Ranking every Super League team’s performance vs expectation so far this season

After 10 games we have an international break that provides us with a chance to reflect on the first third of the season.

So we are ranking every team’s performance based on their pre-season expectations.

12. Huddersfield Giants
Jake Connor said before the start of the season that Huddersfield had the strongest squad. They had only added extra quality to their side after a brilliant season in 2022. They looked set to compete for the title but instead sit ninth at present. They have performed well in games and can turn things around.

11. Castleford Tigers
The Tigers were hoping to finish in the top six for the first time since 2019. In the last two seasons they missed out on the play-offs by one game. However, in 2023 they look a long way off the play-offs.

10. Hull FC
Another side gunning for the play-offs in 2023, expectations were high after they signed Tex Hoy and Jake Clifford from the NRL. But after seven defeats in a row they sit 10th in the league.

9. Wakefield Trinity
Many expected Wakefield to struggle at the bottom of the league and that exactly what they are doing at present. Though many would have expected them to win a game by this stage of the season.

8. St Helens
The Super League Champions have lost four of their opening nine games. They haven’t been as consistent nor ruthless as usual and aren’t currently in the top two where we expect them to be.

7. Leeds Rhinos
Leeds are a side many expected to push for the play-offs and many also expected them to be somewhat inconsistent. That is exactly what we have seen from the Rhinos.

6. Salford Red Devils
It is similar for Salford. Expected to be in the play-off mix and that is exactly what the Red Devils are doing at this stage of the season.

5. Wigan Warriors
The Warriors were expected to be in the top two. They currently sit top of the league which is perhaps higher than what many expected from the Warriors.

4. Catalans Dragons
Some ‘experts’ expected Catalans to struggle in 2o23 especially as they were unable to complete their recruitment before the start of the season. However, they look like a potential top four club in 2023 though recent results have dragged them down a touch.

3. Leigh Leopards
Newly promoted teams are always expected to struggle but Leigh have done anything but. They are in the play-off mix and have won half their games.

2. Warrington Wolves
Warrington were expected by some to struggle in 2023 as they did last year but they won their first eight games. Their latest results have brought them back down to earth a touch but they have still defied expectations.

1. Hull KR
As are Hull KR. They sit third in the table and have been perfect except for a brief spell after the first two rounds and look like title contenders.