Club-by-club guide to new season

Leeds Rhinos

A fit-again Luke Gale can help the game’s most successful club be a force again. The England scrumhalf is a fine playmaker and Alex Mellor a useful signing.

Prediction 5th

Castleford Tigers

Have emerged as a force under Daryl Powell but have not kicked on since finishing top and reaching the Grand Final in 2017. Should be around the play-offs.

Prediction 6th

Salford Red Devils

Ian Watson (below) performed miracles in reaching the 2019 final and useful additions mean they could surprise a few again. Jackson Hastings is a loss.

Prediction 8th

Catalans Dragons

Israel Folau’s ability is not in doubt but how he will fit in to Steve Mcnamara’s side? The Dragons lost 16 of their 29 games last season and must improve markedly.

Prediction 7th

St Helens

A well-oiled machine that should continue to power on under Kristian Woolf. They finished 16 points clear en-route to Grand Final glory – a record.

Prediction 1st

Wakefield Trinity

England winger Tom Johnstone is fit again and Jay Pitts will prove a fine capture from London Broncos, but injuries are already biting.

9th

Prediction

Huddersfield Giants

Classy playmaker Aidan Sezer (below) could be a genuine star following his arrival from Canberra Raiders, but they lack quality elsewhere.

Prediction 11th

Hull FC

A raft of signings have brought new hope for Lee Radford’s side, but chairman Adam Pearson has warned another season of failure will not be tolerated.

Prediction 4th

Toronto Wolfpack

The smallest squad, which is a concern, but they should have enough to survive. Will be fascinating to see how much impact Sonny Bill Williams has.

Prediction 10th

Warrington Wolves

Steve Price needs to mount a serious title challenge. Nothing less will do. Have not been crowned champions since 1955 but ambition pulses loudly.

Prediction 3rd

Hull KR

Key players have left and it is hard to see beyond a relegation scrap. Still, head coach Tony Smith (below) knows the competition better than most.

Prediction 12th

Wigan Warriors

Will be thereabouts but can Jackson Hastings do it at a big club? Exploits for Salford suggest he can. George Burgess has signed after a decade at South Sydney.

Prediction 2nd