Betfred Super League 2026: Consistency the key to Wigan’s bid for return to the top

For the first time in four seasons, Wigan Warriors come into the Betfred Super League in 2026 without a domestic honour to defend following their Grand Final defeat to Hull KR last October.

So the Warriors, who will also be deposed as world champions by either KR or the Brisbane Broncos on February 19, have a new type of motivation as they look to right some wrongs from last year.

And star half-back Bevan French says that the ability to call upon a tight group of players will be important as the Warriors play the role of challengers in 2026.

“To be honest, not much has changed around motivational things internally at the club and in the team,” the Australian superstar tells The Sportsman Rugby League in association with Betfred.

“We've had the same squad for quite a while so it’s the same goals and motivations every year really; we just want to get better every week.

“It does add a little bit of an incentive becoming the hunter now but there’s not drastic changes as you would think.

“I think we’ve been lucky with the depth we’ve had in the last couple of seasons, not having to make major changes in the squad. It definitely makes it easier and we don't spend as much time gelling and building on combinations like other teams might do, working on new partnerships and things like that.

“It's good to just get back into pre season and hit the ground running really. Everyone knows each other's game by now, so it’s just working on the little things week in, week out.”

Loose-forward Kaide Ellis says that 24-6 loss to Hull KR at Old Trafford made for a painful evening but it is something which gives him an extra drive going into the new campaign.

“You don’t want to lose them but sometimes you can’t control the outcome of them,” Ellis tells The Sportsman Rugby League of the experience of coming in second.

“We did give it our all and we can probably hold our heads high, it wasn't our day and things didn't go our way, but it does light a fire. You don’t want to feel that way ever again and I think it definitely does drive you.”

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The former Penrith Panthers and St George-Illawarra Dragons middle insists that last year’s disappointment shouldn’t be seen as a failure.

“You obviously have a bit of time off in the off-season, and the way it ended for us losing in the final to Hull KR, it can sometimes feel quite long. You get excited to get back and right that wrong.

“But you do a bit of reflecting, and when you think about it, it wasn't that bad. You made a Grand Final. It’s not a failure, and although you’d like to win it, for us I definitely don’t see it as a failure. And, as always, we’re very excited to start the new season.”

Matt Peet’s side get their competitive campaign underway on Sunday when they travel to the Crown Oil Arena to face Rochdale Hornets in the Betfred Challenge Cup third round.

Their Super League season starts with a trip to Castleford Tigers on Sunday, February 15, and the Warriors are Betfred’s 9/4 favourites to regain the Grand Final trophy this year.

Wigan are also 11/4 favourites to win the Betfred Challenge Cup, and are 16/1 to repeat their 2024 feat of collecting the domestic treble of League Leaders’ Shield, Challenge Cup and Grand Final successes.

Betfred are offering top price on all teams to win the 2026 Super League Grand Final until 6pm on Friday, February 6.

You can read all our latest Rugby League Betting Tips at our dedicated Betfred Insights Rugby League content hub.