Have top clubs like Hull KR been handed easier starts to Super League 2025?

Hull Kingston Rovers, the 2024 Grand Finalists, learned their 2025 Super League fixtures today, along with the other clubs in that competition - and there is a case to be made for saying they have a relatively favourable start to the season compared to others. On paper, Rovers should be fancying their chances of getting off to a flyer with opening fixtures against Castleford Tigers and Wakefield Trinity.

Their 2024 Grand Final conquerors Wigan Warriors could also be in a strong position quickly as they have Leigh Leopards and Hull FC to start with - and soon face Huddersfield Giants - but they also take on Warrington Wolves early-season and have to factor in the trip to Las Vegas and its impact on their players. Warrington, meanwhile, also have a relatively favourable opening game as Sam Burgess' men take on a Huddersfield outfit now containing Tom Burgess - and have newly-promoted Wakefield at home in round four. The starts to the season can set the tone and the mood, as a new year gets under way, with fans looking at fresh beginnings, so these games can have an impact beyond the two points on offer at that stage of the campaign - and all the Super League big guns should expect to start firing quickly.

In contrast, it looks like a tough ask for some of the 2024 strugglers that have just been mentioned - Huddersfield and Castleford. Huddersfield's opener against the Wire is followed by that game against Wigan in round four, and Cas also have some tough opposition early doors with big clubs who were either in the play-offs or pushing for the play-offs to follow.

READ MORE: Each Super League club's most regular game days - with one team having many Sundays

READ MORE: Every Hull FC opening day fixture in Super League: history made, legends born, heavy fog

On the other side of Hull to Rovers, the Black and Whites have a mixed bag as there is a trip to Catalans and a game against Wigan early on - but that is soon followed by a potentially winnable game against Huddersfield then facing Wakefield not long after that.

Games, of course, are not decided by squad strengths on paper so it remains to be seen how it works out, but - given the choice - it would be understandable for clubs to want to face lesser sides first up rather than ones who have been heavyweight contenders recently. And, in that respect, Rovers, Wigan and Warrington have all got draws that can be classed as appealing.

Click here - Get the latest news on our Rugby League Live WhatsApp channel