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Sam Tomkins set to return for England against France

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Tomkins ready to return for England against France but Hardaker set to keep place

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UPDATED:

00:52 GMT, 1 November 2012

Man of Steel Sam Tomkins is set to return for England's international against France at Craven Park on Saturday but his deputy Zak Hardaker could still find a place in the team.

Hardaker, who was crowned Super League's young player of the year after an outstanding season with champions Leeds, won his first cap as full-back in England's opening 80-12 rout of Wales in Wrexham last Saturday.

Tomkins missed that game with a knee injury sustained playing for Wigan in the play-offs but has now fully recovered and has been named in coach Steve McNamara's 19-man squad for the game at Hull KR.

Back in the team: Sam Tomkins is set to return for England

Back in the team: Sam Tomkins is set to return for England

England's 19-man squad:

C Ablett (Leeds), T Briscoe (Hull), R Burrow
(Leeds), J Charnley (Wigan), L Cudjoe (Huddersfield), G Ellis (Hull), R
Hall (Leeds), Z Hardaker (Leeds), B Harrison (Warrington), C Hill
(Warrington), G Hock (Wigan), J Jones-Buchanan (Leeds), M McIlorum
(Wigan), A Morley (Warrington), L Mossop (Wigan), R Myler (Warrington), K
Sinfield (Leeds, capt), S Tomkins (Wigan), K Watkins (Leeds).

The brilliant Wigan full-back is an automatic selection but McNamara has the option of switching Hardaker to the threequarters, where he spent most of his fledgling career up to this summer.

The 20-year-old former Featherstone player looked accomplished in the No 1 jersey against the Welsh and scored two of his side's 14 tries, but has extensive experience at both centre and wing.

'Zak has got some versatility,' McNamara admitted. 'We have a number of options going into the France game.

'We have healthy competition for places across all areas and no one is guaranteed their place in the team.

'The players are aware of this and continue to put in the effort in training to make sure they are prepared and ready for what should be a physical battle against France.'

Keeping his place: Zak Hardaker replaced Tomkins at the weekend but could still play against France

Keeping his place: Zak Hardaker replaced Tomkins at the weekend but could still play against France

Briscoe, who was an ever-present in England's 2011 Four Nations campaign and has scored four tries in their last three meetings with France, missed out against Wales after McNamara opted to give a debut to Wigan's freescoring winger Josh Charnley.

Charnley, who topped the Super League try chart with 31 this year, scored four touchdowns on his debut but will be vying with Ryan Hall for the other wing spot against the French.

Hall, who climbed in the top 10 of England tryscorers with a brace against Wales, needs one more touchdown to reach 150 in his career.

In the tries: Josh Charnley has been free-scoring this season

In the tries: Josh Charnley has been free-scoring this season

There is also a recall for Warrington forward Ben Harrison, who won his second cap against Papua New Guinea in the 2010 Four Nations Series, as the replacement for Wigan captain Sean O'Loughlin, who has been ruled out with a hamstring strain.

The trio are added to the other 16 players from the team that thrashed the Welsh to book their place in the final against France on Sunday week.

The game has come too early for half-back Rangi Chase, who only resumed full training yesterday after sustaining a groin injury on England's training camp in South Africa, while Liam Farrell, Luke Burgess and Stefan Ratchford, the other members of McNamara's 24-strong squad, are still waiting to make their international debuts.

Leeds second rower Jamie Jones-Buchanan has kept his place and will be making the 300th appearance of his career on Saturday. He has played 282 times for the Rhinos and has made 17 appearances in representative rugby.

France, who arrive on Thursday to set up a 10-day camp ahead of the final at the City of Salford Stadium, will be aiming to halt a run of 13 consecutive defeats by England going back to a 5-1 victory at Headingley in February 1981.

Minnows Featherstone to welcome Wigan in Challenge Cup fifth round

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Minnows Featherstone to welcome Wigan in Challenge Cup fifth round

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UPDATED:

18:08 GMT, 16 April 2012

Featherstone’s reward for knocking out Castleford in the fourth round of the Carnegie Challenge Cup is a plum home tie against holders Wigan.

