As 2026 now stretches before us like a running route before a marathon runner, it’s time for us to look forward to the new season! It also means that it’s time for people to predict how the 2026 Super League will pan out. I did this last year (with decidedly mixed results), so I’m back this year to have another crack at becoming rugby league’s answer to Mystic Meg.

The format of this will stick closely to last year’s, so I’ll start off with my 2026 Super League table prediction (as a reminder, I got 1/12 teams’ postitions correct last year, so don’t go running to the bookies), then I’ll follow that up with a run down to each team, who they’ve brought in, and who they’ve let go, and expand on why I’ve placed them where I have. Then at the end I’ll add in a few extra predictions such as Challenge Cup winner, Man of Steel etc.

Nathan’s Predicted 2026 Super League Table

1. Wigan Warriors
2. Hull KR
3. Leeds Rhinos
4. St Helens
5. Wakefield Trinity
6. Hull FC
7. Catalans Dragons
8. Leigh Leopards
9. Castleford Tigers
10. Warrington Wolves
11. Bradford Bulls
12. Huddersfield Giants
13. York Knights
14. Toulouse Olympique XIII

Bradford Bulls

2025 League Position: 3rd (in the Championship)

2026 Predicted Finish 11th

Incoming: Andy Ackers (Leeds), Rowan Milnes (Hull KR), Ethan Ryan (Oldham), Jayden Nikorima (Salford Red Devils), Eribe Doro (Hull KR), Loghan Lewis (Salford Red Devils), Will Gardiner (Hull FC), Brandon Douglas (Halifax Panthers), Connor Wynne (Featherstone Rovers), Caleb Aekins (Featherstone Rovers), Ed Chamberlain (Hull FC – season-long loan), Dan Russell (Warrington), Ryan Sutton (Gold Coast Titans), Joe Mellor (Salford Red Devils), Esan Marsters (Salford Red Devils), Leon Ruan (Hull KR – season-long loan)

Outgoing: Chris Hill (Retirement), Michael Lawrence (Retirement), Jordan Lilley (Sheffield Eagles), Kieran Gill (Sheffield Eagles), Nathan Mason (Retirement), Bayley Liu (Halifax Panthers), Tom Holmes (Doncaster), Tyran Ott (Ipswich Jets), Matty Gee (Retirement), Jacob Bateman (Dewsbury Rams – season-long loan), Emmanuel Waine (Oldham), James Meadows (London Broncos), Logan Bayliss-Brow (Gold Coast Titans), James Donaldson (Retirement)

First Three Fixtures: Hull FC (A), Catalans Dragons (H), Toulouse Olympique XIII (H)

I think Bradford’s first season back in the Super League since 2014 will be a bit of a mixed bag for Bulls fans. They’re a bit of an unknown quantity, especially with all the new signings they’ve made to compete at the top level, and I think it will take a good month or so for the team to properly gel together and start making their mark on the league.

The recruits they’ve brought in all look strong on paper, and given the amount of ex-Salford players amongst the Bulls’ squad, it should help bring the team together through familiarity. The signing of Ryan Sutton is arguably the marquee name amongst the sixteen new names brought to Odsal, with the ex-Wigan man sure to add much-needed experience and winning ethos.

The aim for Bradford in 2026 should probably be to re-establish themselves in the Super League. I’m sure there is great ambition amongst the players, staff, and board, but their aims are likely to be conservative, and a 10th or 11th placed finish shouldn’t be considered too bad for a team joining an ever more competitive competition.

Of their first three games, I’d say they should consider their main aim to be to beat Toulouse, and anything further would be a bonus. A trip to Hull FC in Round One could well be a baptism of fire for the Bulls, as the Black and Whites will be gunning to build on their improvement in 2025. Catalans are in a similar boat when it comes to squad turnover, but their incomings are of a somewhat higher calibre than Bradford’s, and so Les Dracs should expect to come away from Odsal with two points. Toulouse should be familiar foes to the four-time Super League winners, having played them last season in the Championship, but I think both sides have changed, and Bradford have surpassed TOXIII in terms of their squad, so they should claim at least one French scalp before the end of February.

