SAINTS are 4/1 joint favourites with Warrington to win the Super League Grand Final on October 12, according to title sponsors Betfred.

Champions Wigan are 11/2, Castleford are 11/1 with new-look Leeds 12/1.

Skipper James Roby, who was unlucky to miss out on the Steve Prescott Man of Steel honour last season, is 16/1 joint second favourite to win the top individual prize this campaign with Walmsley and Danny Richardson both 25/1 at Betfred.

Tommy Makinson is meanwhile a 16/1 shot to be top try scorer in the regular season behind Castleford’s Greg Eden and Josh Charnley at Warrington, who are joint favourites at 7/1.

Betfred boss Fred Done said: "This is going to be the most competitive campaign of all time – and I just can’t wait until the blood and thunder gets under way with a tremendous opener in prospect.

"Saints are 4/7 to beat Wigan in a game that could well set down a marker of the exciting season ahead. Alex Walmsley’s return could well be key as will be the form of Wigan’s controversial Zak Hardaker – and the impact of Lachlan Coote.”

Walmsley, who is 11/2 at Betfred to get on the score sheet against Wigan at the Totally Wicked Stadium on Thursday.

Coach Justin Holbrook said: “Alex has been fantastic in training, which to be fair he was last season. He was close to coming back last campaign but the scans showed it would be best if we waited – so we wanted to be sure he was in the right shape.

“It has been hard for him. He’s a big character, a big influence on the group – and we’re very pleased to have him back. It’s like a new signing.

“There is no player like Ben Barba, who can beat three or four defenders, but we have now got Lachlan Coote who should do very well with his left foot.”