By Christopher Lord
December 19 2006

Today we look at the main challangers for the Super League crown in 2007. St. Helens, Leeds, Hull FC and Warrington will all be looking to lift the trophy at Old Trafford come October time. Click to read more.

 

Countdown to Super League XII - Part III

St. Helens are the team that everyone must be on the guard against as The Saints look to retain there 2006 League and Cup triumphs. St. Helens have one of the strongest squads in the world and since the start of the Super League era this has been shown. In 2007, Saints coach Daniel Anderson will be looking for more of the same form 2006, and will be looking to make sure St. Helens finish top of the pile come playoff time to ensure the club have an easier passage to Old Trafford. Any club that is going to beat St. Helens in 2007 will have to be at there best otherwise, The Saints will make you pay.

Prediction: 1st

Leeds Rhinos will be looking to put there playoff exit at the hands of Warrington behind them and make another push for Super League glory. The Rhinos squad is full of young stars, however when injuries do come on board the team fails to perform and the Rhinos lose to teasm that really they should be beating. Leeds have lost several of the 2006 squad with the likes of Richie Mathers going down under to pay for Gold Coast Titans and Hooker Shane Millward leaving for Wigan. Leeds have also recruited Brent Webb and Kylie Leuluai and both will need to be at there best to help the Rhinos reachg there potential. If the Rhinos do struggle early on in 2007, then i fear for coach Tony Smith's job as CEO Gary Heathrington will want what is best for his club.

Prediction: 4th

Hull FC will be hoping to go one step further in 2007 and lift the Super League trophy. In 2005 the club lifted the Challange Cup and in 2006 they were runners up in the Grand Final at Old Trafford. Hull FC have shown year on year improvement since the move to The KC Stadium. Hull FC have added even more strength to there already powerful squad and the signs are that this team could really push St. Helens all the way to the wire!

Prediction: 2nd

Warrington Wolves have gone from midtable side to genuine title contenders in a matter of seasons and 2007 could really show how far the Wolves have come. Off the field, Warrington are one of the most well run clubs with an average fan base of 10,500 compared to 4,500 4 years ago. Media interest in the club is at an all time high and officials at the club will be hoping that the players give the media something to really talk about in 2007. Wolves have recruited well with GB International's Adrian Morley and Paul Johnson heading to the HJ Stadium to work along side the existing squad. Lee Briers was on fire in 2006 and if he can shine again for the Wolves then club could be about to end there search for silverwear.

Prediction: 3rd

Overall Predicition:

1. St. Helens

2. Hull FC

3. Warrington Wolves

4. Leeds Rhinos

5. Bradford Bulls

6. Wigan Warriors

7. Salford City Reds

8. Harlequins RL

9. Huddersfield Giants

10. Catalans Dragons

11. Hull KR

12. Wakefield Trinity Wildcats

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