First round: v Cronulla, Leichardt Oval, March 4 2012, 2pm

Off Contract:  Gareth Ellis, Robbie Farah, Liam Fulton, Keith Galloway, Chris Heighington, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Joel Reddy, Jack Spencer

Gains: Adam Blair, Dane Chisholm (Melbourne), Matthew Bell (Penrith), Joel Reddy, Tom Humble (Parramatta), John Grant (rugby union)

Losses: Todd Payten (retirement), Robert Lui (North Queensland), Andrew Fifita, Bryce Gibbs (Cronulla), Simon Dwyer (de-registered due to injury), Geoff Daniela (Penrith), Mark Flanagan (St Helens), Jake Mullaney (Parramatta), Jason Schirnack (Mackay)

The Wests Tigers were expecting to go much further into the finals then they did in 2011 when they met eventual grand finalists the New Zealand Warriors in the semi final with a try from Krisnan Inu just before full time getting the Warriors over the line and into the preliminary final.

Tigers enter season 2012 as one of the early favourites for the National Rugby League title along with the Storm and the Knights and when you look at their predicted line up for 2012 its not hard to know why they are well liked for the premiership, the only questions that could be asked is over fullback and halfback with the club having released Robert Lui, Tim Moltzen is likely to play halfback which leaves the question of fullback open.

The Tigers have signed Melbourne Storm forward Adam Blair for 2012, he will add plenty of experience to the forwards and helps shape a formidable pack that includes the likes of Gareth Ellis, Chris Heighington and a young promising forward Aaron Woods. In terms of losses, the two that really stand out are Wade McKinnon who woulad have been handy this season and Andrew Fifita. Fifita is going to be a special talent while the loss of McKinnon is unfortunate given the Tigers have released Lui.Ben

When it comes to the Tigers attack, it all comes back to what Benji Marshall can do with the ball in his hands or what Robbie Farah can create out of dummy half.

My Verdict: There’s something to be liked about the Tigers this season and it’s for that reason Sportsline is tipping the Tigers to go a long way into the finals series while ever one Benji Marshall is in that Tigers number 6 jersey then the Tigers cannot be ignored.

First Round: v South Sydney, ANZ Stadium, Monday 5th March 2012, 7pm

Off Contract: Tinirau Arona, Justin Carney, Anthony Cherrington, Boyd Cordner, Aidan Guerra, Adam Henry, Joseph Leilua, Jack Littlejohn, Mose Masoe, Anthony Minichiello, Anthony Mitchell, Sam Perrett, Lama Tasi, Daniel Tupou, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves

Gains: Daniel Mortimer (Parramatta), Jack Bosden, Ratu Peni Tagive (St George Illawarra), Josh Ailaomai (Newcastle), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Otahuhu)

Losses: Nate Myles, Phil Graham (Gold Coast), Todd Carney (Cronulla), Daniel Conn, Mark Riddell (Retirement), Jason Ryles (Melbourne), Kane Linnett (North Queensland), Anthony Watts (Widnes)

The Sydney Roosters endured a nightmare 2011 especially on the injury front with the Roosters rarely fielding a full strength line up during the season combine that with the constant distraction of Todd Carney’s off field behaviour and its understandable as to why the Roosters struggled so badly.

However 2012 looks to be another re building year for the Roosters and their signings reflect that with former Eels half Daniel Mortimer joining the club, it will be interesting to see how Brian Smith does use Mortimer with suggestions he may play fullback if Anthony Minichello is out or fuifill a utility role on the bench. Just quietly wouldn’t mind seeing Mortimer and Pearce in the halves to allow Anasta to play lock. In terms of their other signings former Dragon Jack Bosden looks to be a promising signing.

The Roosters will be hoping young forwards Boyd Cordner and Martin Kennedy can continue their rise this season with the club having released one of their better forwards in Nate Myles over an indiscretion toward the end of the NRL regular season, credit to the Roosters though, they did win both games without Myles and also Todd Carney.

My Verdict: Everything about the Roosters this year suggests its another rebuilding year for the club especially after the signing of Warriors five eighth James Maloney for 2013. Can only really see them struggling.

Wallace told Broncos TV that he was happy to stay at the club “I was really happy to agree to terms and it is great to be here for another two years,I have really found a home here and have enjoyed my time here. I am really happy to be here for at least another couple of years. The club itself is in a good place for the future.”

Cuthbertson and Darius Boyd will play his first official game in Knights colours.