Rovers coach Daryl Powell could hardly conceal his excitement after Monday's fifth-round draw paired them with the Warriors, who hammered North Wales Crusaders 98-4 on Sunday with Sam Tomkins scoring six tries.

Day to remember: Ian Hardman crosses for Featherstone against Castleford

Day to remember: Ian Hardman crosses for Featherstone against Castleford

Fifth round Carnegie Challenge Cup draw:

Warrington v Bradford
Catalan Dragons v Sheffield Eagles
Salford v Leeds
Leigh v Halifax
Oldham v St Helens
Featherstone v Wigan
Huddersfield v Swinton
Batley v London Broncos

Ties to be played on the weekend of April 27-29.

'Being at home, it’s a fantastic draw for us,' said Powell, whose part-timers beat the Tigers 23-16 at the Bigfellas Stadium on Saturday.

'It’s a tough draw – they’re an outstanding team full of quality individuals – but I thought we handled one of the better players in the competition in Rangi Chase pretty well and we’ll try to come up with a plan deal with Sam Tomkins.

'I’m glad we’re at home. We know it’s a tough challenge for us but we’re excited by it.'

Challenge Cup Draw: Wigan play North Wales Crusaders

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Wigan host North Wales Crusaders in Challenge Cup as Leeds take on Wakefield

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UPDATED:

00:22 GMT, 27 March 2012

Wigan begin their defence of the Carnegie Challenge Cup against newly-formed Wrexham club North Wales Crusaders next month.

London Broncos v Dewsbury
Widnes v St Helens
Leeds v Wakefield
Whitehaven v Salford
Featherstone v Castleford
Hull FC v Huddersfield
Wigan v N Wales Crusaders
Swinton v Gateshead

Hull KR v Catalan Dragons
Bradford v Doncaster
S Wales Scorpions v Halifax
York v Sheffield Eagles
Keighley v Warrington
Leigh v Rochdale
Oldham v Barrow
Hunslet v Batley.

To be played April 13-15.

Defence: Wigan take on North Wales Crusaders in the Challenge Cup

Defence: Wigan take on North Wales Crusaders in the Challenge Cup

Super League 2012: Your complete club-by-club guide

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Super League 2012: Your complete club-by-club guide

The essential guide to the new season featuring club records, summer signings, latest odds and prospects for the forthcoming campaign.

Leeds Rhinos celebrate Grand Final success

High point: Leeds Rhinos beat St Helens 32-16 in last season's Grand Final

BRADFORD BULLS

Coach: Mick Potter (since November 2010).

Captain (joint): Heath L’Estrange and Matt Diskin.

2011 finish: 10th.

2011 leading scorers: tries – Shad Royston 10; goals – Patrick Ah Van 87; points – Patrick Ah Van 210.

Biggest Super League win: 96-16 (v Salford, 2000).

Biggest Super League defeat: 66-4 (v St Helens, 2005).

Ground and capacity: Odsal, 26,019.

2010 average attendance: 13,967 (up 5,531).

Record Super League attendance: 24,020 (v Leeds 1999).

In: Manase Manuokafoa (Parramatta), Keith Lulia (Newcastle Knights), Luke Gale (Harlequins), Jarrod Sammut, Elliott Kear (both Crusaders), Adrian Purtell (Penrith Panthers), Karl Pryce (Wigan).

Out: Patrick Ah Van (Widnes) Shad Royston (Pia), Marc Herbert (released), Andy Lynch (Hull), Gareth Raynor (Featherstone), Cain Southernwood (Dewsbury, on season-long loan), Steve Crossley (released).

Odds to finish top: 50-1 (William Hill).

Prospects: The pressure is coach Mick Potter to avoid another season of under-achievement and the play-offs could once more be out of the Bulls’ reach. Andy Lynch is a big loss for them.

Prediction: 9th.

Stobart Super League trophy

CATALAN DRAGONS

Coach: Trent Robinson (since November 2010).

Captain: Gregory Mounis.

2011 finish: 6th.

2011 leading scorers: tries – Damien Blanch 20; goals – Scott Dureau 92; points – Scott Dureau 233.

Biggest Super League win: 66-6 (v Salford, 2007).

Biggest Super League defeat: 60-12 (v Leeds, 2006).

