Super League Season Preview
Super League returns on Thursday, with champions Wigan set to host Leigh Leopards.
The Warriors are aiming for their third straight crown and understandably lead the outright market.
There is value to be had, though, with Catalans' reinforcements making them an intriguing proposition, while returning Wakefield might cause some shocks.
Tip 1: Outright pick: Wigan to win Super League 2025 @ 7/5
Wigan were again dominant last season and look well set to record a three-peat of titles. October's 9-2 Grand Final win over Hull KR displayed their clinical edge, as they squeezed the Robins, with Bevan French scoring the only try and half-back partner Harry Smith moving the team around the field via his excellent kicking game.
Having Adam Keighran come in to ease the burden on Smith by taking over the goal-kicking has helped the scrum-half, and he is becoming more authoritative by the season.
With playmaking foils French and Jai Field adding the excitement from stand-off and full-back, the 25-year-old can focus on running the game, doing the basics right and putting his colleagues in the positions to strike.
The hierarchy's focus has been to retain the key pieces of Matt Peet's squad rather than recruiting big names.
The Cherry and Whites open the campaign against Leigh Leopards on Thursday. They are 1/8 to win and set the tone for winning a third title on the spin.
Tip 2: Value offering - Catalans Dragons to win Super League 2025 @ 14/1
Neutrals may worry Catalans Dragons' big chance under Steve McNamara has gone after losing both the 2021 and 2023 Grand Finals and failing to make the play-offs last year.
However, their business ahead of the 2025 season suggests they have refocused, with Tommy Makinson an intriguing addition after spending his entire career to date at St Helens, while Elliott Whitehead returns to Perpignan after eight years in the NRL with Canberra.
Their key signing could be Luke Keary, the Australian five-eighth, who will bring experience and organisation. At 33, he will also know when to step in when scrum-half Arthur Morgue gets a bit loose, as threatened to happen in the 14-0 Challenge Cup win at Halifax, which Keary missed.
With three Premiership titles to his name, Keary is a classy operator. Like Makinson and Whitehead, McNamara will hope the slower pace of life in the south of France can tease the best from his new playmaker.
The forecast hints that the weather should be conducive to running rugby when Les Dracs begin their league campaign against Hull FC on Friday.
Priced at 1/4 to win, if they click early, expect Catalans to blow the revamped Airlie Birds away and set themselves out as the value contenders for overall glory.
Tip 3: Long shot - Wakefield to win Super League @ 66/1
A long shot, but look out for returning Wakefield to make a splash. They are 11/4 to win at Leeds on Saturday. That might be steep but they could finish inside a +9.5 start at 17/20, and their 82-0 Challenge Cup mauling of Goole added to the opinion that they have recruited extremely well.
Mike McMeeken and Tom Johnstone, the latter a former Trinity hero, have come in from Catalans. Matty Russell adds more pace out wide, and others such as Jake Trueman and Olly Russell add playmaking nous in the middle of the park.
With Daryl Powell steering the ship from the stands, there are real smarts both on and off the field.
A good start to the season, with both Hull clubs and Saints their first three visitors to Belle Vue, could inspire them to a first play-off finish since 2012.
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation