BRADFORD BULLS
Coach: Steve McNamara (since April 2006).
Captain: Paul Deacon.
Previous finishes: 3rd, 1st (champions), 5th, 1st (runners-up), 3rd, 1st (champions), 2nd (runners-up), 1st (champions), 2nd (runners-up), 3rd (champions), 4th, 3rd.
2007 leading scorers: tries - Lesley Vainikolo 16; goals - Paul Deacon 98; points - Paul Deacon 216.
Biggest Super League win: 96-16 (v Salford, 2000).
Biggest Super League defeat: 4-66 (v St Helens, 2005).
Ground and capacity: Odsal, 26,019.
2007 average attendance: 11,873.
Record Super League attendance: 24,020 (v Leeds 1999).
New recruits: Ben Jeffries, Semi Tadulala (Wakefield), Wayne Godwin (Hull), Paul Sykes (Harlequins), Simon Finnigan (Salford), Chris Nero (Huddersfield).
Departures: Ian Henderson, Ben Harris (North Queensland), Nathan McAvoy (Leigh), Marcus St Hilaire (Oldham), Chris McKenna (Doncaster).
Player to watch: Sam Burgess - teenager who had a fabulous first full season in Super League and looks sure to kick on in 2008.
Odds to finish top: 7-2.
Prospects: Steve McNamara did a superb job in 2007 and has significantly strengthened his squad. In with a shout of reaching Old Trafford.
Prediction: 3rd.
CASTLEFORD TIGERS
Coach: Terry Matterson (since November 2005).
Co-captains: Awen Guttenbeil and Brent Sherwin.
Previous finishes: 9th, 10th, 6th, 5th, 5th, 8th, 6th, 7th, 12th, 2nd in National League (champions), 11th (relegated), 1st in National League (champions).
2007 leading scorers (National League): tries - Kirk Dixon 18; goals: Danny Brough 84; points - Danny Brough 202.
Biggest Super League win: 74-16 (v Salford, 2002).
Biggest Super League defeat: 0-56 (v London, 1996).
Ground and capacity: The Jungle (formerly Wheldon Road), 11,750.
2007 average attendance: 5,037 (in National League).
Record Super League attendance: 11,731 (v Leeds, 2004).
New recruits: Brent Sherwin (Canterbury Bulldogs), Michael Korkidas, Luke Dorn (both Salford), Scott Moore (St Helens, loan), Tom Haberecht (Balmain Tigers).
Departures: Danny Brough (Wakefield), Chris Charles (Villeneuve), Danny Williams (returned to Leeds), Dwayne Barker (Harlequins), Michael Knowles (Gateshead), Tere Glassie (Dewsbury).
Player to watch: Brent Sherwin - seasoned Australian half-back who will need to draw on his vast experience to keep the Tigers competitive.
Odds to finish top: 350-1.
Prospects: If Castleford can win as many matches as they did in their last season in the top flight (nine), it will be a major achievement and this time there is no relegation.
Prediction: 12th.
CATALANS DRAGONS
Coach: Mick Potter (since Feb 2006).
Captain: Jerome Guisset and Alex Chan co-club captains; Casey McGuire team captain.
Previous finishes: 12th, 10th.
2007 leading scorers: tries - Clint Greenshields 12; goals - Thomas Bosc 49; points - Thomas Bosc 142.
Biggest Super League win: 66-6 (v Salford, 2007).
Biggest Super League defeat: 12-60 (v Leeds, 2006).
Ground and capacity: Gilbert Brutus Stadium, 10,000.
2007 average attendance: 8,181.
Record Super League attendance: 11,122 (v Wigan, 2006, at Stade Aime Giral).
New recruits: Dane Carlaw (Brisbane), Olivier Elima (Wakefield).
Departures: Stacey Jones (retired), Lionel Teixido (Albi), Adel Fellous, Luke Quigley, David Berthezene, Julien Touxagas (all released).
Player to watch: Aaron Gorrell - gifted hooker who played only three matches last year because of injury and will be looking to make up for lost time. As a useful goalkicker, he will be invaluable following the retirement of Stacey Jones.
Odds to finish top: 175-1.
Prospects: How the Dragons adapt to life after Stacey Jones will determine their season. It could be a long haul.
