Super League 2024 Season Preview: Rugby Betting Tips & Odds
Wigan looking to repeat double success
In 2023, three sides finished the regular season tied on points, but the power scoring of Wigan saw them reign supreme thanks to a superior points difference.
Under the stewardship of Matty Peet, the Warriors were imperious in a commanding win over Hull KR in the playoff semi-final, before triumphing over Catalans Dragons 10-2 in the Grand Final.
Bolstered by shrewd off-season acquisitions such as Luke Thompson, Adam Keighran, Sam Walters and Kruise Leeming, Wigan enter the new season with high expectations, which is backed up by the odds on rugby betting sites.
Having ended the previous campaign with an impressive streak of 11 consecutive league victories, Wigan will be looking to pick up where they left off when they face Castleford Tigers this Saturday in their opening fixture.
While local rivals St Helens pose the biggest threat to Wigan's quest for consecutive Grand Final victories, the additions to Wigan's forward line-up make it challenging to envision anything other than a repeat of last season's success for the Warriors.
Welsby may go one better this season
For the second successive season, Jack Welsby found himself among the three candidates nominated for the 2023 Man of Steel award.
Despite narrowly missing out to Wigan's Bevan French, Welsby's stellar performances earned him a spot on the Super League Dream Team for the third consecutive year.
Throughout the season, the 22-year-old demonstrated his playmaking ability, tallying an impressive 27 try assists alongside 12 tries of his own, marking a highly successful campaign from a personal standpoint.
As the joint-favourite on betting apps for the accolade this season, it appears only a matter of time before the talented Englishman secures the coveted award.
In recent years, we've witnessed full-backs like Sam Tomkins and Zak Hardaker claim the Man of Steel title, emphasising the potential for players in this position to be recognised.
Despite rumours linking Welsby with a move to the NRL off the back of some star-studded performances, he has reaffirmed his commitment to St Helens until 2027.
Should Welsby build on last season, there's every possibility he could emulate the success of former Saints full-back Ben Barba, who claimed the prestigious Man of Steel award in 2018.
Dragons breathe life into Super League
Catalans Dragons sent shockwaves through the rugby league world when they won the Challenge Cup in 2018 and it was the start of a meteoric rise within the game.
The Dragons, who were only founded in 2000, boast two Grand Final appearances and a League Leaders' Shield triumph since 2021, with further success seemingly on the horizon.
This makes the 12/1 offered by gambling sites for them to win a second League Leaders in just four years an enticing prospect.
Under the watchful eye of former England coach Steve McNamara, Catalans have become one of the toughest sides to beat in the competition.
In 2021, despite the disruption caused by Covid-19, Catalans held a four-point lead with only four games remaining, rightfully earning the title on a points-per-game basis.
Catalans were one of the three sides locked in top spot at the end of the 2023 season, and were just one point away from winning a second shield in just three years.
If they continue their dominant home form and pick up one or two more crucial victories on the road, the Dragons have the capability to defy expectations and make a mockery of the pre-season markets.
Get free bets on the Super League
If you're thinking about placing a bet on the Super League this week you might want to check out what free bets are available.
Many new betting sites have welcome offers that are valid on rugby league and we particularly like what Mr Mega have to offer.
New Mr Mega customers can get a £10 free bet in return for a first deposit and bet of £15, with any sport eligible so long as the wager is placed at odds of 1/1 or greater.
The first bet must be settled within 14 days in order to qualify for the free £10 bet. Read all the terms and conditions before signing up and please remember to gamble responsibly.
Billy Newton is a sports betting writer. He is a former match reporter and has freelanced for several publications primarily covering football, rugby league, darts and boxing.
