There may be new sponsors, six new coaches and seven new captains but it would be a surprise if Stobart Super League XVII throws up any change to the old order. Thanks to our friends at Telegraph Sport for the guide to the 2012 season.
By Ian Laybourn
Bradford Bulls
Coach: Mick Potter (since November 2010)
Captain (joint): Heath L'Estrange and Matt Diskin.
2011 finish: 10th
2011 leading scorers: tries – Shad Royston 10; goals – Patrick Ah Van 87; points – Patrick Ah Van 210.
Biggest Super League win: 96-16 (v Salford, 2000).
Biggest Super League defeat: 66-4 (v St Helens, 2005).
Ground and capacity: Odsal, 26,019.
2010 average attendance: 13,967 (up 5,531)
Record Super League attendance: 24,020 (v Leeds 1999).
In: Manase Manuokafoa (Parramatta), Keith Lulia (Newcastle Knights), Luke Gale (Harlequins), Jarrod Sammut, Elliott Kear (both Crusaders), Adrian Purtell (Penrith Panthers), Karl Pryce (Wigan).
Out: Patrick Ah Van (Widnes) Shad Royston (Pia), Marc Herbert (released), Andy Lynch (Hull), Gareth Raynor (Featherstone), Cain Southernwood (Dewsbury, on season-long loan), Steve Crossley (released).
Odds to finish top: 50-1 (William Hill).
Prospects: The pressure is coach Mick Potter to avoid another season of underachievement and the play-offs could once more be out of the Bulls' reach. Andy Lynch is a big loss for them.
Prediction: 9th.
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Castleford Tigers
Coach: Ian Millward (since November 2011).
Captain: Danny Orr.
2011 finish: 9th.
2011 leading scorers: tries – Rangi Chase, Richard Owen, Nick Youngquest 12; goals: Kirk Dixon 84; points – Kirk Dixon 196.
Biggest Super League win: 74-16 (v Salford, 2002).
Biggest Super League defeat: 62-0 (v Warrington, 2011) (also lost 68-12 v St Helens, 2008).
Ground and capacity: The Probiz Coliseum (formerly Wheldon Road), 11,750.
2011 average attendance: 7,156 (up 540)
Record Super League attendance: 11,731 (v Leeds, 2004).
In: Josh Griffin (Huddersfield), Steve Nash (Leigh), Lee Mitchell, Ryan Shaw (both Warrington, on loan, Grant Millington (Canterbury Bulldogs), James Grehan (Limoux).
Out: Nick Fozzard (Dewsbury), Dean Widders (returned to Australia), Willie Isa (Widnes), Greg Eden (Huddersfield), Martin Aspinwall (Hull), Richard Mathers (Wakefield on season-long loan).
Odds to finish top: 66-1.
Prospects: New coach Ian Millward will need to call on all his nous if he is to take the Tigers into the play-offs. They will rely heavily on 2011 Man of Steel Rangi Chase.
Prediction: 12th.
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Catalan Dragons
Coach: Trent Robinson (since November 2010).
Captain: Gregory Mounis.
2011 finish: 6th.
2011 leading scorers: tries – Damien Blanch 20; goals – Scott Dureau 92; points – Scott Dureau 233.
Biggest Super League win: 66-6 (v Salford, 2007).
Biggest Super League defeat: 60-12 (v Leeds, 2006).
Ground and capacity: Gilbert Brutus Stadium, 13,000.
2011 average attendance: 8,387 (up 1,573).
Record Super League attendance: 11,122 (v Wigan, 2006, at Stade Aime Giral) (also drew 18,150 for visit of Warrington to Barcelona's Olympic Stadium in 2009).
In: Leon Pryce (St Helens), Louis Anderson (Warrington), Julian Bousquet (Lezignan).
Out: Ben Farrar (Manly), Sebastien Martins (Lezignan).
Odds to finish top: 14-1.
Prospects: Trent Robinson has made a couple of significant additions to his squad and they look sure to be competitive, especially on home soil. Despite an early glut of injuries, the Dragons could be an outside bet for Old Trafford.
