[Christophe]

4 years into the brave new world of licensing and with 2 shiny new stadia (at St Helens and Salford) set to increase attendances, rugby league's flagship European league (officially the 2nd most watched domestic sporting league in the UK) looks well set to increase its stock this year. It wouldn't really be rugby league without at least a little internal dischord, however, and opinions differ regarding the league's latest sponsorship deal, which sees Stobart secure main naming rights in return for advertising the league on the side of 100 of their lorries, with no money changing hands. £2.5 million worth of valuable advertising or a careless gamble? You decide. With only 1 other concrete offer on the table, however (an underwhelming £750K a year from Betfair), this really highlights the need for such a watchable product to sell itself better. Expansion beyond the impressive Catalan project and admirable persistence with London must happen in a hurry, with the Midlands and South West England obvious targets.


For now, we have 14 teams mostly based along the M62 corridor (as ever) but excitingly, nearly all look stronger than last year. Here's how I see them going (regular season only):


Bradford BullsThe cash-strapped Bulls needed the RFL to step in and buy Odsal, which shows how far they've fallen since their Super League dominance of the late 90s and early 00s. On the pitch the loss of inspirational prop Andy Lynch to Hull FC is a blow but Elliott Kear and Craig Kopczak both hit their stride for Wales in the recent 4 Nations and the acquisition of talented playmaker Jarrod Sammut looks shrewd. Slowly but surely Mick Potter might be turning this around but the play-offs should be their realistic aim.
One to watch: Elliott Kear - Impressive all-round winger could be a Dream Team contender
Prediction: 11th


Castleford TigersNo team suffered more with injuries late on last year and the return of Craig Huby and Kirk Dixon will feel like new signings. The retention of talisman Rangi Chase is the best indication yet that licensing has achieved its goal of allowing "lesser" sides to retain their star players and new coach Ian Millward has a good squad to work with. Beyond the first XIII, however, they again look stretched so staying healthy and launching the blisteringly quick Nick Youngquest on a regular basis are priorities but Cas should make the post-season.
One to watch: Richard Owen - If he can master his occasional ability to pout, a terrifically adept outside back
Prediction: 8th


Catalan DragonsMany "in the know" will tell you that Catalan can win Super League this year. They may well be right. The pack is formidable with arguably the league's best prop in Lopini Paea, whilst Scott Dureau and Thomas Bosc is a halfback combination up there with the league's best. Leon Pryce adds genuine star quality to the back line and Aussie coach Trent Robinson seems to have brought a unity to a diverse group that was previously lacking. Early injuries are already stretching their thin squad, however, and may result in a slow start.
One to watch: Eloi Pelissier - Talented young hooker can spearhead the French Revolution
Prediction: 3rd


Huddersfield GiantsNo team imploded more than the Giants last year but with a hugely talented back line and coach Nathan Brown's future determined (he leaves at the end of this season, which should give them focus), this side looks a good under-the-radar pick to make the top 4. The squad is young, deep and largely unchanged so should hit the ground running. Whether they can produce fireworks to match their natty new away kit, however (the kit literally has exploding fireworks on it), remains to be seen.
One to watch: Leroy Cudjoe - Deft-of-touch outside back sees the passing angles from centre better than most
Prediction: 4th


Hull FCAnother largely unchanged squad means the Airlie Birds put faith in new Aussie coach Peter Gentle to succeed where the often unfairly maligned Richard Agar couldn't. The problem again looks to be at half back where a lot of hopes rest with young playmaker Jamie Ellis, who has arrived following a fantastic year with Leigh Centurions a tier down. Willie Manu and Joe Westerman will again provide a lot of craft from the second row and the Kirk Yeaman-Tom Briscoe left side attack is obviously formidable. The kicking game, again, is the big worry.
One to watch: Jamie Ellis - Talented young half back will determine how they go
Prediction: 10th