Ground and capacity: Gilbert Brutus Stadium, 13,000.

2011 average attendance: 8,387 (up 1,573).

Record Super League attendance: 11,122 (v Wigan, 2006, at Stade Aime Giral) (also drew 18,150 for visit of Warrington to Barcelona’s Olympic Stadium in 2009).

In: Leon Pryce (St Helens), Louis Anderson (Warrington), Julian Bousquet (Lezignan).

Out: Ben Farrar (Manly), Sebastien Martins (Lezignan).

Odds to finish top: 14-1.

Prospects: Trent Robinson has made a couple of significant additions to his squad and they look sure to be competitive, especially on home soil. Despite an early glut of injuries, the Dragons could be an outside bet for Old Trafford.

Prediction: 5th.

Stobart Super League trophy

CASTLEFORD TIGERS

Coach: Ian Millward (since November 2011).

Captain: Danny Orr.

2011 finish: 9th.

2011 leading scorers: tries – Rangi Chase, Richard Owen, Nick Youngquest 12; goals: Kirk Dixon 84; points – Kirk Dixon 196.

Biggest Super League win: 74-16 (v Salford, 2002).

Biggest Super League defeat: 62-0 (v Warrington, 2011) (also lost 68-12 v St Helens, 2008).

Ground and capacity: The Probiz Coliseum (formerly Wheldon Road), 11,750.

2011 average attendance: 7,156 (up 540).

Record Super League attendance: 11,731 (v Leeds, 2004).

In: Josh Griffin (Huddersfield),
Steve Nash (Leigh), Lee Mitchell, Ryan Shaw (both Warrington, on loan,
Grant Millington (Canterbury Bulldogs), James Grehan (Limoux).

Out: Nick Fozzard (Dewsbury), Dean
Widders (returned to Australia), Willie Isa (Widnes), Greg Eden
(Huddersfield), Martin Aspinwall (Hull), Richard Mathers (Wakefield on
season-long loan).

Odds to finish top: 66-1.

Prospects: New coach Ian Millward
will need to call on all his nous if he is to take the Tigers into the
play-offs. They will rely heavily on 2011 Man of Steel Rangi Chase.

Prediction: 12th.

HUDDERSFIELD GIANTS

Coach: Nathan Brown (since December 2008).

Captain: Kevin Brown.
2011 finish: 4th.
2011 leading scorers: tries – Jermaine McGilvary 16; goals – Danny Brough 82; points – Danny Brough 197.

Biggest Super League win: 68-16 (v Leigh, 2005) (also 52-0 and 58-6 v Wakefield, 2010).

Biggest Super League defeat: 86-6 (v Leeds, 1999).

Ground and capacity: Galpharm Stadium, 24,500.

2011 average attendance: 7,147 (down 86).

Record Super League attendance: 15,629 (v Leeds, 2008).

In: Jason Chan (Crusaders), Aaron Murphy, Tommy Lee, Luke George (all Wakefield), Greg Eden (Castleford), Tony Tonks (Featherstone).

Out: Darrell Griffin (Leeds), David Hodgson, Graeme Horne, Keal Carlile (all Hull KR), Gregg McNally (Leigh), Josh Griffin (Castleford), Kyle Wood, Andy Raleigh, Danny Kirmond (all Wakefield), Elliott Hodgson, Jamie Simpson (both (released).

Odds to finish top: 16-1.

Prospects: Nathan Brown will be keen to finish on a high as he prepares to return to Australia and the Giants look a shoe-in for the top eight but they do not look as strong this year and another top-four finish looks a tall order.
Prediction: 6th.

HULL FC

Coach: Peter Gentle (since November 2011).

Captain: Andy Lynch.

2011 finish: 8th.

2011 leading scorers: tries – Kirk Yeaman 21; goals – Danny Tickle 83; points – Danny Tickle 202.

Biggest Super League win: 82-6 (v Salford, 2004).

Biggest Super League defeat: 64-10 (v St Helens, 2002) – also lost 71-0 at Bradford in 2005 play-offs.

Ground and capacity: KC Stadium, 25,404.

2011 average attendance: 12,431 (down 1,583).

Record Super League attendance: 23,004 (v Hull KR, 2007).

