Super League fans split on next season’s ‘surprise package’

Taking a far too early look at the 2025 Super League season and fans are split on which team will be the ‘surprise package’.

In recent campaigns in Super League there always seems to have been one team that vastly outperforms expectations with Leigh Leopards’ 2023 season being a clear standout.

Salford’s performances have regularly punched above their weight and could be expected to do similar in what will be Paul Rowley’s last season as head coach, whilst few will have expected Hull KR to come within eight points of lifting the Grand Final.

Looking forward to 2025 and there has been plenty of change in Super League with St Helens surely set for a bounce-back season, particularly with the addition of Lee Briers as an assistant coach.

Hull FC can only improve after their dismal 2024 whilst there is a new head coach in town at Castleford Tigers as Danny McGuire takes to the helm.

Wakefield Trinity are also back in Super League after their dominant Championship campaign so there are lots of plot lines to follow. We asked Super League fans which team will be their ‘surprise package’ for the upcoming campaign and two teams appear to be the standouts.

Super League fans split on 2025 ‘surprise package’

Almost every team was named at some point among the 150 comments but there were some answers that cropped up far more often than others.

Plenty joked about Hull FC after their ill-fated 2024 season with Andrew Dunn stating: “Hull. I think they’ll win 4 or 5 next season,” as he referenced the Black and Whites dismal three-win tally of 2024.

As for genuine ‘surprise packages’, many were excited to see how Danny McGuire fares in his first-ever head coaching gig with Castleford Tigers touted for Super League success.

John Costello remarked: “Cas have a chance if the team gets some more improvement with a stronger pack for next year if not about the same as last year.”

Richard Firth agreed, also referencing the need to strengthen the pack: “I’d say Cas if we get another 2 big props/forwards. If not, it’s going to be another long season to be fair.”

Mark Rudd was another backing the Tigers: “Cas. Can’t do any worse with better players and a coach who’s passionate about rugby and getting the silverware.”

Lucas R also was backing Cas but made another bold prediction: “Cas will finish top 6 and the shock will be Giants relegated.”

Ian Carney was backing a different West Yorkshire side, as he argued: “Wakefield Trinity will be the surprise package next season. (You) heard it here first!”

Michael McCourt also agreed, noting: “Wakefield, some good signings there.”

Several others would argue for Wakefield with Wendy Hall-Jennings claiming: “They won’t be a pushover.”

Nicholas Literhland said: “Salford probably lowest budget in the league but a top 6 team last year, based on improved signings and one of the best backlines in the league. However most importantly limited changes in personnel.”

Christopher Henstock was tipping Sam Burgess to do the business again, arguing: “With how much they improved last season, I might be tempted to stick a tenner on Wire for the LLS.”

The betting markets suggest that we can expect another year of Wigan Warriors dominance but as for ‘surprise packages’, there are a number of teams who could cause some shocks.