The 2024 Super League season is nearly upon us so we are delivering our first Super League Predictions for Round One.
It is an exciting opening round of fixtures with some huge games set to take place such as a Hull derby in front of a bumper crowd as well as a clash of familiar faces as Leeds Rhinos host Salford Red Devils.
Warrington Wolves will be tested away at Catalans Dragons whilst the Champions Wigan Warriors will make history on BBC Two against Castleford Tigers in the first Super League game broadcast live by the BBC.
St Helens start their season against newly promoted London Broncos and Leigh Leopards and Huddersfield Giants also meet as a new era begins with every game available to watch on Sky Sports or SuperLeague+.
So without any further ado, here are our Super League predictions for Round One.
Hull FC vs Hull KR
Picture by John Rushworth/SWpix.com – 03/09/2022 – Rugby League – Betfred Super League Round 27 – Hull FC v Hull KR – MKM Stadium, Kingston upon Hull, England – Hull KR s Albert Vete left celebrates scoring his sides fourth try Hull FC v Hull KR SWP-1835-0022
Hull KR have found the short trip over to the MKM Stadium quite fruitful in recent years. They defeated Hull FC away on the final day of the 2022 season with just 16 players and laid down a marker against them last Easter.
The Robins are expected to finish above Hull FC this year by most but Hull FC will have a point to prove and some exciting new signings in their team.
It will be an excellent encounter but one Hull KR are likely to edge.
Verdict: Hull FC 14-18 Hull KR
St Helens vs London Broncos
Alex Walker of London Broncos celebrates his try with Matty Fozard, Luke Yates and Matt Fleming during the Betfred Super League match between London Broncos and St Helens R.F.C at Castle Bar , West Ealing , England on 21 July 2019.
In 2019, St Helens won their first of four titles in a row but that year they also lost twice to London Broncos. So, there is precedent for the Broncos to upset the apple cart against the Saints.
However, those wins came against heavily rotated St Helens teams and this time the Saints are likely to go full strength as they look to start the year strong.
London also have a number of injuries but lessons can be learnt from 2019 when they started the season with impressive wins over Leeds and Wigan. However, this will be a tough ask.
Verdict: St Helens 30-6 London Broncos
Leigh Leopards vs Huddersfield Giants
Leigh Leopards v Huddersfield Giants Picture by Ed Sykes/SWpix.com – 03/09/2023 – Rugby League – Betfred Super League Round 24 – Leigh Leopards v Huddersfield Giants – Leigh Sports Village, Leigh , England – Leigh Leopards Josh Charnley applauds the fans after the game Leigh England
The last time these two sides met it was somewhat controversial as the floodlights cut out leading to the final 20 or so minutes of the game being played two days later in bizarre circumstances which Huddersfield boss Ian Watson later questioned.
They may want a measure of revenge but more important will be righting the wrongs of 2023. However, Leigh have already shown that they can kick on in 2024 after winning the Challenge Cup last year by defeating Warrington in pre-season.
Verdict: Leigh Leopards 26-16 Huddersfield Giants
Leeds Rhinos vs Salford Red Devils
Leeds Rhinos v Salford Red Devils Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com – 05/05/2023 – Rugby League – Betfred Super League Round 11 – Leeds Rhinos v Salford Red Devils – Headingley Stadium, Leeds, England – Leeds Richie Myler c after scoring a try against Salford. Leeds Headingley Stadium
It is absolutely paramount that Leeds get off to a good start but all the pressure will be on them. The story will be focused on Brodie Croft and Andy Ackers as well as Nene MacDonald.
Leeds started the year disastrously in 2023 against Warrington and in 2024 expectations are high. They take on a Salford side who have had a rough pre-season. The Rhinos need to lay down a marker in this fixture.
Verdict: Leeds Rhinos 28-12 Salford Red Devils
Catalans Dragons vs Warrington Wolves
Picture by Rémi Vignaud/Catalans Dragons/SWpix.com – 20/05/2023 – Rugby League – Betfred Challenge Cup 2023 – Round 6 Catalans Dragons v Warrington – Stade Gilbert Brutus, Perpignan, France – Tom Johnstone scores a try
Sam Burgess was shown the work his side need to do to fix things when they came up short against Leigh Leopards.
This may be a transitional year for the Wolves and although the same is likely true of Catalans Dragons, even when they are not as good as they’ve been since 2021 they are always difficult to beat at the Stade Gilbert Brutus.
It could be a very tough start to life at Warrington for Sam Burgess this week.
Verdict: Catalans Dragons 30-14 Warrington Wolves
Castleford Tigers vs Wigan Warriors
Castleford Tigers v Wigan Warriors Picture by John Clifton/SWpix.com – 03/03/2023 – Rugby League – Betfred Super League Round 3 – Castleford Tigers v Wigan Warriors – the Mend A Hose Jungle, Castleford, England – Castleford Tigers Joe Westerman in action with Wigan Warriors Patrick Mago Castleford
There is a far better mood at Castleford this year with a younger squad with potential and a new and exciting Head Coach.
However, they have their work cut out for them up against the Champions in Round One who defeated Hull FC 40-0 in their last friendly.
Cas will put in a valiant effort but this is likely to only go one way.
Verdict: Castleford Tigers 12-26 Wigan Warriors
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