The Rugby League
season kicks off again in England for the start of the 2013 Super
League. A victory at Old Trafford for Leeds Rhinos against Warrington
Wolves last October in the Grand Final is now a distant memory, as
those two sides prepare to battle for glory once again. Wigan
Warriors will feel aggrieved that they came top of the pile in the
regular season, but failed to progress past the playoff semi-final
stage, and Saint Helens will be looking to challenge for honours
under new management.
Warrington are the favourites with the
bookmakers to go one better this season, and capture the title that
eluded them in 2012. Although reaching the Grand Final and winning
the Challenge Cup could never be described as a failed season, they
will feel as if they were firm favourites to complete the double.
Critics will point to the fact that their squad is aging, with their
record points scorer Lee Briers now 35 years of age, and influential
players Adrian Morley and Brett Hodgson also in their mid 30s. They
may need to rely on the youth and try scoring prowess of players such
as Chris Riley and Richie Myler to take the team one step further.
Wigan finished on top of the table in
the Super League last year, and were impressive throughout, with full
back Sam Tomkins claiming the Man of Steel trophy for 2012. Their
semi-final defeat to Leeds Rhinos was a huge disappointment,
especially with home advantage, and the squad will be hoping to
bounce back in 2013. It remains to be seen if the squad will be
severely weakened by the loss of players such as Thomas Leuluai and
George Carmont , both of whom were an integral part of last season’s
successes.
Saint Helens fell short of their usual
high standards last season, finishing only third in the regular
season. They had a poor start to the 2012 season, which led to the
sacking of coach Royce Simmons as early as March. Australian Nathan
Brown takes over the reins for this season after building an
impressive team at Huddersfield, and he has brought in powerhouse
centre Willie Manu to add some strength to the side. If top try
scorer Paul ‘Mr St Helens’ Wellens and youngster Jonny Lomax can
replicate their form of last season, the Saints could well find
themselves back in the familiar territory of the Grand Final once
again.
Leeds Rhinos could be described as
fortunate winners of the Super League crown last year, after
finishing only 5th in the regular season standings.
However, they repeated their accomplishment of 2011 and won the games
that mattered the most to take their second successive title. Kevin
Sinfield remains as reliable as ever with his kicking, and the
creativity of scrum half Rob Burrow is always likely to cause
problems for the opposition. Should the Rhinos find some consistency
in the league, and if the likes of Ryan Hall, Kallum Watkins and Zak
Hardiker can continue to rack up the points, then a hat-trick of
titles is not beyond their reach.
Full Schedule of Rugby Super League Betting
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