods (Leigh, on season-long loan).

Sky Bet odds to finish top: 13/2

Key man: Controversial signing Zak Hardaker has big boots to fill following the departure of Sam Tomkins but, if he can remain focused, the former Leeds and Castleford full-back could yet have his best years ahead of him.

Prospects: Wigan have lost some major players as well as long-serving coach Shaun Wane so Adrian Lam faces a difficult task as he takes on the reins until the arrival of Shaun Edwards.

Prediction: 3rd.