#SuperLeagueLive
Friday 6 February 2015 12:46, UK
Widnes and Wigan had the honour of kicking us off as Super League heads into a brand new era where winning is going to be tougher than ever.
Not only have promotion and relegation returned for the first time since 2007, but there is also a brand new structure which means every game counts!
Click on the attached video and let Phil Clarke guide you through all the changes.
Sky Sports News HQ visited all the clubs to find out how they are gearing up for Super League XX.
The Robins have added some experienced professionals to their squad over the close season, including Australian duo Terry Campese and Mitch Allgood. They will make debuts against Leeds Rhinos on Sunday in front of what could be a record crowd at Craven Park.
"It’s a big occasion and what we’re looking forward to most is the fact that the stadium is almost sold out," said Allgood. "To run out for the first time in front of a record crowd, it’s going to be a big day."
Salford Red Devils second row, and former professional boxer, Cory Paterson believes his side are in good shape ahead of the start of the season. They kick off their campaign with games against Warrington Wolves and reigning champions St Helens.
"It's a tough start but you have to play these teams eventually," said Paterson, who joined Salford from NRL side Wests Tigers in the close season. "We welcome that challenge. Super League is not an easy competition so if we can get some early wins it will set us up for the season."
Hull have signed a new half-back partnership for the 2015 campaign in Leon Pryce and Mark Sneyd, who was one of the best goal-kickers in Super League last year.
The Black and Whites travel to Huddersfield Giants on Sunday and Jordan Rankin says they are determined to atone for the disappointment of last season.
“We’ve had a good break over the past couple of weeks,” said Rankin. “Huddersfield is going to be a test for us. Hopefully we can get off to a good start, and be in the mix for a top-eight finish come the end of the season.”
Saints begin their Super League defence against Catalans Dragons on Friday night, live on Sky Sports, and former captain Paul Sculthorpe says the French side will fancy their chances of causing an upset.
The Dragons have signed controversial half-back Todd Carney, while Remi Casty has returned to Perpignan after a season with the Sydney Roosters.
“It’s a tough start,” said Sculthorpe, who is now a club ambassador at Langtree Park. “Catalans are going to come here to play. They’ve made some great signings and all the pressure is on Saints to put up a performance.”
St Helens have also made some astute signings, including experienced half-back Travis Burns, with Sean Long joining the backroom staff.
“I think Travis is a massive signing,” said Sculthorpe. “He is a genuine No 6, which is something we’ve lacked over the last number of years.
“We’ll be teaming him up with Luke Walsh and Atelea Vea has also been looking sharp. He is very mobile for a big man.”
Castleford took Super League by storm last year and were unlucky to finish the season without silverware.
The Tigers kick off their 2015 season in style with a crunch derby at home to Wakefield. Head coach Daryl Powell has had to deal with a number of comings and goings over the winter but he remains confident they can hit the ground running against the Wildcats.
“It’s an historical derby and the fans absolutely love it,” said Powell, who was named coach of the year in 2014.
“Starting at home, it’s a key game for us. It’s really important that we get off on the front foot and play really well. Obviously Wakefield will be feeling the same. They’ve had a good pre-season so it’s going to be a tough game.”
Castleford finished fourth in last year’s Super League but Powell has set no goals for 2015.
“I think we’ve got to take it game by game and be consistent,” he said. “We were exceptionally consistent for most of last year and that was the key.
“It’s not about matching or bettering last year. It’s a different season, different players and a different competition that will provide some uncertainty.”
Stefan Ratchford says Warrington are keen to atone for the disappointment of last season.
The Wolves were beaten in the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup and Wigan ended their hopes of a third successive Grand Final appearance.
“We had a pretty frustrating end to last season but the boys have gone well in pre-season and we have three great new signings,” said Ratchford. “We’re counting down the minutes until the season begins.”
Ratchford faces former side Salford in Sunday’s Super League opener and he expects the Red Devils to be challenging for honours in 2015.
“They’re going to be a real strong side this year,” he said. “I think they won seven out of the last 10 games last season and made a push towards the play-offs.
“They’ve made strong additions and just like us, will be looking to hit the ground running. It’s going to be a really exciting game.”
Richard Owen says it’s key that Wakefield get off to a good start and are not dragged into a relegation battle.
The Wildcats finished third-bottom last season and were fortunate that Bradford Bulls and London Broncos had dire campaigns.
But Wakefield has been busy in the close season, bringing in players such as Ian Kirke and Chris Riley, and Owen is targeting a top-eight finish.
“We’re hoping to not be in that relegation battle and are just concentrating on ourselves,” said Owen, who will face former side Castleford on Sunday.
“Is a top-eight finish a realistic goal? Definitely. Michael (Carter) and James (Webster) have done a really good job in recruiting players.”
General manager Kris Radlinski takes Sky Sports News HQ on a tour of his new office in advance of the new season, and reflected on the club's successes.
He said: "We've had a good few years. Last year was the only one in the last few where we didn't win a trophy so that was disappointing but other than that, we've got a couple of Grand Finals under our belt, a couple of Challenge Cups and a couple of League Leaders' so it's a successful period."