Hull KRSomeone clearly angered the injury Gods at MS3 Craven Park recently and the likely loss for the season of stand off Blake Green (last season's player of the year) is a hammer blow to KR's realistic title aims. On the plus side, new Aussie coach Craig Sandercock is reknowned for getting the best out of good young kids and Rovers finally have these in spades. Lincoln Withers fills the troublesome hooker position and much will depend on him. From scrum half, Michael Dobson will kick the odd team to death and will probably need to.
One to watch: Scott Taylor - Young forward has the leg-drive to tie up 3 opponents and create ruck space
Prediction: 9th


Leeds RhinosThe unlikely Grand Final winners of last time deserve champions respect but with talisman hooker Danny Buderus departed and key players Kevin Sinfield and Rob Burrow's legs 1 year older, a repeat success would be a modest surprise. The young talent lies in the outside backs with Ben Jones-Bishop, Kallum Watkins and Zak Hardaker all exciting line-breakers. Hard-running prop Richard Moore arrives from the demoted Crusaders outfit and could prove the year's shrewdest signing. Good but beatable.

One to watch: Ryan Hall - Lethal finisher; perhaps the world's best winger
Prediction: 5th


London BroncosThe rebranding following the flawed Harlequins RL experiment isn't the only new gig in town; no team has recruited better in the off-season. A glut of seasoned Antipodeans give the much-maligned expansion outfit a real fighting chance this year and in cross-code veteran Craig Gower they have a name with which to potentially lure the curious ranks of capital-based union fans. Off the field, development of the game in London's schools is reportedly snowballing. A good showing could work wonders for the game in the area and they should get it.
One to watch: Dan Sarginson - Highly touted London-born half back can become the much-needed face of the franchise
Prediction: 7th


Salford City RedsThe move to the impressive (if not impressively named) Salford City stadium was sorely needed to bolster the City Reds Super League future. Sadly, a franchise player or 2 has yet to follow and losing the influential Stefan Ratchford to Warrington's (probable) third tier in their wage structure must shed doubts on their ability to spend near to the cap to retain their best talent. A steady crowd of over 5K can help but Salford face the vicious circle of competitiveness more than any in Super League and have a job on to break through their current "control test" status.
One to watch: Jodie Broughton - A flyer but can they launch him?
Prediction: 14th


St HelensAnother fabulous new stadium but this time a pedigree side to fill it to the rafters, Saints remain to many the jewel in Super League's crown and again look formidable. The loss of James Graham to Canterbury Bulldogs in the NRL is a blow but Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook won't shirk the extra burden and the array of young talent at Langtree Park is stunning. Experienced coach Royce Simmons has quietly gone about his business upon arrival and we can expect to see poster boy winger and kicker supreme Jamie Foster unveiling a few nifty try celebrations again this term.
One to watch: Tommy Makinson - 2011 Grand Final tears could be long forgotten come October
Prediction: 1st


Wakefield Trinity WildcatsHaving won an unlikely Super League reprieve due to Crusaders' surprise last-minute licence withdrawal, Wakey have recruited hard but "quantity" rather than "quality" remains the watchword (although second rower Steve Southern brings a good NRL resume). As with Salford, proving their Super League worth remains their biggest battle, although unlike Salford a new ground appears some way off. New coach Richard Agar may thrive on the "underdog" tag but there's no disguising that this is the most obvious 3 year rebuilding program in Super League.
One to watch: Frankie Mariano - Versatile game-changer can play several positions
Prediction: 13th


Warrington WolvesWill be hurting from last year's play-off loss to Leeds and undoubtedly have the tools to win it all. However, several key players are the wrong side of 30 and the loss of elite centre Matt King to NRL's South Sydney Rabbitohs has been underplayed. Trent Waterhouse comes into an already-strong pack, Stefan Ratchford is a pedigree back up in case Lee Briers' tank finally runs empty and Wire have depth to burn. So I'm bucking the trend in listening to a nagging instinct that tells me that this side - whilst clearly a contender - may just have missed its best chance.
One to watch: Ryan Atkins - Regained best form last term after confidence-sapping Aussie/Kiwi tour of 2010
Prediction: 6th


