Super League XVII preview

The road to Old Trafford begins on Friday night as the 2012 campaign kicks off - and, once again, Sky Sports will be bringing you plenty of live action throughout the coming months, including Monday night games.

Logistics firm Eddie Stobart are the proud new sponsors of the competition and there is also the return of a familiar name - Widnes are welcomed back into the top flight after being awarded a new three-year licence.

The Vikings are the favourites for the wooden spoon but as Leeds' famous run in the play-offs last season proved, there are no certainties in Super League any more.

No fewer than six clubs have new men in charge, including reigning Challenge Cup champions Wigan and both Hull clubs.

There is also a change to the Magic Weekend - in 2012 the Etihad Stadium in Manchester will be the new venue, with three matches on Saturday May 26 and then a further four taking place the following day.

So what can we expect this summer? Points aplenty, some shock results and loads of bone-jarring hits (perhaps even some sunshine, too). To borrow a phrase from a wise man, it should be nothing short of sensational...

To find out when you can see your team this season - click HERE

Super League XVII guide (click on the team names to read on)

BRADFORD BULLS
The Bulls will be looking to end a play-off drought under Mick Potter, who has been busy in the winter months making changes to his squad.

CASTLEFORD TIGERS
Ian Millward is the new man in charge at the PROBIZ Coliseum - he will hope to make sure the Tigers don't fall just short again.

CATALANS DRAGONS
The Dragons roared back in 2011 and, with the arrivals of Leon Pryce and Louis Anderson, should fire again this year.

HUDDERSFIELD GIANTS
Nathan Brown will be looking to sign off in style at Huddersfield before he hands over the reins to assistant Paul Anderson.

HULL FC
A new coach in Australian Peter Gentle and a new captain in Andy Lynch gives the Black and Whites a fresh feel for 2012.

HULL KR
It's all change at Craven Park as Craig Sandercock aims to continue the good work done by Justin Morgan in establishing Hull KR as a top-flight force.

LEEDS RHINOS
The Rhinos peaked at the right time last season to be crowned Super League champions again, yet few seem to believe they can retain the trophy in 2012

LONDON BRONCOS
Back as the Broncos, hopes are high in the capital that London's Super League side can make a push for the play-offs.

SALFORD CITY REDS
It was a turbulent final year at the Willows, so the City Reds will be hoping for a smoother summer as they begin life at their new home in Barton.

ST HELENS
Saints fell just short last season again, though a new ground and some astute signings give their fans reasons to remain cheerful ahead of the new campaign.

WAKEFIELD TRINITY WILDCATS
After a tough season last time out both on and off the field, Wakefield now have a new coach in charge of a completely changed squad

WARRINGTON WOLVES
Warrington scored points aplenty in 2011 but came up short when it mattered. Their squad again looks strong, so can the Wolves finally prosper in the play-offs this year?

WIDNES VIKINGS
Widnes will be welcomed back into Super League after being awarded a three-year licence - but they find themselves as favourites for the wooden spoon.

WIGAN WARRIORS
Shaun Wane knows the pressure will be on from the outset as he faces the tall order of replacing the departed Michael Maguire.