Castleford Tigers

2025 League Position: 11th

2026 Predicted Finish: 9th

Incoming: Brock Greacen (Newcastle Knights), Blake Taaffe (Canterbury Bulldogs), Mikaele Rivalawa (St George Illawarra Dragons), Semi Valemei (North Queensland Cowboys), Jordan Lane (Hull FC), Jack Ashworth (Hull FC), Renouf Atoni (Wakefield), Liam Hood (Wakefield), Darnell McIntosh (Leigh), Tom Weaver (Gold Coast Titans), Aiden Doolan (Barrow Raiders), Jimmy Beckett (Featherstone Rovers)

Outgoing: George Griffin (Sheffield Eagles), Josh Simm (Catalans), Jeremiah Simbiken (London Broncos), Sam Wood (York), Innes Senior (Leigh), Muizz Mustapha (Doncaster), Josh Hodson (Sheffield Eagles), Will Tate (Wakefield), Liam Horne (Leigh), Tex Hoy (TBC), Andy Djeukessi (Newcastle Thunder)

First Three Fixtures: Wigan (H), Toulouse (A), Huddersfield (H)

Castleford were probably one of the hardest teams to place in my predicted table. On one hand, they’re coming off the back of a rotten 2025 season, where they finished second-bottom, but on the other, the club has seen wholesale changes with a new coach, Ryan Carr, and a host of impressive signings brought in to freshen up their squad. While I can foresee improvements for the Tigers, I don’t think they should expect to suddenly be competing at the business end. Their new era needs to be given time, a commodity few elite coaches and players are afforded these days.

Their recruitment business has seen them benefit greatly from the increase in the quota player allowance, bringing in new talent from Down Under, as well as a few more familiar faces from closer to home. Their five new NRL recruits are the ones that grabbed the headlines, but you would be wise not to look past the business they’ve done in bringing reliable talent like Liam Hood and Renouf Atoni (both from arch-rivals Wakefield) and Jordan Lane and Jack Ashworth (from Hull FC to The Jungle, all four have vital Super League experience, and add depth to the Tigers squad.

The schedule hasn’t been kind to Castleford in the first two weeks, handing them Wigan Warriors (a team sure to be gunning to reclaim their place back at the top) in the first game of the season. Then, after that, they face a trip to France to play Toulouse, and while the early cross-channel trip isn’t ideal, it should present the club with a good opportunity to earn their first two points. Rounding out the first three games is a home tie with the Huddersfield Giants, who I think will have another season of struggle, so all-in-all I think four points from the first three games will be a good return for a team who were only kept off the bottom by Salford last season.

Catalans Dragons

2025 League Position: 9th

2026 Predicted Finish: 7th

Incomings: Toby Sexton (Canterbury Bulldogs), Solomona Faataape (Wests Tigers), Harvey Wilson (Salford Red Devils), Josh Allen (Dolphins), Zac Lipowicz (Penrith Panthers), Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui (Gold Coast Titans), Charlie Staines (Wests Tigers), Josh Simm (Castleford), Lewis Dodd (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Ben Condon (Widnes Vikings), Phoenix Laulu-Togaga’e (Hull KR), Manase Kaho (Norths Devils)

Outgoings: Sam Tomkins (Retirement), Theo Fages (Pia Donkeys), Tevita Pangai Jr (Sporting Club Leucate), Fouad Yaha (Albi), Arthur Romano (Hull FC), Paul Séguier (Carcassonne), Elliott Whitehead (Retirement), Tariq Sims (Retirement), Tanguy Zenon (Halifax Panthers), Bayley Sironen (TBC), Reimis Smith (Retirement), Luke Keary (Retirement), Jordan Dezaria (Hull KR)

First Three Fixtures: Huddersfield (H), Bradford (A), St Helens (H)

Another team in transition in 2026 is the Catalans Dragons. Following another disappointing season, Les Dracs limped home in 9th place in 2025, with an end-of-season rally being the brightest period of the season for the men from the South of France. Joel Tomkins will be coming into his first full season in charge of the one-time Challenge Cup winners, and he will hope he can continue the form from the last few games of last season into this one.

Catalans have gone big in the recruitment market, bringing in seven signings from the NRL. Two of these signings, Toby Sexton and Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui, are already confirmed to be leaving the Dragons in 2027 for the new Perth Bears club in the NRL, and I worry that knowing that fact will disrupt the squad, what with two of their star signings playing with one eye on the door already. It’s a squad that could go either way, but it is encouraging to see the average age of the squad and its signings being significantly reduced. Lewis Dodd is another signing that could be a stroke of genius or a complete car crash. With the young half-back’s time Down Under being cut short, will that have an effect on his confidence? Or will he bounce back in the South of France? Only time will tell.

