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First Utility Super League: 1st Round of Fixtures – What can we expect?

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Thursday 4th February: Leeds Rhinos vs Warrington Wolves
Our first match of the new season sees the 2014/15 Grand Slam champions Leeds Rhinos host the Warrington Wolves. Leeds last season ran the show, winning every domestic competition with a team packed full of experience alongside potential. The addition of Brett Ferres will definitely be welcomed, filling the void left by the loss of key players in Jamie Peacock and Kevin Sinfield, it will be interesting to see how they manage without such influential icons of the side and the game.
A tough opening fixture against a strong Warrington side will certainly show us if the new group of talent is set to take over the reins at the Rhinos and lead them to glory once again. Warrington will also be buoyed by the arrival of players like Joe Westerman and Kurt Gidley, certain players who add extra quality to an already good side. Prediction: (Leeds Win)
Friday 5th February: Hull FC vs Salford Red Devils / St Helens vs Huddersfield Giants / Wigan Warriors vs Catalan Dragons
Friday’s game between Hull FC and Salford Red Devils will be interesting. It sees two teams who struggled last season looking to push forward and really challenge higher in the table. Both Hull and Salford have recruited well in the off season with Scott Taylor and Frank Pritchard for Hull and Justin Carney joins Ex- Australian National Team Head Coach Tim Sheens’ Salford. The addition of Sheens permanently provides a solid foundation for the Red Devils to build upon, a tough test against Hull could help inspire belief. Prediction: (Hull Win)
St Helens vs Huddersfield Giants is also a big game this Friday. Both teams were very solid last season and took Leeds and Wigan all the way in the challenge for the league shield. A very close contest is expected and I can see the winner gaining valuable confidence so early in the campaign. The addition of four players for Saints (Fages, Owens, Tasi and Peyroux) and the injury of a few key players for the Giants (Robinson and Huby) could prove critical in this weekend matchup. Prediction: (Saints Win)
The final match on Friday night pits Wigan Warriors vs Catalan Dragons. Wigan ran Leeds all the way last season and could have easily picked up two of the three trophies on offer. Despite his unavailability, the exciting return of Sam Tomkins improves the Warriors and Super League competition significantly; Wigan will be hoping he can pick up form where he left of in Super League three years ago. Catalans will certainly struggle against Wigan but with former warrior Pat Richards and Richie Myler now in their ranks, the Dragons are a force to respect. Prediction: (Dragons Win)
Sunday 7th February: Hull Kingston Rovers vs Castleford Tigers / Wakefield Wildcats vs Widnes Vikings
Wrapping up the first week in the Super League on Sunday is Hull KR vs Castleford Tigers. Rovers have shown little improvement in the pre-season from a side that showed positives at home but relevantly bad form overall. With no real quality recruitment evident, Rovers will be hoping their current side have now gelled and can improve from last season. Castleford showed positives last season and like Rovers have tied down key players in Shenton and Solomona. With key players in their peak and minor tweaks to a successful team, the Tigers will be hoping for a similar campaign this time round. Prediction: (Hull KR Win)
Wakefield Wildcats vs Widnes Vikings on Sunday puts together two teams who struggled and competed in the middle eight’s last time out. With both teams struggling consistently against the top teams, this week’s game provides a chance for both teams to kick on this season and start as they hope to go on. Widnes have let some noticeable players leave (Owens and Isa) and recruited little in the close season. Wakefield have however brought in some good players, Jones-Bishop and Finn will provide much needed suability to the Wildcats. Prediction: (Wakefield Win)

By Craig Spivey, 2016

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