Prediction: 10th.
HARLEQUINS RL
Coach: Brian McDermott (since July 2006).
Captain: Rob Purdham.
Previous Super League finishes: 4th, 2nd (runners-up), 7th, 8th, 11th, 6th, 8th, 5th, 10th, 6th, 7th, 9th.
2007 leading scorers: tries - Paul Sykes 13; goals - Paul Sykes 38; points - Paul Sykes 129.Biggest Super League win: 72-8 (v Wakefield, 2005).
Biggest Super League defeat: 12-74 (v Bradford, 1999).
Ground and capacity: Twickenham Stoop, 12,591.
2007 average attendance: 3,395.
Record Super League attendance: 9,638 (v Paris, at The Valley, 1998).
New recruits: Gareth Haggerty (Salford), Danny Ward (Hull KR), Dwayne Barker (Castleford), David Howell (Canberra), Lamont Bryan, Will Sharp (both Harlequins Academy).
Departures: Lee Hopkins (retired), Paul Sykes (Bradford), Tyrone Smith (Brumbies RU), David Mills (Hull KR), Andy Smith (Halifax), Stephen Bannister (Salford), Zebastien Luisi (unattached).
Player to watch: Mark McLinden - a class act and a true match-winner, the former Canberra utility player can light up the Quins back division.
Odds to finish top: 250-1.
Prospects: Quins have lost a lot of experience and they could struggle to avoid a basement scrap with promoted Castleford.
Prediction: 11th.
HUDDERSFIELD GIANTS
Coach: Jon Sharp (since August 2003).
Captain: Chris Thorman.
Previous finishes: 12th, 12th, 12th, 12th (relegated), 1st in NFP, 10th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 5th.
2007 leading scorers: tries - Stephen Wild 15; goals - Chris Thorman 96; points - Chris Thorman 238.
Biggest Super League win: 68-16 (v Leigh, 2005).
Biggest Super League defeat: 6-86 (v Leeds, 1999).
Ground and capacity: Galpharm Stadium, 24,500.
2007 average attendance: 7,083.
Record Super League attendance: 12,417 (v Bradford 1998).
New recruits: Paul Whatuira (Wests Tigers), George Gatis, Luke Robinson, David Hodgson (both Salford), Danny Kirmond (Featherstone).
Departures: Robbie Paul, Matt Gardner (both Salford), Brad Drew, Paul Reilly (both Wakefield), Chris Nero (Bradford).
Player to watch: Luke Robinson - it is time for the former Wigan half-back to show his potential and, behind a strong pack, he could do just that.
Odds to finish top: 40-1.
Prospects: Huddersfield will miss Brad Drew and the loss of new signing David Hodgson through injury is a body blow but Jon Sharp has recruited well and the Giants should again be pushing for a top-six spot.
Prediction: 6th.
HULL FC
Coach: Peter Sharp (since April 2006).
Captain: Lee Radford.
Previous Super League finishes: 9th, 11th, 7th, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 3rd, 5th, 2nd, 4th.
2007 leading scorers: tries - Gareth Raynor 14; goals - Danny Tickle 85; points - Danny Tickle 206.
Biggest Super League win: 82-6 (v Salford, 2004).
Biggest Super League defeat: 10-64 (v St Helens, 2002) - also lost 71-0 at Bradford in 2005 play-offs.
Ground and capacity: KC Stadium, 25,404.
2007 average attendance: 14,553.
Record Super League attendance: 19,549 (v Bradford, 2003).
New recruits: Adam Dykes (Cronulla), Shaun Berrigan (Brisbane), Todd Byrne (New Zealand Warriors), Peter Cusack (South Sydney).
Departures: Richard Swain (retired), Shaun Briscoe (Hull KR), Wayne Godwin (Bradford), Matthew Head (Wests Tigers), Hutch Maiava (sacked), Graeme Horne (Doncaster, loan).
Player to watch: Shaun Berrigan - arguably the biggest arrival in Super League XIII behind Matt King and sure to become a crowd favourite.
Odds to finish top: 9-1.
Prospects: Hull can finally put the Paul Cooke saga behind them and, despite an early crop of injuries, should be back challenging for a Grand Final spot.
