WHO WILL BE SUPER STARS IN 2021?
St Helens and Wigan will set the pace again
CASTLEFORD TIGERS
COACH - Daryl Powell
CAPTAIN - Michael Shenton
PLAYER TO WATCH - Jake
Trueman (right) looks poised for a big year. Shining in pre-season.
YOUNG GUN - Jacques O’Neill is an all-action, hard-hitting hooker keen to impress.
KEY LOSS - Mike McMeeken
(Catalans)
KEY GAIN - Niall Evalds (Salford)
2020 FINISH - 8th
PEACOCK VERDICT - “The big news for them is Daryl Powell is leaving at the end of the season – will that motivate the players to get to his second Grand Final?”
CATALANS DRAGONS
COACH - Steve McNamara CAPTAIN - Benjamin Garcia PLAYER TO WATCH - Sam Tomkins (right) hoping for a great season head of the World Cup. YOUNG GUN - Corentin Le Cam is a towering 6ft 9in forward and will be hoping to stand tall. KEY LOSS - Remi Casty (Toulouse) KEY GAIN - Dean Whare (Penrith Panthers) 2020 FINISH - 4th, play-off semi-finals PEACOCK VERDICT - “Every year they blow hot and cold, but they have some consistency with their talented spine of playmakers which should help them challenge the top teams.”
HUDDERSFIELD GIANTS
COACH - Ian Watson CAPTAIN - Aidan Sezer PLAYER TO WATCH - Aidan Sezer (right) can be Super League’s most influential player on his day. YOUNG GUN - Jake Wardle could be a World Cup bolter if he continues his rapid rise. KEY LOSS - Jordan Turner (Castleford) KEY GAIN - Ricky Leutele (Melbourne Storm) 2020 FINISH - 7th PEACOCK VERDICT - “Ian Watson has proven his ability to get the best out of players, and with some quality signings they can finish higher than most think.”
HULL FC
COACH - Brett Hodgson CAPTAINS - Danny Houghton, Marc Sneyd, Scott Taylor (right) PLAYER TO WATCH - Josh Reynolds could be the key that unlocks Hull’s potential. YOUNG GUN - Ben McNamara broke on to the scene last year and is ready for more chances. KEY LOSS - Ratu Naulago (Bristol Bears RU) KEY GAIN - Josh Reynolds (Wests Tigers) 2020 FINISH - 6th, play-off semi-finals PEACOCK VERDICT - “Hull’s main issue is about narrowing the gap between their best and worst performances – if they can do that they can move up the table.”
HULL KR
COACH - Tony Smith CAPTAIN - Shaun Kenny-Dowall PLAYER TO WATCH - Ryan Hall is back in Super League with a track record of winning. YOUNG GUN - Mikey Lewis (right) can provide an X-factor from halfback if handed opportunities. KEY LOSS - Robbie Mulhern (Warrington) KEY GAIN - Korbin Sims (St George-Illawarra) 2020 FINISH - 11th PEACOCK VERDICT - “They’ve made some big-name signings and will be difficult to beat at home once crowds return. They can finish mid-table or above.”
LEEDS RHINOS
COACH - Richard Agar CAPTAIN - Luke Gale PLAYER TO WATCH - Kyle Eastmond (right) has all eyes on him after his return from union. YOUNG GUN - Sam Walters has impressed in pre-season and has the presence to make an impact. KEY LOSS - Adam Cuthbertson (York) KEY GAIN - Kyle Eastmond (Leicester RU) 2020 FINISH - 5th, play-offs opening weekend PEACOCK VERDICT - “Some early injuries might hamper their start but they’ve got some real star quality this year and will look to return to the Grand Final.”
LEIGH CENTURIONS
COACH - John Duffy
CAPTAIN - Liam Hood
PLAYER TO WATCH - Ryan Brierley is back on his old stomping ground and looks sharp
YOUNG GUN - Keanan Brand is a talented centre on a season-long loan from Warrington
KEY LOSS - Danny Addy (Salford) KEY GAIN - Joe Mellor (Toronto, above) 2020 FINISH - N/A, Championship PEACOCK VERDICT - “It’s all about survival massive challenge, but if they can make Leigh Sports Village a fortress they’ve got a chance of upsetting the odds.”
SALFORD RED DEVILS
COACH - Richard Marshall
CAPTAIN - Lee Mossop
PLAYER TO WATCH - Morgan Escaré (right) is itching to make an impact after his Wigan exile
YOUNG GUN - Connor Aspey hopes to start a trend of homegrown Salford talent from hooker
KEY LOSS - Niall Evalds (Castleford) KEY GAIN - Elijah Taylor (Wests Tigers) 2020 FINISH - 9th
PEACOCK VERDICT - “It’s going to be fascinating to see whether Richard Marshall can get as much out of the squad as previous coach Ian Watson did it's big challenge.”