Prediction: 5th.
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Huddersfield Giants
Coach: Nathan Brown (since December 2008).
Captain: Kevin Brown.
2011 finish: 4th.
2011 leading scorers: tries – Jermaine McGilvary 16; goals – Danny Brough 82; points – Danny Brough 197
Biggest Super League win: 68-16 (v Leigh, 2005) (also 52-0 and 58-6 v Wakefield, 2010)
Biggest Super League defeat: 86-6 (v Leeds, 1999).
Ground and capacity: Galpharm Stadium, 24,500.
2011 average attendance: 7,147 (down 86)
Record Super League attendance: 15,629 (v Leeds, 2008).
In: Jason Chan (Crusaders), Aaron Murphy, Tommy Lee, Luke George (all Wakefield), Greg Eden (Castleford), Tony Tonks (Featherstone).
Out: Darrell Griffin (Leeds), David Hodgson, Graeme Horne, Keal Carlile (all Hull KR), Gregg McNally (Leigh), Josh Griffin (Castleford), Kyle Wood, Andy Raleigh, Danny Kirmond (all Wakefield), Elliott Hodgson, Jamie Simpson (both (released).
Odds to finish top: 16-1.
Prospects: Nathan Brown will be keen to finish on a high as he prepares to return to Australia and the Giants look a shoo-in for the top eight but they do not look as strong this year and another top-four finish looks a tall order.
Prediction: 6th.
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Hull FC
Coach: Peter Gentle (since November 2011)
Captain: Andy Lynch.
2011 finish: 8th.
2011 leading scorers: tries – Kirk Yeaman 21; goals – Danny Tickle 83; points – Danny Tickle 202.
Biggest Super League win: 82-6 (v Salford, 2004).
Biggest Super League defeat: 64-10 (v St Helens, 2002) – also lost 71-0 at Bradford in 2005 play-offs.
Ground and capacity: KC Stadium, 25,404.
2011 average attendance: 12,431 (down 1,583)
Record Super League attendance: 23,004 (v Hull KR, 2007).
In: Jamie Ellis (Leigh), Aaron Heremaia, Brett Seymour (both New Zealand Warriors), Wade McKinnon (Wests Tigers), Eamon O'Carroll (Wigan), Andy Lynch (Bradford), Tony Martin (Crusaders), Martin Aspinwall (Castleford), Mike Burnett (returned from loan at Harlequins).
Out: Sean Long, Lee Radford, Craig Fitzgibbon (all retired), Martin Gleeson, Ewan Dowes (both released), Cameron Phelps (Widnes), Epalahame Lauaki (Wigan), Danny Washbrook (Wakefield), Sam Obst (Keighley).
Odds to finish top: 20-1.
Prospects: Hull have presented new coach Peter Gentle with a much-changed squad and all look quality additions so an assault on the top four could be on.
Prediction: 7th.
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Hull Kingston Rovers
Coach: Craig Sandercock (since November 2011)#
Captain: Ben Galea
2011 finish: 7th
2011 leading scorers: tries – Kris Welham 24; goals – Michael Dobson 76; points – Michael Dobson 179
Biggest Super League win: 70-14 (v Wakefield, 2011)
Biggest Super League defeat: 60-20 (v Warrington, 2007 – also lost 40-0 v St Helens, 2010 and 56-6 v Catalan Dragons in 2011 play-offs)
Ground and capacity: Craven Park, 10,250
2011 average attendance: 8,320 (up 86)
Record Super League attendance: 10,250 (v Hull, 2011).
In: David Hodgson, Graeme Horne, Keal Carlile (all Huddersfield), Lincoln Withers, Ryan O'Hara (both Crusaders), George Griffin (Queanbeyan Kangaroos), Micky Paea (Canterbury Bulldogs), Constantine Mika, Shannon McDonnell (both Newcastle)
Out: Clint Newton (Penrith Panthers) Mick Vella (retired), Ben Fisher (Batley), Shaun Briscoe (Widnes), Liam Colbon, Matt Cook (both London Broncos), Peter Fox (Wakefield).