Widnes Vikings7 years out of SL, 80s giants Widnes are doubtless happy just to be back. And rightly so. The ground is impressive and the board have backed likeable manager Denis Betts with a few calibre signings in Patrick Ah Van and Scott Moore, whilst full back Shaun Briscoe can still mix it with the best on his day. A bunch of new faces means it's likely the Vikings will take time to settle but they should prove competitive and a few surprise scalps at the very least could be on the cards. The canny Rhys Hanbury should entertain from scrum half.

One to watch: Patrick Ah Van - Juggernaut winger needs to learn defensive chops
Prediction: 12th


Wigan WarriorsSecuring the prodigious Sam Tomkins long-term from under the noses of the predatory NRL and rugby union more than offset the pain of the loss of big brother Joel to the other code. And Wigan undoubtedly look very strong again. Weaknesses? Sure. The front row can be got at and Brett Finch is an unreliable scrum half. But in Tomkins, Charnley, Roberts, Carmont and the irrepressible Thomas Leuluai, this is a team packed with weapons that will again take some beating come October.
One to watch: Sam Tomkins - Simply the most devastating open field player the modern SL era has seen
Prediction: 2nd

This post has been edited by Christophe: 30 January 2012 - 17:11

[drs]

Thats a fine cut n paste sire - where is it from?

[Christophe]

drs, on 30 January 2012 - 18:47, said:

Thats a fine cut n paste sire - where is it from?

Sat and wrote this during a slow day at work yesterday, probably wont bother inputting to this degree if this is indicative of the response. New around here, always nice to get a warm welcome on a new forum.

[Kilwinning Ranger]

I hope you are spot on who will finish 1st not that has been a big help in the last few grand finals my two big worries about Saints is they will miss James Graham and still at times they dont have that blistering pace they once had.

Still looking forward to the new season.

This post has been edited by Kilwinning Ranger: 04 February 2012 - 10:11

[Desert Nomad]

I actually enjoy a bit of Super League and NRL from Oz. We were in Leeds for a lads weekend years ago and the guest house was on cardigan rd, right next to Headingly. The Rhinos were playing Salford Reds. Knew nothing about the game, and a nice family saw this and talked us through the game! Understand it fully now and have also been to the mad may weekend at Murrayfield, where they play the entire weekend card over 2 days. Much more entertaining than that dreary Union pish. Fast-paced and the crowd are more into it.
Surely St Helens will banish the demons this season???

[Kilwinning Ranger]

Very good 2nd half perfromance from Wakey tonight to beat Widnes who at times were naive and i think i could see tonight why Saints got rid of Scott Moore he gives away far too penalties.

[Christophe]

Desert Nomad, on 03 February 2012 - 20:29, said:

I actually enjoy a bit of Super League and NRL from Oz. We were in Leeds for a lads weekend years ago and the guest house was on cardigan rd, right next to Headingly. The Rhinos were playing Salford Reds. Knew nothing about the game, and a nice family saw this and talked us through the game! Understand it fully now and have also been to the mad may weekend at Murrayfield, where they play the entire weekend card over 2 days. Much more entertaining than that dreary Union pish. Fast-paced and the crowd are more into it.
Surely St Helens will banish the demons this season???

Any thoughts on the sponsorship deal? Expansion?

[Kilwinning Ranger]

Comfortable start for the Champions Leeds Rhinos last night the score would have been closer though if Rovers had kicked their goals but the end result would still have been a home win,

[Bully Wee Villa]

I had no idea that the London team had been re-named London Broncos. I hope Catalan Dragans do well. Sort of adopted them as "my" team when they kept finishing bottom. They've got quite competent since.


Would like to see a Midlands-based team in it one day, but I think we are way down in the pecking order behind the North-East of England, another French team and maybe ventures back into Wales and into Scotland and/or Ireland.

