YOUR GUIDE TO THE INTRUST SUPER CUP SEASON

THE battle for Intrust Super Cup bragging rights is as open as ever, but it’s the war at boardroom level that may attract the most attention in 2020.

Ahead of this weekend’s opening ISC round, NRL premiership-winner Scott Sattler admits he can’t nail down a clear favourite in the state league field – though there are other narratives at play this season.

As the NRL considers expanding to 17 teams in the coming years, Redcliffe and Easts Tigers have already thrown their hands up for inclusion.

With those lofty ambitions come a desire to lock down a reputation as not just a financially viable NRL option off the field, but a heavy hitter on it.

“I think it does (add motivation) from a boardroom level, not so much from a playing level,” Sattler said of those NRL aspirants.

“It’s a completely different mindset for players, but from an admin level they will want to do whatever they can to fire a shot over the bow and get people to notice them.

“Realistically a lot of those players (in the ISC squads) won’t be playing (in an NRL side), but from a boardroom level they will want to do whatever they can (to strengthen their bid).”

While Easts and Redcliffe have their own motivations, defending champions Burleigh and perennial finalists Townsville again promise much.

“Burleigh Bears will strong again,” Sattler said.

“(Returning coach) Rick Stone knows the club well and from all reports hasn’t tried to change too much from what brought success with Jimmy Lenihan. I saw them beat the Titans in a trial and they were impressive.

“Townsville Blackhawks will be a team to look out for.

“Redcliffe have recruited well – so I’m really not sure who will win.”

The Channel 9 commentator has, however, seen enough ISC to know things don’t always go to plan for the competition’s big boys.

“Somewhere in there, there will be a smoky but I’m not sure who it will be,” he said.

“I’m looking at Tweed and thinking it might be them, or the (Souths Logan) Magpies.

“They’ve promised so much but haven’t get to that next level of intensity of finals in recent years.

“I think them and Tweed might upset a few this year.”