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The stars of Super League gather at the Theatre of Dreams to preview the Super League season, in which new faces, new rules and a new format are expected to deliver a fresher and faster competition in 2019.
12 teams start the season with hopes of walking out at Old Trafford on Grand Final night in October. This year the top five teams at the end of the campaign will contest the end of season play-offs, whilst the team finishing on the bottom of the table will be relegated to the Championship.
The new regulations are designed to promote more skilful and exciting events, whilst the introduction of Golden Point will ensure more dramatic moments throughout the year, as drawn games are settled in sudden-death extra time.
A parade of new players have arrived from around the world to make it one of the most intriguing seasons of recent times.
The season kicks-off in front of a packed house with a titanic tussle between St Helens and Wigan Warriors. The opening weekend also features a derby match between Hull FC and Hull KR, and a meeting of two of the big-spenders, Warrington and Leeds.
Wigan won the Super League title in 2018 and are amongst the favourites to lift the trophy once more. But their Grand Final triumph was the final act for legendary Head Coach Shaun Wane. Key players Sam Tomkins and John Bateman have also left the club, whilst Zak Hardaker and Jarrod Sammut are Wigan’s key arrivals. What can we expect from them under the guidance of new Head Coach Adrian Lam ?
St Helens enjoyed a sensational season in 2018 but missed out on the Grand Final. Justin Holbrook has acquired international stars from around the world to help his team go one step further, but how much will they miss Man of Steel Ben Barba?
Warrington have recruited heavily after finishing as runners-up in both major competitions last year. Their marquee signing is Blake Austin, who brings a big reputation from Australia and will be looking to deliver a first Super League title for the Wolves.
The competition’s most successful ever side are the Leeds Rhinos. But after fighting for survival in 2018 they’ve been re-building on and off the field. Re-development work at their Headingley Stadium is now almost complete, and Rhinos legend David Furner has returned to the club as Head Coach. Their new players include Tongan World Cup stars Konrad Hurrell and Tui Lolohea, as well as Australian international forward Trent Merrin. It promises to be an emotional campaign for the Rhinos as Jamie Jones-Buchanan plays his twentieth and final season in their famous Blue and Amber jersey.
Hull FC lost their last 11 matches in 2018 so will be looking to hit the ground running in the new season, whilst their city rivals Hull Kingston Rovers will again be guided by one of the most experienced coaches in the world, Tim Sheens. He’ll be looking to lift Rovers away from the relegation battle and into the chase for a play-off place.
London Broncos are back in Super League after a three year absence, Catalans Dragons will be looking to build on last year’s Challenge Cup success with a strong Super League season, and Wakefield Trinity will again look to defy the odds and finish in the play-off positions.
Simon Woolford’s aim is to continue the revival at Huddersfield, and Jackson Hastings will be looking to do likewise at Salford. Daryl Powell will need to find a way for Castleford Tigers to play without their injured half-back Luke Gale. Jake Trueman, Young Player of the Year in 2018 could again be one of the Tigers’ stars of the season.