In: Jamie Ellis (Leigh), Aaron Heremaia, Brett Seymour (both New Zealand Warriors), Wade McKinnon (Wests Tigers), Eamon O’Carroll (Wigan), Andy Lynch (Bradford), Tony Martin (Crusaders), Martin Aspinwall (Castleford), Mike Burnett (returned from loan at Harlequins).

Out: Sean Long, Lee Radford, Craig Fitzgibbon (all retired), Martin Gleeson, Ewan Dowes (both released), Cameron Phelps (Widnes), Epalahame Lauaki (Wigan), Danny Washbrook (Wakefield), Sam Obst (Keighley).

Odds to finish top: 20-1.

Prospects: Hull have presented new coach Peter Gentle with a much-changed squad and all look quality additions so an assault on the top four could be on.

Prediction: 7th.

Stobart Super League trophy

HULL KINGSTON ROVERS

Coach: Craig Sandercock (since November 2011).

Captain: Ben Galea.

2011 finish: 7th.

2011 leading scorers: tries – Kris Welham 24; goals – Michael Dobson 76; points – Michael Dobson 179.

Biggest Super League win: 70-14 (v Wakefield, 2011).

Biggest Super League defeat: 60-20 (v Warrington, 2007 – also lost 40-0 v St Helens, 2010 and 56-6 v Catalan Dragons in 2011 play-offs).

Ground and capacity: Craven Park, 10,250.

2011 average attendance: 8,320 (up 86).

Record Super League attendance: 10,250 (v Hull, 2011).

In: David Hodgson, Graeme Horne, Keal Carlile (all Huddersfield), Lincoln Withers, Ryan O’Hara (both Crusaders), George Griffin (Queanbeyan Kangaroos), Micky Paea (Canterbury Bulldogs), Constantine Mika, Shannon McDonnell (both Newcastle).

Out: Clint Newton (Penrith Panthers) Mick Vella (retired), Ben Fisher (Batley), Shaun Briscoe (Widnes), Liam Colbon, Matt Cook (both London Broncos), Peter Fox (Wakefield).

Odds to finish top: 40-1.

Prospects: Rovers have lost a lot of experience and 2012 could be a year of consolidation under new coach Craig Sandercock, especially after losing playmaker Blake Green for much of it with a blood clot.

Prediction: 10th.


Stobart Super League trophy

LEEDS RHINOS

Coach: Brian McDermott (since November 2010).
Captain: Kevin Sinfield.

2011 finish: 5th.

2011 leading scorers (including play-offs): tries – Ryan Hall 28; goals – Kevin Sinfield 138; points – Kevin Sinfield 286.

Biggest Super League win: 86-6 (v Huddersfield, 1999).

Biggest Super League defeat: 68-14 (v Wigan, 1996).

Ground and capacity: Headingley, 20,000.

2011 average attendance: 14,669 (down 568).

Record Super League attendance: 23,035 (v Bradford 2003).

In: Darrell Griffin (Huddersfield), Richard Moore (Crusaders), Luke Ambler (returned from loan at Harlequins).

Out: Keith Senior (released), Luke Burgess (South Sydney), Ben Cross (Widnes), Danny Buderus (Newcastle), Kyle Amor, Ali Lauitiiti (both Wakefield).

Odds to finish top: 6-1.

Prospects: No one will under-estimate the Rhinos after last year’s incredible achievement and they will once more be pushing for Old Trafford.

Prediction: 4th.

LONDON BRONCOS (formerly HARLEQUINS RL)

Coach: Rob Powell (since November 2010).

Captain: tbc.

2011 finish: 12th.

2011 leading scorers: tries – Luke Dorn 13; goals – Luke Gale 75; points – Luke Gale 184.

Biggest Super League win: 72-8 (v Wakefield, 2005).

Biggest Super League defeat: 82-6 (v Warrington, 2011).

Ground and capacity: Twickenham Stoop, 15,000.

2011 average attendance: 3,132 (down 248).

Record Super League attendance: 9,638 (v Paris, at The Valley, 1996).

