2022 Super League Team-by-Team Preview

 

Our 2022 Preview & Predictions Show is out for you to listen to now! Hear our big predictions / lousy guesses and find out what you the SLP listeners think will happen too.

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In this post, we'll list all the Super League squads along with the ins and outs for you for all the 12 teams. I'll also give you my thoughts on each side ahead of the new season, so you can come back at the end of the year to see how wrong I've got everything!

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Gains:

George Lawler (Hull KR), Callum McLelland (Leeds), Alex Sutcliffe (Leeds), Mahe Fonua (Hull FC), Jake Mamo (Warrington), Joe Westerman (Wakefield), Kenny Edwards (Huddersfield), Bureta Faraimo (Hull FC)

Losses:

Oli Holmes (Warrington), Peter Mata'utia (Warrington), Lewis Bienek (London Broncos), Michael Shenton (retired), Grant Millington (retired), Jesse Sene-Lefao (Featherstone), Alex Foster (Newcastle)

Mark’s view:

The biggest change at Cas is the change of coach. Will that bring a change in style to a more physical power game from the Powell flowing finesse structure of recent years. With Lee Radford bringing in his big physical outside backs from Hull FC in to Cas, you have to think it's a change in direction. That's a worry for this year as it means most of the squad and even some of the new signings aren't from that style. So I worry about maybe some disjointed performances early doors. It's great they still have Paul McShane, the obvious choice for new captain, although they've lost some real leadership on the playing staff with the players that retired and the pair that followed Powell to Wire. Mavericks and wildcards like Mamo, Edwards and Westerman are a different type to the players that have left, but could offer entertainment even if it's not the classy Cas style the jungle has become accustomed to. The final thing for me on this Cas side is the halves. Lots of talent in there with the starters and the depth behind them. Lots of talent, but also there is some inconsistency, of both performance and availability. How Trueman bounces back from a challenging year could be the difference between playoff contention or an unremarkable lower half season.

Mark’s prediction: 

9th

Gains:

Mitchell Pearce (Knights), Dylan Napa (Bulldogs), Tyrone May (Panthers)

Losses:

Joel Tomkins (retired), James Maloney (Lezignan), Jason Batieri (Lezignan), Lambert Belmas (Lezignan)

Mark’s view:

One aging NRL winning half moves on and another moves in. I have to expect Les Dracs will be there or thereabouts again this year. That young French squad depth that I had misplaced concern about in 2021 is now a year more experienced and game proven. There is a generally settled nature to the squad, the leadership group and the off-field staff, so the performance level of 2021 shouldn't fall off really. And their recruitment, whilst there is a whiff of character concerns in their pasts - isn't there with most Catalans NRL signings - what they've done is brought in three former NRL winners. Pearce replaces Maloney and the other two feel like upgrades more than replacements.

Mark’s prediction: 

3rd

Gains:

Theo Fages (St Helens), Tui Lolohea (Salford), Chris Hill (Warrington), Nathan Mason (Leigh), Danny Levi (Knights), Innes Senior (Wakefield, loan return), Seb Ikahihifo (Salford, loan return), Oli Roberts (Salford, loan return)

Losses:

Lee Gaskell (Wakefield), James Cunningham (Toulouse), Joe Wardle (Leigh), Aidan Sezer (Leeds), Kenny Edwards (Castleford), Nathaniel Peteru (released), Sam Wood (Hull KR), Darnell McIntosh (Hull FC), Nathan Peats (Albi), Ronan Michael (York, loan)

Mark’s view:

There's been quite a big player turnover following what was really a disappointing first season under Ian Watson last year. What has happened though is Watson has brought in some key lieutenants that can deliver on the project, instead of act against it. Theo Fages was, for me, the best Super League half available in the off-season, and Tui Lolohea was at his best under Watson at Salford. Chris Hill brings huge experience, and 2021 was a season where he did seem to stall the apparent decline in his performance and abilities, so Huddersfield will hope there's something left in the tank. When I look down the list of losses, the only one that stands out as not really being adequately replaced is McIntosh. The Giants have named full back Golding in a starting wing squad number, and the Senior twins will need to show much more than I feel they have so far to fill in what McIntosh offered at his best. Outside back is the area of the squad I have concerns over for this side. Maybe points scoring might remain an issue, but I expect them to be closer to what many (me included) expected last year.

