Looking ahead to 2026 and which team in Super League will emerge as a ‘dark horse’, rugby league fans have been split in their opinions.
Super League has seen a few teams outperform expectations in recent years with Leigh Leopards being a prime example, earning promotion and then going on to establish themselves as a genuine play-off contender.
The Leopards even managed to finish third in 2025 whilst promoted Wakefield Trinity made the top six as well so the question for next year is ‘Which team will be dark horses in Super League 2026’.
Serious About Rugby League asked fans who they thought would emerge in 2026 as a team with an outside chance to outperform expectations, leading to a host of different clubs being named.
Some pointed to St Helens, who remain one of the fancied clubs but haven’t lifted domestic silverware since 2022 as a possible dark horse. Others have touted last year’s surprise package of Wakefield Trinity to kick on, whilst some of the promoted teams were also mentioned.
Fans split over 2026 Super League dark horse
Below are a handful of the 170+ comments as well as the initial post, after we asked: Which team will be dark horses in Super League 2026?
Craig Barrow: Not really a dark horse, as they’re always there or thereabouts, but I reckon Saints have recruited well and with a decent coach at the helm, they’ll be a tough team to play.
Richard Hardisty: I see Saints being pretty strong this season. Wakey were a hard team to beat last season and they have signed some decent players so will go further with Daryl Powell at the helm.
Mark Humphries: I think York have recruited well and have a shrewd coach, They will surprise a few.
Shaun Wadsworth: Like to see Wakefield kick on and do the same again. Aim for the Grand Final, why not?
David Belwood: Cas. Let’s face it, can’t be as bad as last year.
Chris Clarke: Bradford will be the dark horses. All the haters have written them off but they’ve recruited well and smartly. They’ll shut a lot of people up.
Paul Hugh McGuigan: Going to say York. Recruited well with a decent enough gaffer.
Nathan Fisher: Cas will be the dark horses. Great recruitment and great off the field work behind the scenes. Top six.
Richard McNichols: Think Wakefield will be in the top eight and no longer a dark horse. Other clubs have recruited really well, including those who were around Trin. Hull FC are genuine dark horses.
Stephen Morris: Catalans, they have bought a lot of young Australians.
Greg Howard: Saints could do well. If Hastings is anything like he was at Salford then he will run riot with a good pack.
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