Bradford Bulls<\/p>\n
The former Super League champions are back after a 12-year absence, and Bradford have had to rebuild their squad for a full-time return to the top flight after being a part-time operation in recent years. Most of that recruitment was done late in the day owing to promotion not being confirmed until October<\/a>, meaning their first year back could be a difficult one.<\/p>\n Coach Kurt Haggerty Captain Joe Mellor Key player Andy Ackers Last season 3rd in Championship Prediction 14th<\/p>\n Castleford Tigers<\/p>\n It is a new-look Castleford<\/a> in 2026, who have brought in 14 signings including a raft of talent from the NRL led by eye-catching recruits Semi Valemei, Mikaele Ravalawa and Blake Taaffe. Their new coach, Ryan Carr, is highly regarded too and while the Tigers will improve on last year\u2019s disappointment, the playoffs looks likely to be a stretch too far this year.<\/p>\n Coach Ryan Carr Captain Alex Mellor Key player Blake Taaffe Last season 11th Prediction 9th<\/p>\n Castleford captain Alex Mellor will hope to take his team into the playoffs. Photograph: Alex Whitehead\/SWpix.com\/ShutterstockCatalans Dragons<\/p>\n The Dragons, now one of two French teams in Super League<\/a>, are among a handful of clubs who will be jostling for the lower end of the playoff places. They have the talent to do it; Toby Sexton could easily become the standout player in the competition after his move from Canterbury. But they are in a scramble with too many other teams and could just miss out on the top six.<\/p>\n Coach Joel Tomkins Captain Ben Garcia Key player Toby Sexton Last season 9th Prediction 8th<\/p>\n Huddersfield Giants<\/p>\n 2025 was one of huge disappointment for Huddersfield, who struggled to keep their key men fit \u2013 a trend that will continue into the start of this year with their star half-back, Adam Clune, missing for a period. If they can get their best side out there they may shock a couple, but it\u2019s hard to imagine a squad that largely flattered to deceive last year realistically aiming for the top six.<\/p>\n Coach Luke Robinson Captain Adam Clune Key player Tom Burgess Last season 10th Prediction 11th<\/p>\n Hull FC<\/p>\n Hopes are high for a big season in west Hull after a positive campaign in 2025 under John Cartwright. Hull have gone for experience with their recruitment strategy to build on last year\u2019s success and they certainly have the talent to make the playoffs. They will be in a fight with a few other sides for fifth and sixth, and will hope for that as a bare minimum.<\/p>\n Coach John Cartwright Captain Aidan Sezer Key player Jake Arthur Last season 7th Prediction 7th<\/p>\n Hull KR<\/p>\n How do you improve on perfection? For Hull KR, the answer could come as early as this month\u2019s World Club Challenge against Brisbane Broncos, when they can be crowned the world\u2019s best side. The Robins completed an historic treble in 2025<\/a> and are now Super League\u2019s premiere side after decades in the rugby league doldrums. They start as strong favourites, and have the squad to do it all over again.<\/p>\n Coach Willie Peters Captain Elliot Minchella Key player Mikey Lewis Last season 1st and Grand Final winners Prediction 1st<\/p>\n Hull KR were Grand Final winners last year and are the team to beat again. Photograph: Richard Sellers\/PALeeds Rhinos<\/p>\n