The Dark Horses

We are now seven rounds in to the new Super League season and are now able to start making tentative assessments around each side's prospects in the 2022 season.

The Usual Suspects

Conventional wisdom stated that Leeds' strong recruitment would bring about an improved performance on 2021's fifth placed finish (and perhaps taking another step, beyond the play off semi final). Instead, Richard Agar has left his role as Head Coach, stating (rather worryingly) that he does not believe he can take this group of players any further.

Warrington's new era began with the appointment of Daryl Powell. He too cuts an exasperated figure. In early season wins, albeit unconvincing ones, you got the sens that Powell was holding his tongue. Defeat after defeat followed, including back-to-back home losses to Wakefield in league and cup and a thrashing away at Hull KR, which saw Warrington 16 points down after just 11 minutes.

The majority of pundits and fans would have seen these two sides at least as being safe bets for a play off spot. We still have 20 rounds to play and either or both sides may improve to get into the play offs. But, what we do know is that this will now be a battle. St Helens, Catalans and Wigan look safe bets for a play off spot already, meanwhile, the final side in last year's play offs, Hull KR, look similar to last year and to be in the reckoning for the top 6 once again.

The Dark Horses

With at least 3 question marks over teams that made the play offs last year, the mind turns to who may replace them. The three sides who currently occupy those spots are Huddersfield, Hull FC and Wakefield.

Huddersfield have recruited heavily in the last two years. On the field, in the form of Tui Lolohea, Theo Fages and Chris Hill to name a few. Off the field, Huddersfield have spent big to secure the services of Ian Watson and Greg Brown from Salford.

The Giants are unbeaten at home so far and sit 3rd in the league, despite playing all bar one of the other top 6 teams in just 7 games. If Huddersfield beat the sides that you may expect them to beat, they could be a dark horse. At least, vast improvement on 2021 seems assured.

Hull FC made an impressive start to 2021 and faded badly. Hull FC have made an impressive start to 2022. The question now is whether this year's version of Hull FC are more resilient.

They will face adversity as the season goes on. But, they already have, coping admirably without starting half backs Josh Reynolds and Luke Gale for most of this season. Unquestionably, there is talent in the FC ranks. They have underperformed in most of the last few years, if they realise their potential, then 2022 may prove exciting.

Speaking if exciting, that takes us to Wakefield. They aren't doing things by the book. Short drop outs, Mason Lino's dancing feet, full length spectacular tries, you name it! Wakefield are playing a similar style to Hull KR of 2021 and it is bringing rewards.

They had a tough opening few matches and were unfortunate to lose the first three. In those games, there was hope. An away loss to Catalans by 2 points is no disgrace and they caused St Helens some headaches away from home too. 

Willie Poching has won 9 from 15 matches since becoming head coach. An impressive record and one achieved with a degree of style too.

It may be too early to say that we are seeing a reconfiguration of the Super League table, although there are early signs of it. We learn plenty from the busy Easter period every year and this year will be no different. It may be crucial if any of the dark horses want to gallop further in 2022.