[Kilwinning Ranger]

Yep they went back to their old name personally i think it is better.

The result was London Broncos 24-34 St Helens

Sounds like it is been a right good end to end game but a good start to the season for the Saints.

[Christophe]

Would like to see a Midlands-based team in it one day, but I think we are way down in the pecking order behind the North-East of England, another French team and maybe ventures back into Wales and into Scotland and/or Ireland.
[/quote]



Another French team would be good but it seems to hinge on them bringing a TV deal of their own to the table. Catalan muddy the Sky waters a bit. The interest in RL in the South of France is phenomenal, for sure.
Dublin is mooted quite a lot but not sure it's any more than whimsy. Gateshead was a poor strategic decision and I don't see the benefit of heading North East again. Wales is looking good with 2 clubs in the 2nd tier (the game missed a great chance to do more there in the early/mid 90s with the likes of Davies, Devereux, Moriaty et al at the top of the tree) and should probably be left alone at SL level for a while. Edinburgh should at the very least be looked at but seems a work-in-progress at best.
For me, they need to force Cumbria's hand and locate an SL team in Carlisle (but crucially named Cumbria). Logistically sound, let the older Barrow, Whitehaven and Workington fans continue to whinge and squabble amongst themselves but a heartland will slowly die there if they allow it. Then they should target the Midlands and/or South of England. Wales and France will look after themselves, Scotland and Ireland can play if they want but England need to get their own house broadened first. The game would be much more attractive to sponsors with a broader English spread.

This post has been edited by Christophe: 05 February 2012 - 22:02

[Christophe]

Kilwinning Ranger, on 04 February 2012 - 10:12, said:

Comfortable start for the Champions Leeds Rhinos last night the score would have been closer though if Rovers had kicked their goals but the end result would still have been a home win,

Yeah didn't see this in full but sounded like Rovers were on the back foot for large chunks and only went over in the corners so they can have no gripe with Dobbo's errant boots. Hint of obstruction about one of Watkins' at a crucial point but looked from the highlights that the better team won.

Widnes' "i pitch" is a big talking point then. Wakey full back Richie Mathers has slaughtered it on Twitter. Did seem to be a lot of badly grazed elbows and knees on show. On the plus side, it looked great and produced a quick, flowing game. A lot of those Widnes new lads might just be scrutinising their contracts, eh! Suspect though that we'll just see most players wearing elbow and knee coverings going forward, probably a decent workaround.
Does seem bizarre that most of the testing seems to have been around football. Hope this isn't an expensive flop for the new boys.

This post has been edited by Christophe: 05 February 2012 - 22:06

[Christophe]

Props to Sky for some of the recent developments too. Brian Carney gets better all the time and Jon Wells' HT & FT analysis is bang on.

[Kilwinning Ranger]

Christophe, on 05 February 2012 - 22:06, said:

Yeah didn't see this in full but sounded like Rovers were on the back foot for large chunks and only went over in the corners so they can have no gripe with Dobbo's errant boots. Hint of obstruction about one of Watkins' at a crucial point but looked from the highlights that the better team won.

Widnes' "i pitch" is a big talking point then. Wakey full back Richie Mathers has slaughtered it on Twitter. Did seem to be a lot of badly grazed elbows and knees on show. On the plus side, it looked great and produced a quick, flowing game. A lot of those Widnes new lads might just be scrutinising their contracts, eh! Suspect though that we'll just see most players wearing elbow and knee coverings going forward, probably a decent workaround.
Does seem bizarre that most of the testing seems to have been around football. Hope this isn't an expensive flop for the new boys.

Time will tell i think Phil Clarke seemed a big fan of it on sky as you say it produced a fast flowing game of rugby league but if Wakey coach moans can you imagine what the coaches of the bigger clubs will be like.

I look forward to seeing the likes of Tomkins and Lomax's on it

[Kilwinning Ranger]

Christophe, on 05 February 2012 - 22:07, said:

Props to Sky for some of the recent developments too. Brian Carney gets better all the time and Jon Wells' HT & FT analysis is bang on.

