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Will James Roby and St Helens lift the Super League trophy for a fifth consecutive year in 2023?
Ahead of the 2023 Betfred Super League season, we asked Sky Sports’ rugby league experts to give us their views on what to expect in the upcoming campaign…
Phil Clarke
Grand Final Winner: St Helen to beat Wolves Warrington. After losing five Grand Finals in a row between 2007 and 2011, this year they won their fifth in a row.
Dropped: Wakefield Trinity. He’s been the best escape artist in professional sports for the past 20 years, but this year his luck just wasn’t there.
Man of Steel: Jack Welsby. I said last year he was the best player in the competition, and this year everyone will agree. Star of St Helens.
Surprise Pack: Warrington Wolves. From the 11th to the second time in 12 months! Although some may say that they are too big and too old, I think the speed of Matt Dufty saves them.
Rising Star: perhaps Tee Ritson if he takes Regan Grace’s place on the wing at St Helens and becomes the first Thai-born sensation to score a try in the Super League. But it is more likely to be Hull Kingston Rovers half-back Mikey Lewis if he stays fit.
It was a big year for: Daryl Powell. The Warrington head coach has six games at the start of the season which will determine where he is at the end of the season. The first three for Wolves are tough: Leeds Rhinos, Huddersfield Giants and Salford Red Devils – every game has pressure with a capital ‘P’!
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Highlights from the 2022 Super League Grand Final between St Helens and Leeds Rhinos.
I just need to add a rider here. I tip Brad Takarangi became Man of Steel last year and Warrington to win the Grand Final. I get more time on the field than Brad and Warrington who are lucky to stay up, so my tips don’t always come true!
John Wilkin
Grand Final Winner: St Helens. Something has to give at some stage, I’m just not sure this year is that stage. It will be bleak for everyone but if they win again. Australia’s trip could open the door early, but Lewis Dodd is back – look out for the Super League. Interesting fact: Paul Wellens and Jimmy Nail reportedly have 99.9 percent of the same face.
Dropped: Wakefield Trinity. I feel like Leigh Leopards have recruited okay. Wakefield has two inexperienced but exciting coaches in Mark Applegarth and assistant James Ford, and they are used to being in the trenches so they won’t go down without a fight. You know that scene in ‘Commando’ where Schwarzenegger loads his weapon? Well, that’s Wakefield every week.
Man of Steel: Jai Field. It is quite surprising when looking at the quality of his year in 2022 that he did not win. The only danger is the team that works with him – that is, if you can work on his fast pace, constantly evolving tactical concepts, and rising game-specific IQ. Dodgy ‘tache, though.
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Jon Wilkin believes St Helens are still the benchmark ahead of the 2023 Super League season but admits coach Paul Wellens has challenges.
Surprise package: Wolves Warrington. Either way it will be a surprise and it will be a story to follow. If not a vintage year for them then difficult questions will follow. But despite the squad and great surly-looking people from Down Under entered, I think we will act surprised if they continue and win the Grand Final.
Rising star: Harry Newman. Laughing right? He has become a star! Well, he is, but injuries require him to go up and keep going. If he gets to 25 games this year, he’ll be devastating. Leeds Rhinos need to keep this star shining brightly.
It was a big year for: Catalans Dragons. Question marks about the value of the game? We suggest an illustration for the following: A clandestine meeting in a disused snooker room smoked-tempered in Dewsbury, half full of crusty rich people conspiring to bring to the Super League the right team on the M62. ‘M62 Hard Shoulders’ will be based between junction 25 and the emergency call before 24.
Seriously, this is a big year for the Catalans. The value he brings is without question, this year remains important, and the high-flying French team will find it harder to drag him into the mud than those who come close.
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Jon Wilkin assesses some of the key points ahead of the 2023 Betfred Super League season and wonders how Warrington Wolves will perform.
Jenna Brooks
Grand Final Winner: Wigan Warriors. If anyone can stop St Helens from winning five in a row, it will be a fierce opponent. I believe Matt Peet is the man who guided last year’s Challenge Cup winners to glory. The pace and finishing ability of Bevan French, Jai Field and Liam Marshall are unmatched, and I believe Harry Smith will be standing up again in 2023 now that Tommy Leuluai has retired.
Dropped: Wakefield Trinity. History suggests that it will be promoted to Leigh, but I think they have brought some outstanding players and continue to number well. Trinity have lost a number of stars in David Fifita, Tom Johnstone and Jacob Miller. New Zealand international Kevin Proctor brings experience and Renouf Atoni some excitement, but I just don’t think they have the depth to get through the season. Let’s see!
Man of Steel: Jack Welsby. The Super League young player of the year, for the second time, in 2022 is also one of the three contenders for the top award. With Lewis Dodd back from injury, Welsby will be able to make the number 1 jersey his own. England’s disappointing World Cup campaign will surely teach him a lesson and make him hungry for more.
Surprise Pack: Salford Red Devils. They made the semi-finals in 2022 with many believing they would be unlucky not to progress to Old Trafford. This year they not only managed to get their best, but also brought in some up and coming stars like Ollie Partington, Ellis Longstaff and Sam Stone. Man of Steel Brodie Croft and Marc Sneyd will once again be key to the team’s success.
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Jamie Jones-Buchanan believes Leeds Rhinos head coach Rohan Smith has improved all his players and will continue to do so this season.
Rising Star: Harry Rushton. I am delighted that this young forward has returned from the Canberra Raiders. He returns to the Super League with the experience and confidence of spending two seasons in Australia, surrounded by some of the best players in the world and guided by the brilliant Ricky Stuart. I am sure he will prove a tough and ambitious player at Huddersfield Giants.
It was a big year for: Daryl Powell and which Wolves Warrington. Last year, Wolves were one of the favourites, but they spent much of the season worried about relegation. The additions of experienced Josh McGuire, Paul Vaughan and Sam Kasiano will add much needed firepower up front. George Williams partnering Josh Drinkwater in the halves and Matt Dufty at the back will hopefully add some sparkle to their attack. Not sure if it will end up being the year, but I’m sure it’s going to be a big year!
Jon Wells
Grand Final Winner: Wigan Warriors. They have retained two of Super League’s best talents in Jai Field and Bevan French, and they have revitalized their front-line midfield partnership with Toby King and Joe Wardle. Always a force at the front, I got their hands on the cup this season and ended the streak from the side of St. Helens distracted by the date of the World Club Challenge at the beginning of the season.
Dropped: Wakefield Trinity. They’ve lost their best player in Jacob Miller, I don’t think the recruitment has made up for it, and they’re up against a Leigh Leopards side determined to stay in the top flight this season.
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Jamie Jones-Buchanan on why he is delighted with St Helens’ consistency at the top of the Betfred Super League over the past few years.
Man of Steel: Darts – injuries and form play a big role in this but I guess I will be one of the shortlist of Wigan’s Jai Field, Adam Keighran in Dragons who are very good players, Tui Lolohea in Giants, Edwin Ipape in Leopards or Jack Welsby in St Helens
Surprise package: Leigh Leopards – a promoted team that remains a big story in the Super League.
Rising star: Davy Litten. The full-back or winger is highly regarded by everyone at Hull FC. If you haven’t heard of him yet, you will by the end of the season
It was a big year for: Huddersfield Giants. They put money into the 2022 season and have it done again before 2023. Ian Watson has had the time and now has the resources to win the title.
The new Betfred Super League season kicks off on Thursday 16th February as Warrington Wolves host Leeds Rhinos. Watch 66 live matches, including Magic Weekend, play-offs and the Grand Final, on Sky Sports in 2023 and stream on NOW TV.
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