Like Castleford, I think the Dragons will collect at least four points from their first three games. Unlucky Huddersfield Giants have drawn the short straw of being the first team to travel to France, which is never an easy place to go to at the best of times, never mind in mid-February, so the smart money is on Catalans there. You would also think they’d have too much for Bradford, but that’s far from a sure thing. Their third game is the most difficult to call, as St Helens visit Perpignan. With both sides having gone through significant upheaval, this is another tie that could go either way.

Huddersfield Giants

2025 League Position: 10th

2026 Predicted Finish: 12th

Incomings: Niall Evalds (Hull KR), Mathieu Cozza (Wakefield), Chris Patolo (Manly Sea Eagles), Asher O’Donnell (Brisbane Tigers), Olly Russell (Wakefield)

Outgoings: Leroy Cudjoe (Retirement), Jake Bibby (Oldham), Jack Bibby (Widnes Vikings), Aidan McGowan (TBC), Elliot Wallis (London Broncos), Oliver Wilson (Wigan), Ashton Golding (TBC)

First Three Fixtures: Catalans (A), Wakefield (H), Castleford (A)

I genuinely feel for Luke Robinson, Ken Davy and the Huddersfield Giants. You’d have to walk a long mile to find a more dedicated club owner than Mr Davy, and Luke Robinson has all the signs of a quality young coach, but they keep hitting terrible patches of luck and form. Last season, they barely ever had the chance to play their preferred starting side due to dreadful injury problems. Star half-back Adam Clune barely featured through rotten luck, which made you wonder if somewhere, someone with a grudge had a voodoo doll of the Australian playmaker.

Their business in the transfer market hasn’t exactly been inspiring either. Niall Evalds will be a decent signing if he can stay fit, the two Aussies are unknown quantities, and Ollie Russell is coming off the back of a disappointing spell at Wakefield Trinity. Losing their captain and dressing room leader, Leroy Cudjoe, to retirement won’t help their cause either, as the Giants will hope that the injury fairy has moved on from the Accu Stadium.

It’s hard to see the Giants claiming a win in their first three games of the season, to be honest with you. As said above in the Catalans entry, they really have drawn the short straw by visiting Catalonia in the first game of the season. They then host Wakefield in the second round, and I think Wakefield will continue their steady improvements in 2026, so I can’t see there being much joy there. The closest call for me is the Castleford game, because that depends on how fast Castleford’s new-look squad can mesh together. If they hit the ground running, the Giants may come away empty-handed after the first three rounds.

Hull FC

2025 League Position: 7th

2026 Predicted Finish: 6th

Incomings: Sam Lisone (Leeds), Jake Arthur (Newcastle Knights), Connor Bailey (York), Joe Batchelor (St Helens), James Bell (St Helens), Harvie Hill (Wigan), Arthur Romano (Catalans), Joe Phillips (Goole)

Outgoings: Cobie Wainhouse (Hull KR), Jordan Rapana (Retirement), Jordan Lane (Castleford), Jack Ashworth (Castleford), Jack Charles (Hull KR), Will Gardiner (Bradford), Zach Jebson (Midlands Hurricanes), Owen Haldenby (TBC), Liam Watts (Goole Vikings), Ed Chamberlain (Bradford – season-long loan), Denive Balmforth (York – season-long loan)

First Three Fixtures: Bradford (H), Wigan (A), York (H)

Grab two of each animal and head for your nearest border, because I’m actually predicting Hull FC to make the play-offs in 2026! I joke, the progression of Hull FC towards a play-off berth should surprise no one, really. They were much improved in 2025 and have brought in even more reinforcements for 2026, with their pack looking particularly beefy. The only challenge was picking which team from last season’s final six would drop out this time around, which has resulted in my boldest prediction in the table, of which more later.

Let’s talk about Hull’s pack then, which is, arguably, the strongest in the league, at least on paper. To add to the talents they already had up front, such as 2025 Dream Team member Herman Ese’ese (who will miss a fair chunk of the start of the 2026 season through an Achilles injury), and Liam Knight, the Arlie Birds have brought in the might of Sam Lisone from Leeds Rhinos, as well as promising, young prop Harvie Hill from Wigan. Including the signings of second-rowers Joe Batchelor and James Bell (both from St Helens) and Hull have seemingly solved their squad depth issue that plagued their forwards in 2025.

