With the start of the Super League season less than a week away, we take a closer look at this year's teams; the 2023 Betfred Super League season kicks off with Leeds Rhinos away to Warrington Wolves on Thursday, February 16, live on Sky Sports
Thursday 16 February 2023 14:43, UK
Our guide to the 12 teams competing in Super League in 2023 kicks off with a look at Castleford Tigers, Catalans Dragons, Huddersfield Giants, and Hull FC....
Castleford Tigers
Head coach: Lee Radford
Captain: Paul McShane
Last season: Seventh in regular season
What they're saying:
"I think we had a decent year last year without being special. I think we could have had a bigger impact on the competition if we'd been a little bit healthier. Injuries to the spine in particular were damaging to us last year. So much this time hinges on keeping the nucleus of our spine on the field."
- Castleford Tigers head coach lee Radford on the importance of staying injury free in 2023.
In: Albert Vete, Bailey Dawson (Hull Kingston Rovers), Gareth Widdop (Warrington Wolves), Jacob Miller (Wakefield Trinity), Callum McLelland, Jack Broadbent (both Leeds Rhinos), Jacob Hookem, Ilikaya Mafi (both Hull FC).
Out: Jake Trueman (Hull FC), Derrell Olpherts (Leeds Rhinos), Gareth O'Brien (Leigh Leopards), Ryan Hampshire (Wigan Warriors), Cheyse Blair (retired), James Clare, Sosaia Feki.
Catalans Dragons
Head coach: Steve McNamara
Captain: Sam Tomkins
Last season: Fourth in regular season
What they're saying:
"I can't wait for next week. Everyone has come back really fit. It will be good because we need to keep going. We have found a consistency as a club home and away which is good."
- Catalans Dragons captain Ben Garcia on finding consistency in the year ahead.
In: Tom Johnstone (Wakefield Trinity), Manu Ma'u (Hull FC), Sio Siua Taukeiaho, Adam Keighran (both Sydney Roosters), Romain Navarette (Toulouse Olympique).
Out: Sam Kasiano, Gil Dudson, Josh Drinkwater (all Warrington Wolves), Samisoni Langi (Wakefield Trinity), Joe Chan (Melbourne Storm), Mathieu Cozza (Featherstone Rovers), Benjamin Jullien, Dean Whare (both Pia), Romain Franco (St-Esteve XIII Catalan), Corentin Le Cam (Ceret RU), Dylan Napa.
Huddersfield Giants
Head coach: Ian Watson
Captain: Luke Yates
Last season: Third in regular season, Challenge Cup runners-up
What they're saying:
"We just want to get started now. It is exciting now and we can see the start of the season coming so I am just excited to get going. We are ready to get going now. We want to start the season really well and fast."
- Huddersfield Giants head coach Ian Watson on using a big pre-season in the opening weeks of the season.
In: Jake Bibby, Sam Halsall, Jack Bibby (all Wigan Warriors), Jake Connor (Hull FC), Harvey Livett (Salford Red Devils), Nathan Peats (Toulouse Olympique), Kevin Naiqama (Sydney Roosters), Esan Marsters (Gold Coast Titans), Harry Rushton (Canberra Raiders).
Out: Louis Senior (Hull Kingston Rovers), Jake Wardle (Wigan Warriors), Ricky Leutele (Leigh Leopards), Danny Levi (Canberra Raiders), Michael Lawrence, Chester Butler (both Bradford Bulls), Jon Luke Kirby (York), Fenton Rogers, George Roby (both Bradford Bulls, loan).
Hull FC
Head coach: Tony Smith
Captain: Carlos Tuimavave
Last season: Ninth in regular season
What they're saying:
"I think it is exciting every year. I don't think you lose that excitement every year. It is a lot of learning and it has been great. Being in the city for a while now I had a bit of understanding of the club and what they may need. There has always been a connection in the background."
- Hull FC head coach Tony Smith on his longstanding connection with Hull FC
In: Jake Trueman (Castleford Tigers), Liam Sutcliffe, Brad Dwyer (both Leeds Rhinos), Jake Clifford, Tex Hoy (both Newcastle Knights).
Out: Jake Connor (Huddersfield Giants), Manu Ma'u (Catalans Dragons), Jacob Hookem, Ilikaya Mafi (both Castleford Tigers), Will Smith (Wests Tigers), Jordan Johnstone (Widnes Vikings), Luke Gale (Keighley Cougars), Marcus Walker (Newcastle Thunder), Aidan Burrell.
The new Betfred Super League season starts on Thursday, February 16 as Warrington Wolves host Leeds Rhinos. Watch 66 live matches, including Magic Weekend, the play-offs and the Grand Final, on Sky Sports in 2023 and stream on NOW TV.
