Why the new Women’s Super League season will be it’s most competitive

The Women’s Super League will be looking forward to getting back underway in 2021, as the players hope to get some practice in before the World Cup later this year.

2019 saw the Women’s game continue to grow, whether it was two entertaining finals between West Yorkshire rivals Castleford Tigers and Leeds Rhinos, or Kelsey Gentles’ tackle at the Nines World Cup that went viral.

Unfortunately, 2020’s campaign never got off the ground. The game as a whole was suspended a week before the competition was due to commence last March.

It halted what was promising to be a big year for the game. Warrington Wolves and Huddersfield Giants had joined the Super League party, increasing the number of teams 10, having been at just four in 2017.

There is also more representative action in the Women’s game, with the England squad often taking part in Origin style Yorkshire vs. Lancashire games.

Whilst both sides made both finals last year, it is certainly not just Leeds and Castleford to keep an eye out for in 2021.

St Helens finished second, and were unlucky not to make the final after losing just one game in the regular season. They were also the only side to beat Castleford in that period. They have also strengthened well in the off-season with Carrie Roberts, Gemma Walsh and Amy Hardcastle all signing.

Wigan Warriors will also be in the mix. They won the competition back in 2018, but finished fourth in 2019. With a well-rested squad, they could well be ones to look out for.

It will also be interesting to see how Warrington and Huddersfield make the step up from the Championship, to the Super League.

With sides not getting to play for well over a year, it will be interesting to see how quickly they can get back into the rhythm.

Whenever it may be, I think it safe to say there will be much anticipation ahead of the new Women’s season.