More teams: Hull-Salford; St Helens-Wigan
Bradford Bulls
Stadium: Grattan Stadium Odsal
Coach: Mick Potter
Captain: Heath L'Estrange
Star man: Brett Kearney
Super League best: Champions - 1997, 2001, 2003, 2005
Prediction: The once dominant force of Super League rugby have struggled to make their mark in the past three seasons, finishing 10th twice and ninth. Their squad does not suggest things are about to suddenly change and a overhaul is required for a return to their former glories.
Did you know? The club used to be known as Bradford Northern but were renamed the Bulls at the advent of the Super League in 1996.
Castleford Tigers
Stadium: The Jungle
Coach: Ian Millward
Captain: Danny Orr
Star man: Rangi Chase
Super League best: 5th - 1999
Prediction: Millward has been brought in to catapult the club up the table and his previous reign at St Helens - where he won 75% of matches from 2000 to 2005 - suggests he should do just that. It might be too early this season but it shouldn't be long before they're pushing for a play-off place.
Did you know? Sprinter Dwain Chambers was once on trial at the club but failed to do enough to warrant a contract.
Catalans Dragons
Stadium: Stade Gilbert Brutus
Manager: Trent Robinson
Captain: Thomas Bosc
Star man: Leon Pryce
Super League best: 3rd - 2008 and play-off semi-finalists in 2009
Prediction: Last season was a great improvement on their 2010 campaign when they finished 14th. Robinson coaxed his side to sixth overall in Super League XVI and there is every chance a play-off berth could await his team come the season finale.
Did you know? New signing Pryce was once caught up in what was described as "a squeezing controversy" after being accused of grabbing Sam Burgess' testicles in a match. He was later banned for three games.
Huddersfield Giants
Stadium: Galpharm Stadium
Coach: Nathan Brown
Captain: Kevin Brown
Star man: Luke Robinson
Super League best: 5th - 2010 (losing play-off semi-finalists)
Prediction: The Giants have marked themselves out as strong contenders to break up the more regular dominance of the bigger clubs in the league and, in Brown, have a coach capable of getting the best out of his players. Some deadwood has been offloaded in the winter and the play-offs ought to await.
Did you know? The club are sometimes known as Fartown by supporters after the ground where they played until 1992.
