"Dear Father Christmas, this year I would like a..." - What Each Super League Team Should

With Christmas fast approaching, children all over the world wait with excitement to find out if their Christmas wishes will come true. Rugby League is no different and with pre-season well under way, Super League teams will hope that Father Christmas will bring them exactly what they've been wishing for on the big day. Will Cas find a new signing wrapped under the tree? Will Warrington finally find their bottle deep inside their stocking? All will be revealed, as Ballersblog exposes the wish lists of all twelve Super League sides.

Hull FC - A Backbone

After a promising start to an injury-plagued season, Hull's form fell faster than Mohamed Salah in the penalty area in the Super 8s, as they became the first side since the Super 8s were introduced to lose all seven of their fixtures, ending a disappointing season in 8th place. Although Hull's downward slide coincided with an injury crisis that robbed them of the likes of Jake Connor, it also coincided with mounting criticism of the Airlie Birds' team spirit. After a humiliating 80-10 defeat at Warrington, in which Hull's defensive effort was about as useful as a broken turnstile, serious questions were asked about the character of a squad who had won back to back Challenge Cups in 2016 and 2017. In a remarkable turn of events, Chairman Adam Pearson spoke out in criticism of his players, threatening the termination of the contracts of several first teamers. With relatively few high-profile arrivals, Hull fans will hope that the existing squad will do some serious soul searching over the off season, and bounce back in 2019 by adding a fighting attitude to their undoubted talent and flair. If not, it could be a tough year for Lee Radford's men and Hull fans alike.

St Helens - Cough Medicine for the Big Occasion

What a season Saints had in 2018! Justin Holbrook's side blew away all that stood against them during the regular season, surging to the League Leaders' Shield through a fast paced brand of attractive attacking rugby. Led by James Roby and inspired by the mercurial Man of Steel Ben Barba, Saints were without a doubt the stand out side in 2018, evidenced by the inclusion of seven Saints players in the Super League Dream Team. Despite their regular season dominance, Saints choked not once but twice on the big occasion, falling to a shock defeat to eventual Winners Catalans in the Challenge Cup Semi-Final, and being edged out by Warrington in a tense play-off thriller. So often the Bridesmaids on the big day in recent years, Saints have won just won major honour in the past ten years, triumphing the 2014 Grand Final against a twelve-man Wigan side. Saints are so often the envy of other Super League sides, acting as a mark of consistency throughout the Super League era, finishing in the play offs more often than not. Unfortunately for Saints fans, they have not been consistent Champions, failing to convert their high standards in the regular season into silverware. Since winning the Challenge Cup for the third successive season in 2008, Saints haven't returned to Wembley - a hugely underwhelming record for a club of their stature. Furthermore, Saints' Old Trafford success in 2014 was their first Grand Final victory in eight years, following five successive defeats at the hands of Leeds (four) and Wigan (one) from 2007-2011. With such talented stock in their ranks, including newly crowned Golden Boot Winner Tommy Makinson and new recruits Kevin Naiqama, Lachlan Coote and Joseph Paulo, Saints are set for another impressive season. Clearly, the missing ingredient is the ability to hold their nerve when the pressure is on and avoid choking when the pressure's on. Therefore, we can't help thinking that Saints could do with a big bottle of cough medicine and some menthol sweets to help them out on the big day.

Salford Red Devils - Sunny Weather

Perennial crisis club Salford suffered yet another disappointing season in 2018, having to settle for an appearance in the Qualifiers. The Red Devils looked in danger of relegation for large parts of the campaign, until the mid-season arrivals of Australian duo Jackson Hastings and Joey Lussick. Hastings in particular was pivotal to Salford's strong showing in the Qualifiers, inspiring a remarkable turnaround in fortunes that saw Ian Watson's men secure their spot in Super League for another season. What Salford bring to Super League is often questioned by fans of other clubs, with consistent poor attendances complementing their poor on-field showings. However, with exciting talents like Hastings and Lussick, as well as eye-catching Stand Off Robert Lui and flying Full Back Niall Evalds to call upon, Head Coach Ian Watson and his side have a real opportunity to make an impact in 2019. However, as shown by their poor displays in Hastings' absence during his late season suspension, any chance Salford have of making waves and avoiding relegation will depend on Hastings finding consistent form. Whilst retaining Hastings' services amidst interest from other clubs was a huge coup for Salford, recent history would suggest that they could have a fight on their hands to keep hold of their prized asset in the long run. Clearly a vastly talented young player, Hastings would have no shortage of interest back home, should he decide that the beautiful city of Salford and all its riches isn't the place for him. Contrary to the words of Slade, Salford fans will not be 'hoping that the snow will start to fall'. A change in climate and the spontaneous creation of a warm sunny beach in Salford Quays would surely help Hastings feel more at home in the North West, but the likelihood of Father Christmas making this wish come true is about as likely as seeing Anthony Mullally tucking into a rack of ribs - it ain't happening any time soon.