Yes agreed ithink Wells has taken to sky like a duck does to water and Carney has done very well i think Sky see him as the long term replacement for Eddie Hemmings.

But in General i like's Sky coverage of RL

This post has been edited by Kilwinning Ranger: 06 February 2012 - 07:47

[Kilwinning Ranger]

Well what a interesting set of results today Huddersfield going to the DW in Wigan and winning 20-16

A cracking contest between Hull and Warrington 20 All at the KC

And Catalans adding to Bradford Bulls woes with a easy win at Odsel

[Desert Nomad]

Christophe, on 03 February 2012 - 23:49, said:

Any thoughts on the sponsorship deal? Expansion?

Great to see Widnes finally get a licence, got plenty of history in the sport. Catalan continue to surprise, any chance we might see another team in France during the coming years? Obviously the Crusaders is an experiment that didn`t work, but the Union dominated Wales is a particularly tough nut to crack. As as been said by others, the change of name back to London Broncos will give that franchise the independence from Union that it needs.
What about future expansion to Ireland? Not sure how League would be accepted over there.

[Christophe]

Kilwinning Ranger, on 05 February 2012 - 22:57, said:

Well what a interesting set of results today Huddersfield going to the DW in Wigan and winning 20-16

A cracking contest between Hull and Warrington 20 All at the KC

And Catalans adding to Bradford Bulls woes with a easy win at Odsel

Hudds looked great. Larne Patrick's side-step! Mercy! Best dancing feet prop moment since James Graham in last year's Exiles game.

Odsal, not Odsel!

Best quote of the week from Stevo: "No disrespect to The Willows, but it was a dump". LOL

Word on the HKR wire is that they might be moving to the KC. I've been a big advocate of that for a while but don't see how it happens with Hull City still there. Bit of a fall-out between KR chairman and the council over funding for the North Stand development and seems City owner Assem Allam has stepped in and offered co-tenancy. Not sure how he does that when it's council owned but seems a slightly murky picture. He likes the KR chairman (Neil Hudgell) anyway. Would love to see this happen though. The San Siro of rugby league.

I reckon myself, DesertNomad and KilwinningRanger should get together for an RL match. Few pints of ale followed by 80 minutes of gritty, working class sport, followed by a few more pints of ale.

[Christophe]

Desert Nomad, on 07 February 2012 - 18:33, said:

Great to see Widnes finally get a licence, got plenty of history in the sport. Catalan continue to surprise, any chance we might see another team in France during the coming years? Obviously the Crusaders is an experiment that didn`t work, but the Union dominated Wales is a particularly tough nut to crack. As as been said by others, the change of name back to London Broncos will give that franchise the independence from Union that it needs.
What about future expansion to Ireland? Not sure how League would be accepted over there.

Like i've said above sticking points with expansion in France and Ireland currently, would prefer to see wider English expansion at the moment

[peasy23]

Christophe, on 05 February 2012 - 22:06, said:

Widnes' "i pitch" is a big talking point then. Wakey full back Richie Mathers has slaughtered it on Twitter. Did seem to be a lot of badly grazed elbows and knees on show.

Honestly couldn't believe it when they showed clips of the game on SSN. Minus 7 when the game was played? The 3G surface at Petershill Park would have been put off at a couple of degrees above that. They are "all weather" pitches, but only to an extent.

They also showed pictures of a player who did himself damage playing on a frozen grass park on the Saturday.

