2025 marks the 30th season of the Super League, which returns to our screens on Thursday night with its season opener.
A lot has changed since last season, with IMG introducing a new grading system. There have been rule changes aplenty as well, with tackle heights, drop-outs and the disciplinary system undergoing reviews, as well as the addition of the Captain’s Challenge.
The most notable change, however, is the removal of relegation. While this seeks to keep the sport’s 12 ‘biggest’ teams at the top table, it could make for a rather jeopardy-less season for those down the bottom end of the table.
Nonetheless, expect the usual thrills and spills as we preview all 12 challengers for the new season.
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Table Toppers
Wigan Warriors
Key Player: Bevan French
Wigan Warriors enter 2025 as the team to beat and many people’s tip to top the table once again, having secured all four major trophies in 2024 under coach Matt Peet.
With key players like Bevan French and a winning culture firmly instilled, maintaining their dominance and competing for yet more silverware will be at the forefront of their targets.
St Helens
Key Player: Matty Lees
Following a seriously below-par 2024 season, St Helens have refreshed their squad with NRL signings Tristan Sailor, Kyle Feldt, and Lewis Murphy. The emphasis is clearly on a revamp, with big names such as Tommy Makinson let go.
Under coach Paul Wellens and new assistant Lee Briers, Saints will be eyeing a return to Super League’s top tier, with Old Trafford firmly in their sights.
Warrington Wolves
Key Player: Matt Dufty
After a strong 2024 season under coach Sam Burgess, Warrington Wolves will aim to build on their success, having narrowly missed out on the Grand Final.
With a potent attack and solid defence, key players like Matt Dufty and Matty Ashton are expected to lead the charge. Many are expecting them to be one of Super League’s top challengers once again and silverware will certainly be on the agenda this year.
Hull Kingston Rovers
Key Player: Mikey Lewis
Hull KR reached their first Grand Final in 2024, but were beaten by Wigan in a low-scoring encounter. Under coach Willie Peters, the team has strengthened with notable signings like Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Rhyse Martin.
Retaining key players such as Mikey Lewis and captain Elliot Minchella was almost as important as making new signings, so with a positive feel about the place you can expect the Robins to make a quick start, and their opening game against the Castleford Tigers looks a favourable fixture.
Mid-table Scrappers
Leeds Rhinos
Key Player: Cooper Jenkins
Leeds Rhinos, under new head coach Brad Arthur, are looking to rebound from consecutive eighth-place finishes and get back to the big-time.
Key additions include the return of Ryan Hall, Keenan Palasia, Cooper Jenkins, Jake Connor, and Maika Sivo. Leeds are not afraid to spend to get back to where they feel they belong, but will money talk this year?
Catalans Dragons
Key Player: Elliott Whitehead
Following a seventh-place finish in 2024, Catalans Dragons have bolstered their squad with notable signings such as Elliott Whitehead, Nick Cotric, Luke Keary, and Tevita Pangai Junior.
They’ll need to show a lot more consistency to secure a top-six finish in 2025, with a home game against last season’s 11th place finishers providing a good opportunity for them to start as they mean to go on.
Leigh Leopards
Key Player: Edwin Ipape
After a strong finish in 2024, reaching the semi-finals, Leigh Leopards face significant changes with key departures, including captain John Asiata. Coach Adrian Lam has reinforced the squad by signing David Armstrong, Isaac Liu, and Tesi Niu.
They’ll be hoping for a faster start in 2025, focusing on integrating new players to build on last season’s momentum and hopefully make it back to the final four.
Salford Red Devils
Key Player: Marc Sneyd
Salford Red Devils defied expectations in 2024, securing a fourth-place finish under coach Paul Rowley. Key players like Marc Sneyd and Nene MacDonald remain pivotal, while new signings Esan Marsters and Chris Hill bolster the squad.
This season looked set to be marred by financial issues, but with improvements behind the scenes, Salford can now focus on maintaining their top-six status.
Relegation(less) Battlers
Huddersfield Giants
Key Player: Tom Burgess
Huddersfield Giants, under new head coach Luke Robinson, are aiming to rebound from a ninth-place finish in 2024. Key signings include England prop Tom Burgess, returning after 12 years in the NRL, and versatile back Jacob Gagai.
Retaining playmaker Tui Lolohea, emphasis will be on teamwork and resilience. With a series of mid-season home games, reaching those in a position to mount a genuine top-six challenge will be the priority.
Castleford Tigers
Key Player: Liam Horne
Castleford head into 2025 off the back of a year of highs and lows. Highlights of what was in truth a dead-rubber season included a win away at Saints, but most importantly the news of a takeover and Grade A IMG status.
Martin Jepson will be hoping to give Cas a new lease of life and set about doing so by parting ways with head coach Craig Lingard, brining in a talented young coach in the shape of the former enemy, Danny McGuire. With the Tigers already out of the Challenge Cup and likely having little to play for in the league, this season will be all about restoring a sense of optimism and building a real connection with the Wheldon Road faithful.
Hull FC
Key Player: Jordan Rapana
Hull FC embarks on a new era in 2025 under head coach John Cartwright, aiming to rebound from a challenging 2024 season. The squad has been bolstered by nine new signings, including captain Aidan Sezer, fullback Jordan Rapana, and forward John Asiata.
With a blend of experienced recruits and emerging talents like Jed Cartwright and Logan Moy, they’ll be determined to restore pride and competitiveness at the MKM Stadium.
Wakefield Trinity
Key Player: Max Jowitt
After a triumphant treble-winning season in the Championship, Wakefield Trinity returns to Super League in 2025 under coach Daryl Powell. Key signings include England internationals Tom Johnstone and captain Mike McMeeken, alongside half-backs Jake Trueman and Olly Russell.
With Championship Player of the Year Max Jowitt leading the charge, Trinity will aim to improve on their 2023 finish, something which many are tipping them to do.