In: Craig Gower (French RU), Mark Bryant, Michael Witt (both Crusaders), Antonio Kaufusi (Newcastle Knights), Shane Rodney (Manly), Julien Rinaldi (Wakefield), Jarrad Hickey (Wakefield, to be confirmed), Michael Robertson (Manly), Liam Colbon, Matt Cook (both Hull KR).

Out: Luke Gale (Bradford), Rob Purdham (retired), Andy Ellis, Oliver Wilkes (both Wakefield), David Williams (London Skolars), Mark Burnett (returned from loan spell to Hull), Nick Kouparitsas, Danny Ward, Mark Calderwood (all released), Luke Ambler (returned to Leeds after loan spell), Karl Pryce (returned from loan spell to Wigan).

Odds to finish top: 80-1.

Prospects: After a dismal 2011, the only way is up for Rob Powell’s men in their new guise and, with a host of quality signings, they ought to be pushing for a play-off spot.

Prediction: 8th.

SALFORD CITY REDS

Coach: Phil Veivers (since November 2011).

Captain: Stephen Wild.

2011 finish: 11th.

2011 leading scorers: tries – Jodie Broughton 14; goals – Daniel Holdsworth 68; points – Daniel Holdsworth 164.

Biggest Super League win: 56-16 (v Bradford, 2011).

Biggest Super League defeat: 96-16 (v Bradford, 2000).
Ground and capacity: Salford Community Stadium, 12,000.

2011 average attendance: 4,754 (up 588).

Record Super League attendance: 10,146 (v Catalan 2011).

In: Shannan McPherson (South Sydney), Ben Gledhill, Josh Veivers, Stuart Howarth (all Wakefield), Joel Moon (New Zealand Warriors), Jordan James (Crusaders), Matty Ashurst (St Helens).

Out: Stefan Ratchford (Warrington), Ray Cashmere, Mark Henry (both returned to Australia), Jack Spencer (Wests Tigers), Rob Parker, Adam Clay (both Leigh).
Odds to finish top: 80-1.

Prospects: A new home and a new coach, but it is hard to see a change in fortunes for the City Reds, who will sorely miss departed duo Ray Cashmere and Stefan Ratchford.

Prediction: 13th.

Stobart Super League trophy

ST HELENS

Coach: Royce Simmons (since November 2010).

Captain: Paul Wellens.

2011 finish: 3rd.

2011 leading scorers (including play-offs): tries – Jamie Foster 21; goals – Jamie Foster 123; points – Jamie Foster 330.

Biggest Super League win: 78-4 (v Leigh, 2005).

Biggest Super League defeat: 70-0 (v Leeds, 2004).

Ground and capacity: Langtree Park, 18,000.

2011 average attendance (at Widnes): 7,975 (down 3,594).

Record Super League attendance: 18,098 (v Warrington, 1996).

In: Lance Hohaia (New Zealand Warriors), Anthony Laffranchi (Gold Coast), Mark Flanagan (Wests Tigers).

Out: James Graham (Canterbury Bulldogs), Kyle Eastmond (Bath RU), Leon Pryce (Catalan Dragons), Matty Ashurst (Salford), Scott Moore (Widnes), Tom Armstrong (Swinton), Gareth Frodsham (Batley).

Odds to finish top: 10-3.

Prospects: Saints begin life after James Graham at an impressive new home and, despite the loss of their inspirational forward, they are sure to be gunning for a seventh consecutive appearance at Old Trafford.

Prediction: 3rd.

Stobart Super League trophy

WAKEFIELD TRINITY WILDCATS

Coach: Richard Agar (since November 2011).

Captain: Steve Southern.

2011 finish: 13th.

2011 leading scorers: tries – Chris Dean 8; goals – Josh Veivers 22; points – Josh Griffin 62.

Biggest Super League win: 68-6 (v Halifax, 2003).

Biggest Super League defeat: 72-8 (v London, 2005).

Ground and capacity: Rapid Solicitors Stadium (formerly Belle Vue), 11,000.

2011 average attendance: 6,552 (up 568).

Record Super League attendance: 11,000 (v Castleford, 2006).