Warrington Wolves - True Love

After losing both the Grand Final and Challenge Cup Final in the same season for the second time in three years, one could argue that, like St Helens, Warrington should be wishing for cough medicine so they don't continue to choke on the big stage. However, perhaps a more likely wish for Warrington would be to finally find true love. Since the retirement of Lee Briers and the departure of Richie Myler, the Wolves have struggled to find a permanent half back combination to guide them around the pitch. The failures of successive high profile signings Kurt Gidley and Tyrone Roberts to make the halfback position their own has left Wire fans both frustrated and wanting. Warrington appear to have found leadership and continuity in the form of Kevin Brown at Stand Off, and the latest big name Australian to try and take the Wolves to the next level alongside Brown is 27 year old Blake Austin. The tattooed play maker has arrived in the UK determined to set Super League alight and win over the Warrington faithful. Wire fans will be wishing that Austin turns out to be 'the one', and make sure that next year really is 'their year'.

Huddersfield Giants - Friends

Australian Coach Simon Woolford has plenty to be excited about in his first full pre season at Huddersfield. His Giants side finished 2018 in a strong position, and the arrivals of Danny Brough's replacement Matt Frawley, and flying Fijian Akuila Uate should no doubt take Huddersfield to the next level in 2019. Huddersfield fans have been starved of success for decades now, leading to dwindling attendances. If you've ever watched a Huddersfield home game on TV, you'll know have noticed that the combination of a large stadium and low attendance means that the John Smith's Stadium has all the atmosphere of a party at James Milner's house. Huddersfield will be hoping that they can boost attendances in 2019, so that they can show off their exciting brand of attacking rugby to a wider audience. After all, what's the point of having new toys if you have no one to share them with? Perhaps the biggest favour Father Christmas could do for Huddersfield would be to have his elves mysteriously steal that infamous cow bell...

Leeds Rhinos - A Knee Brace

Consistency has been hard to come by for Leeds since their stunning treble win in 2015. A hugely disappointing 2016 season saw the Rhinos face the qualifiers, before a dramatic turnaround in fortunes saw them claim the Super League title just 12 months later. 2018 was a return to the underwhelming for Leeds, as their poor recruitment caught up with them, forcing them to battle relegation for the second time in three years. There are plenty of new faces at Headingley, including new Coach David Furner, Australia International forward Trent Merrin and Tongan duo Konrad Hurrell and Tui Lolohea. However, as well as poor recruitment and a lack of leadership, the main cause of the Rhinos' underachievement has been injuries. In 2016, Leeds faced injury an crisis as their squad was ravaged by knocks, tears and fractures. 2018 was no different, as injuries undermined their defence of the Super League crown. In particular, the season ending loss of England Internationals and star players Kallum Watkins and Ryan Hall to almost identical Anterior Cruciate Ligament injuries weakened the Rhinos, and there is no denying that their mid season slide coincided with the loss of their influential skipper at Magic Weekend in May. Avoiding injuries (particularly to the knees) will be imperative in 2019, as Leeds look to begin their new era strongly under Furner's leadership. That said, Chief Executive Gary Hetherington will no doubt be hoping that Father Christmas leaves a knee brace under the tree at Headingley this Christmas (so that he doesn't have to buy one himself!)

Catalans Dragons - Premium Accommodation

In recent years, Catalans have made their home at the Stade Gilbert Brutus a fortress. The Dragons' home form has been impressive, with few teams returning from Perpignan with two points, leaving fans and pundits alike wondering why they have consistently struggled to replicate this form on the road. Catalans' landmark Challenge Cup success in August has renewed interest in French rugby league, and they look set to go from strength to strength in 2019, welcoming experienced duo Sam Tomkins and Matty Smith to the club to help develop their impressive young French talent. If Catalans can find some consistency on the road, they will no doubt find themselves around the play off positions at the end of the season. In order to turn around their struggles on the road, Catalans should look to book their primadonna players into superior accommodation, although they might struggle to find a suite big enough to fit the ego of a certain Mr Tomkins...

Wakefield Trinity - A New Ground... Finally

Wakefield have made giant strides forwards over the past few seasons, and heading into the 2019 season they have a side prepared to challenge Super League's big guns. As fans of all Super League teams will know from their away day experiences, Trinity's progress is being held back by the lack of a modern, fit for purpose stadium to match their on field ambitions. Belle Vue is a famous old ground (emphasis on old), but has definitely seen better days (much like Jamie Jones Buchanan's hairline). Just like fierce rivals Castleford, Wakefield fans have been teased with proposals for a new ground year after year, leaving fans wondering if they will ever see their beloved club move to pastures new. Despite promising news in the summer, a new ground looks to be no closer, and Trinity fans can be forgiven for not getting overly excited just yet. Wakefield have the potential to become a real force in Super League in the coming years, with their potential confirmed by England International Winger Tom Johnstone's commitment to a new long term contract, but the only way that Wakefield can really step up is with a new ground fit for the future. Will Father Christmas deliver?

