Can Castleford challenge again? How will Leeds fare without McGuire and Burrow? And can Widnes survive? Our guide to what to expect

Castleford Tigers

Last season 1st (lost Grand Final) Coach Daryl Powell Captain Michael Shenton

The great entertainers of 2017, Castleford’s season ended with a whimper at Old Trafford when they were soundly beaten by Leeds in their first visit to the Grand Final. It was still a year to remember for the Tigers, as they finished top of the league for the first time in their 91-year history. Replacing the suspended Zak Hardaker will be a challenge, but the Tigers will be good enough to make the top four again.

Key player Luke Gale

Now firmly established as England’s starting scrum-half, Gale capped a fine year at club level in 2017 by winning the Man of Steel award. He remains the heartbeat of Castleford’s side.

Prediction 2nd

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Catalans Dragons

Last season 10th (won Million Pound Game) Coach Steve McNamara Captain Rémi Casty

Although Catalans came close to disaster, only surviving relegation via the Million Pound Game, Steve McNamara ultimately did what the Dragons asked of him when they appointed the former England coach: avoid the drop. The French side can now look forward to a more optimistic season, as McNamara has acted shrewdly in the transfer market, bringing in big-name talent such as Michael McIlorum, which should give the Dragons a strong underbelly they have lacked in recent years.

Key player David Mead

The Papua New Guinea captain has the potential to become one of the most exciting players in Super League this season. A free-scoring full-back, Mead will give Catalans a level of potency they lacked last year without then-fullback Tony Gigot.

Prediction 8th

Huddersfield Giants

Last season 8th Coach Rick Stone Captain Leroy Cudjoe

Having ended 2016 in the Qualifiers, last year was a season of progress for Huddersfield under Rick Stone. In the Australian’s first full campaign in charge the Giants finished in the top eight, though with many of their rivals strengthening this year that perhaps remains their main objective again in 2018. On their day the Giants are a match for anyone with Australian imports Jake Mamo and Jordan Rankin crucial.

Key player Jake Mamo

The former Newcastle full-back scored 12 tries in nine appearances last year before a foot injury ended his season prematurely. That will have given Huddersfield fans a taste of what the 23-year-old – now fully fit again – can do in a Giants shirt.

Prediction 9th

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Jake Mamo of Huddersfield impressed last term before injury struck. Photograph: Pascal Rodriguez/Sipa/Rex/Shutterstock

Hull FC

Last season 3rd Coach Lee Radford Captain Danny Houghton

2017 was a familiar story for Hull FC. Again Challenge Cup winners at Wembley, they saw their league season end in disappointment when they were beaten in the play-off semi-finals for a second successive year. The Black and Whites are more than capable of success on all fronts this season – though how they cope early on after the loss of the key duo of Mahe Fonua and their captain, Gareth Ellis, will give a clear indication of their chances.

Key player Albert Kelly

The maverick half-back has traditionally endured troubles in his second season with some of his former clubs; if Hull can ensure that doesn’t happen with them in 2018, one of last year’s Man of Steel nominees will be one of the competition’s best players again.

Prediction 5th

Hull Kingston Rovers

Last season 1st in Championship (promoted via Qualifiers) Coach Tim Sheens Captain Shaun Lunt

Hull KR made light work of their one season in the Championship and their return to the top flight brings with it plenty of hope and excitement – including for neutrals, many of whom will be eager to see the Robins resume hostilities with their cross-city rivals Hull FC. Their off-season recruitment has been built around the significant coup of Danny McGuire from Leeds – but you suspect it will still be an achievement if the Robins avoid the Qualifiers in 2018.

Key player Danny McGuire

The eight-time Grand Final winner brings with him a wealth of experience, but there is also significant pressure on his shoulders given the Robins’ other halves – Chris Atkin and Matty Marsh – are vastly inexperienced in Super League.

Prediction 10th

Leeds Rhinos

Last season Champions (Grand Final winners, after finishing 2nd) Coach Brian McDermott Captain Kallum Watkins

Life is rarely dull as a Leeds fan. Their last three seasons have resulted in two Grand Final victories sandwiched either side of a flirtation with relegation in the Qualifiers in 2016, but that trend should not continue this year. The Rhinos seem much better prepared to deal with the loss of the departing legends Danny McGuire and Rob Burrow than two years ago when Kevin Sinfield, Kylie Leuluai and Jamie Peacock left. They should make the top four and be contenders again.

Key player Matt Parcell

The hooker capped a memorable first year in England with a place in the Super League Dream Team and a Grand Final winners’ ring in 2017. He will be ably supported by new arrival Brad Dwyer this season, but Parcell remains Leeds’ most important weapon.

