Sunday Mirror

Well-armed Warriors can upset five-timer chase

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IT’S very easy to understand why four-on-the-trot champions St Helens are favourites for yet another title – but I reckon Wigan could pip them in 2023.

With Aussie dazzlers Jai Field and Bevan French in tandem again – and, in Jake Wardle and Toby King, two centres with big points to prove – Wigan will never be short of firepower.

And having picked up the Challenge Cup in Matty Peet’s first year in charge, they

now have all the weapons and experience to have a proper crack at Old Trafford in this upcoming campaign.

But Saints won’t simply go away and they could be even stronger again under their new coach, club legend Paul Wellens.

Likewise, Huddersfie­ld have further improved their already impressive squad and they will be genuine contenders on both fronts if they work out how best to utilise new signing Jake Connor.

Daryl Powell’s had his much-desired squad overhaul at Warrington

which will make them more competitiv­e this time around, and Catalans have some useful recruits.

Here’s hoping Catalans’ flying winger Tom Johnstone has an injury-free campaign to flourish in the south of France after switching from Wakefield.

Can promoted Leigh Leopards change their spots and stay up for the first time in their Super League history?

Much depends on their big recruits like Zak Hardaker and Ricky Leutele delivering – but I do fancy them to avoid the drop.

Unfortunat­ely, at that end of the table it could be Wakefield who perish in 2023 – unless Trinity’s rookie coach Mark Applegarth can work some wonders.

 ?? ?? STOP HIM AT ALL COSTS Teams know they have to target Morgan Knowles to beat Saints
TAKING
PRIDE Knowles and Saints want to put on a show
in Penrith
STOP HIM AT ALL COSTS Teams know they have to target Morgan Knowles to beat Saints TAKING PRIDE Knowles and Saints want to put on a show in Penrith

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