Odds to finish top: 40-1.
Prospects: Rovers have lost a lot of experience and 2012 could be a year of consolidation under new coach Craig Sandercock, especially after losing playmaker Blake Green for much of it with a blood clot.
Prediction: 10th.
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Leeds Rhinos
Coach: Brian McDermott (since November 2010)
Captain: Kevin Sinfield.
2011 finish: 5th
2011 leading scorers (including play-offs): tries – Ryan Hall 28; goals – Kevin Sinfield 138; points – Kevin Sinfield 286.
Biggest Super League win: 86-6 (v Huddersfield, 1999)
Biggest Super League defeat: 68-14 (v Wigan, 1996)
Ground and capacity: Headingley, 20,000
2011 average attendance: 14,669 (down 568).
Record Super League attendance: 23,035 (v Bradford 2003).
In: Darrell Griffin (Huddersfield), Richard Moore (Crusaders), Luke Ambler (returned from loan at Harlequins).
Out: Keith Senior (released), Luke Burgess (South Sydney), Ben Cross (Widnes), Danny Buderus (Newcastle), Kyle Amor, Ali Lauitiiti (both Wakefield).
Odds to finish top: 6-1.
Prospects: No one will underestimate the Rhinos after last year's incredible achievement and they will once more be pushing for Old Trafford.
Prediction: 4th.
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London Broncos
Coach: Rob Powell (since November 2010)
Captain: tbc.
2011 finish: 12th
2011 leading scorers: tries – Luke Dorn 13; goals – Luke Gale 75; points – Luke Gale 184
Biggest Super League win: 72-8 (v Wakefield, 2005)
Biggest Super League defeat: 82-6 (v Warrington, 2011)
Ground and capacity: Twickenham Stoop, 15,000.
2011 average attendance: 3,132 (down 248)
Record Super League attendance: 9,638 (v Paris, at The Valley, 1996).
In: Craig Gower (French RU), Mark Bryant, Michael Witt (both Crusaders), Antonio Kaufusi (Newcastle Knights), Shane Rodney (Manly), Julien Rinaldi (Wakefield), Jarrad Hickey (Wakefield, to be confirmed), Michael Robertson (Manly), Liam Colbon, Matt Cook (both Hull KR).
Out: Luke Gale (Bradford), Rob Purdham (retired), Andy Ellis, Oliver Wilkes (both Wakefield), David Williams (London Skolars), Mark Burnett (returned from loan spell to Hull), Nick Kouparitsas, Danny Ward, Mark Calderwood (all released), Luke Ambler (returned to Leeds after loan spell), Karl Pryce (returned from loan spell to Wigan).
Odds to finish top: 80-1.
Prospects: After a dismal 2011, the only way is up for Rob Powell's men in their new guise and, with a host of quality signings, they ought to be pushing for a play-off spot.
Prediction: 8th.
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Salford City Reds
Coach: Phil Veivers (since November 2011)
Captain: Stephen Wild.
2011 finish: 11th.
2011 leading scorers: tries – Jodie Broughton 14; goals – Daniel Holdsworth 68; points – Daniel Holdsworth 164.
Biggest Super League win: 56-16 (v Bradford, 2011).
Biggest Super League defeat: 96-16 (v Bradford, 2000).
Ground and capacity: Salford Community Stadium, 12,000.
2011 average attendance: 4,754 (up 588)
Record Super League attendance: 10,146 (v Catalan 2011).
In: Shannan McPherson (South Sydney), Ben Gledhill, Josh Veivers, Stuart Howarth (all Wakefield), Joel Moon (New Zealand Warriors), Jordan James (Crusaders), Matty Ashurst (St Helens).
Out: Stefan Ratchford (Warrington), Ray Cashmere, Mark Henry (both returned to Australia), Jack Spencer (Wests Tigers), Rob Parker, Adam Clay (both Leigh).
