Super League Round One is in the books but there are plenty of major lessons that we learned across the opening seven games of 2026.
Few expected any of the promoted teams to have immediate success, with even fewer predicting that two of the three promoted clubs would win. Those who did predict that likely did not have champions Hull KR as one of the sides to lose.
However, that’s exactly what happened on opening night as the tone was set for what looks likely to be another unpredictable season of Super League.
It wasn’t just the results that taught us something but how games played out with referees mentioned plenty by fans, pundits and coaches.
We also saw a number of new stars emerge across Super League and whilst it’s only round one of a 27-game season, we’ve picked out some of the key lessons that have already been learned.
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Super League Round One lessons
A 14-team Super League can work?
Much of the major off-season rhetoric focused on whether Super League should have expanded to 14 teams with the overwhelming majority suggesting that it should not have.
After Salford’s dismal showing in 2025, fears emerged that teams on smaller central funding would not be able to compete with the other clubs. Ironically, it was the two promoted clubs on the restricted central funding that won their games, with Bradford Bulls losing to ruin hopes of a clean sweep for the promoted sides.
Maybe there was a case of the promoted trio being underestimated and catching their opponents sleeping but that argument undermines their brilliant efforts. Early impressions suggest that the move to 14 will be a huge success, much to the surprise of many.
Hull KR suffer treble-winning hangover
Whilst York do deserve massive plaudits, as mentioned above, it has to be stated how off it Hull KR were, particularly in the first half.
Since their win at Old Trafford in October, Willie Peters has fielded a team mainly comprising fringe players in the pre-season loss to Wakefield, whilst their only other game saw them defeat community club Lock Lane 104-0.
A lack of competitive game time could help explain their struggles but they’ll be hoping the reality check of defeat can shake them up in time for Thursday’s World Club Challenge against Brisbane.
Games are set to get quick
It’s been the trending topic lately and that’s ruck speed with referees directed to be less lenient to slow rucks and that was evident this weekend with the number of six again calls going through the roof.
How that is consistent from game to game or even from one half to another isn’t clear and it will likely be the scourge of many coaches, with a number speaking out this past weekend.
Ultimately though, it will mean a faster game with the fitter and more disciplined teams set to succeed.
New stars are born
What it also means is that we can expect some new star players to emerge with the biggest standouts in round one all being full-backs. Charley Staines, Cai Taylor-Wray and Olly Ashall-Bott all had magnificent games, whilst established stars such as Jai Field also turned up big time.
Staines made his Super League debut and racked up 307 metres in the mud of Perpignan, whilst Warrington’s Cai Taylor-Wray made 235. Ashall-Bott was less explosive but still ran for 187 in Toulouse’s upset win over Wakefield.
With rucks being faster, the role of the full-back is changing and those who are able to shadow the dummy-half and arrive on a support line to break free look set for major success in 2026.
Game of the round proves telling
Whilst the season opener and the return of Bradford Bulls drew plenty of attention, the standout game that many were keen to watch was Warrington Wolves versus St Helens and it threw up plenty of narratives.
The first of those is that Warrington looked clinical with a strong pack leading them forward and supported by electric backs. They also proved their grit when defending for long periods in the second half, doing just enough to leave Saints frustrated.
As for St Helens, where plenty was expected, the game probably served as a pointer that major changes take time. Paul Rowley has implemented a completely new style and he’s doing to with a new general at the helm in Jackson Hastings. For us to have expected them to immediately click was naive and as Rowley said, perhaps ‘over-confident’. This Saints team will find their feet but it’s going to take time.
