Super League: Champions Wigan Warriors hunted as rivals chase their crown
2025-02-13
Category: sports

It is testament to the way in which Wigan Warriors gathered up all four trophies in 2024 that Super League feels in a good place on the back of it.If the sport of rugby league in the northern hemisphere is as good as its elite clubs, then it is certainly on an upward curve.Wigan, of course, were the standard bearers and set the bar so high that not even three-time NRL champions Penrith could match it in the World Club Challenge.In securing that competition's trophy, and swiftly adding to it the Challenge Cup, League Leaders' Shield and the Super League title itself, Wigan even earned recognition as the BBC's Sports Personality Team of the Year.Whether it was the mesmerising skill of Bevan French, the aerodynamic finishing of Liam Marshall, or Junior Nsemba just running amok, Wigan were a highlights reel of success, led by their articulate and humble coach Matt Peet.Not much has changed at the Brick Community Stadium this off-season, as the team has been allowed to mature and develop.They will know that 11 other clubs are out to topple them, but there is a quiet confidence about this band of winners who are keen to match the achievements of their 1980s counterparts.
Who will shine from the chasing pack?
As good as Wigan were, there were glimpses of the potential of their rivals to catch them in 2024, and the hunger will be prevalent, no doubt.Take Hull KR, for instance. Last year's beaten Grand Finalists left with a metaphorically bloodied nose, but they are back in 2025 with a harder edge.The signings of fearsome prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, spiky hooker Micky McIlorum, and goalkicking-machine Rhyse Martin offer experience, steel and a winning mentality.Sam Burgess enjoyed a superb first season as Warrington Wolves head coach, building a togetherness and team culture which turned frowns into smiles around the Halliwell Jones.They failed to deliver on the big stage when they lost the Challenge Cup final, and were squeezed out of the play-offs after a hard-fought tussle with Hull KR, but another season stronger and wiser should see them bounce back.Leeds Rhinos have been put under the pump by Brad Arthur, and by the evidence of prop Mikolaj Oledzki, it looks like the hard graft has made them sharp and lean.St Helens and Catalans Dragons will be under pressure to perform after mixed 2024 seasons, and both have recruited extensively in a bid to freshen things up.
John Cartwright will lead the new era at Hull FC, where a glut of new players and the investment of new owners offers their long-suffering fans a promise of brighter times.Leigh Leopards and newly taken-over Salford Red Devils, who have both punched above their weight in recent seasons, will again be in the mix to challenge for the play-offs at least, while Wakefield Trinity's return to the top flight will be an interesting one to monitor.Huddersfield Giants have been wracked by injuries, which has given head coach Luke Robinson a few conundrums to consider as they head into the season.Completing the line-up are Castleford Tigers, whose new coach Danny McGuire was made fully aware of the task ahead for his side after their Challenge Cup exit against second-tier Bradford Bulls on Sunday.
Eyeballs on the sport from around the world
Domestic rugby league in the northern hemisphere is ready to go stateside in round three, when Warrington and Wigan take their match to Las Vegas as part of the Australian NRL's bid for the American market on 1 March.Officials from the elite competition were impressed by the British audience that made the trip for the inaugural event in 2024, and once Wigan chief executive Kris Radlinski pitched the concept of Super League involvement, the decision was made to partner up.England Women will also feature in the showpiece, taking on Australia's world champion Jillaroos at the Allegiant Stadium.Other highlights throughout the year include the Challenge Cup final at Wembley on Saturday, 7 June, the Magic Weekend's return to Newcastle United's St James' Park in May, and the Grand Final at Old Trafford, home of Manchester United, on Saturday, 11 October.It has not been signed off yet, but there will also hopefully be the Ashes Test series with Australia, who are expected on these shores in the autumn.
Who to look out for in 2025?
The standard of recruitment throughout Super League has been impressive once again, and will add to the pantheon of talents to watch this coming campaign.In terms of stardom, Hull KR's capture of Waerea-Hargreaves is a genuine box-office signing. Even at 36 years of age, the powerhouse prop has an aura and a physicality that lays down the gauntlet for the rest of the league's forwards.Leigh's acquisition of David Armstrong feels like a potential 'signing of the season' contender, as the athletic 23-year-old full-back possesses rapid pace and no end of skill.Newcastle Knights wanted to keep him, but with Kalyn Ponga barring his path to the first-team, it was a case of letting him go.Tristan Sailor and Kyle Feldt bring serious NRL pedigree to St Helens, while the appointment of the much-admired former half-back Lee Briers on the coaching staff is another excellent coup.Catalans have brought in half-back Luke Keary, a three-time NRL title winner, among others to help steer them back to success after falling away from the top six last season.Can Brad Arthur get the right messages into Jake Connor following his arrival at Leeds? Some of the preseason evidence is the former England international is looking as sharp as he has done for some time.Tom Johnstone will be back in Wakefield colours in 2025, and while they are not new signings, the likes of Oli Pratt, Ky Rodwell and Caleb Uele are all untested at Super League level but have potential.Finally, a Burgess brother will again be running around in Super League after Tom Burgess opted for Huddersfield after ending his and the family's long association with South Sydney Rabbitohs.
How will rugby league be covered on the BBC?
This will be the second year of the three-year deal to show selected Super League matches live on the BBC.St Helens versus Salford on Saturday, 15 February will be the first of 10 games shown on network television, with a further five on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport app.The BBC will also continue its Challenge Cup coverage, with games shown across platforms all the way from round one to the final at Wembley. Network television joins at the quarter-final stage.There is extensive network radio coverage on BBC Radio 5 Live and Radio 5 Sports Extra, with four live games from across the opening weekend to kick-off the season, while the BBC's local radio stations will cover the game extensively.Highlights of every Super League game will be available on the BBC Sport website and app, as will match reports, stories and features throughout the season.