Mark’s prediction: 

6th

Gains:

Darnell McIntosh (Huddersfield), Joe Lovodua (Rabbitohs), Kane Evans (Warriors), Luke Gale (Leeds)

Losses:

Mahe Fonua (Castleford), Bureta Faraimo (Castleford), Masi Matongo (York), Marc Sneyd (Salford)

Mark’s view:

This is not your Lee Radford Hull FC. Gone are the big wingers and the mid-field metronome that were so crucial to those Challenge Cup successes of half a decade ago. What is there now is a skilful and pacy looking three-quarter line in, from available info, the shortest side in the league. There is decent depth across the board, other than half back, where really only young Ben McNamara offers depth, and that proved to be an issue at times last year, and with two starting halves at the older end that could be a lingering concern. The other lingering concern is whether these playmakers can all get on with each other and the rest of their team. There is a feeling from the outside looking in that the 1, 6 & 7 all have a streak of petulance in them, and if the chips are down how will that play out. Maybe this perception is nonsense, Luke Gale has been named captain after all, so he must be making a positive impression inside the camp. I just feel now Hull FC need to show me something for me to believe they're anything other than midtable with a week 1 playoff departure their absolute peak. Hopefully for black and white fans, they'll show it this year.

Mark’s prediction: 

7th

Gains:

Lachlan Coote (St Helens), Sam Wood (Huddersfield), Frankie Halton (Featherstone), Greg Richards (London Broncos), Phoenix Laulu-Tongaga'e (Keighley, loan return), Tom Garrett (Dewsbury)

Losses:

Greg Minikin (Warrington), George Lawler (Castleford), Adam Quinlan (released), Owen Harrison (Dewsbury), Anesu Mudoti (Keighley), Joe Keyes (Halifax), Muizz Mustapha (Leeds, loan return), Tom Whur (Rochdale, loan)

Mark’s view:

2021 went almost as well as it could have done for the Robins. They surpassed expectations and entertained everyone along the way. And then they went and signed one of the best players on the league in Lachlan Coote, to replace the talented yet injury ridden Quinlan. So they'll be hoping for more of the same out of their experienced and skilful back line. That said, they’ve taken a punt on a few Championship players and their pack isn't particularly star-studded. Outside back depth is a little light too. Sure, they'll be enjoyable to watch again in 2022, and Tony Smith might still have some ideas to surprise a few teams, but I just can't see them making the waves they did last year sorry Robins fans.

Mark’s prediction: 

8th

Gains:

David Fusitu'a (Warriors), Aidan Sezer (Huddersfield), Blake Austin (Warrington), James Bentley (St Helens), Muizz Mustapha (Hull KR, loan return)

Losses:

Konrad Hurrell (St Helens), Robert Lui (retired), King Vuniyayawa (Salford), Callum McLelland (Castleford), Alex Sutcliffe (Castleford), Luke Briscoe (Featherstone), Luke Gale (Hull FC), Corey Hall (Wakefield)

Mark’s view:

Leeds seem to be the team that many observers expect to progress this year - they're a lot of people's pick for dark horses in the trophy shake up, and in fact the SLP voters have them up for the cup. It's easy to see why with a big splash on a new half pairing, one that played 55 games in combination in the NRL, with an overall winning record. Fusitu'a is also being heralded as an impressive signing, although he's only scored 6 tries in 31 games for club and country in the last three years so some of the excitement should be tempered - but then, Ryan Hall came back from the NRL with an even worse record and did ok last year! The top 20 players in their squad are arguably a match for anyone else, and there is plenty of talent and a smattering of experience in the young players that make up the rest of the squad. They should be competitive this year. But I'd be surprised if they lifted silverware personally. One other thing to note, on the listed available numbers at least, they are the lightest squad in the league. Whether that will be a factor will be found out through the year.