Odds to finish top: 80-1.
Prospects: A new home and a new coach, but it is hard to see a change in fortunes for the City Reds, who will sorely miss departed duo Ray Cashmere and Stefan Ratchford.
Prediction: 13th.
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St Helens
Coach: Royce Simmons (since November 2010)
Captain: Paul Wellens
2011 finish: 3rd
2011 leading scorers (including play-offs): tries – Jamie Foster 21; goals – Jamie Foster 123; points – Jamie Foster 330
Biggest Super League win: 78-4 (v Leigh, 2005)
Biggest Super League defeat: 70-0 (v Leeds, 2004)
Ground and capacity: Langtree Park, 18,000
2011 average attendance (at Widnes): 7,975 (down 3,594)
Record Super League attendance: 18,098 (v Warrington, 1996).
In: Lance Hohaia (New Zealand Warriors), Anthony Laffranchi (Gold Coast), Mark Flanagan (Wests Tigers).
Out: James Graham (Canterbury Bulldogs), Kyle Eastmond (Bath RU), Leon Pryce (Catalan Dragons), Matty Ashurst (Salford), Scott Moore (Widnes), Tom Armstrong (Swinton), Gareth Frodsham (Batley).
Odds to finish top: 10-3.
Prospects: Saints begin life after James Graham at an impressive new home and, despite the loss of their inspirational forward, they are sure to be gunning for a seventh consecutive appearance at Old Trafford.
Prediction: 3rd.
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Wakefield Trinity Wilcats
Coach: Richard Agar (since November 2011)
Captain: Steve Southern.
2011 finish: 13th
2011 leading scorers: tries – Chris Dean 8; goals – Josh Veivers 22; points – Josh Griffin 62.
Biggest Super League win: 68-6 (v Halifax, 2003).
Biggest Super League defeat: 72-8 (v London, 2005).
Ground and capacity: Rapid Solicitors Stadium (formerly Belle Vue), 11,000.
2011 average attendance: 6,552 (up 568).
Record Super League attendance: 11,000 (v Castleford, 2006).
In: Issac John (New Zealand Warriors), Oliver Wilkes, Andy Ellis (both Harlequins), Vince Mellars (Crusaders), Kyle Amor, Ali Lauitiiti (both Leeds), Kyle Wood, Andy Raleigh, Danny Kirmond (all Huddersfield), Ben Cockayne (Featherstone), Peter Fox (Hull KR), Steve Southern (Newcastle Knights), Dean Collis (Cronulla), Danny Washbrook (Hull), Tim Smith (Cronulla), Matt James (Barrow), Paul Aiton (Cronulla), Richard Mathers (Castleford, on season-long loan).
Out: Chris Dean (Widnes), Paul King (York), Tommy Lee, Aaron Murphy, Luke George (all Huddersfield), Julien Rinaldi, Jarrad Hickey (both Harlequins), Ben Gledhill, Josh Veivers, Stu Howarth (all Salford), Glenn Morrison, Matt Blaymire (both retired), Michael Korkidas, Semi Tadulala (both Keighley), Liam Higgins (Sheffield), Kevin Penny (Swinton), Jeremy Smith, Kevin Henderson, Samy Masselot, Ryan Tongia, Greg Johnson (all released), Gareth Moore (Batley).
Odds to finish top: 150-1.
Prospects: Pretty much an unknown quantity, it is all change for the Wildcats under new coach Richard Agar with 18 new signings and it could take time for his new-look side to gel.
Prediction: 11th.
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Warrington Wolves
Coach: Tony Smith (since March 2009)
Captain: Adrian Morley.
2011 finish: 1st
2011 leading scorers (including play-offs): tries – Joel Monaghan 26; goals – Brett Hodgson 121; points – Brett Hodgson 314
Biggest Super League win: 62-0 (v Castleford, 2011) (also 66-6 v Halifax, 2003)
Biggest Super League defeat: 72-2 (v St Helens, 2002)
Ground and capacity: Halliwell Jones Stadium, 15,000
2011 average attendance: 11,149 (up 411)
Record Super League attendance: 14,206 (v Wakefield, 2004).