Prediction: 4th.
HULL KINGSTON ROVERS
Coach: Justin Morgan (since July 2005).
Captain: Mick Vella.
Previous Super League finish: 11th.
2007 leading scorers: tries - Luke Dyer 13; goals - Paul Cooke 36; points - Paul Cooke 78.
Biggest Super League win: 42-6 (v Hull, 2007).
Biggest Super League defeat: 20-60 (v Warrington, 2007 - also lost 40-0 v St Helens).
Ground and capacity: Craven Park, 9,024.
2007 average attendance: 7,160.
Record Super League attendance: 9,035 (v Hull, 2007).
New recruits: Clint Newton, Garret Crossman (both Melbourne), Jake Webster (Gold Coast), Shaun Briscoe (Hull), Peter Fox (Wakefield), Chev Walker (Bath RU), Ben Galea, Daniel Fitzhenry (both Wests Tigers), David Mills (Harlequins), Luke Menzies (Batley).Departures: Tommy Gallagher, Jim Gannon, Iain Morrison (all Widnes), Luke Dyer, Mark Lennon, Andrew Tangata-Toa (all Celtic Crusaders), Andreas Bauer (Doncaster), Matty Brooks (Oldham), Byron Ford (returned to Australia), Jon Goddard (Halifax), Gareth Morton (Venice RU), Ryan Tandy (released), Danny Ward (Harlequins), Ian Hardman (Widnes on loan, via St Helens), Mark O'Neill (retired).
Player to watch: Jake Webster - a powerful outside back with the potential to explode onto the Super League scene.
Odds to finish top: 66-1.
Prospects: Justin Morgan has been the busiest coach in the close season and, once his new-look side gels, they could be pushing for a play-off place.
Prediction: 8th.
LEEDS RHINOS
Coach: Brian McClennan (since November 2007).
Captain: Kevin Sinfield.
Previous Super League finishes: 10th, 5th, 2nd (runners-up), 3rd, 4th, 5th, 4th, 2nd (lost in final eliminator), 1st (champions), 2nd (runners-up), 3rd, 2nd (champions).
2007 leading scorers: tries - Brent Webb 22; goals - Kevin Sinfield 128; points - Kevin Sinfield 279.
Biggest Super League win: 86-6 (v Huddersfield, 1999).
Biggest Super League defeat: 14-68 (v Wigan, 1996).
Ground and capacity: Headingley, 22,000.
2007 average attendance: 17,416.
Record Super League attendance: 23,035 (v Bradford 2003).
New recruits: None.
Departures: None.
Player to watch: Ian Kirke - unheralded forward who was an unsung hero in 2007, missing only one match in the second half of the season, and he can kick on this year.
Odds to finish top: 9-4.
Prospects: New coach Brian McClennan has a hard act to follow, especially with no fresh faces, but the Rhinos will be the ones to beat.
Prediction: 1st.
ST HELENS
Coach: Daniel Anderson (since May 2005).
Captain: Paul Sculthorpe.
Previous Super League finishes: 1st (champions), 3rd, 4th, 2nd (champions), 2nd (champions), 4th, 1st (champions), 4th, 5th, 1st (lost in final eliminator), 1st (champions), 1st (runners-up).
2007 leading scorers: tries - Paul Wellens 19; goals - Steve Tyrer 36; points - Steve Tyrer and Paul Wellens 100.
Biggest Super League win: 78-4 (v Leigh, 2005).
Biggest Super League defeat: 0-70 (v Leeds, 2004).
Ground and capacity: Knowsley Road, 17,100. 2007 average attendance: 9,813. Record Super League attendance: 18,098 (v Warrington, 1996).
New recruits: None.
Departures: Scott Moore (Castleford, loan), Ian Hardman (Widnes, loan).
Player to watch: Paul Sculthorpe - no close-season signings for the Saints but, if Scully can bounce back from his horrendous run of injury, it will be like having a new player.
Odds to finish top: 5-2.
Prospects: Saints players will want to pull out all the stops to give Daniel Anderson a fitting farewell and, unless injuries bite, they should not be written off.
Prediction: 2nd.