Mark’s prediction: 

5th

Gains:

Shane Wright (Cowboys), Brodie Croft (Broncos), Ryan Brierley (Leigh), King Vuniyaywa (Leeds), Amir Bourouh (Wigan), Sitaleki Akuala (Warrington), Deon Cross (Widnes), Marc Sneyd (Hull FC), Tim Lafai (Eels), Alex Gerrard (Leigh)

Losses:

Pauli Pauli (York), Kevin Brown (retired), Dec Patton (Bradford), Tui Lolohea (Huddersfield), Lee Mossop (retired), Seb Ikahihifo (Huddersfield, loan return), Ed Chamberlain (Leigh), Oli Roberts (Huddersfield, loan return), Krisnan Inu (Lezignan), Ata Hingano (Leigh)

Mark’s view:

It's a big turnover at Salford, including another change at head coach, although this time it is an internal promotion that has some ties to the successful Watson era, but it's again someone with no experience of a head coach role in Super League. Add in to that a new half back pairing and a necessary change in team leadership with captain Mossop and experienced Brown retiring. The only stable positions from a year ago are the wingers and the hooker, but otherwise from a mix of injury and squad changes, they will feel like a new side. The pack is a concern for me, although the late addition of Alex Gerrard adds a bit of depth. I'm not quite sure that is enough. And with the off field uncertainties about where this team can play in future years, it's a precarious time - this side needs to gel faster than I expect it to, I can't see better than bottom three for them unfortunately.

Mark’s prediction: 

11th

Gains:

Konrad Hurrell (Leeds), Joey Lussick (Eels), Curtis Sironen (Sea Eagles), James Bell (Leigh), Will Hopoate (Bulldogs), Daniel Hill (Widnes)

Losses:

James Bentley (Leeds), Theo Fages (Huddersfield), Lachlan Coote (St Helens), Nico Rizelli (released), Aaron Smith (Leigh, loan), Josh Eaves (Newcastle), Joel Thompson (retired), Tom Nisbet (Leigh, loan), Kevin Naiqama (Roosters)

Mark’s view:

When you look at the list of losses, St Helens will be changing some key parts to their team this year - Coote and Naiqama have had three seasons where all they've known is Grand Final glory, with Bentley and Thompson playing their parts in that too. And Fages has been a big part of their success in his six seasons at Saints. Yet despite this turnover, they're still favourites this year. That's because they've seemingly planned well for this transition. Jack Welsby, twice the SLP Young Player of the Year, once the Super League Young Player of the Year, has been seemingly building towards the full-time fullback spot, and Lewis Dodd was brought along to be prepared for the starting halfback role during a successful 2021 for him. Hopoate, Sironen and Bell come in as sound replacements for Naiqama, Bentley and Thompson. And for some reason Konny Hurrell is there too. Then the surprise signing, Joey Lussick, great at Salford, underused at Parramatta, and now here to spell James Roby towards his eventual retirement. It could be a brilliant bit of business. So are there any concerns? Well, a couple of injuries in the spine and depth will start to be tested, and there's still the concern Kristian Wolff's style will make everyone fall to sleep. But, with Big Al in his testimonial year, if he stays fit, he's such a weapon that had no real equal in the competition, I think they win the Grand Final again. From 2nd again.

Mark’s prediction: 

2nd

Gains:

James Cunningham (Huddersfield), Gadwin Springer (Featherstone), Matty Russell (Leigh), Chris Hankinson (Wigan)

Losses:

Remi Casty (retired), Jy Hitchcox (Leigh), Bastian Ader (Limoux), Johnathon Ford (released)

Mark’s view:

I was really excited about the proposition of Toulouse joining Super League, and I was pleased that they largely kept their very successful Championship side together under their impressive head coach Sylvain Houles. And I still expect them to be skilful, entertaining and fun to watch. But, there is a cloud over them on the eve of the season, with captain Johno Ford leaving just a couple of weeks before the new season, question marks over their other star man Mark Kheirallah and on the Covid vaccination status of their other members of their squad, in the face of strict rules on professional sportspeople in France. They already come in to the season with the oldest and smallest squad. It's a worry. Particularly for a newly promoted side that do things a little different, and need a good start to the season, to get themselves in a strong position before ther other teams get chance to work them out a little. A concern is they need to bring a couple of men in, but it's too late to make well considered replacements or additions, so they might have to bring in a few poor fits for them to have squad depth. I wish I could say I think they'll be safe, but I think 11th now would be a big success.

