With less than 2 weeks until the Super League 2014 Season, I thought we’d have a look at the 3 clubs that will surprise us the most in the 2014 season. Obviously you have the teams that will always be fighting for the top spot in the Super League table, but I think there could be a few surprises along the way.
Hull KR
Lots of you may disagree, especially after the result Hull KR had last weekend in their friendly against Hull FC, (20-12 to Hull FC), but I really believe Hull KR will be a side that will surprise us all this year. Hull KR may have lost one of their key players at the end of the 2013 season in Michael Dobson, but with the new signings the Rovers have brought in, I think they can be even better than their last few seasons. Rovers have brought in 9 new players for the 2014 season, and these players will help them a substantial amount this year. The signings of ex-Bulldog, Kris Keating, and two former-NRL forwards in Michael Weyman and Neville Costigan has improved the side a lot and I think these players will be the key to success this year. These three players all have experience and will all want success at the Rovers and I think they will inspire their team, especially the youngsters, to play better in each round and really push for that top 8 spot. Trust me when I say Hull KR is a team to look out for in the 2014 Super League Season.
St Helens
I know St Helens is a side most teams are afraid to play anyway, but this year they will come out even stronger and better. St Helens haven’t lost any key players, in my opinion, and I think we will find some real superstars this year in their team. I’m really keen on Luke Walsh and his signing to the Super League really excited me. He has spent the last four years with the Penrith Panthers over in the NRL, where he has played some really good footy. He isn’t known for his try scoring but his goal kicking, attacking skills and kicking in play will really help St Helens towards success this year. He will be fantastic for the Saints this year and with Jonny Lomax and New Zealand star Lance Hohaia along- side, they will really trouble defences this year. Another player St Helens have signed that excites me is the huge prop in Mose Masoe. I can’t remember much of him from the NRL in 2013, but he put his name out there during the 2013 Rugby League World Cup with Samoa. By that, I mean he had a great tournament. I can remember the runs he made against New Zealand in their group-match game, and he was not afraid. I remember the roars from the crowd as he took it in from the kick offs and the sounds from the hits, ‘BOOM’, it was painful yet great to watch. Masoe made a total of 353 metres in his four games in the 2013 Rugby League World Cup and will definitely be a forward that will struggle defences. St Helens haven’t won a trophy since 2008, but this could all change this year. St Helens will be a team to look out for in the 2014 Super League Season.
Salford Red Devils
This article wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t add the Salford Red Devils now, would it? Right, where to start? They have a passionate owner, an experienced Coach, a new name and to top it off, a much improved side. Rangi Chase, Junior Sa’u, Adrian Morley, Gareth Hock, Harrison Hansen and Steve Rapira are only a few of the star signings they have made. Wow, let me take a deep breath. Okay I’m good. They may not be in the top 4 by the end of the 2014 Super League season, but they most certainly will be competing for a top 8 spot. Tim Smith and Rangi Chase at 6 and 7 will confuse and disrupt defences, forwards like Hock and Harrison will tire the opposition and the skill will just be so high this year and amazing to watch. All the teams should be frightened to face this side this year and I can’t wait to watch them play. The backing from the owner will give the players so much confidence and they will want to play at a high standard each week and achieve all their goals for the season. Let’s say it together: The Salford Red Devils will definitely be a team to look out for in the 2014 Super League Season.
There you go, 3 teams to look out for in the 2014 First Utility Super League Season. Leave a comment below on the teams that YOU think we should all be looking out for in the 2014 Super League Season. Follow my account on twitter @RLLatest and don’t forget to follow @LeagueFreak . Thanks for reading!
