Exclusive: Martin Offiah evaluates the Warrington Wolves, Leeds Rhinos, and Leigh Leopards for 2024
The addition of Sam Burgess to Warrington Wolves has greatly increased the drama around Super League as the league’s greatest underachievers attempt to win the championship at last.
The rival fans have been taunting the Wire with chants like “just like the last one, it’s always your year!” because they haven’t been able to declare themselves the kings of the British game since 1955.
Numerous coaches have attempted—and failed—to move the Super League trophy into the trophy case at Halliwell Jones Stadium.
While Daryl Powell finished second-bottom in his first season as manager and was fired halfway through his second, Tony Smith and Steve Price came close.
The formidable Burgess, who is regarded as possibly the best forward of his time, has now entered the breach.
Despite having just assisted the South Sydney Rabbitohs, he has little coaching experience, but expectations are strong that he can bring about a significant change at Warrington in 2024.
Exclusive: Martin Offiah gives his assessment of Warrington Wolves’ chances of winning the title under Sam Burgess
The Wigan Warriors, who defeated the Catalans Dragons in the previous season’s Grand Final to maintain their remarkable ascent under Matt Peet, are the team that the Wolves must defeat.
It will be interesting to see what Sam Burgess can do at Warrington Wolves this next season, according to legendary Cherry and Whites winger Martin Offiah, who spoke with Love Rugby League.
“He was an incredible athlete, but exceptional athletes don’t always make excellent coaches.” Still, I believe his hiring is fantastic for our league and will pique interest in the Super League.
“Good luck to Sam and what a fantastic coup for Warrington—as a club, they’ve been in a slump for the past few years.”
Powell led the Castleford Tigers to three major finals during his incredibly successful tenure there, while his time at Warrington was a complete failure.
“He was an incredible athlete, but exceptional athletes don’t always make excellent coaches.” Still, I believe his hiring is fantastic for our league and will pique interest in the Super League.
had an incredibly successful stint leading the Castleford Tigers to three big finals, but his term at Warrington was unproductive.
Offiah continued, “My former teammate from Great Britain, Mr. Powell, took the train apart at Warrington and then didn’t really manage to put it together again.”
“That was evident with the departure of many talented players, including Josh Charnley, so I have some sympathy for Warrington.
Powell led the Castleford Tigers to three major finals during his incredibly successful career, yet his time
at Warrington and then struggled to reassemble it,” Offiah continued.
“That was evident with the departure of many talented players, including Josh Charnley, so I have some sympathy for Warrington.
It’s time for them to start again under Burgess, and it will be interesting to watch what the Super League’s youngest coach can accomplish. He might be the ideal match.
Leeds Rhinos look poised for a season of significant improvement after an ambitious close-season recruitment drive, while Wigan’s bitter rivals St Helens must move forward without James Roby and Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook following their retirement. Legendary winger Offiah believes a “good start will be important” for Leeds Rhinos, while Leigh Leopards can dispel the tag of “one-season wonder.”
Hull KR, Leigh Leopards, and Catalans all had successful seasons last season.
Hull KR, Leigh Leopards, and Catalans all had successful seasons last season.Offiah said, “Everyone will be interested to see whether the Leigh Leopards were a one-season wonder.” Offiah scored 186 tries in 159 games for Wigan.
“They were outstanding the previous season and, of course, made history by winning the Challenge Cup for the first time in fifty-two years.
“I still believe St Helens will be there or very close to it, and Gary Hetherington of Leeds Rhinos is a very astute operator.” With the additions they have made, a team of that calibre and size has to be there or thereabouts.
“Having a strong start is crucial because, in the event that it fails, pressure will mount and questions about why it isn’t working will arise.
“On paper, Leeds appears formidable, and the return of the London Broncos to the mix gives the game a more national character.
“I have no idea how strong they will be; their main objective will be to survive.”