Mark’s prediction: 

12th

Gains:

Lee Gaskell (Huddersfield), Liam Hood (Leigh), Tom Lineham (Warrington), Sadiq Adebiyi (London Broncos), Jai Whitbread (Leigh), Corey Hall (Leeds), Thomas Minns (Featherstone/Newcastle), John Davetanivalu (union)

Losses:

Joe Westerman (Castleford), Josh Wood (Barrow), Kyle Wood (Halifax), Innes Senior (Huddersfield, loan return), Alex Walker (released), Ollie Greensmith (Dewsbury), Chris Green (Leigh), Joe Arundel (Halifax), Ryan Hampshire (released), Connor Bailey (Newcastle)

Mark’s view:

10 out and 8 in at Wakefield suggests a big turnover for Willie Poching's first full season in charge. But really, it's only eth hooker and loose forward spots that see a real change. But both see a downgrade for me. It's Hood and kids at hooker, after Kyle Wood had been such an influence in this side in previous years, helping make the halves better in my view. The same can be said for ball playing loose forward Westerman, who was very good in the first half of 2021 particularly. They don't have another player like him. How far Wakefield can go will mostly depend on how fit their three-quarter line can stay, as they have tyr-scoring ability in that first choice group of Johnstone, Tupou, Lyne & Lineham for sure. If they can play most of the games, they should be safe, and pick up the odd top half of the table scalp, although I don't expect them to be challenging the top half.

Mark’s prediction: 

10th

Gains:

Peter Mata'utia (Castleford), Greg Minikin (Hull KR), Oli Holmes (Castleford), James Harrison (Featherstone), Billy Magoulias (Sharks), Joe Bullock (Wigan)

Losses:

Jake Mamo (Castleford), Tom Lineham (Wakefield), Sitaleki Akaoula (Salford), Blake Austin (Leeds), Chris Hill (Huddersfield), Samy Kibula (Bradford), Nathan Roebuck (Keighley)

Mark’s view:

The main question for Wire is how well will they adapt to a more flowing attack of Powell, compared to the much more conservative (with a small c) pattern of play favoured by the departed Steve Price. I think they do have the right players for Powell's style, but it might still take time. Other than bringing in a few Powell literate players, I'm not sure there's any real significance in the transfers. Other than to note obviously Chris Hill was such a mainstay for so long that there will be some leadership to replace there, but Wire had been transitioning away from Hill's influence and presence for a couple of years anyway. To an extent, spine depth is a concern, with so much of the salary cap put on the starting 6, 7 & 9. But testimonial man Stef Ratchford has the versatility to cover that off. With the experience and ability of their first choice 17, this side has the quality to come good, and potentially entertain a bit under Powell. I expect a slow first month but a strong season overall.

Mark’s prediction: 

1st

Gains:

Abbas Miski (London Broncos), Kaide Ellis (Dragons), Patrick Mago (Rabbitohs), Cade Cust (Sea Eagles), Iain Thornley (Leigh), Ramon Silva (London Broncos)

Losses:

Jackson Hastings (Wests Tigers), Joe Bullock (Warrington), Oliver Gildart (Wests Tigers), Amir Bourouh (Salford), Tony Clubb (retired), Mitch Clark (Newcastle), Dom Manfredi (retired), Chris Hankinson (Toulouse)

Mark’s view:

You might have heard me say it already, I imagine I'll say it a few more times too, I fear/think 2022 will be year 2 of a 3 year trophy free spell at Wigan. A fairly young and physically squad has added an element of size from down under with Mago and Ellis, who should strengthen what was an underpowered pack in 2021. Wigan now have good options and strong depth in the pack. Losing main man Jackson Hastings is somewhat of a blow, although Hastings was so dominant that at times it hindered the team in 2021, despite his own brilliance. I'm optimistic that Cade Cust will be a capable replacement. And Wigan have options in the spine too. However, for Wigan to be more than also-rans they need Bevan French to come back, get match fit, and play plenty of games. French and Field are rapid, and Marshall is nippy on the wing, but otherwise Wigan's speed isn't scary. French though scares opponents. With him, they have a threatening backline, without him they have good but not exhilarating backs.

Mark’s prediction: 

4th

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