The full Knights team is Darius Boyd James McManus Wes Naiqama Timana Tahu Akuila Uate Kurt Gidley Jarrod Mullen Kade Snowden Danny Buderus Adam Cuthbertson Chris Houston Zeb Taia Neville Costigan Matt Hilder Richie Fa’aosoJoel Edwards Alex McKinnon

First Round: v Newcastle, Ausgrid Stadium, Thursday March 1st 2012, 7:30pm

Off Contract: Nick Emmett, David Gower, Denan Kemp, Jeremy Latimore, Jake Marketo, Trent Merrin, Brett Morris, Beau Scott, Jarrod Thompson, Atelea Vea, Dean Young

Gains: Atelea Vea, Chase Stanley (Melbourne), Will Matthews (Gold Coast), Jeremy Latimore (Warriors), Leeson Ah Mau (North Queensland),  Josh Miller, Daniel Vidot (Canberra), Denan Kemp (union/Brisbane)

Losses Darius Boyd, Alex McKinnon, Adam Cuthbertson (Newcastle), Peni Tagive, Jack Bosden (Sydney Roosters), Jon Green (Cronulla), Mark Gasnier (retirement),  Daniel Penese (Parramatta), Michael Greenfield (Melbourne)

It was heartache for St George Illawarra in 2011, tasked with defending the premiership they won in 2010, the Dragons staggered into the finals in fifth on tbe ladder despite looking like they were going to run away with the title early in the season however a combination of the Wayne Bennett/Darius Boyd sagas, representative games and injury played havoc with the Dragons and they staggered into the finals in fifth and were knocked out in ‘straight sets’ by the Wests Tigers and Brisbane Broncos. Darren Lockyer kicking the winning field goal with a fractured jaw.

The Dragons may have lost coach Wayne Bennett but be assured that Bennett generally leaves a club in a better condition then when he arrived at the club and that ought to be the case at the  Dragons with assistant coach Steve Price taking over as head coach, Price will have learnt a lot from Bennett’s reign and will no doubt put the knowledge gained to good use this season. Price’s first big decision has been to make Kyle Stanley fullback to replace Darius Boyd who has joined the Newcastle Knights, watch for Stanley to have a massive year given he will have room to move at the back.

Boyd is the club’s biggest loss in terms of playing personnel while other considerable losses include forwards Jon Green and Jack Bosden while on the signing front, Kyle’s brother Chase has joined the club from the Melbourne Storm and hopefully he can avoid injury this year, he has missed a massive amount of footy following knee injuries that have ended his season while workhorse forwards Leeson Ah Mau, Will Matthews and Jeremy Latimore also boost the Dragons ranks following the loss of Bosden, Green and also Adam Cuthbertson.

The Dragons will go into the pre season with some injury concern with captain and halfback Ben Hornby suffering a thigh injury during training and will have scans to find out the extent of the injury, he will be key to the Dragons hopes this year.

My Verdict: It would be silly to rule the St George Illawarra Dragons out of top 8 calculations given they still have matchwinners like Jamie Soward, Jason Nightingale and Brett Morris in their side. Just wonder if yet again scoring points maybe an issue. They are a top eight chance at best.

Queensland Reds

Last year’s champions were the second team of everybody in Australia as the also rans for so many years charged toward the Super Rugby title but their season is already facing a hurdle, they’ll be without Quade Cooper who tore his cruciate ligament in the World Cup bronze final v Wales late last year, he will be missing for the early to mid season with, there’s some suggestion he may miss the tests v Scotland and Wales later this season.

Reds coach Ewen McKenzie has chosen Mike Harris to fill the shoes of Cooper against their opening round opponents and long time rivals the NSW Waratahs, that said the Reds should still be able to win matches without Cooper with the likes of Digby Ioane and Will Genia in their team, there’s no the Reds are the Australian team to beat in this season.

Predicted finish: 2nd (First in Australian conference)

NSW Waratahs

The loss of Kurtley Beale to the Melbourne Rebels is one of the biggest concerns about the Waratahs with Adam Ashley Cooper being maybe their biggest signing along with South African Sarel Pretorius , now while Ashley-Cooper is a consistent, good player however he hardly fills the boots of Beale who is one of the most dynamic and exciting players in the Super Rugby tournament

Injuries as ever will play a key part with depth maybe the Waratahs other big concern apart from their attack. Already Berrick Barnes, Drew Mitchell and Rocky Elsom will be out for the opening part of the season. Daniel Halangahu will take over the captaincy on the weekend against Queensland, also not sure about preparing for a long season against non Super Rugby teams, not sure flogging Pacific teams by 60 or 70 points

Predicted finish: 8th (3rd in Australian Conference)

Melbourne Rebels

The Melbourne Rebels look the big winners in the recruiting stakes signing high profile Wallabies stars Kurtley Beale and James O’Connor. Both will undoubtedly attract crowds to AAMI Stadium as the Rebels look to build on their already talented squad. Their backline looks to be one of the most potent (apart from Queensland) of the Australian sides with the likes of Beale, Gerrard, Cipriani and O’Connor in it

Obviously the two biggest concerns for the Rebels are depth and consistency. Depth is a problem for all five of the Australian Super Rugby franchises given the expanded nature of competition now while as ever consistency is the c word every team dreams to achieve but not many achieve it so for the Rebels it maybe a tough ask but they should be quite a competitive side should the side remain fit and healthy.

Predicted Finish: 5th or 6th (2nd in Australian conference)

ACT Brumbies

It helps any club to have a coach with international experience on board and thats what the Brumbies have in the form of World Cup winning coach Jake White and they will need all his experience to be a force in this year’s competition, they really don’t look to be as strong as they have been in previous years and whether that is due to the fact two more franchises from Australia have joined the comp since the Brumbies halcyon days is yet to be seen.