In: Issac John (New Zealand Warriors), Oliver Wilkes, Andy Ellis (both Harlequins), Vince Mellars (Crusaders), Kyle Amor, Ali Lauitiiti (both Leeds), Kyle Wood, Andy Raleigh, Danny Kirmond (all Huddersfield), Ben Cockayne (Featherstone), Peter Fox (Hull KR), Steve Southern (Newcastle Knights), Dean Collis (Cronulla), Danny Washbrook (Hull), Tim Smith (Cronulla), Matt James (Barrow), Paul Aiton (Cronulla), Richard Mathers (Castleford, on season-long loan).

Out: Chris Dean (Widnes), Paul King (York), Tommy Lee, Aaron Murphy, Luke George (all Huddersfield), Julien Rinaldi, Jarrad Hickey (both Harlequins), Ben Gledhill, Josh Veivers, Stu Howarth (all Salford), Glenn Morrison, Matt Blaymire (both retired), Michael Korkidas, Semi Tadulala (both Keighley), Liam Higgins (Sheffield), Kevin Penny (Swinton), Jeremy Smith, Kevin Henderson, Samy Masselot, Ryan Tongia, Greg Johnson (all released), Gareth Moore (Batley).

Odds to finish top: 150-1.

Prospects: Pretty much an unknown quantity, it is all change for the Wildcats under new coach Richard Agar with 18 new signings and it could take time for his new-look side to gel.

Prediction: 11th.

WARRINGTON WOLVES

Coach: Tony Smith (since March 2009).

Captain: Adrian Morley.

2011 finish: 1st.

2011 leading scorers (including play-offs): tries – Joel Monaghan 26; goals – Brett Hodgson 121; points – Brett Hodgson 314.

Biggest Super League win: 62-0 (v Castleford, 2011) (also 66-6 v Halifax, 2003).

Biggest Super League defeat: 72-2 (v St Helens, 2002).
Ground and capacity: Halliwell Jones Stadium, 15,000.

2011 average attendance: 11,149 (up 411).

Record Super League attendance: 14,206 (v Wakefield, 2004).

In: Trent Waterhouse (Penrith Panthers), Chris Hill (Leigh), Stefan Ratchford (Salford).

Out: Matt King (South Sydney), Louis Anderson (Catalan Dragons), Jon Clarke (Widnes), Lee Mitchell, Ryan Shaw (both Castleford on loan).

Odds to finish top: 9-4.

Prospects: Tony Smith has sensibly kept changes to a minimum and the Wolves look the team to beat in 2012. If they can keep their nerve when it comes to the play-offs, they could be celebrating a maiden Grand-Final victory.

Prediction: 1st.

WIDNES VIKINGS

Coach: Denis Betts (since November 2010).

Captain: Jon Clarke.

2011 finish: 5th in Championship.

2011 leading scorers: tries – Steven Tyrer 12; goals – Steve Tyrer 69; points – Steve Tyrer – 186.

Biggest Super League win: 46-10 (v Hull, 2003) (also won 52-22 v Halifax 2002).

Biggest Super League defeat: 70-4 (v Hull, 2004) (also lost 74-24 v Bradford, 2005).

Ground and capacity: Stobart Stadium, 13,350.

2011 average attendance: 3,744 (up 886).

Record Super League attendance: 9,825 (v Warrington, 2005).

In: Willie Isa (Castleford), Shaun Briscoe (Hull KR), Ben Davies, Ben Cross (both Wigan), Frank Winterstein, Rhys Hanbury, Lloyd White, Hep Cahill (all Crusaders), Chris Dean (Wakefield), Patrick Ah Van (Bradford), Jon Clarke (Warrington), Scott Moore (St Helens), Anthony Watts (Sydney Roosters), Stefan Marsh (Wigan on season-long loan), Cameron Phelps (Hull), Sione “John” Kite (Melbourne).

Out: Richard Varkulis (Whitehaven), Danny Hulme, Lee Hudson, Chris Lunt (all North Wales), Chaz I’Anson (Swinton), Matt Gardner (Leigh), Danny Sculthorpe, Gareth Haggerty, Shane Grady, Dean Gaskell, Dave Houghton, Greg Scott, James Coyle, Daniel Heckenberg (all released), Tangi Ropati (Featherstone), Anthony Thackeray, Steve Tyrer (both (Halifax).

Odds to finish top: 200-1.

