The 2023 Betfred Super League kicks off on Thursday (16 February) as last year’s Grand Final runners-up Leeds Rhinos take on Warrington Wolves.

The top-level of the British rugby league system, the Super League consists of twelve teams, with eleven from Northern England.

It’s a sport with a huge fanbase in the UK, and soon sport fanatics across the country will be sitting down to enjoy the thrilling games.

Unsure of who you’re supporting for the 2023 season? Here’s a run-down of some of the teams to watch …

Warrington Wolves

It was a disappointing 2022 for Warrington Wolves, and now head coach Daryl Powell has a lot to prove.

He’s an immensely competitive man, as most sportsmen are, so last season’s 11th place finish came as a big hit for Powell.

He’s now more determined than ever to prove that he belongs in the top position and can nurture a successful squad.

Speaking at the season launch, Daryl told us all about his desire to win.

“I’ve always wanted to win everything, I don’t even go into tiddlywinks wanting to come second.

“I think we’ve got a squad that’s capable of doing some special things, it’s an experienced group and we’ve got some great young players who underpin that, so I think we’ve got an opportunity to do amazing things.

“We want to be in finals, we want to win finals, and I really want to make it a special year for Warrington fans.

“It’s a big year for me personally, I have to prove myself and I believe we have the group to do that,” he said.

Warrington are set to kick off the season with their clash against Leeds Rhinos. There are some tough opening games for the Cheshire team, but they are prepared to put on a show.

To support this, Warrington’s game will open with a performance from The Lathums.

An uplifting performance from the Wigan band should be a metaphor for the exciting season that will follow for Warrington Wolves.

Salford Red Devils

Salford’s star signing and Man of Steel Brodie Croft has made headline news after putting pen to paper on a historic new long-term contract.

He is now set to remain on the Salford squad until 2030.

He’s one to keep an eye on as the season progresses, asserting himself as one of the competitions finest and most sought-after players.

The 25-year-old Australian joined the club back in August 2021 and has continued to improve in all aspects of his play.

Moving from sunny Australia to play in Salford, Brodie said the culture changes were a shock, but worth it to play for the club he loves.

“The biggest thing about this contract for me and my family is the stability and the confidence that comes with it.

“I love Salford, the group and the coaches are fantastic and it’s a great club to be at. I go to work every day with a smile on my face,” he said.

It’s impossible to deny the Australian sun, it would entice any Brit to travel to the Oceanic country.

But Brodie has started to settle into his new culture and weather conditions.

“It was a bit of a wakeup call when I came over here in winter 2021, there were some dark and gloomy days.

“It rains often here in Manchester and in the pre-season, we trained in -9 degrees Celsius.

“I enjoy the summertime here though, you really feel the energy shifts when the sun does come out,” Brodie said.

Signing the longest contract in Super League history, Brodie has proven to have heaps of love for the sport. More than that, he has an immense passion for winning.

“I love to win anything, if we’re playing a game of cards then I want to win. I love the feeling of winning and I know this club has seen forms of success in the last few years.

“With the playing group we have, I believe we have the capabilities of winning bigger things, that’s another reason why I was keen to sign the contract.”

Salford face Leigh Leopards in their first game of the season tomorrow (Friday), a game in which they will be keen to put in a strong performance.

Leigh Leopards

A dominant season in the Betfred Championship has given Leigh their place back into the Betfred Super League, and they will don a new look for the 2023 season.

Aside from a club rebrand, the team have seen the door open and close for a new look squad.

They aim to scrap the trend of newly promoted sides suffering relegation in their first season back in the Super League with their strong looking side.

With head coach Adrian Lam in charge, Leigh are in good hands.

They’ve got a few standout players this season, as 2022 Championship Player of the Year Edwin Ipape becomes an exciting addition to Super League.

Eyes are already on him as potential for the 2023 Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel, and he should be a great, entertaining player.

A delicious list of players enter the Leigh squad for 2023, and they will be desperate to prove that they deserve to remain in the league.

St Helens

Whether you’re a Super League fan or not, you’ll have heard all about St Helen’s crazy domination.

In 2022 they grabbed their 4th consecutive title and secured their place as the most successful team in the league, with ten titles in total.

Naturally, they are looking like the favourites for the upcoming season.

However, they’re currently battling in the extreme heat as they continue with their World Cup experience.

This could indicate a tough return to the Super League for the reigning champions. They will likely be tired as they begin their 2023 campaign in Round 2.

They face an intense match on Friday (3 March) when they take on Leeds Rhinos. The Yorkshire side will be out for revenge and are set to be strong contenders this season.

As the season commences this week, it will continue throughout the summer and eventually draw to a close with the Grand Final on Saturday 14 October.

With every season comes the topic of conversation regarding relegation.

It’s set to be Leigh’s fourth try at Super League as they hope to avoid relegation for the first time having suffered that fate in 2005, 2017 and 2021.

Their star-studded squad should save them, meaning another team may sink below the league.

Wakefield have fallen into this potential trap, as many speculate, they will be lost from the league this year.

But only time will tell, as the drama, excitement and points unfold for the 2023 Betfred Super League.

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