Betfred Super League: So much to look forward to

Never write off the Saints … everyone knows that!

It certainly reflects perfectly the hopes of every person involved with the club, on the eve of the new Betfred Super League season. And how about the Man Of Steel? It's never too early to run the rule over some of the likely contenders.

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Following a very disappointing 2024 campaign, some pundits and ‘experts’ are already putting the boot in, expressing their surprise at Saints being priced at 9/2 second favourites at title sponsors Betfred to win the 2025 Grand Final.

Unsurprisingly, the old enemy and current back to back Champions Wigan are Betfred’s top pick at 11/8 to again lift the Super League trophy come October.

So what are the positive changes to this Saints squad that could bring back silverware to the Totally Wicked Stadium?

1. The capture of Tristan Sailor - already being compared to Ben Barba and the impact he had in Super League. He certainly looks a handful, and will add some much-needed strike to the Saints attack.
2. Along with Sailor, the quality of the Saints spine if on form and fit! Jack Welsby, Jonny Lomax, Darryl Clark and Morgan Knowles are all capable of winning games single-handedly. My biggest concern isn’t that, but who controls the team and kicking game from half back? This is something we’ve not had for a few years, and it has told.
3. A guy who was one of the best in the business in that department, and will hopefully have a huge impact in that area, is new Assistant Coach Lee Briers. Briersy, along with Sailor, who he clearly recommended, joined from the Brisbane Broncos at the end of the 2024 NRL campaign.
4. Some good young players in the Saints squad, who were bloodied during last year's injury-ravaged season, will be chomping at the bit knowing what is in front of them. Players such as Noah Stephens and Jake Burns, two who did their reputations no harm at all in 2024.
5. And finally lots of this current squad have tasted success, and know what is needed to pick up silverware. It’s about setting standards, being consistent and accountable to each other. Do that, and with the quality we’ve got they’ll be in the mix.

Another team hoping to finally break their duck in Super League is my other former club Warrington Wolves. Yet again the much fancied Wolves crashed out at the business end of the season, and Sam Burgess will be looking for a much more mentally tougher side this year.

You can certainly not write them off at 5/1 with the title sponsors Betfred.

And can you not forget about the highly-rated Hull Kingston Rovers?

Willie Peters' men reached the Challenge Cup semi-final, and were beaten finalists in the Super League showcase at Old Trafford last time out. This year they will be desperate to go one better and finally take a trophy or two back to East Hull.

Mikey Lewis, the 2024 Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel winner will again lead the Robins charge, and continue his own personal rise in the game.

I think all of the above tells you I can’t really tip anything different for the winner of the Betfred Challenge Cup in June! I would say the winner comes from one of the aforementioned four sides, despite what people keep saying about the ‘new’ Leeds Rhinos!

Back to the Man of Steel Award. I think there are some obvious standout candidates to pick up the coveted accolade at the end of the year. They are as follows-

Bevan French- in my eyes like many, the best player in the competition. A key indicator in that Wigan side. When he plays well, the Warriors win.

Mikey Lewis- again like French, a major influence on his teammates. I love his competitive edge, and a seven that loves to run with the ball - not many of them about these days.

Jack Welsby- an undeniable talent. A frustrating season last year, and that told in some of his actions on-field. Hopefully another year more experienced, and his outstanding ability can do his talking. His teammate Tristan Sailor is 10/1 second favourite, so plenty of interest in the Saints back line!

Luke Kearey- one of my favourite NRL players over the past decade. A player whose leadership and talent will certainly have an impact at the Catalan Dragons this season. Can he inspire them to their first Grand Final win?

Matty Ashton- the man was on fire last season! A great guy who has really developed his game over the past couple of seasons. Devastating pace and the ability to score some spectacular tries, but I was equally impressed with his work rate and backfield carries. A big asset to a Warrington side looking to win trophies.

Rugby League Betting Tips from Betfred Insights.