Paul Sculthorpe’s review of the 2024 Betfred Super League season

Saturday saw the Grand Final of the 2024 Betfred Super League season go the way of our rivals from over Billinge Hill yet again.

The Warriors of Wigan, favourites to retain their title before a ball was kicked, turned out one of their best performances of the season to become history makers as the first club to hold all four available trophies in a calendar year.

All credit to runners-up Hull KR too, who continuously threw questions at the Wigan defence and more than played their part in a memorable showpiece.

Led by the newly-crowned Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel, Mikey Lewis, the Robins gave everything, but they just couldn’t penetrate the Warriors' line.

This is something the last four teams to face Wigan have in common. Matt Peet's men have conceded NO tries in over 320 minutes of rugby. That's some feat.

The Hull KR defensive line was almost faultless itself, conceding just one try... but what a try it was!

Bevan French is by far and away the most devastating attacking threat in the Betfred Super League, and it was his jet heels that decided the game.

It was almost a carbon copy of the late great Rob Burrows' brilliant individual effort against St Helens back in 2011. Fittingly, he then went on to be named as the Rob Burrow Award winner for Man of the Match, formerly known as the Harry Sunderland Award.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Bevan at the Grand Final press conference on Monday alongside Betfred’s Mark Pearson, and I can honestly say he is one of the most humble guys I’ve met and someone who promotes our game in the best light.

He told me how Peet just lets him play without any restraints, which certainly paid dividends on the big stage.

So, the domestic season is over for another year and it’s time for Saints to reflect on the season, focusing on how we improve to stop Wigan’s dominance in 2025. Not only Wigan, but also a resurgent Hull KR side who have been a credit to the Betfred Super League both on and off the field.

For next season, Wigan have been installed as 9/4 favourites with title sponsors Betfred to do it again, with Saints and Wire both trading at 9/2.

The Warriors to do the treble once again? That's as short as 12/1.

Warrington, who many think are a vastly-improved outfit under Sam Burgess, will be aiming to make 2025 ‘their year’ finally. Also, let’s not forget Salford and Leigh who both showed they aren’t just making up the numbers.

Paul Wellens will have already conducted his autopsy of a bitterly-disappointing season, and is no doubt chomping at the bit to get going again ready for a new campaign.

There will be some new faces around the Totally Wicked Stadium next year, none more exciting than new assistant coach Lee Briers. He's been brought in by Wello to add some attacking flair.

Add to that new outside-backs Lewis Murphy and Kyle Feldt, plus full-back/half-back Tristan Sailor who all have proven qualities. This is a start, but for me we need a couple more key signings if we are to genuinely challenge for silverware.

I’d love to see a genuine world-class half-back. In my opinion, the position we massively lacked a presence in 2024. We need someone who can dominate a game, but also his teammates.

Also, dependant on where Wello plans to fit Welsby, Sailor and Robertson into the team, I think a quality centre would be more than welcomed. Finally, adding some more front-row firepower, taking pressure off Matty Lees, George Delaney and an aging Alex Walmsley.

For some of the Saints squad, attention turns to International duty as England take on Samoa in a two-test Series. Those who aren’t involved will be reporting back for duty on November 14.

St Helens RLFC is a club that demands success, and I’ve absolutely no doubts the staff and players will be doing everything needed to make this happen - and I’m backing them to do so.

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