The Brumbies will be hoping some of their up and comers step up to the plate this year along with new signing former Gold Coast Titans rugby league player Joseph Tomane to help the established stars such as new captain Ben Mowen and Ben Alexander but life in the Super Rugby competition will be hard work for the Brumbies this season.

Predicted finish: 14th (5th in Australian conference)

Western Force

The pre season hasn’t been a good one for the Western Force with the club forced to terminate the contract of Willie Ripia and as yet they still have not found a replacement for him and already losing Jordan Rapana to a season ending injury while Cam Shepherd will miss their season opener through injury also, they can ill afford too many injuries given the thread bare nature of their squad

Force will be keen to send retiring skipper Nathan Sharpe out on a high this year while they will be hoping David Pocock can continue his rampaging ways this season following a massive 2012. A key for the Force will be being competitive for the full eighty minutes which is something they struggled to achieve last season.

The Western Force are likely to join the Brumbies as one of the strugglers in the Super Rugby competition

Predicted finish: 11th (4th in Australian Conference)

Other Predictions

Grand Final: Repeat of 2011 Grand Final, Crusaders v Queensland

Sonny Bill Williams will almost certainly return to rugby league in 2013,

Questions to be asked about the benefit of having five Australian side in the Super Rugby competition.

The scandal follows a betting plunge on a penalty goal to be the first scoring play in a round 24 match between North Queensland and Canterbury which has seen former Canterbury forward Ryan Tandy, player agent and Ayoub’s father Sam and league identity John Elias have faced court in recent months on charges in relation to the matter.

Murray released by the Parramatta club and was pursuing rugby league career in Newcastle Rugby League despite admitting he lied to court over the scandal.

NSW Police say inquiries are still ongoing

First round: v Sydney Roosters, ANZ Stadium, Monday 5th March 2012

Off Contract: George Burgess, Ryan Carr, Shaune Corrigan, Michael Crocker, Scott Geddes, Justin Hunt, Eddy Pettybourne, Dave Taylor

Gains: Matt King (Warrington), Justin Hunt, Ryan Carr (Redcliffe)

Losses: Ben Ross (Cronulla), Chris Sandow (Parramatta), Shannan McPherson (Salford), Beau Falloon (Gold Coast), Luke Stuart, Rhys Wesser (retirement)

There has been considerably less noise out of the South Sydney camp about winning the premiership since new coach former Melbourne Storm assistant Michael Maguire took over and we are unlikely to. Maguire is a strong disciplinarian and any under performing South Sydney player should be prepared to face the axe from the side should he deem it necessary.

One of the biggest challenges Maguire will have to overcome is the loss of halfback Chris Sandow to Parramatta. Adam Reynolds is the player most likely to replace Sandow and all eyes will be on him to see how he handles the step up to NRL.

Reynolds halves partner John Sutton will also be under considerable pressure this season after an inconsistent 2011, at times Sutton was brilliant and at other times driving Rabbitohs fans to the point of frustration, especially given he was re-signed last year, there is a feeling that Sutton will need to repay the Rabbitohs faith in him.

The Rabbitohs ‘headline signing’ is also a former Melbourne Storm player  in the form of centre Matt King, he adds to a number of Australian players returning from England to the NRL this season. Along with Nathan Merritt and Greg Inglis, South Sydney have plenty of experience of in their backline this season.

South Sydney boast an impressive forward pack through the likes of Sam Burgess, Michael Crocker and Roy Asotasi however the one thing that is a worry is the disicipline of hooker Issac Luke who is capable of doing some really silly things to give away penalties during games.

My Verdict: Provided Maguire can eradicate the discipline issues and Adam Reynolds can handle the step up to the NRL then the Rabbitohs are a massive chance of a top 8 finish, top 4 may just be slightly beyond them this year.

Member of the Warriors 2011 Grand Final team Mannering said he was looking forward to the “Get Even at Eden” Park opening round match against Manly “I’m just looking forward now to starting the season. We’ve got such a huge game against Manly at Eden Park to start it off. It’s going to be a really big day for all of us.”

Coach Brian McClennan has told the Warriors website that keeping Mannering at the club was vital “Simon means so much to the Warriors,” he said. “This is where it all started for him and it’s so important he stays because of what he has to offer our team and our club right now and in the future”

How the ARL system works

Week 1: Qualifying finals

Minor Premiers v Team 4

Team 2 v Team 3

Winners progress straight through to the Grand Final Qualifiers. Losers meet winners of elimination finals

Elimination finals

Team 5 v Team 8

Team 6 v Team 7

Losers of the elimination finals bo w out of the finals

The ARLC General manager of football operations Nathan McGuirk said it gave protection to the top 4 teams and guaranteed the top 2 teams 2 home games during the finals series.

The ARL originally had the system in 1995/1996 before the AFL adopted it in 2000.