WIGAN WARRIORS
COACH Ian Millward already has his ambitious sights fixed on reaching the Challenge Cup final and being part of history at the new Wembley Stadium.
Wigan are still licking their wounds from what was a disappointing season by their standards. It was a time of transition, there were internal shake-ups and the squad was wrecked by injury to key players, namely Sean O'Loughlin and Gareth Hock.
Skipper Andrew Farrell left to join rugby union club Saracens and Denis Betts was replaced as coach by Millward.
The charismatic Aussie has since been busy laying firm foundations for a brighter future and Wigan will be back this season.
There is real determination among Millward's squad; the club have made some astute signings and bolstered the ranks across the board.
Millward's Wigan are sure to play an exciting brand of rugby.
But their priority will be to improve their home form, which ultimately cost them a top-six spot last season.
A new coach means a clean start and a fresh challenge - and everything points to a good year.
Prediction: Third.
Ins: Bryan Fletcher (South Sydney), Scot Logan (South Sydney), Mark Calderwood (Leeds), Pat Richards (Wests Tigers), Mickey Higham (St Helens), Iafeta Palea'aesina (New Zealand Warriors).
Outs: Brian Carney (Newcastle), Terry Newton (Bradford), Bob Beswick (Widnes), Steve Wilde, Martin Aspinwall (both Huddersfield).
WARRINGTON WOLVES
Wolves are a club on the up, but it will be interesting to see how they cope without Aussie superstar Andrew Johns.
The Newcastle star gave Wolves a massive lift towards the end of last season and could leave a big hole.
In coach Paul Cullen, Warrington have a dogged fighter who demands high standards. Few teams will relish playing at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, but Warrington need to pick up more points on the road.
The influential Lee Briers will again shoulder tremendous responsibility in what could be a challenging campaign.
Warrington did not start well last year and cannot afford a repeat.
But they have an attacking side, and the recruitment of Paul Rauhihi will add much-needed fire to the pack.
Warrington have class in the backs in Brent Grose and Martin Gleeson, but consistency is very much the key.
Prediction: Fifth.
Ins: Paul Rauhihi (North Queensland), Michael Sullivan (Cronulla), Rob Parker, Stuart Reardon (both Bradford), Ritchie Barnett (Hull).
Outs: Nathan Wood (retired).
LUKE Robinson could be the key man to ensure the club do not suffer a repeat of last season's relegation scare. The 21-year-old scrum-half has strengthened his commitment to the Reds by signing a two-year contract extension.
With a new stadium in the offing, Salford need a good season. They have bought wisely, and should do better this time.
They will field a formidable pack, containing new boys Andrew Dunemann, signed from Leeds, and John Wilsher, brought in from Leigh.
Both will sharpen Salford's cutting edge and increase attacking options.
If they steer clear of injury, Reds could well be top-six dark horses.
Skipper Mal Alker will be looking for a big benefit year and Reds should have what it takes to seriously challenge for a play-off place.
Prediction: Sixth.
Ins: John Wilsher (Leigh), Aaron Moule, Simon Finnigan, Steve Myler (all Widnes), Ryan Clayton (Huddersfield), Andrew Dunemann (Leeds), Daley Williams (Keighley).
Outs: Nathan McEvoy (Leeds), Tim Hartley (Harlequins), Mark Shipway (Australia).ST HELENS
SAINTS' swoop for Bradford's Leon Pryce could prove to be a masterstroke as they bid to avenge last season's Super League title near-miss.
Pryce will play at stand-off alongside Sean Long in an exciting pairing.
Saints looked set for the Old Trafford Grand Final last season after finishing top of the table, but major injury problems deprived them of their stars.
They will have Paul Sculthorpe back after a knee reconstruction and Long - who suffered horrific facial injuries on what turned out to be a costly night at Wigan late last season - believes that 2006 will be a big year for the Saints. They have an astute coach in Daniel Anderson and will be the team to beat.
Prediction: First.
Ins: Francis Meli (New Zealand Warriors), Nathan Cayless (Paramatta), Leon Pryce (Bradford).
Outs: Mickey Higham (Wigan), Darren Albert (Cronulla), Keith Mason (Castleford). Tweet
Comments
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you have failed to mention the number one team everyone will have to beat this year the leeds rhino's.
without doubt the most exciting team in rugby league.
the fit again danny macguire will be electric this year make no mistake about that.
yes ladies and gentlemen the super league trophy will be staying in yorkishire for a few years yet.
"Wolves are a club on the up, but it will be interesting to see how they cope without Aussie superstar Andrew Johns.
The Newcastle star gave Wolves a massive lift towards the end of last season and could leave a big hole."
What a load of tripe!
How can sombody who only played the last 3 games. Leave a big hole. Andrew Johns did not turns Warrington's season round. Andrew Johns did not get Warrington into the playoff.
Salford top Six! lol
You mention that "Johns could leave a big hole"
Which is utter nonsense. Andrew only played the last 3 games of our season, the hard work in finishing where we did was done long before he arrived. Nathan Wood was our real inspriation when we looked dead in the water at time in games, It's his hole that has been left to fill, not that of Andrew Johns.
Warrington have added wisely to a good squad and have only lost the ageing nat wood, who even though a fans favorite could cost points through tiredness/laziness.They have a better bigger pack and classy backs.If the new half, sullivan combines with briers then they could go all the way.Its not how you start its how you finish,just ask bradford.
Sam Hamblett:
Leeds were not mentioned as this is a Greater Manchester regional paper. Duh.
Expecting a good season for Salford this year however sixth place is a tad optimistic. I must agree with the prediction for Saints to finish first though.
I see this as just being a Lancashire prediction from the newspaper. It is good to see that there has been spaces left for Leeds/Bradford etc. I hope Saints finish first but I dont think Salford will finish 6th, personally I can see Hudds/Wakey battling for that spot.