The 2018 Super League campaign ended less than two months ago but rugby league fans are already preparing for another exciting season. There will be plenty of changes ahead of the 2019 campaign, none more important than Shaun Wane’s departure as head coach from the Wigan Warriors.
The Cherries claimed a third Grand Final triumph under Wane’s leadership this year but the Wigan legend has now left the DW Stadium in favour of a switch to rugby union. That move, along with other key factors, has blown the 2019 Super League race wide open according to sports betting canada – and it may turn out to be the most exciting season yet.
With 10 weeks to go until the start of the upcoming campaign, there will be plenty of twists and turns before the off but there are a few teams who will be confident of challenging for Grand Final glory in 2019. Without further ado, let’s take a look at a few market leaders in the race to win the northern hemisphere’s ultimate rugby league prize.
Wane-less Warriors Will Take Some Stopping
Sam Tomkins – one of Super League’s greatest if not one of the world’s best – and John Bateman have also exited the DW Stadium since October’s Grand Final triumph and Wigan’s starting line-up will look rather different in 2019. As reported by The Guardian, Adrian Lam has agreed to stand in as head coach before former Wigan star Shaun Edwards takes over after fulfilling his duties with Wales at the Rugby World Cup next year.
Wigan’s status as Super League champions will be under threat but the Cherries have the strength in depth to cope with all of these changes. It would be foolish to write Wigan off based on the off-season alone and Lam will have his troops fired up and ready to go.
Watch this space, we could see Wigan send out a statement of intent on opening night against arch-rivals St Helens.
Odds: 5/1 to win the Grand Final
St Helens Cannot Afford To Fall Short Again…
Justin Holbrook’s side finished 10 points clear of their closest challengers in the 2018 regular season but Saints fell short against the Warrington Wolves in the playoffs. Simply put, that cannot happen again. St Helens will be determined to make amends for their miserable end to 2018 – although a busy run of international games may be a slight issue.
If you’re looking for Super League’s most complete team, you’ve just found it. Saints ended the 2018 campaign with the best offence (713) AND the best defence (298) and punters will be keen to back Holbrook’s men ahead of the 2019 campaign.
With the bulk of the St Helens squad contracted for another year, a first Grand Final win since 2014 beckons.
Odds: 4/1 to win the Grand Final
Fifth Time Lucky For Hungry Wolves?
Warrington will be licking their wounds after yet another Grand Final defeat but the Wolves can bounce back in 2019. As of November 14th, Betway are offering 4/1 for Warrington to win the Grand Final next year and Steve Price’s side will attract plenty of attention. After all, Warrington were THE form team at the end of last season…
With the 2019 Magic Weekend shifting to Anfield instead of St James’ Park, Warrington fans will travel to Liverpool in vast numbers – victory over their rivals could be huge in the final outcome of the regular campaign.
Love them or hate them, the Wolves deserve respect ahead of 2019 despite continuing to fall short on the biggest stage of all.
Odds: 4/1 to win the Grand Final
Write Castleford Off At Your Peril
The Tigers had an off-year in 2018 and still finished third – which is testament to the work of Daryl Powell in recent years. Castleford have continued to challenge at the top of the table and since losing in the 2014 Challenge Cup final but silverware continues to elude the Tigers.
If nothing else, Castleford deserves success for their passionate supporters. 2017 was supposed to be their year but the Tigers fell short after a troubled build-up to the Grand Final. However, Cas showed enough promise in 2018 to suggest that they will get back to the Super League summit.
Powell will have his troops aimed for another push at rugby league’s ultimate prize. It would be foolish to back against the Tigers next year.
Odds: 6/1 to win the Grand Final
