2017 Fearless Super League Predictions
We’ve asked our writers to predict who they predict will win the 2017 Super League title, Challenge Cup and Man of Steel.
Here’s what they think.
WRITER’S SAY
JONNY WHITFELD
Super League: Warrington – Narrowly missed out on a league and cup double last year, but with a bolstered squad, they will hope to go one better and win the Grand Final.
Challenge Cup: Wigan – The Warriors have a knack of grinding out results and they could go all the way in this year’s Cup.
Man of Steel: Daryl Clark – if Warrington are to win the Super League, Clark will surely be a key man.
CHARLOTTE FLETCHER
Super League: Wigan – After two hurtful finals in 2014 & 2015 they managed to grind out a win against Warrington in 2016. With new young players coming in and some big names returning, I think they’ll be there again this year.
Challenge Cup: Leeds – They had a bad campaign last year, but I’m sure they’ll be back strong this time. They know the cup well and they know how to win those finals. I can see them lifting the Trophy in August.
Man of Steel: Ben Currie – Really made a difference for Warrington and is loved by the fans for his hard work. He’ll be returning from a long injury but I don’t think that will stop him being back on top form.
IAN JUDSON
Super League: Hull FC – Hull have improved the squad and are a very dangerous proposition with the best hooker and the best strike fullback in Super League by a country mile and then some and they have Albert Kelly and Josh Griffin and Jake Connor all giving them a new dimension.
Challenge Cup: Castleford – They look the real deal to really challenge for silverware this year, they won’t win Super League but the Challenge Cup is definitely within their capabilities.
Man of Steel: Scott Taylor – He’s a ridiculously excellent prop forward, gives Hull FC massive go forward and is a standout performer in an exceptional pack.
DAN FOWLER
Super League: Wigan Warriors – Think the partnership between Williams and Leuluai will flourish and Wigan will win the Grand Final once again.
Challenge Cup: Castleford Tigers – Daryl Powell has built a great squad at the Jungle and I think they’ll win some silverware and it’ll come at Wembley.
Man of Steel: John Bateman – Quite a lot of superlatives have been thrown around when talking about John Bateman and if he can keep himself out of trouble this season, he’ll be vital to Wigan’s bid for silverware.
JORDAN WEIR
Super League: Wigan – Shaun Wane and his men have the ability to ground a result when needed and showed that on a few occasions in 2016. The return of Sam Tomkins from injury and the signing of Thomas Leuluai only improves the squad.
Challenge Cup: Warrington. Wire love this competition winning it back in 2009,10 and 12. Having lost in last year’s final Tony Smith will be looking to challenge once again.
Man of Steel: Chris Hill. The reliable forward is a mainstay in Warrington’s forward pack and become more and more a mainstay in England’s 17 too. If Wire challenge in 2017 you can imagine Chris Hill will be one of the leading players on the charge.
SEAN HAYES
Super League: Warrington: They’re getting closer and closer to it finally being ‘their year’ and after an agonising Grand Final loss in 2016 they could go one better and lift the trophy.
Challenge Cup: Castleford Tigers: classy Cas have been threatening to challenge the top sides for silverware for a few seasons now, and the challenge cup is a competition they are more than capable of winning.
Man of Steel: Ben Currie: Last season the young backrower was outstanding for the Wolves and was deserving of a winners medal in the challenge cup final for his brilliant display. A bright future awaits Currie and on his return from injury he will be looking to pick up where he left off in 2016.
BEN REID
Super League: Wigan Warriors: 2016 was a great year for the cherry and whites. They managed to win the big one against all odds, and with a very damaged squad. Going into 2017, they’ve got players back, new players in and a squad that’s looking stronger than ever. I don’t see any team stopping them. Don’t be surprised if they go on and do the treble.
Challenge Cup: Wigan Warriors: The Warriors have not won the Challenge Cup since 2013, and although they have won it a record 19 times, they’ll be itching for another trip to Wembley.
Man of Steel: John Bateman: Even after missing close to 10 games last season due to off the field antics. People still had John Bateman in their top three picks for 2016 Man of Steel. I think 2017 will be a year in which Bateman redeems himself and wins the award.
ADAM LEAH
Super League: While I think Warrington and St Helens will challenge, 2017 should see current Super League champions Wigan retain their title. Joe Burgess was a prolific tryscorer in 2015 and returns from the NRL alongside Thomas Leuluai who will add some experience and creativity in the middle. A number of academy players took their chances last season and Wigan have a squad rich in talent and with strength in depth.