Looking at their first three games, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Hull have been lucky in the draw by landing two promoted sides in the opening three weeks, either side of a trip to Wigan. However, Hull (and any team, for that matter) should be wary of underestimating either Bradford or York. That being said, I do think they beat both Super League newcomers at home. The Wigan game is a tough one to call. On one hand, Wigan come into this season with everything to prove once again after being knocked from their perch, and with no distractions, since they won’t be journeying to Las Vegas in 2026. However, Hull showed last season that they are more than capable of turning over the Warriors on their own turf, so nothing is cut and dry about that fixture.

Hull KR

2025 Leagu Position: 1st

2026 Predicted Finish: 2nd

Incomings: Jumah Sambou (Oldham), Tom Amone (Canterbury Bulldogs), Declan Murphy (Salford Red Devils), Cobie Wainhouse (Hull FC), Jack Charles (Hull FC), Jordan Dezaria (Catalans), Tom Whitehead (Warrington), Karl Lawton (North Queensland Cowboys)

Outgoings: Neil Tchamambe (Wakefield), Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (Retirement), Micky McIlorum (Retirement), Niall Evalds (Huddersfield), Rowan Milnes (Bradford), Kye Armstrong (TBC), Ajahni ‘AJ’ Wallace (Toulouse), Lennie Ellis (Sheffield Eagles), Danny Richardson (York), Phoenix Laulu-Togaga’e (Catalans), Eribe Doro (Bradford), Leo Tennison (Newcastle Thunder), Kelepi Tanginoa (Warrington), Leon Ruan (Bradford – season-long loan)

First Three Fixtures: York (A), Leeds (Las Vegas), Huddersfield (A)

It would be easy for me, as a Rovers supporter, to sit here and tell you that I think my team will sweep the board once more in 2026. Long-time readers, however, will remember that I didn’t even predict them to sweep the board last year! I am a cautious optimist when it comes to my own club, and as such, I think that setting our expectations so high is only going to set ourselves up for disappointment. This season brings with it two additional factors that we didn’t have last season. With those being a World Club Challenge against the Brisbane Broncos and a trip to Las Vegas immediately afterwards. One only has to look at the sputtering start Wigan made last season following their venture stateside, and they didn’t even have a potentially bruising contest against the NRL premiers to contend with!

The recruitment hasn’t brought about widespread change, but then again, it didn’t really need to. I do think the losses of Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Micky McIlorum will be felt, maybe more so in the dressing room than on the pitch, but this is a side that has now proven that it has a championship pedigree, and the challenge now will be to continue to prove that and ensure that their success is not just a flash in the pan. Tom Amone is a smart piece of recruitment and will slot straight into the space that JWH has vacated in the side. Likewise, the late signing of Karl Lawton, who can fill in as a hooker or a back rower, is a shrewd bit of business that ensures that the side doesn’t lose any depth, especially following the loss of Kelepi Tanginoa to Warrington.

The opening month of the season is going to be tough for the Robins. The aforementioned challenges of Vegas and a World Club Challenge could have an effect on fatigue levels, even so early in the season. There is, however, a chance that they come through with three wins from the first three (league) games. I’m loath to make a prediction on the Vegas game given all the contributing factors, so I’ll err on the side of caution and say they should take four from six in their first three games. I do think we’ll be challenging for more silverware, but I’m not going to be too disappointed if we don’t win the lot again.

Leeds Rhinos

2025 League Position: 4th

2026 Predicted Finish: 3rd

Incomings: Jeremiah Mata’utia (North Queensland Cowboys), Ethan O’Neill (Leigh), Chris Hankinson (Salford Red Devils), Danny Levi (Canberra Raiders)

Outgoings: Morgan Gannon (New Zealand Warriors), Sam Lisone (Hull FC), Matt Frawley (Retirement), Ethan Clark-Wood (TBC), Jack Smith (York), Andy Ackers (Bradford), James Bentley (Warrington), Jack Sinfield (Wakefield)

First Three Fixtures: Leigh (A), York Knights (H), Hull KR (Las Vegas)

Leeds were much-improved in 2025 under head coach Brad Arthur, and I’m sure that fans and players alike were delighted when he signed on to continue in his role in 2026. Although last season ended disappointingly, losing in week one of the playoffs to a miraculous Shane Wright try, the Rhinos had a much more consistent year when compared to 2024, where they missed out on the finals entirely.

