St Helens open the Super League season at home against title challengers Catalan Dragons tonight (February 10) in a grand final rematch.

The Dragons won their first ever League Leaders’ Shield last year but couldn’t achieve the double, as Saints edged a 12-10 victory at Old Trafford.

Another strong campaign for Saints could make them the first side to win four Super League titles on the run.

This would be a dream end for hooker James Roby, who may see the end of his 19-season career.

Sam Tomkins could be in the way of a perfect St Helens start, as his form last year puts him on track for a third Man of Steel award.

He will link up with NRL Premiership winner Mitchell Pearce who looks set to bring more silverware to the Dragons.

The New Cas’ Era

Challenge Cup finalists Castleford Tigers have high expectations and start their season against Salford Red Devils tomorrow night at home.

The Tigers knocked Salford out of the Challenge Cup last year, although the away side responded with a massive 70-18 win in round 14.

2022 has been dubbed the ‘new Cas’ era’ due to some big-name signings including joint second top try scorer Jake Mamo.

Super League top try scorer Ken Sio will be hoping for more this season after a disappointing 11th place Salford finish.

His attacking threat is sure to improve alongside new halfback partnering Marc Sneyd and NRL talent Brodie Croft.

Warriors rebuild

New Wigan Warriors coach Matt Peet has had an overhaul of his side’s coaching staff.

Former head coach Shaun Wane is leadership and management director, with ex-players Sean O’Loughlin and Lee Briers as assistant coaches.

The Warriors play against Hull KR away from home tomorrow night – the away side victorious in both league meetings last year.

The Rovers made it to the play-offs for the first time since 2013, with their first-round win against Warrington a strong statement for this season.

Wigan captain Thomas Leuluai will continue to lead his side forward, to make up for their round one play-off exit to Leeds Rhinos.

Toulouse survival challenge

Newly-promoted Toulouse Olympique XIII went unbeaten last season and go up against Huddersfield Giants at home this Saturday night.

New signing James Cunningham will go up against his former team, to help the French side open a difficult season.

In a battle of the backs, Toulouse captain Tony Gigot will challenge the Giants new signing Theo Fages, who joined from St Helens.

The French international has two grand final wins and will boost the attacking threat of the Huddersfield.

Rhinos Halfback partnership

Leeds Rhinos new NRL halfback partnering of Aidan Sezer and Blake Austin could be an unstoppable force.

Their first home run out is against Warrington Wolves on Saturday – an early test for new Wire coach Daryl Powell.

This game marks the start of rugby league’s Channel Four viewing, with two close play-off rivals competing.

Leeds picked up the biggest league away win last year against Castleford despite a season full of injuries.

In their path is a dangerous Wire attack, led by England internationals George Williams and Gareth Widdop.

Luke Gale’s return

New Hull FC signing Luke Gale is eager to prove his worth after a difficult 2021 season.

The scrum-half was stripped of his captaincy and saw reduced game time at Leeds after some internal disputes.

His side travels away to Wakefield Trinity this Sunday, with both sides looking to improve on their finishes last year.

Wakefield coach Willie Poching will be motivated after his side ended the season with five wins from seven.

His appointment as head coach makes him the first Samoan to be appointed at first grade level in rugby league.

(Feature image provided under creative commons license by WIKITRIPAU @ https://commons.wikimedia.org/)

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