Super League 2023: St Helens aiming to make it five in a row

Having been able to hog the rugby headlines over the past few months, the union code must once again share the spotlight with its league counterpart.

Fans of the 13-man game will be frantically searching for rugby league scores this weekend as the 2023 Super League season heads into Week 2.

St Helens went into the new campaign aiming to be crowned as champions for a record fifth successive time and it would be a brave move to back against them achieving the feat.

The Saints demonstrated their credentials last weekend, fending off a stirring comeback to beat NRL champions Penrith Panthers in the World Club Challenge.

Wigan Warriors were the last team to beat an Australian team in their own back yard in 1994, highlighting the size of St Helens’ achievement.

The Warriors finished second behind Saints during the regular season last time around, before coming up short against Leeds Rhinos in the play-offs.

Matt Peet’s side will likely emerge as the main threat to the Saints’ hopes of making it five-in-a-row in the Super League this season.

Jai Field and Bevan French are among the best players in the league and will be complimented by a stronger back line this time around.

The Rhinos defied expectations to make it to the 2022 Grand Final and will be eager to build on the progress they made under head coach Rohan Smith.

The 41-year-old transformed the Rhinos’ fortunes, quickly turning them from relegation candidates into a team to be feared in Super League.

With a full pre-season to work with his players, Smith will fancy his chances of guiding the Rhinos back to the Grand Final this term.

Hull KR could be the surprise package in this year’s competition, particularly if the club’s new signings hit the ground running.

Head coach Willie Peters has added a promising mix of youth and experience and it will be intriguing to see how his team performs this season.

Local rivals Hull will be keen to step things up after several disappointing seasons, and head coach Tony Smith could be the man to spark a revival.

Salford Red Devils, Huddersfield Giants, Castleford Tigers and Catalans Dragons will also expect to be in the running for a top six finish in what will likely be a tight division.

Newly-promoted Leigh Leopards will be keen to impress but may struggle, while Wakefield Trinity and Warrington Wolves have been tipped to be at the wrong end of the table.

However, the Wolves romped to a comfortable victory over the Rhinos in their opening game and may well defy expectations.

While every team will believe they can enjoy a productive campaign, it is impossible to ignore the claims of St Helens.

Beating Penrith was a major statement of intent and Paul Wellens’ side look a banker bet to make history by winning a fifth successive Super League Grand Final at the end of the season.

Super League 2023: St Helens aiming to make it five in a row

Having been able to hog the rugby headlines over the past few months, the union code must once again share the spotlight with its league counterpart.

Fans of the 13-man game will be frantically searching for rugby league scores this weekend as the 2023 Super League season heads into Week 2.

St Helens went into the new campaign aiming to be crowned as champions for a record fifth successive time and it would be a brave move to back against them achieving the feat.

The Saints demonstrated their credentials last weekend, fending off a stirring comeback to beat NRL champions Penrith Panthers in the World Club Challenge.

Wigan Warriors were the last team to beat an Australian team in their own back yard in 1994, highlighting the size of St Helens’ achievement.

The Warriors finished second behind Saints during the regular season last time around, before coming up short against Leeds Rhinos in the play-offs.

Matt Peet’s side will likely emerge as the main threat to the Saints’ hopes of making it five-in-a-row in the Super League this season.

Jai Field and Bevan French are among the best players in the league and will be complimented by a stronger back line this time around.

The Rhinos defied expectations to make it to the 2022 Grand Final and will be eager to build on the progress they made under head coach Rohan Smith.

The 41-year-old transformed the Rhinos’ fortunes, quickly turning them from relegation candidates into a team to be feared in Super League.

With a full pre-season to work with his players, Smith will fancy his chances of guiding the Rhinos back to the Grand Final this term.

Hull KR could be the surprise package in this year’s competition, particularly if the club’s new signings hit the ground running.

Head coach Willie Peters has added a promising mix of youth and experience and it will be intriguing to see how his team performs this season.

Local rivals Hull will be keen to step things up after several disappointing seasons, and head coach Tony Smith could be the man to spark a revival.

Salford Red Devils, Huddersfield Giants, Castleford Tigers and Catalans Dragons will also expect to be in the running for a top six finish in what will likely be a tight division.

Newly-promoted Leigh Leopards will be keen to impress but may struggle, while Wakefield Trinity and Warrington Wolves have been tipped to be at the wrong end of the table.

However, the Wolves romped to a comfortable victory over the Rhinos in their opening game and may well defy expectations.

While every team will believe they can enjoy a productive campaign, it is impossible to ignore the claims of St Helens.

Beating Penrith was a major statement of intent and Paul Wellens’ side look a banker bet to make history by winning a fifth successive Super League Grand Final at the end of the season.