Three dark horses to win Super League this year

There has been a duopoly over Super League in recent seasons, but could that be about to change? 

Only four teams have ever won the British top flight, but the last time either Wigan Warriors or St Helens didn’t lift the title was in 2017.

Plenty of teams have come close to ending it though. In that time Catalans, Warrington, Salford, Castleford and Hull FC have all reached a Grand Final; and this season could see another dark horse reach the final.

With the league’s overall quality this year, any team realistically stands a chance of making the playoffs and even winning the Grand Final; but which teams could beat the odds?

Here are three potential dark horses to win Super League this year…

Three dark horses to win Super League this year

Salford Red Devils 

Paul Rowley’s men were written off ahead of the season, but they have really impressed so far. They’ve recorded some good wins over Castleford Tigers, Hull KR and St Helens, and last week were just five minutes away from beating defending champions Wigan Warriors.

A lot of the noise surrounding the club ahead of the 2024 campaign was about the players who left, however, new recruits Nene Macdonald and David Nofoaluma have hit the ground running for their new club, whilst Marc Sneyd has shone which has propelled him atop the Man of Steel rankings.

They are also still playing their exciting brand of attacking rugby, but the challenge for them is if they can keep this going for the full season and keep everyone fit considering the size of their squad.

Hull KR

Hull KR were one of the surprise packages last season, and they’ve carried on their form this season too. Willie Peters’ side dispatched of Hull FC and Leeds Rhinos in their opening two games, and despite going on to lose their next two against Salford Red Devils and Warrington Wolves, they’ve returned to winning ways with a solid victory over Huddersfield Giants.

Mikey Lewis is once again at the heart of the Robins team, with his typical abrasive nature, but he is linking up nicely with new half-back partner Tyrone May. Headline signing Peta Hiku’s move into the centres has brought the best out of him, and fellow recruit Oliver Gildart has also been good since his arrival. They will also want to prove last year was no flash in the pan.

Warrington Wolves

Is it FINALLY their year? The Wolves might get stick for the saying, but this season they have made a really bright start. An opening round loss to Catalans Dragons is the only blemish on their record so far, and they seem to be improving week on week. They haven’t had the luxury of a fully fit George Williams for a few games, but players like Matt Dufty and Paul Vaughan have really stepped up with some big involvements, and they are also blooding in a group of young players too. There is still a long way to go, but Sam Burgess’ reign has gotten off to a very good start.

Honourable mention: 

Catalans Dragons

Steve McNamara’s side aren’t really ‘dark horses’ after reaching two of the past three Grand Finals, however, they are once again looking very strong; but the scary thing is they feel they haven’t hit the peak of their powers either. Could they finally get their first Super League title this year?