Super League set for return with Warrington and Leeds curtain-raiser
The competition has remained in a St Helens chokehold in recent seasons with the Merseyside outfit claiming four consecutive titles.
But the rest of the pack will undoubtedly be keen to bring an end to the dominance shown by Paul Wellens' men in what looks to be a competitive division.
The season begins with Warrington Wolves playing host to last season's Grand Final runners-up Leeds Rhinos - a tasty-looking encounter at The Halliwell Jones Stadium on Thursday night to kick off the campaign.
Leeds head coach Rohan Smith will have been using the off-season to pick up his men after the final defeat and he will be hoping to go one better on this occasion.
The new campaign will serve as a refresh for Daryl Powell in the opposite dugout, though, after Warrington could only muster up an 11th-place finish last time out.
As part of the Friday action, an interesting match-up beckons at Leigh Sports Village when the newly-promoted Leigh Leopards host last season's play-off semi-finalists Salford Red Devils.
Leigh made their return to the Super League in convincing fashion and have ensured to add to what looks to be an entertaining squad not just to avoid relegation, but to make a push for the play-offs.
Salford's previously strong season will have them looking to keep improving and make the Grand Final on this occasion and they have sought to do that by strengthening themselves.
But head coach Paul Rowley has not been able to name a full-strength squad for their opener at Leigh with plenty of big names absent, including winger Joe Burgess.
Also on Friday, Wakefield Trinity welcome Catalans Dragons to Belle Vue. The visitors have undergone a refresh after last season's early exit in the play-offs and will be hoping to be one of the sides providing a title challenge.
Hull KR host Wigan Warriors on Saturday while Hull FC play Castleford Tigers on Sunday to complete the opening round.
Huddersfield Giants' clash with champions St Helens has been postponed due to the visitors' World Club Challenge fixture against National Rugby League (NRL) winners Penrith Panthers.
