2007 Super League Preview Part 2

By Christopher Lord
December 14 2006

With Super League XII just round the corner, Wired Rugby League looks at all 12 teams competing in the competition. Today we look at Bradford, Catalans, Hull KR and Harlequins RL.

   

Countdown to Super League XII - Part I

 

Bradford Bulls since the start of the Super League have been with out doubt one of the best teams in terms of silverwear. However, in recent years Bradford have lost many of there stars to other Super League clubs and this is beginning to show. Attendances are on the decline at The Grattan Stadium and many people predict that Bradford's bubble is about to burst. However, Bradford have recruited Wakefield star David Solamona along with James Evans and Chris Feather to add to the 2006 squad. Bulls coach Steve McNamara will be hoping to prove the pundits wrong by coaching Bradford back to Super League glory, But with other teams recruiting stronger, the Bulls could be in for a real challange to hold on to a playoff place come September.

Prediction: 5th

Catalans Dragons will be looking to improve in last season encouraging campaign. The Dragons did finish bottom of the Super League but finished with a creditable 8 wins and 16 league points. Catalans recorded wins over Wigan (H), St. Helens (H) and Warrington (A) in the first ever season in the Super League and with even mpre strength added to there squad for 2007, there are signs that the Catalans might pull off a few more suprise wins along the way. The Dragons also have a excellent supporters base with over 5,000 being averages in the 2006 season, and officials are confident that this can be beaten in 2007 with The Dragons now in the perminant home at Stade Gilbert Brutus in Perpignan.

Prediction: 10th

Harlequins will be looking to mount a challange for the playoffs in 2007 following a stop start season last year. Quins have lost many of there star players and have recruited average players at best, and if the new players dont perform the Quins might be fighting for survivial instead of the playoffs. Since the name change from London Broncos, the crowds have shown a slight increase and club officials are hoping that 2007 will be the year the fans flock down to The Twickenham Stoop. Relegation from the Super League would be a disaster for the club and could probably end the Quins existance, so the Quins need to show some fight in 2007 if they are to survive in the Super League.

Prediction: 8th

Hull KR are making there debut in the Super League after romping away with National League One in 2006. Most teams that get promoted struggle to adapt to Super League life and are relegated after 1 season. However, Hull KR have a strong and youthful squad and with additions that the club have secured for 2007, the signs are that The Robins might be in the Super League in 2007 and beyond. Hull KR also made it through to the Semi Final of the Challange Cup in 2006 beating Warrington at Craven Park 40-36 in the Quater Final, but couldnt get past eventual winners St. Helens in the Semi Finals losing 50-0 in Huddersfield. Craven Park has also undergone a few changes in the close season, with new floodlights installed and a new stand seating stand being installed in the North Stand to house away fans. If Hull KR can get to grips with Super League life then The Robins should survive, however if they fail to adapt then they will be in for a huge struggle in the top flight.

Prediction: 11th