This post has been edited by peasy23: 09 February 2012 - 06:52

[Bluenose5]

I would like Fox Sports to show the SL again down here but they haven't shown it the past couple of seasons at least so I never know how things are going over there. How is Lance Hohaia getting along? Trent Waterhouse should do alright over there, especially in the off-loads department. Wigan will miss Thomas Leuluai next year when he goes to the NZ Warriors here in the NRL. Im a season ticket holder at the Melbourne Storm here so naturally I want Leeds to smash Manly in the World Club Challenge . Down here we had to put up with the Sky Sports feed for the recent 4 Nations from last year and one of the guys on it was easily the worst RL commentator/special comments person I have ever heard, might have been that Eddie Hemmings guy. The bloke did nothing but whinge constantly about the slow play of the ball from the ruck and I remember he was in the commentary booth for the Storms WCL match over there and he did the same thing, he clearly just has a chip on his shoulder regarding Aussies/Kiwis. Phil Gould who does special comments for Channel 9 here was in the booth for that match too and you could just tell he was getting really annoyed with him

Good to see some League fans here though!

[Christophe]

peasy23, on 09 February 2012 - 06:51, said:

Honestly couldn't believe it when they showed clips of the game on SSN. Minus 7 when the game was played? The 3G surface at Petershill Park would have been put off at a couple of degrees above that. They are "all weather" pitches, but only to an extent.

They also showed pictures of a player who did himself damage playing on a frozen grass park on the Saturday.

I was a bit alarmed by a comment from Widnes' spokeswoman in defence of the pitch. "The players have trained on it for months and we've trialled 5-a-side football and women's touch rugby league, without injury". Well the players will be suited up in training in the main and not going to ground with bare knees and elbows I wouldn't think. Footballers rarely even risk sliding on artificial turf and women's touch rugby....well. No comment needed there really. But yeah, conditions were poor and you suspect there was pressure from above to play on opening w/e regardless. Time will tell, I guess.

[Christophe]

Bluenose5, on 09 February 2012 - 12:27, said:

I would like Fox Sports to show the SL again down here but they haven't shown it the past couple of seasons at least so I never know how things are going over there. How is Lance Hohaia getting along? Trent Waterhouse should do alright over there, especially in the off-loads department. Wigan will miss Thomas Leuluai next year when he goes to the NZ Warriors here in the NRL. Im a season ticket holder at the Melbourne Storm here so naturally I want Leeds to smash Manly in the World Club Challenge . Down here we had to put up with the Sky Sports feed for the recent 4 Nations from last year and one of the guys on it was easily the worst RL commentator/special comments person I have ever heard, might have been that Eddie Hemmings guy. The bloke did nothing but whinge constantly about the slow play of the ball from the ruck and I remember he was in the commentary booth for the Storms WCL match over there and he did the same thing, he clearly just has a chip on his shoulder regarding Aussies/Kiwis. Phil Gould who does special comments for Channel 9 here was in the booth for that match too and you could just tell he was getting really annoyed with him

Good to see some League fans here though!

We'll get a good look at Hohaia tomorrow night vs Salford. Think I'm right he did that sensational ankle tap just past half way on a line-breaking Aussie in the WC Final 09? Played full back in that game? Think that was him anyway. Best ankle tap in recent memory, saved a cert try.


Leuluai's an incredible player. Props used to bounce off him even when he played scrum half. Effectively they lose nothing from him at hooker so get the luxury of an extra ball handler. Maybe the best player in the league now Matt King's gone. Loving how the hooker role has changed so much in modern RL. Not just big bruisers anymore. Roby is incredible around the ruck, finds space when it just isn't there and tackles well above his body weight.

[Kilwinning Ranger]

St Helens win 38-10 against a very spirited Salford side who led 10-4 at Half-time but Saints upped a gear the new stadium looks superb but they were very quiet in the first half but eventually they were treated to some good rugby.

But plenty to work and also some hope for Salford on tonight's showing.

[airdrieman]

Didn't know there was a rugby league thread on here. I'm a big RL fan, I play the sport (represent Scotland at U16 level) and won U15s Player's Player of the Year last season and I try to go down to as many games as I can with my dad during the season. Follow St Helens and was good to see them get a win last night to kick start the new era at the new stadium. I really fancy Saints this year for silverware whether it be league, challenge cup or both.