Brad Arthur hasn’t brought in many new faces to his team, tinkering with the side as opposed to overhauling it. The loss of Morgan Gannon to the NRL is obviously a big one, with the young loose forward being key to the Rhinos side at times, so filling his spot will prove to be a challenge, I’m sure. The recruitment of hooker Danny Levi from the NRL minor premiers, the Canberra Raiders, will fill the gap left by Andy Ackers’ departure, and the poaching of Ethan O’Neill from Leigh Leopards could add some more punch to their attack. Jeremiah Mata’utia is the unknown quantity of the bunch, coming to Super League having never featured in the NRL, so Leeds will hope that they have unearthed a diamond in the rough there.

Moving on to look at their first three fixtures, and like Hull KR, I can foresee a scenario where Leeds take three wins from three in their opening rounds (although, obviously, they both can’t). Leigh away in the first game could be a challenge (just ask Wigan about that), but it is a game that either team could feasibly win. I’ve already covered the Vegas game, which just leaves their game against York at home, which I think they should be expected to win. I fully expect this Leeds side to be pushing for a top-four, maybe even top two, finish in 2026.

Leigh Leopards

2025 League Position: 3rd

2026 Predicted Finish: 8th

Incomings: Jacob Alick-Wiencke (Gold Coast Titans), Oliver Polec (St Helens), Innes Senior (Castleford), Adam Cook (Canberra Raiders), Liam Horne (Castleford)

Outgoings: Darnell McIntosh (Castleford), Ethan O’Neill (Leeds), Brad Dwyer (TBC), Jack Darbyshire (TBC), Alec Tuitavake (TBC)

First Three Fixtures: Leeds (H), St Helens (A), Wigan (A)

I can see that this is going to be my most controversial prediction of this season, one which I’m sure many people will disagree with, but I think Leigh will experience somewhat of a slump in 2026. All the momentum was with them following the conclusion of the 2025 season, and many are picking them to be Grand Final and Challenge Cup contenders this season, but I think this may well be the year when the wheels fall off for Leigh. In full disclosure, I have no solid evidence to back this up; it’s more based on a hunch, and, looking at the teams around them, Leigh has stood still in recruitment where other teams have strengthened.

You could say that Leigh already has a strong enough squad that they don’t need many new faces, but I would say to that that there were times last season when their lack of squad depth was apparent, and they have only brought in as many as they have let go. Club owner Derek Beaumont bemoaned their struggles with the salary cap, but surely that is an issue that all clubs have to contend with? Jacob Alick-Wiencke is the lone recruit from Down Under. The PNG international only has nineteen games in the NRL under his belt, but Leigh does have a good track record of signing inexperienced players from Australia, and his familiarity with Adrian and Lachlan Lam (not to mention fellow new signing Liam Horne) will surely help him settle in if nothing else.

In the reverse scenario to Hull KR and Leeds, it is conceivable that Leigh take no points from their opening three games. They’ve been handed a tough schedule to start the campaign, welcoming Leeds to the Leigh Sports Village, before facing local rivals St Helens and Wigan in back-to-back away trips. All three are teams I expect to be competing around the top of the table, so it could well be a rough start for the Leopards in 2026.

St Helens

2025 League Position: 5th

2026 Predicted Finish: 4th

Incomings: Shane Wright (Salford Red Devils), Jacob Host (South Sydney Rabbitohs), David Klemmer (St George Illawarra Dragons), Jacob Douglas (Wigan), Joe Shorrocks (Salford Red Devils), Jackson Hastings (Newcastle Knights), Nene Macdonald (Salford Red Devils)

Outgoings: Morgan Knowles (Dolphins), Moses Mbye (Ipswich Jets), Tee Ritson (Barrow), Kian McGann (Wakefield), Jon Bennison (York), Konrad Hurrell (Lezignan), Joe Batchelor (Hull FC), James Bell (Hull FC), Will Roberts (TBC), Dayon Sambou (Wigan), Jonny Vaughan (Wigan), Ciaran Nolan (Stepped away from game)

First Three Fixtures: Warrington (A), Leigh (H), Catalans (A)

It’s all change at St Helens in 2026. A new-look squad, new coach, even a new name for their stadium (Brewdog Stadium, a slight improvement on the bewildering Totally Wicked Stadium name) has left Saints fans feeling optimistic for the season ahead. After three years of inconsistency under club legend Paul Wellens, the Red V have brought in Paul Rowley, getting his well-deserved reward for the year of hell he’s just experienced at Salford. Riding the wave of positivity from the rugby league fraternity towards Rowley could well rub off on Saints, or at least they’d hope so.

