It’s fairly clear that reigning Champions Wigan Warriors and former Champions St Helens are the outright favourites to win Super League in 2024.
The two have won the last six Grand Finals between them as well as nine out of the last 11 since 2013 with the other two being won by Leeds Rhinos in 2015 and 2017.
They have a combined seven Grand Final appearances since 2018 with the two meeting in the 2020 decider and it is expected that they will meet again in 2024 as they did 10 years ago.
But there are other clubs who could upset the apple cart in 2024. So, who are the dark horses for Super League success in 2024?
Hull KR
Willie Peters expects new Hull KR signing Peta Hiku to be “one of the better players in the competition”. – Picture by John Clifton/SWpix.com
The Robins may be the most obvious ones. In 2023, they equalled their best ever Super League finish of fourth and reached the Challenge Cup Final at Wembley defeating eventual Super League Champions Wigan in the semi-final.
They also contested their second Super League semi-final in three years against Wigan later in the year. In fact, in the last three seasons they have contested four semi-finals.
They are gathering experience and have added some major signings. Willie Peters looks like a coach who can deliver success as well.
Leigh Leopards
Hull Kingston Rovers v Leigh Leopards Rugby League Challenge Cup 12/08/2023. Cup Final Leigh Leopards players celebrate with the trophy during the Rugby League Challenge Cup Final match between Hull Kingston Rovers and Leigh Leopards at Wembley Stadium, London, England on 12 August 2023.
Leigh Leopards are another club who showed they can compete among the big boys last year. They won the Challenge Cup Final defeating St Helens in the semi-final. After this, the treble was well and truly on as they pushed at the top of the league.
In the end, they lost momentum after winning the cup which is often the case for any club. Some are expecting them to suffer from second season syndrome but they have added quality to their squad in the shape of Matt Moylan.
They have the tools to kick on in 2024 and do even better.
Leeds Rhinos
Rohan Smith and new Leeds Rhinos captain Cam Smith. – Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
Leeds Rhinos struggled in 2023 finishing eighth in the end. This led to some major signings in the shape of Brodie Croft, Andy Ackers and Lachie Miller.
They now have a star-studded squad for the new season and have increased expectations and with their exciting spine. This could return them back to the glory days.
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