Hall - set for another prolific season.
WOLVES AND WARRIORS TO SHOCK
By Ian Millward
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Leeds Rhinos go into the new Super League season as warm favourites and it's easy to understand why.
I think they'll come out of the blocks firing. I've been in the same situation as a coach myself, you win Super League and immediately target the World Club Challenge.
The Rhinos will be desperate to win all three trophies this season but the clash with Melbourne will be high on their agenda. The Storm are weakened and I'd expect Leeds to win that one.
They haven't won the Challenge Cup for a little while now either and that's sure to be on their radar too.
It will be difficult to stay at their peak all year though, as they will need luck with injuries. I expect them to win the Challenge Cup and World Club Challenge but the early start could come back to haunt them.
Yes, I expect them to reach Old Trafford - but I take Warrington or Wigan to beat them in the big one. Expect an upset in October.
St Helens are second favourites but it is going to be difficult for them having lost the experience of Lee Gilmour and Shaun Long.
That takes a lot from their team and while emotions will be running high with it being Keiron Cunningham's last year and the final season at Knowsley Road, I fear Saints could fall short.
It's a huge club who are expected to win trophies but it will be hard for the young players to cope with the pressure week in, week out.
So why do I take Warrington to be major improvers?
Well they've bought very well. Richard Myler is a good scrum-half and he will allow Michael Monaghan to play at hooker, his best position.
In addition, Ryan Atkins adds some firepower at centre and David Solomona is as good a second-rower as there is over here when fit.
He can do for the Wolves what Ali Lauitiiti does at Leeds.
The Wolves tasted success in the Challenge Cup last year, have a very deep squad and their back-row looks exceptional.
I think they can really make their home ground a fortress and have a huge season.
Also expect improvement from Wigan who will be more structured in attack this season which will help Sam Tomkins. Iafeta Paleaaesina is a fitter player this year while their defence could also be more clinical in their contact work. Melbourne Storm were renowned for that when Michael Maguire was on their coaching staff.
The Tomkins brothers both look ready to go to the next level and Pat Richards scores points. Add to that four good front-rowers and with Thomas Leuluai able to cover at hooker, they look set for a good campaign.
So that's my top four and I think the Catalans will make the eight again. I like their signings, particularly Dallas Johnson and Chris Walker.
Huddersfield will be up there and expect improvement from Hull with Long on board. I think there are four teams vying for the final two play-off spots, Hull, Hull KR, Bradford and Wakefield.
They are the ones who can take up seventh and eighth, it's perm any two from them.
The bookmakers make Crusaders favourites to finish bottom and that's where they'll be.
They've endured a poor pre-season, struggled to get players in and they look set for a tough year.
Salford may improve a little but I expect them to be towards the foot of the table alongside Harlequins.
For those looking for a bet to be top try-scorer I have to recommend Ryan Hall of Leeds. The return of Danny Buderus adds another dimension to the Leeds game, he is the best hooker running around in Super League.
Hall will have more space and with Keith Senior on his inside he will be crossing the whitewash on a regular basis. Walker from the Catalans can be next best.
For top points scorer the bookies have it right, it's between Pat Richards and Kevin Sinfield.
Both are prolific scorers and play week in, week out.
I put Chris Hicks up last year but he's going into the new season with an injury so is passed over this time.
Preview posted at 2010GMT on 28/01/2010.