It’s not just Rowley who has arrived from the stricken Red Devils, however, as he has brought three players with him to Merseyside. Shane Wright returns permanently after etching himself into St Helens folklore with the now-famous “left to Wright” try in last season’s playoffs. He’s joined by Joe Shorrocks, who spent the end of 2025 on loan at Leeds, and Nene Macdonald, returning to England after winning the Pacific Bowl with PNG this past November. Joining them from the NRL are veteran forward David Klemmer, who is sure to add some grit to the Saints’ pack, fellow forward Jacob Host, and former Man of Steel Jackson Hastings, making his return to the Super League following a few seasons in the NRL.

Their first three games are a real mixed bag. The opening game against Warrington is up in the air for me, whilst I believe that the Wolves will continue to struggle in 2026, I do acknowledge that the Saints could also take a while to bed in under their new regime. Although if pushed, I’d go for a St Helens win. Leigh at home will also provide another healthy challenge, as will an early trip to Catalans, but I think the Saints will be aiming for at least four points out of six in the first few weeks.

Toulouse Olympique XIII

2025 League Position: 2nd (in the Championship)

2026 Predicted Finish: 14th

Incomings: Ajahni ‘AJ’ Wallace (Hull KR), Brendan Hands (Parramatta Eels), Luke Polselli (London Broncos), Mathieu Pons (Oldham), Tyler Dupree (Wigan – season-long loan), Henry O’Kane (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

Outgoings: Greg Richards (Barrow Raiders), Dom Peyroux (Albi), Radean Robinson (Central Queensland Capras)

First Three Fixtures: Wakefield (A), Castleford (H), Bradford (A)

Despite their Championship Grand Final win last season, I fear that Toulouse will face a challenging season back in the Super League. Of the three teams joining the top flight for 2026, TOXIII have the weakest squad, by my estimation, and the lack of full central funding will no doubt have played a part in their lacklustre recruitment for this season.

The biggest name brought in for this year is probably Wigan Warriors outcast Tyler Dupree, who has moved to France on a season-long loan. Whilst he is a former Super League winner, he fell from favour at the Warriors at the tail end of the 2025 season, and will be hoping to kickstart his career again at the Super League newboys. Ireland international Henry O’Kane has also arrived from the South Sydney Rabbitohs, but his lack of experience is worth noting, having never made an NRL appearance.

On paper, Toulouse’s first three games aren’t too bad. They start off with a trip to Wakefield, which should be the biggest challenge out of the first three. Then, they host Castleford at home, which could go either way, depending on Castleford’s new squad’s performance and the possibility of Toulouse making use of their home advantage. They finish off the first few weeks with a trip to fellow new boys Bradford, who finished below them in the Championship last season, but whose recruitment has been far more ambitious, and as such, I’m backing the Bulls. Overall, TOXIII will have done well in the first few weeks to come away with two points on the board.

Wakefield Trinity

2025 League Position: 6th

2026 Predicted Finish: 5th

Incomings: Neil Tchamambe (Hull KR), Tyson Smoothy (Brisbane Broncos), Jazz Tevaga (Manly Sea Eagles), Tray Lolesio (Dolphins), Jordan Williams (Featherstone), Kian McGann (St Helens), Will Tate (Castleford), Jack Sinfield (Leeds)

Outgoings: Josh Griffin (York), Jack Croft (London Broncos), Liam Hood (Castleford), Mathieu Cozza (Huddersfield), Matty Russell (Oldham), Renouf Atoni (Castleford), Neil Tchamambe (London Broncos – season-long loan), Myles Lawford (Halifax Panthers – season-long loan), Olly Russell (Huddersfield)

First Three Fixtures: Toulouse (H), Huddersfield (A), Warrington (A)

It’s fair to say that Wakefield aimed high last season on their return to the Super League. They surprised a few and claimed their fair share of scalps on their way to finishing sixth, returning to the play-offs above seventh-placed Hull FC. Although they exited the play-offs in week one, their mere presence there was an achievement in itself and evidence of the ambition of the West Yorkshire side.

They’ve also aimed high once again in terms of recruitment. Last season saw them bring in the likes of Mike McMeeken and Tom Johnstone (both England internationals, no small feat for a newly-promoted side), and this year they have managed to bring a recent NRL title winner to the DIY Kitchens Stadium in the form of Tyson Smoothy. Smoothy, who has 46 NRL appearances to his name, was a highly coveted name last year, with Wakefield’s capture of him being seen as a real signal of intent, made all the more exciting when he was part of the Brisbane Broncos side that won the NRL Grand Final in 2025. It’s not often that a reigning NRL champion player decides to move to the Super League (during their peak years too), so this is well and truly a coup for the Trin. Special mention should go to Jazz Tevaga, who also makes the journey from Down Under, and who has even more NRL experience than Smoothy. Both of these signings bring star quality to an already impressive team and should see Trinity make improvements in 2026.

