The 2026 Super League season is shaping as one of the most unpredictable in recent memory, with Leigh Leopards backed to claim top spot, Hull KR and St Helens hot on their heels, and returning sides Bradford Bulls, Toulouse and newcomers York Knights facing uphill battles. Here are our full ladder predictions for the new campaign.
Bradford Bulls:
Bradford Bulls will enter the season with optimism as this is the first time they have competed in Europe’s top tier since 2014. Kurt Haggerty’s men will be looking to fight their way through the pack this year and will be boosted by the additions of Andy Ackers, Ethan Ryan, Jayden Nikorima and Esan Marsters, to name a few. This is a new-look team compared to the side that earned promotion through the IMG rankings last season. I think the Bulls will win a few games in their return but won’t set the world alight.
League Prediction: 10th
Castleford Tigers:
Castleford Tigers need drastic change if they want to improve their position in Super League and the IMG rankings. Additions to the 2026 squad include Blake Taaffe, Semi Valemei and Renouf Atoni. New head coach Ryan Carr arrives in Super League for the first time, and it will be a baptism of fire for the Australian.
League Prediction: 13th
Catalans Dragons:
Catalans Dragons endured a rocky season last year, sacking Steve McNamara and missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year. Coaching rookie Joel Tomkins has now taken the job full-time, three years after he appeared set to pursue a new career as a firefighter. New additions include Lewis Dodd’s return to Super League and Toby Sexton, who will spend a year in Perpignan before joining Perth’s inaugural squad in 2027. The Dragons should have enough star power to reach the postseason.
League Prediction: 6th
Huddersfield Giants:
Huddersfield Giants, representing rugby league’s birthplace, have endured a difficult period recently and there are few signs of immediate improvement. Head coach Luke Robinson has brought in several signings, including Niall Evalds from the reigning champions and Wakefield duo Mathieu Cozza and Olly Russell. I cannot see Robinson finishing the season in charge, with a new face potentially needed to guide Huddersfield back to where they expect to be.
League Prediction: 11th
Hull FC:
Hull FC will be eager to step out of their neighbours’ shadow after last year, but I cannot see that happening anytime soon. Recruitment for 2026 includes James Bell and Harvie Hill to strengthen an already growing back row. With more teams entering the competition and others strengthening, it will be difficult for the Airlie Birds to reach the postseason.
League Prediction: 8th
Hull Kingston Rovers:
Hull Kingston Rovers are riding high — treble winners, their first trophy in 40 years, and NRL champions visiting the city this month. Times could hardly be better for the red side of Hull. Additions to the champion squad include Tom Amone and Karl Lawton from the NRL, along with Jordan Dezaria from Catalans. KR will challenge strongly on all fronts but may fall just short across the 27-game campaign.
League Prediction: 2nd
Leeds Rhinos:
Leeds Rhinos fell short last season after a moment of magic from Shane Wright, and they will be hoping to create some magic of their own to send Harry Newman and James McDonnell off to the NRL with silverware. The Rhinos have been relatively quiet in the transfer window, bringing in Jeremiah Mata’utia and Ethan O’Neill. I expect Leeds to have a strong season but fade slightly towards the end.
League Prediction: 4th
Leigh Leopards:
Leigh Leopards are on the rise and I predict they will lead the table at the end of the regular season. Their recruitment drive has been impressive, securing Adam Cook and Jacob Alick-Wiencke from the NRL, as well as Liam Horne and Innes Senior from Castleford. The Leopards will be a force to be reckoned with in 2026.
League Prediction: 1st
St Helens:
St Helens enter a new era with Paul Rowley replacing Paul Wellens as head coach. Key signings include former Salford trio Jackson Hastings, Nene Macdonald and Joe Shorrocks. Although they will miss Morgan Knowles and Joe Batchelor, the Saints should still be firmly in contention by September — and a trip to Wembley could also be on the horizon.
League Prediction: 3rd
Toulouse Olympique:
Toulouse Olympique return to the top division after their 2022 stint and will aim to improve on that campaign. Major reinforcements include Tyler Dupree, Cesar Rouge, Brendan Hands and AJ Wallace as they push to become the leading French club in Super League.
League Prediction: 12th
Wakefield Trinity:
Wakefield Trinity returned to Super League in style last season, claiming wins over both Grand Finalists and reaching the playoffs for the first time since 2017. Tyson Smoothy arrives from Brisbane in a major coup, but I cannot see Trinity breaking into the playoffs this season.
League Prediction: 9th
Warrington Wolves:
Warrington Wolves appear to be in decline and have struggled to gel on the field. George Williams is entering his final season with the Wire, and I am not convinced Sam Burgess will see out the year if results do not improve. The additions of Liam Byrne, Sam Stone and Kelepi Tanginoa may not be enough to prevent them from missing the playoffs for a second straight season.
League Prediction: 7th
Wigan Warriors:
Wigan Warriors may not lack motivation, according to Matt Peet, but missing out on all silverware last season would have been a setback. The offseason has been relatively quiet, with Ollie Partington and Ollie Wilson joining the squad, though Wilson may miss most of the year due to a pre-season injury. I expect a slight drop in form, with this potentially being the first year under Peet without a finals appearance.
League Prediction: 5th
York Knights:
York Knights will compete in the top division for the first time, but it may prove a steep learning curve. The Knights have undergone a major overhaul, bringing in Paul Vaughan, Justin Sangare, Josh Griffin and Danny Richardson. While those are strong signings, I cannot see York avoiding a difficult campaign.
League Prediction: 14th