WAKEFIELD TRINITY WILDCATS
Coach: John Kear (since July 2006).
Captain: Jason Demetriou.
Previous Super League finishes: 11th, 10th, 11th, 11th, 11th, 6th, 10th, 10th, 8th.
2007 leading scorers: tries - Ryan Atkins 14; goals - Jamie Rooney 82; points - Jamie Rooney 214.
Biggest Super League win: 68-6 (v Halifax, 2003).
Biggest Super League defeat: 8-72 (v London, 2005).
Ground and capacity: Belle Vue, 11,000.
2007 average attendance: 6,783.
Record Super League attendance: 11,000 (v Castleford, 2006).
New recruits: Tony Martin, Danny Brough (Castleford), Brad Drew, Paul Reilly (both Huddersfield), Damien Blanch, Oliver Wilkes, Scott Grix (all Widnes).
Departures: Mark Applegarth (released), David March, Paul March (both York), Waine Pryce (Featherstone), Mark Field (Dewsbury), Ben Jeffries, Semi Tadulala (both Bradford), Peter Fox (Hull KR), Olivier Elima (Catalans), Ned Catic (Lyon), Paul White (Salford).
Player to watch: Brad Drew - the canny Australian will be looking to pick up from where he left off at Huddersfield, where he was their best player in 2007.
Odds to finish top: 125-1.Prospects: Only Hull KR have been busier in the transfer market and the Wildcats are sure to be competitive, especially under the astute John Kear.
Prediction: 9th.
WARRINGTON WOLVES
Coach: Paul Cullen (since August 2002).
Captain: Adrian Morley.
Previous Super League finishes: 5th, 9th, 10th, 7th, 6th, 7th, 10th, 6th, 8th, 4th, 6th, 7th.
2007 leading scorers: Henry Fa'afili 21; goals - Lee Briers 84; points - Lee Briers 221.
Biggest Super League win: 66-6 (v Halifax, 2003).
Biggest Super League defeat: 2-72 (v St Helens, 2002).
Ground and capacity: Halliwell Jones Stadium, 13,024.
2007 average attendance: 10,510.
Record Super League attendance: 14,206 (v Wakefield, 2004).
New recruits: Louis Anderson, Michael Monaghan, Chris Hicks (both Manly Sea Eagles), Matt King (Melbourne).
Departures: Michael Sullivan (Canterbury Bulldogs), Chris Leikvoll (released), Brent Grose (Sydney Roosters), Henry Fa'afili (Biarritz RU).
Player to watch: Matt King - the highest-profile arrival for Super League XIII, the former Melbourne and Australia Test centre is sure to pull in the crowds.
Odds to finish top: 7-1.
Prospects: After years of under-achievement, it is time for Paul Cullen to deliver and sixth place will be the minimum target for the Wolves' expectant fans.
Prediction: 7th.
WIGAN WARRIORS
Coach: Brian Noble (since April 2006).
Captain: Sean O'Loughlin.
Previous Super League finishes: 2nd (runners-up), 4th, 1st (champions), 4th, 1st (runners-up), 2nd (runners-up), 3rd, 3rd (runners-up), 4th, 7th, 8th, 6th.
2007 leading scorers: tries - Trent Barrett 17; goals - Pat Richards 112; points - Pat Richards 278.
Biggest Super League win: 78-4 (v Workington, 1996).
Biggest Super League defeat: 0-70 (v Leeds, 2005).
Ground and capacity: JJB Stadium, 25,004.
2007 average attendance: 16,040.
Record Super League attendance: 25,004 (v St Helens 2005).
New recruits: Andy Coley (Salford), Richie Mathers (Gold Coast), George Carmont (Newcastle), Karl Pryce (Gloucester RU).
Departures: Chris Ashton (Northampton RU), David Vaeliki (Manly), Bryan Fletcher, Shane Millard (both retired), Danny Hill (Widnes).
Player to watch: Trent Barrett - a genuine world-class star who ought to have been named Man of Steel for his remarkable contribution in his first season in Super League.
Odds to finish top: 10-1.
Prospects: The odds look tempting for Brian Noble's men, who could launch a new era by challenging the big guns for the title.
Prediction: 5th.
:: Odds courtesy of William Hill.
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