They’ve been handed a decent start to the season, in terms of opposition, too. One would imagine that they would be heavily fancied against both Toulouse and Huddersfield in their opening two games, with a trip to Warrington representing the biggest challenge of the first three fixtures. The result will ultimately depend on how Warrington bounce back from their disappointing 2025 campaign, but I think it will get worse for the Wire before it gets better, so I’m backing Wakefield to take all six points from their first three games.

Warrington Wolves

2025 League Position: 8th

2026 Predicted Finish: 10th

Incomings: Toafofoa Sipley (Manly Sea Eagles), Liam Byrne (Wigan), Albert Hopoate (Canberra Raiders), James Bentley (Leeds), Josh Smith (Brisbane Tigers), Sam Stone (Salford Red Devils), Kelepi Tanginoa (Hull KR)

Outgoings: Paul Vaughan (York), Stefan Ratchford (Retirement), Lachlan Fitzgibbon (TBC), Dan Russell (Bradford), Tom Whitehead (Hull KR), Nolan Tupaea (TBC), Lucas Green (Keighley Cougars), Zac Bardsley-Rowe (TBC), Alfie Johnson (Halifax Panthers), Rodrick Tai (Central Queensland Capras), Dan Okoro (Halifax Panthers), Matt Dufty (TBC)

First Three Fixtures: St Helens (H), Wakefield (H), York (A)

To call Sam Burgess’ second season as head coach of the Warrington Wolves a disappointment would be an understatement. In 2024, the club finished third and only missed out on a Grand Final appearance by virtue of a controversial Joe Burgess try at Craven Park. In 2025, however, they sank to 8th, having suffered from truly wretched patches of form, the nadir of which was a loss at the hands of the doomed Salford Red Devils in August.

Their recruitment hasn’t been massive either, losing more players than they’ve gained, including the losses of experienced Australian duo Paul Vaughn and Matt Dufty. Two players have been brought in from the NRL in the form of Toafofoa Sipley, a prop with almost 100 NRL games to his name, and Albert Hopoate, a young winger who spent most of the 2025 season out with an ACL injury. Elsewhere, they have signed Kelepi Tanginoa from champions Hull KR (a shrewd bit of business, and a player I’m sad to see leave Hull KR), and James Bentley from Leeds, both of whom will expand the depth of their pack, if nothing else.

I don’t think the team will come through the first round with zero points, however. The visits of St Helens and Wakefield will present challenges (especially the former), but their trip to York represents the first game of the season where they will go in as heavy favourites, and although I don’t think the Knights should be underestimated, I expect Warrington to come away from the Yorkshire capital with two points.

Wigan Warriors

2025 League Position: 2nd

2026 Predicted Finish: 1st

Incomings: Dayon Sambou (St Helens), Jonny Vaughan (St Helens), Oliver Wilson (Huddersfield), Finn McMillan (Barrow Raiders)

Outgoings: Christian Wade (Newcastle Red Bulls), Liam Byrne (Warrington), Harvie Hill (Hull FC), Tyler Dupree (Toulouse – season-long loan), Jacob Douglas (St Helens), Harvey Makin (Oldham – season-long loan)

First Three Fixtures: Castleford (A), Hull FC (H), Leigh (H)

One thing is for certain: Wigan do not like being second best. Make no mistake about it, they’ll be wanting to come back strong after not lifting any silverware in 2025, and I have no doubt that they will be competing at the very top once again in 2026. This season, they don’t have the distraction of Las Vegas, and the travelling and fatigue that goes with it, and so they will have no excuse if they are not at the very top of their game. The only reason they wouldn’t be is if they pick up any major injuries, which were a cause for concern last season, too, with star man Bevan French missing significant game time over the summer.

Much like last term, Wigan’s recruitment has focused more on the fringes of the squad than any broad overhaul, with youngsters such as Dayon Sambou and Jonny Vaughan joining after coming through the academies of sworn rivals St Helens. Oliver Wilson was probably set to be the new face who featured most, but unfortunately, he picked up an injury in pre-season training that will likely see him miss the entire season.

They will not have an easy ride in the first weeks, however. The smart money would be on them to beat Castleford in their opening fixture, but both of their following ties are tough ones to predict, with both sides having travelled to Wigan and come away victorious last year. I’d say that I fancy Wigan to win one, if not both, of those games, however, and come away with at least four out of a possible six points in the opening three weeks.

