Wigan Warriors were expected to be the side walking out at Old Trafford to take on St Helens last year with stars like Bevan French and Jai Field seen as the most likely way that the Saints could find themselves dethroned as Super League Champions.
In 2023, the same is true with many seeing the Warriors as the best bet to stop the Saints from making it five Grand Final wins in a row. In another similarity with 2022, they start the season away at Hull KR.
The Robins looked impressive against Leeds Rhinos in their last pre-season friendly and have their star players back after an injury hit 2022 whilst some major signings have come through the door.
They two are set for an exciting team but can they start the season with a win?
For the most part, Hull KR have a clean bill of health but Willie Peters did confirm one new signing will miss Round One.
That is Yusuf Aydin who, like James Batchelor, has arrived from Wakefield Trinity.
He also had a brief spell on loan at Leeds Rhinos last year playing in their best win of the season against Wigan Warriors.
However, a hand injury has seen him miss a lot of pre-season and will see him sit out Round One as confirmed by Peters today.
Wigan are in a similar boat with a mostly fit squad except for two injured players.
These are Iain Thornley and new signing from Castleford Tigers Ryan Hampshire both of whom are dealing with long term injuries.
Speaking today, Matt Peet said of the duo:
“No complaints. Ryan and Iain are coming toward the end of long term injury, but other than that we’re healthy.
“Ryan’s looking at mid to late April, with Iain about a month in front of that.”
💬 MP on Ryan and Iain: "Ryan's looking at mid to late April, with Iain about a month in front of that."#WWRL #SLHKRWIG
— Wigan Warriors 🍒⚪️ (@WiganWarriorsRL) February 15, 2023