London Broncos - Armbands

After a remarkable showing in the Qualifiers and a stunning 4-2 win over strong favourites Toronto Wolfpack in the Million Pound Game, the Broncos are back. Super League will return to the capital in 2019, but the Broncos are a completely different side to the walkovers we last saw in 2014. Four years in the Championship has seen London develop and rejuvenate, first under the leadership of Andrew Henderson, and now led by former Leeds prop and Championship Coach of the Year Danny Ward. At their Ealing base, the nomadic Broncos have an exciting combination of rugby league journeymen and athletic local talent. The addition of experienced St Helens centre Ryan Morgan will boost their backs department, making them a formidable opposition for any side. With the introduction of a new 'one-up, one-down' system, there is nowhere to hide in the relegation battle, and despite their exciting side, it will surprise no one if London find themselves in a relegation dogfight. A strong start will be crucial to London's survival hopes,

​​although Salford and Huddersfield both proved last season that a mid-season surge can turnaround any side's fortunes. Regardless of their on-pitch performance, London Broncos would be wise to ask Father Christmas for some armbands to help them stay afloat in 2019, and perhaps an inflatable unicorn too (anyone know where Harry Maguire got his from?)

Hull KR - Blue and Amber Shirts

You could be forgiven for thinking that Hull KR were Leeds' second team. Despite Leeds legend Jamie Peacock's departure from his role as Director of Rugby, Hull KR still seem hell bent on signing as many Leeds players as possible. Ahead of 2019, South Stand favourites Mitch Garbutt and Jimmy Keinhorst have arrived on Humberside, joining fellow ex-Rhinos Nick Scruton, Danny McGuire and Rob Mulhern amongst others. Rovers will be looking to establish themselves in Super League after surviving their first year back in the big time, and what better way to do that than by furthering their ambition of becoming Leeds Rhinos? Ballersblog sources

found a copy of Tim Sheens' letter to Father Christmas, which read: '... I'd also like to ask for 25 Leeds Rhinos Offical 2019 Home Shirts and a fortnightly reservation of Headingley Stadium'. Perhaps Rovers should go all the way in their pursuit and hire the South Stand Band, or try winning a trophy...

Castleford Tigers - A New Signing

2017 was a remarkable year for Castleford, and although they couldn't go one step further and add some serious silverware in 2018, it was another strong showing by the Tigers. Daryl Powell's men fell to eventual champions Wigan at the semi final stage this season, suggesting that they need a couple of new faces to go all the way in 2019. Cas have justified their relative off-season inactivity by pointing out the mid-season arrivals of battering ram prop Liam Watts and full back Peter Mata'utia. The loss of veteran centre Jake Webster to Bradford has left a sizeable hole in the Tigers' back line, but the rumoured potential arrival of Huddersfield forward Seb Ikahihifo will hopefully bring more enthusiasm to their pack than a Jon Wells match analysis. If Father Christmas brings a new centre to The Jungle on Christmas Eve, there will be happy faces all over Castleford.

Wigan Warriors - A Plug

There seems to be a pattern occurring at the DW Stadium, a cycle best described by Blur in Parklife: it goes 'round and round and round and round and round and round'. It is a tale familiar to fans of all clubs: Wigan player breaks through, Wigan player wins trophy, Wigan player tries their luck in the NRL and leaves Wigan behind for riches down under. Often, the tale culminates in said player returning to Wigan after failing to make an impression down under. Ryan Sutton and John Bateman are just the latest in a long line of Wigan players to follow this path, including Joe Burgess, Sam Tomkins and Dan Sarginson, and with George Williams being constantly linked with a move down under also, its about time Wigan started doing more to hold on to their best young talent. To their credit, the men in cherry and white have largely managed to maintain their high standards despite regularly losing key players. Like all good things however, there must be a limit to how many high profile departures the club can get through and the fans can take. Its the start of a new era at the DW, with new Interim Coach Adrian Lam replacing Shaun Wane and talisman Sam Tomkins headed for pastures new. It would be fair to describe this problem as a leakage, one which could be fixed using a giant plug. Hopefully for Wigan fans, Father Christmas will be nice. If not, the Champions could continue to lose their best players faster than Hull fans can erect a 'Radford Out' banner when the going gets tough.

Ballersblog would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year!