York Knights

2025 League Position: 1st (in the Championship)

2026 Predicted Finish: 13th

Incomings: Paul Vaughan (Warrington), Josh Griffin (Wakefield), Jordan Lipp (Norths Devils), Sam Wood (Castleford), Justin Sangare (Salford Red Devils), Jon Bennison (St Helens), Jack Smith (Leeds), Danny Richardson (Hull KR), Matty Foster (Oldham), Ryan Jackson (Central Queensland Capras), Denive Balmforth (Hull FC – season-long loan), John Sagaga (Penrith Panthers), Will Roberts (St Helens)

Outgoings: Connor Bailey (Hull FC), Joe Brown (Sheffield Eagles), Jacob Gannon (TBC), James Farrar (TBC), Jack Potter (TBC), Ukuma Ta’ai (Retirement), Conor Fitzsimmons (Sheffield Eagles), Bailey Antrobus (Newcastle Thunder), Sam Cook (Newcastle Thunder), Joe Law (Newcastle Thunder), Jude Ferreira (Newcastle Thunder)

First Three Fixtures: Hull KR (H), Leeds (A), Hull FC (A)

Our final team are also our final newcomers, with the York Knights set to embark on their first-ever Super League campaign. Coached by former Wakefield Trinity man Mark Applegarth, York claimed both the 1895 Cup and Championship League Leaders’ Shield last time out, and only narrowly missed out on the Grand Final by two points at the hands of Toulouse Olympique.

The Knights have made some impressive plays in the transfer market, too. Paul Vaughn arrives from Warrington, bringing top-level experience to a team that needs it. Justin Sangare is also a key inclusion in the pack, following a heroic season at stricken Salford. Sam Wood also brings key Super League experience to the backs, and Danny Richardson and Devine Barmforth may well be key additions to the team’s spine.

It’s hard, however, to see York taking any points from their first three games of the year. First, they welcome champions Hull KR to the York Community Stadium, and while the Robins may have one eye on the World Club Challenge the following week, one would think that the strict discipline of coach Willie Peters will not allow that to happen. Following that are two away trips to teams who will be pushing hard for a top six finish in Hull FC and Leeds, both of whom I think will beat the Knights. Things will improve for York as the season progresses, but I don’t think sights should be set too high.

Other Predictions:

World Club Challenge winners: Brisbane Broncos. I would love to sit here and tell you that Hull KR will be crowned world champions in February, but I don’t think my pragmatic nature will allow it. This first time around, it’s just an honour to be there, but if we get there again, our eyes should be on the trophy. I’d love to be proven wrong, however.

Challenge Cup winners: Hull KR. I will, however, predict that the Robins retain the Challenge Cup at Wembley in 2026. To win it once was great, but we need to prove we can do it consistently, and I’m sure it’s a big goal for the club to once again triumph at the national stadium.

Grand Final: I couldn’t pick one last year, and I’m struggling this year, too. Hull KR vs Wigan is a possibility once again, of course, but then again so is Wigan vs St Helens, Hull KR vs St Helens, Hull KR vs Leeds, or Leeds vs St Helens. It’s a cop out, but I’m going to offer those as possibilities.

Man of Steel: Jez Litten OR Brodie Croft. Couldn’t separate these two. Jez Litten had a great season in 2025 and still has room to grow, especially with Mickey McIllorum now out of the picture. His undisputed starting berth now really puts him in the frame for MoS. As for Croft, I know it would be easy to pick Jake Connor to go back-to-back, but I think Croft went under the radar somewhat in 2025, looking like a player reborn alongside Connor, so I think he takes more of the spotlight this year.

First Coaching Casualty: Sam Burgess. Steve McNamara hasn’t been brought into Warrington to just be an assistant, surely? Big Sam was already on thin ice at the end of last season, so if the Wolves make a poor start in 2026, then I think he’s gone by Easter.

Championship Winner: London Broncos. No questions or explanations needed here.

Promotion/Relegation: While not guaranteed, you would be churlish not to think that London will be elevated from the Championship at the end of 2026, with either Toulouse or York making way for them. Out of the two, I would say Toulouse would be in the most danger there. An outside shout should also go to Huddersfield, but I wouldn’t be too worried if I were a Giants fan.

Written by Nathan Major (Site editor & Hull KR fan)

All recruitment information is correct as of publishing