Lee 
Crooks: Challenge for Powell to cope with changes

I’m looking forward to the start of this season to see how clubs change their approach.
Lee CrooksLee Crooks
Lee Crooks

Some teams like to come in on the big side, do a lot of weight training and not do as much conditioning until nearer the start of the year, then build that up.

Others like to get the jump on everyone else with a quick start and now, with the new format, teams can’t afford to sit on their laurels. If they get two or three losses early, suddenly there will be pressure as if you want any hope of being in that top four you have to get amassing victories.

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I’m looking forward to seeing Catalan with their signings while I think Kevin Locke will go great for Salford this year and it’ll be interesting to see how Michael Dobson fits in there with Rangi.

Similarly, it will be interesting to see how Daryl (Powell), after such a great year last time, copes at Castleford with a new crop of players after seeing a number of them leave this winter.

Albert Kelly looks a great signing for Hull KR at seven; he could cause teams a lot of problems. If Hull FC get their first 17 out regularly I think they will do well and could get seventh or eighth. I’m going to go for Warrington to finally with their first Super League title, and maybe Wakefield to struggle but I don’t think anyone will go down.

Champions: Warrington 
Wolves

Man of Steel: Todd Carney