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| DEMOLITION DERBY: Saints and Wigan clash in Saturday's final contest |
Huddersfield v Warrington
Kicking off Millenium Magic is a repeat of the 2009 Challenge Cup Final and, after backing Warrington to win this year's Super League Grand Final, it will come as no surprise to learn that I'm tipping the same outcome as in that Wembley showpiece.
Mind you, I'm expecting a big year from the Giants and expect stand-off Kevin Brown, fantastic over the last two seasons, to push on even further now he has replaced Brett Hodgson as captain.
Coach Nathan Brown has also brought in Australian forward Luke O'Donnell, who will have a major impact, but it's Warrington who are the team to challenge Wigan in 2011.
Hodgson will prove influential, along with the likes of Adrian Morley and Ben Westwood, while the form of centre Ryan Atkins will again catch the eye. Joel Monaghan should be a real sensation in Super League and he's a great shout to bag the first try at 10-1 with William Hill.
Winner: Warrington (4-7 Betfred)
Score Tip: Wolves by 13+ points (2-1 Blue Square)
First Tryscorer: Joel Monaghan (10-1 William Hill)
Catalans v Harlequins
It's exciting times for Catalans under new coach Trent Robinson who has recruited well and I fancy the French will make a winning start to the new season.
Rob Powell is the youngest, most inexperienced coach in the competition and, if that wasn't enough, he has the weakest squad to boot. It could be a baptism of fire for Powell in Cardiff.
The likes of Scott Dureau, Steve Menzies and Ian Henderson will make Catalans a tougher force than last time out and they'll get off to a flyer.
Winner: Catalans (8-15 Betfred)
Score Tip: Catalans by 6-10 points (5-1 Coral)
First Tryscorer: Steve Menzies (20-1 Betfred)
Castleford v Wakefield
The departure of talented young duo Michael Shenton and Joe Westerman is a major blow to Castleford, though Richard Mathers, returning favourite Danny Orr and Saints pair Nick Fozzard and Jacob Emmitt will ensure a solid spine to the side.
Stand-off Rangi Chase will again be the man to watch and he could have a field day this weekend against a Wildcats outfit that has been in turmoil off the field.
Wakefield's small squad will need all the experience of coach John Kear this term after a distinct lack of high-profile signings due to now re-solved financial issues, but I fear it could be a testing first 80 minutes in what promises to be a tough season for the Wildcats.
Winner: Castleford (2-5 Betfred)
Score Tip: Castleford by 11-15 points (6-1 Paddy Power)
First Tryscorer: Richard Mathers (18-1 Sportingbet)
St Helens v Wigan
A thrilling finale to the opening day of Super League XVI sees a repeat of last year's Grand Final and, I'm sorry Saints fans, it's hard to envisage a different outcome.
Stuart Fielden, Pat Richards and Brett Finch are out injured, but the Cherry and Whites are still bursting with quality.
The addition of Ryan Hoffman ensures the Warriors have the best back-row in the competition, while Sam Tomkins heads a list of young talent that many suspect will see another prolonged period of Wigan dominance.
New Saints coach Royce Simmons, though, has a squad that will be competing for a sixth successive Grand Final showing and I'm expecting big things from centre Michael Shenton.
You can't bet against the champions right now though and that's where my money will be going.
Winner: Wigan (8-15 William Hill)
Score Tip: Wigan by 13+ points (21-10 Blue Square)
First Tryscorer: Michael Shenton (14-1 Stan James)
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