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Featured Sport News

Super League wide open

Author: Brandon Barker
Date: 24/07/2009

It's nothing more than a cliche when the rugby league media describe the latest instalment of Super League as 'the best yet'.

But in 2009, Super League XIV has been thrown wide open, well and truly disposing of the traditional 'big four' monopoly which had dominated the top places in the competition for so long.

So in the case of 2009, the media could probably be forgiven for their praise for the elite tier of rugby league in Europe.

The best news thus far for those who were unhappy with the likes of Wigan Warriors, Bradford Bulls, St Helens, Leeds Rhinos and to an extent Hull always beating the rest of the field to the top spots in the league is that the power of five has been reduced to two.

The Rhinos and Saints are still the teams to beat at the summit of Super League this year, but they are being confronted by a new breed of challengers. Wigan are producing a surge up the table, but Bradford and Hull are nowhere to be seen.

The contenders to claim the throne that Leeds are currently perched on are based in Huddersfield, East Hull and London. Despite Harlequins falling away slightly, Hull KR and the Giants appear to be ready to prolong their title challenges until the bitter end.

Can Hull KR or Huddersfield upset the form book and book a spot in the Grand Final? Latest Rugby League Betting

Celtic Crusaders and Salford have extended the size of the competition to 14 clubs, but to limited success in their debut seasons.

The Crusaders have been hit with financial problems, as well as currently being investigated with visa issues for several of their players. It has overshadowed matters on the pitch, but they have recorded historic wins over Bradford and Wigan as they fight to adapt to the top flight.

The Bulls have probably had the most disappointing season of anyone in the top flight, though. Annual trips to Old Trafford are something of the past now and a serious rethink is needed at Odsal ahead of next year. They'll be lucky to make the play-offs.

As they so often are, Saints have been the team to beat ahead of the play-off series. Despite being in the twilight of their careers, playmakers Sean Long and Kieran Cunningham are as devastating as ever and with a clean bill of health, the Knowsley Road club look good to break their duck of two successive Grand Final defeats.

But if the monopoly of Saints and Leeds is to be broken, look at Warrington or Wigan to mount a late assault at the Grand Final.

Sportsbook outsiders Huddersfield could represent the best value for money in the online betting market, as they have proved to have staying power in the upper reaches of the table.

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