Prospects: Denis Betts has a difficult task in moulding all his new faces into an effective unit and it could be a long, hard summer on the Vikings’ return to the top flight.

Prediction: 14th.

Stobart Super League trophy

WIGAN WARRIORS

Coach: Shaun Wane (since November 2011).

Captain: Sean O’Loughlin.

2011 finish: 2nd.

2011 leading scorers (including play-offs): tries – Sam Tomkins 28; goals – Pat Richards 115; points – Pat Richards 314.

Biggest Super League win: 78-4 (v Workington, 1996).

Biggest Super League defeat: 70-0 (v Leeds, 2005).

Ground and capacity: JJB Stadium, 25,004.

2011 average attendance: 15,287 (up 110).

Record Super League attendance: 25,004 (v St Helens 2005).

In: Ben Flower, Gil Dudson, Rhodri Lloyd (all Crusaders), Epalahame Lauaki (Hull), Anthony Gelling (Auckland Vulcans).

Out: Joel Tomkins (Saracens RU), Ryan Hoffman (Melbourne), Ben Davies, Ben Cross (both Widnes), Paul Deacon, Andy Coley (both retired), Eamon O’Carroll (Hull), Stefan Marsh (Widnes on season-long loan), Kark Pryce (Bradford).

Odds to finish top: 5-2.

Prospects: The Warriors are not as strong following the departure of some experienced personnel but new coach Shaun Wane will have them knocking on the door of Old Trafford.

Prediction: 2nd.

SUPER LEAGUE ROLL OF HONOUR

Wigan's Sam Tomkins evades a tackle from St Helens Lee Gaskell

1996: Champions: St Helens (runners-up: Wigan).

1997: Champions: Bradford (runners-up London Broncos).

1998: League Leaders: Wigan; Grand Final winners: Wigan (runners-up Leeds).

1999: League Leaders: Bradford; Grand Final winners: St Helens (runners-up: Bradford).

2000: League Leaders: Wigan; Grand Final winners: St Helens (runners-up: Wigan).

2001: League Leaders: Bradford; Grand Final winners: Bradford (runners-up: Wigan).

2002: League Leaders: St Helens; Grand Final winners: St Helens (runners-up: Bradford).

2003: League Leaders: Bradford; Grand Final winners: Bradford (runners-up: Wigan).

2004: League Leaders: Leeds; Grand Final winners: Leeds (runners-up: Bradford).

2005: League Leaders: St Helens; Grand Final winners: Bradford (runners-up: Leeds).

2006: League Leaders: St Helens; Grand Final winners: St Helens (runners-up: Hull).

2007: League Leaders: St Helens; Grand Final winners: Leeds (runners-up: St Helens).

2008: League Leaders: St Helens; Grand Final winners: Leeds (runners-up: St Helens).

2009: League Leaders: Leeds: Grand Final winners: Leeds (runners-up: St Helens).

2010: League Leaders: Wigan: Grand Final winners: Wigan (runners-up: St Helens).

2011: League Leaders: Warrington; Grand Final winners: Leeds (runners-up: St Helens).

New Leeds duo Griffin and Moore to make debuts in Boxing Day derby

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New Leeds duo Griffin and Moore to make debuts in Boxing Day derby

Leeds” new signings Darrell Griffin and Richard Moore will make their first appearances for the Super Leaguechampions in their Heatshot Festive Challenge against Wakefield at Headingley on Boxing Day.

The front-row forwards, who have been recruited from Huddersfield and Crusaders respectively, are confirmed starters for the Rhinos, who will be without overseas duo Brent Webb and Brett Delaney as well as their England contingent who have been given more time off.

Fast forward: Darrell Griffin joined Leeds from Huddersfield

Fast forward: Darrell Griffin joined Leeds from Huddersfield

Leeds coach Brian McDermott said: “I know in the past that the Boxing Day game has seen various strengths of teams playing but we will field our strongest possible team.

“We only have the game against Featherstone for Rob Burrow”s testimonial before the start of the season so it is important that we approach the Heatshot Festive Challenge like it is a league match and look to play in that manner.

“That will give us a good indication of where we are as a squad and what more work we need to do over the next four weeks.”

Wakefield are expected to have a host of new faces on view after making no fewer than 16 close-season signings so far.