League 1 UK 2021

The season is yet to start for the third division competition so I go into this without a depth of knowledge for the teams nor a sighter of a couple of matches how they are likely to perform. Eleven sides will be playing in League 1. So here's a summary of a possible outcome for 2022. There are a couple of promotional spots up for grabs but no relegation. 

Cellar dwellers: It's hard to look past West Wales for being bottom of the league. They don't seem an organised outfit. London Skolars have been raided by the London Broncos and their chances of being competitive have accordingly diminished. The Coventry Bears are now the Midlands Hurricanes and they have moved to Birmingham but are unlikely to reach for the sky this season. 

Finally, the new Cornwall RLFC has joined and has recruited quite well. However, being a totally new team it will take time to form a cohesive unit so this year is about getting established. Their ground is pictured above.

Midtable: Rochdale (2nd full season in League 1), Hunslet  (six full seasons) and Doncaster (also six) look likely to be competitive but not heading for promotion.

Promotion candidates: Keighley (7th full season in this league) are a chance. North Wales (also 7th full season here) would love to kick on from 2022. They are now settled in Colwyn Bay with a lovely location and a supportive council. I do wonder if they are quite ready for the Championship? 

That leaves the two new sides relegated from the Championship Oldham and Swinton. Both must fancy their chances of returning to the Championship but it doesn't always wotrk out that way.

Summary: No one team seems to have a massive advantage so its all to play for with regard to promotion. Of course, some sides are simply not up to that standard but they will give their best regardless. I'm especially interested in how Cornwall will go. They are taking the game to a new level in that area so hopefully the locals get behind them.

Championship UK 2021

I don't know as much about the second division as I would like. It is an eclectic mix of clubs, some with Super League ambitions, others happy to be in the Championship and not expecting anything more. Others simply hoping to avoid the drop. So a run down of the teams for 2022 is in order. I write this three rounds into the season.

Survival: The two Cumbrian sides would be in this category. Workington was promoted from last season and this is effectively Whitehaven's second season, the first one not exceptional. The London Broncos were in Super League as recently as 2019 but a cut in finance means staying at this level would be the priority at this stage. Dewsbury is another that would be happy to be here in 2023. 

Middle Ground: Some of the sides here have been in the Championship for a while time but are yet to seriously push for promotion. Halifax (since 2004 in this league and at this juncture not going up), Sheffield (arrived in 2007) and Batley (2002 and before that in an extended league). This is Newcastle's second season at this level so still a work in progress. Bradford and York have played in just three full seasons so not ready to entertain anything more than further consolidation. 

SL hopefuls: Featherstone has been in the Championship every year since 2008 and hot favourites to move up. I think they deserve to. Widnes and Leigh both enjoyed recent spells in SL and will be in the mix at the end of the season. I'd put Barrow in the dark horse category. Probably unlikely to be promoted but they seem to have assembled a decent squad. 

Summary: I hope that covers the clubs reasonably well. I'm sure there are those who would question some of my opinions and nothing is black and white. However, it looks to be an interesting competition. 

Super League UK 2021

The 2021 grand finalists met in round one 2022

Well, it's back and with crowds too! Some folk may stay away because of the present situation so numbers may be affected but at least those that wish can go along and enjoy the atmosphere. One round has already gone and the second round is just starting which is a time I like as one can get a feel for things even after one game each. Form and injuries can throw predictions out of the window but all things being equal, this is my call. 

Survival: Toulouse from France are the new boys with a squad to scare any Championship (division 2) side but looking out of their depth in the elite league. My favourites to go down unless they can get up to speed and quickly. 

Castleford, Hull KR and Wakefield Trinity all look vulnerable but they may be saved with squads that are experienced at SL level as opposed to a newly promoted one. 

Middle ground: These are clubs reasonably safe from demotion but unlikely to grace the field on Grand Final day. Salford, Leeds, Hull FC and Huddersfield are the four I'd expect. If they have a good run of form and avoid too many injuries they could surprise. Conversely, the opposite and falling into the drop zone is not out of the question either. Covering my bets there but nothing is certain in sport.

Title contenders: Four make my list. it's hard to look past St Helens, winners of the previous three grand finals. The others will want to challenge that statement. The Warrington Wolves can never be dismissed but seem to come up short. Is this their year? Wigan look solid and they are always in the mix. The Catalan Dragons had a great year in 2021 but may struggle to repeat that. However, they will be competitive.

Summary: There will be overachievers and underachievers but class usually rises to the top. Some teams have more of that than others. Keeping the matchwinners on the park is key as is a squad with depth in quality.