2026 Super League Predictions

With the 2026 Super League season just over a month away, we take a look at how we expect the final league table to shape up.

1st: Wigan Warriors

Wigan will enter the 2026 season with a point to prove. Failing to win silverware last year is likely to serve as strong motivation, and this could make them a dangerous proposition. With the squad remaining largely unchanged, continuity and consistency should work strongly in their favour.

2nd: Leigh Leopards

Leigh play an attractive brand of rugby and have been pushing for honours for the past three seasons. They should challenge Wigan closely but may just fall short of finishing top. The Leopards have strengthened their squad while retaining key players from last season, which puts them in a strong position.

3rd: Hull KR

Hull KR will remain firmly in the title race and should be competitive throughout the season. However, commitments such as the Vegas trip and the World Club Challenge may take their toll. These additional demands could prevent them from defending the League Leaders’ Shield.

4th: Leeds Rhinos

Under the guidance of Brad Arthur, Leeds look a solid and well-organised side. While they may not seriously challenge Wigan for top spot, they should comfortably secure a place in the playoffs.

5th: St Helens

The appointment of Paul Rowley appears to be a smart long-term decision, supported by some excellent recruitment. The key concern remains finding a settled spine, an issue that affected them last season. If they can resolve this, St Helens could have a strong campaign, although some inconsistency is likely.

6th: Catalans Dragons

Catalans are one of the most unpredictable teams in the league. On their day, they are capable of beating anyone, but when performances dip, they can struggle badly. Eye-catching recruitment should help improve consistency, and they have enough quality to push for a playoff spot.

7th: Hull FC

Hull FC are another difficult team to predict. On paper, they look strong and have added genuine quality, but their traditional mid-season dip is hard to ignore. They should be in the playoff conversation and could potentially finish inside the top six.

8th: Wakefield Trinity

Wakefield have recruited well, with signings such as Tyson Smoothy and Jazz Tevaga adding experience and quality. The battle for playoff places will be tight, and while Trinity will be competitive, they may narrowly miss out.

9th: Castleford Tigers

Castleford have endured a turbulent period post-Covid, and last season is best forgotten. A full squad overhaul and the arrival of a new coach bring renewed optimism. They could be dark horses for the playoffs, but still appear a few quality signings short of being genuine contenders.

10th: Warrington Wolves

This may be an unpopular view, but Warrington could struggle this season. Recruitment has been adequate rather than inspiring, and questions remain around leadership and form. George Williams has yet to rediscover his best form, and early concerns over Matt Dufty add further uncertainty. It may not be Warrington’s year.

11th: Bradford Bulls

Bradford should be competitive and may surprise some teams early as they ride the momentum of their return to Super League. However, they are likely to fade as the season progresses. Recruitment should be enough to avoid relegation trouble, but a playoff push looks unlikely.

12th: York Knights

York have quietly built a squad they believe can compete at this level. The experience of Paul Vaughan and Paul McShane will be valuable. They may initially struggle to adapt to the pace of Super League but could become more competitive as the season goes on.

13th: Huddersfield Giants

It is difficult to see Huddersfield having a successful season, despite Luke Robinson being a passionate and likeable coach. The squad appears short on quality, and recruitment has been underwhelming. As a result, wins may be hard to come by.

14th: Toulouse Olympique

Toulouse are the final newly promoted side. Unlike Bradford and York, they have been relatively quiet in the transfer market, placing faith in their existing squad. While a few new additions offer some hope, they are likely to struggle and could finish bottom of the table.