The new Betfred Super League season is nearly upon us so now is the time for predictions and opinions.
Of course, the most important thing going into the new Super League season is who will make the play-offs.
Most pundits and experts believe that Wigan Warriors and St Helens will be guaranteed a spot in the top six but the likes of Leeds Rhinos, Warrington Wolves, Catalans Dragons, Hull KR, Leigh Leopards and Huddersfield Giants will all be vying for the other spots.
This means that some big clubs are at risk of missing out but which clubs stand at the biggest risk of missing out on the play-offs?
Leeds Rhinos
Rohan Smith and new Leeds Rhinos captain Cam Smith. – Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
Leeds Rhinos are seen by many as a potential contender in 2024 but nothing is guaranteed in rugby league especially for the Rhinos.
The Rhinos missed out on the play-offs in 2023 after making the Grand Final in 2022. Leeds have a squad capable of making the Grand Final but injuries and problems like last season could see the Rhinos miss out on the top six.
There is a lot of pressure on the club after finishing eighth in 2023 to at least make the six. They haven’t made the top four since 2017.
Warrington Wolves
Sam Burgess will take his Warrington side to Perpignan for their first game of Super League this season. – Picture by Olly Hassell
The Wolves nearly missed out on the play-offs last year despite the start to the season they had taking top spot for a very long period.
In recent years we have seen the Wolves plagued by inconsistency and in 2024 new boss Sam Burgess has a big job on his hands to get them to be consistent.
On top of this, the Wolves lost to Leigh Leopards in pre-season raising questions about their chances of making the top six.
Catalans Dragons
CATALANS DRAGONS VS LEEDS RHINOS PHOTOPQR/L INDEPENDANT/MICHEL CLEMENTZ PERPIGNAN 16/09/2023 / RUGBYA XIII / RFL SUPERLEAGUE / CATALANS DRAGONS VS LEEDS RHINOS / STADE GILBERT BRUTUS DE PERPIGNAN
Catalans Dragons have been a mainstay at the top in recent years. In 2020, they finished in the top four for the first time since 2012 and in 2021 they won the League Leaders’ Shield as well making the Grand Final.
In 2022 they dropped back to fourth and but in 2023 they finished second and made the Grand Final again.
However, the club have lost a number of key men and in a transition state they could miss out on the play-offs.
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