Round One of Super League is just two months away but plenty of pre-season predictions are being made, will Wigan Warriors retain their title, how will a new-look Leeds Rhinos get on and who wins the first Hull derby of the season?
It might be harder to answer the first two of those questions given that they’re season long projections but as for the third question, who will win the Hull derby, the bookmakers are backing the Robins heavily.
Odds for round one have been released with Super League’s sponsors Betfred pricing up the opening six matches, and for opening night they make the Robins big favourites away to the Black and Whites.
It was one of the major stories when the fixtures were announced, a Hull derby to open up Super League, and following their impressive season in 2023 Hull KR have been made 1/2 favourites to win that clash.
Tony Smith’s FC are at home and have made a whole host of their own signings with a focus on strengthening their pack but they’re not expected to win this season opener, priced up as 7/4 underdogs.
The opening round Friday night action sees the three home sides as heavy favourites with St Helens the shortest of those, priced at 1/25 to beat newly promoted London Broncos.
London shocked the Championship as they earned promotion via the play-offs, going on the road to beat Sheffield Eagles, Featherstone Rovers and Toulouse Olympique, but with a lack of squad overhaul they’re made 10/1 outsiders to beat Saints.
Leeds Rhinos poached two of Salford Red Devils best players this off-season in Andy Ackers and Brodie Croft so it’s no surprise to see Rohan Smith’s side favoured over the Red Devils.
The Rhinos are made 2/5 favourites compared to Salford’s 2/1 price, the Red Devils having also lost star winger Ken Sio on compassionate grounds.
Leigh Leopards are favoured to win their 2024 opener and continue their impressive Super League story, Adrian Lam’s side made 8/15 shots to beat Ian Watson’s Huddersfield Giants at 6/4.
Signing the likes of Matt Moylan to an already impressive spine could see Leigh take another step, whilst Watson’s side are also reliant on NRL recruits such as Adam Clune, Jack Murchie and Tom Deakin.
The final two games of the opening round see the 2023 Grand Finalists both play, champions Wigan favoured at 1/4 on the road to Castleford Tigers (3/1) who are working with their fourth different head coach from opening round in 2023.
As for Catalans they host Warrington Wolves in Sam Burgess’ first Super League game in charge, the Dragons favoured at 4/7 compared to Warrington’s 6/4.
Round One Odds (Betfred)
Hull FC (7/4) vs Hull KR (1/2) – Draw (20/1)
Leeds Rhinos (2/5) vs Salford Red Devils (2/1) – Draw (20/1)
St Helens (1/25) vs London Broncos (10/1) – Draw (40/1)
Leigh Leopards (8/15) vs Huddersfield Giants (6/4) – Draw (20/1)
Castleford Tigers (3/1) vs Wigan Warriors (1/4) – Draw (25/1)
Catalans Dragons (4/7) vs Warrington Wolves (6/4) – Draw (20/1)
Warrington Wolves
Sam Burgess makes decision on future following South Sydney links