Prediction 3rd

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Matt Parcell hoists the trophy after Leeds Rhinos’ win over Castleford in the Grand Final. Photograph: Ed Sykes/Action Images

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Salford Red Devils

Last season 7th Coach Ian Watson Captain Weller Hauraki

A season of progression on the field for Salford in 2017 has perhaps been overshadowed by off-field drama over the close season. The takeover by a community trust took far longer than expected to be approved and it is widely accepted the Red Devils are spending less than some of their rivals this year. Their strongest 17 are a match for anyone on their day, but Salford’s squad depth is perhaps where they may struggle this year.

Key player Robert Lui

It was a statement of intent from the Red Devils that they resisted a cash offer from Hull Kingston Rovers to sign the impressive half-back last week. If he stays fit Salford could yet have a fighting chance of the top eight.

Prediction 11th

St Helens

Last season 4th Coach Justin Holbrook Captain James Roby

Even though St Helens were beaten play-off semi-finalists in 2017 the way they have adapted to life under their new coach, Justin Holbrook, since his arrival in May gives Saints fans reason to be optimistic. With Holbrook having had a full pre-season to instil his ideas and beliefs – not to mention the presence of Ben Barba – St Helens are the early favourites for the title. Finding their best half-back combination, though, is an intriguing challenge for Holbrook.

Key player Ben Barba

After serving his 12-game suspension following his arrival from Toulon midway through last year, Barba improved as the season wore on. The former Dally M winner is guaranteed to be one of the competition’s true superstars in 2018 – and an early favourite for Man of Steel too.

Prediction 1st and Grand Final winners

Facebook Twitter Pinterest St Helens’ Ben Barba is an early Man of Steel favourite. Photograph: Martin Rickett/PA Wire/PA Images

Wakefield Trinity

Last season 5th Coach Chris Chester Captain Danny Kirmond

The progression of Wakefield Trinity continued with gusto in 2017. One of Super League’s most prudent and well-run clubs, they matched their off-field sustainability with further advances on it last year, missing out on the top four for the first time in Super League history by only one point. Can they go one better this year? Perhaps, but they are one of seven clubs who will harbour strong and realistic hopes of making the play-offs. They are, though, almost certainly too good to be in the bottom four.

Key player Matty Ashurst

Such was his form throughout 2017, Ashurst was perhaps unlucky not to be included in England’s squad for the World Cup. A hard-working, no-nonsense back-rower, his performances will again be crucial for Chris Chester and Trinity in 2018.

Prediction 7th

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Warrington Wolves

Last season 9th (first in Qualifiers) Coach Steve Price Captain Chris Hill

The surprise package in the Qualifiers last year, the off-season has brought about the whiff of a new era in Warrington. The long-serving coach Tony Smith has left, with the highly-rated Australian Steve Price arriving in his place. Price has recruited impressively, with Tyrone Roberts rejecting offers in the NRL to join the Wolves as their marquee player. Last season the Wolves started slowly and were unable to dig themselves out of a hole. If they start better under Price they will fancy a crack at the title.

Key player Tyrone Roberts

The 26-year-old arrives with a big reputation, having produced arguably the best form of his career in 2017 with the NRL side Gold Coast. He joins Warrington with the hope that he can be the catalyst for a serious revival in 2018.

Prediction 4th

Widnes Vikings

Last season 12th (second in Qualifiers) Coach Denis Betts Captain Joe Mellor

While 2017 was a struggle for Widnes, both the way they finished the season in the Qualifiers and the emergence of some of their younger players will give them hope they can improve this season. However, they were struck by tragedy in the weeks leading up to the season, with the death of their new signing Kato Ottio days before he was due to fly to England. It looks tough for them to make the eight, though they have proven people wrong before.

Key player Chris Houston

In a team filled with exciting young talent, the presence of the experienced forward will be vital for Widnes in guiding them through the season. The 32-year-old is a vital cog in Denis Betts’s machine.

Prediction 12th

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Widnes’s Chris Houston brings vital experience to their side. Photograph: Magi Haroun/Rex/Shutterstock

Wigan Warriors

Last season 6th Coach Shaun Wane Captain Sean O’Loughlin

Their lowest finish in many a year sparked Wigan fans into believing there would be a major overhaul at the club for this season: but that has not happened. Instead there have been only two new signings – the young forward Gabe Hamblin and the return of the England centre Dan Sarginson. Wigan certainly have the ability and potential to return to the top four, but it will be another tough challenge amid such strong competition around them.

Key player Sam Tomkins

Doubts remain about whether the England international’s long-term future lies at full-back or half-back, but irrespective of where he plays, Tomkins’ first full pre-season for almost a decade should help bring the best out of one of the competition’s most talented players.

Prediction 6th