In: Trent Waterhouse (Penrith Panthers), Chris Hill (Leigh), Stefan Ratchford (Salford).
Out: Matt King (South Sydney), Louis Anderson (Catalan Dragons), Jon Clarke (Widnes), Lee Mitchell, Ryan Shaw (both Castleford on loan).
Odds to finish top: 9-4.
Prospects: Tony Smith has sensibly kept changes to a minimum and the Wolves look the team to beat in 2012. If they can keep their nerve when it comes to the play-offs, they could be celebrating a maiden Grand-Final victory.
Prediction: 1st.
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Widnes Vikings
Coach: Denis Betts (since November 2010)
Captain: Jon Clarke.
2011 finish: 5th in Championship
2011 leading scorers: tries – Steven Tyrer 12; goals – Steve Tyrer 69; points – Steve Tyrer – 186
Biggest Super League win: 46-10 (v Hull, 2003) (also won 52-22 v Halifax 2002)
Biggest Super League defeat: 70-4 (v Hull, 2004) (also lost 74-24 v Bradford, 2005)
Ground and capacity: Stobart Stadium, 13,350
2011 average attendance: 3,744 (up 886)
Record Super League attendance: 9,825 (v Warrington, 2005).
In: Willie Isa (Castleford), Shaun Briscoe (Hull KR), Ben Davies, Ben Cross (both Wigan), Frank Winterstein, Rhys Hanbury, Lloyd White, Hep Cahill (all Crusaders), Chris Dean (Wakefield), Patrick Ah Van (Bradford), Jon Clarke (Warrington), Scott Moore (St Helens), Anthony Watts (Sydney Roosters), Stefan Marsh (Wigan on season-long loan), Cameron Phelps (Hull), Sione ''John'' Kite (Melbourne).
Out: Richard Varkulis (Whitehaven), Danny Hulme, Lee Hudson, Chris Lunt (all North Wales), Chaz I'Anson (Swinton), Matt Gardner (Leigh), Danny Sculthorpe, Gareth Haggerty, Shane Grady, Dean Gaskell, Dave Houghton, Greg Scott, James Coyle, Daniel Heckenberg (all released), Tangi Ropati (Featherstone), Anthony Thackeray, Steve Tyrer (both (Halifax).
Odds to finish top: 200-1
Prospects: Denis Betts has a difficult task in moulding all his new faces into an effective unit and it could be a long, hard summer on the Vikings' return to the top flight.
Prediction: 14th.
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Wigan Warriors
Coach: Shaun Wane (since November 2011).
Captain: Sean O'Loughlin
2011 finish: 2nd
2011 leading scorers (including play-offs): tries – Sam Tomkins 28; goals – Pat Richards 115; points – Pat Richards 314
Biggest Super League win: 78-4 (v Workington, 1996)
Biggest Super League defeat: 70-0 (v Leeds, 2005)
Ground and capacity: JJB Stadium, 25,004
2011 average attendance: 15,287 (up 110)
Record Super League attendance: 25,004 (v St Helens 2005).
In: Ben Flower, Gil Dudson, Rhodri Lloyd (all Crusaders), Epalahame Lauaki (Hull), Anthony Gelling (Auckland Vulcans).
Out: Joel Tomkins (Saracens RU), Ryan Hoffman (Melbourne), Ben Davies, Ben Cross (both Widnes), Paul Deacon, Andy Coley (both retired), Eamon O'Carroll (Hull), Stefan Marsh (Widnes on season-long loan), Kark Pryce (Bradford).
Odds to finish top: 5-2.
Prospects: The Warriors are not as strong following the departure of some experienced personnel but new coach Shaun Wane will have them knocking on the door of Old Trafford.
Prediction: 2nd.
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Odds courtesy of William Hill.
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