Image source, SWPIX.COM

Warrington Wolves are among the favourites for success in 2019, and their marquee signing Blake Austin is expected to be a big part of it.

The Canberra Raiders playmaker swapped the elite National Rugby League for the north west of England, and as a 'rugby league nerd', can't wait to taste Super League action.

"We get to play round one at the Halliwell Jones," Austin told BBC Sport. "And that's something that really excites me.

"I came to the home game against St Helens here last year. Some of the guys in the office were disappointed because the crowd hadn't quite turned out in numbers they'd hoped for, but I was scratching my head because I couldn't believe the atmosphere, which was something that really pleased me.

"It's a 'small-in-numbers' sport in this country but there's a real tradition. You're lucky to have a really good live product. Back home we've got a really good TV product but we've lost that feel and that tribalism at the game.

"It's something that's alive and well here."

Image source, SWPIX.COM

Hull FC's tailspin in form at the end of 2018 was painful, with a finish of 11 straight defeats.

Injuries took their toll, with stars such as Jake Connor and Marc Sneyd sat in the stands rather than performing on the pitch.

It was a hard slog until the end of the campaign, but head coach Lee Radford hopes it can be a catalyst this term.

"We made the eight but couldn't make the four, and only had half the squad to pick from which doesn't work well," he told BBC Sport.

"It was a horrible situation but we can use it to motivate ourselves, and create motivation to be better and not be in that position again."

What better way for them to kick off too, than rivals Hull KR in the first weekend?

"This has a play-off intensity and play-off feel - in round one, which is pretty unique but it's one I'm looking forward to."

Image source, SWPIX.COM

Hull KR had to wait until the final week of the season to secure their Super League place with a thrashing of Widnes.

They return to the top tier with some strong players such as Josh Drinkwater arriving in the off-season, while they have a wily old fox in Tim Sheens as head coach.

Derby delight greets them in round one, and despite being involved in Grand Finals and World Cup finals, the 68-year-old is a big fan of the local rivalry.

"It's one we look forward to, we beat them twice in friendlies but no one takes any notice of those but the win at their place lifted our confidence," he told BBC Sport.

"We weren't outplayed at our place but Carlos Tuimavave and Jake Connor proved the difference.

"It won't define how we finish, but getting off to a good start and that's something both of us are keen to do.

"The intensity of the atmosphere can't be better than a Test match, but the quality can be up and down."

Image source, Rex Features

What a opener then.

Of course, this is just the start of it all in Super League.

We've not scratched the surface of the opening weekend, let alone the rest of the season.

Andrew Henderson
Warrington Wolves assistant coach on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

It's been a fantastic first half.

Saints had the better start and they took the early ascendancy with a couple of tries.

Wigan were struggling to make metres then all of sudden some ill-discipline from Saints gave Wigan some field position and they got one try and another just before half-time.

It's been fast, ferocious, skillful and it's a great advert for the game.

Image source, PA

And breathe.

Half of two halves.

Saints roared into a 12-0 lead thanks to tries from their exciting back-division - including a debut score for Kevin Naiqama - and an effort from Jonny Lomax.

Wigan looked a bit off the pace but soon found their mojo. Ben Flower showed brute force to rumble over, and then the sprightly Liam Marshall pounced for the Cherry and Whites' second.

What a game so far. Phew.

How quickly a game can turn, eh?

Two to the break. All level.

Wigan have responded from a chastening first 20 minutes to stamp themselves on this game.

Both forward packs have been ferocious. It's as if they've been locked in a room looking at a hanging steak all winter, and are now waiting to be fed.

What a cracker.

Theo Fages taking some punishment as he skips away after a slightly dubious looking gather from George Williams' grubber kick.

Saints get to the last... it's a scrappy end to the set, but Regan Grace shows real calm to roll the kick in behind and forces a drop-out.

BEAST OF A KICK! Zak Hardaker slammed that down field. It's caused Tommy Makinson problems. However, Saints get a reprieve again after more interference at the play-the-ball.

That's what you sign a player like Lachlan Coote for. Slip-fielder hands to draw in the ball after a dangerous grubber bobbled off the post-pad.

Saints relieve the danger. Breathe again Red Vee.

Wigan are really causing problems now though, their big forwards are on their mettle. It's a corking battle.

Image source, PA

Jonny Lomax gives away a penalty for interference. Another Wigan penalty...

Right in range. Are Saints creaking now?

Any fears Wigan weren't quite in the game have well and truly been dispelled. They are white hot now.

Cor. Dan Sarginson made a scything break for the Warriors, gaining some field position.

Then a last tackle kick is spilled dead by Regan Grace. Saints to drop out. It's pressure on again for the home side.

Wigan's last tackle play ends with Lachlan Coote scooping up from close to his own line... it's dangerous!

Ah, but! Robert Hicks blows on his whistle. Obstruction call... Tommy Leuluai held back by Zeb Taia.

Penalty to Wigan...

Another assault on the St Helens line... Wigan attack at pace..

Dan Sarginson hits the ball and crashes over! Try?! No... forward pass from Joe Greenwood.

Scrum Saints. Better from Wigan.

Image source, PA

Josh Verrills: Sam Tomkins is a huge loss for Wigan both on and off the pitch this season. Class player who was superb all throughout the course of last season.

Tomkins, of course, will be plying his trade in Perpignan for Catalans this season.

What a break by Saints down the left! Ball through hands releases Regan Grace who cuts out and then back in again on another flood forward.

Wigan look like they're to be stretched, especially when the ball pings to Tommy Makinson on the right, but the winger's spectacular dive is in vain as he can't get it down.

Tony Clubb limps off... painful blow in contact with Jonny Lomax. He's only just come on!

Alex Walmsley goes off for his first break, no set-backs on his full-pelt return to Super League after a neck injury. Matty Lees - a hungry young forward - is sent on.

Likewise, Tony Clubb on for Wigan, Romain Navarrete coming off.

Eight interchanges rather than 10 this year. More graft for the big 'uns to do.

Took a fierce defensive effort to keep out Oliver Gildart there as Wigan surged, the England centre was driven out.

Wigan swept out to the left and were again denied. Then came back to the right, Gildart again the architect... his kick nicks out of play.

Is it played at? No. Saints ball.

Back to back penalties. That gives Wigan a position 10 away...

Danger.