EVEN the slightest glance at how the new format works and the strength of the rivals gives a clear indication of why teams need to get off to a good start in Super League 2015.

You need to be in the top four at the end of the 30 rounds to feature in the two semi-finals that decide places in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 10.

And there is an advantage to being in the top four after the 23 regular rounds too, as those sides will have the benefit of an extra home game when the top eight sides all play each other again, once, in August and September.

Based on recent history, we would expect Tony Smith’s charges to be vying for one of those higher-end places. Last year’s fifth spot was the first time they have finished lower than third since 2009.

But when we look at who else is in the mix, the usual suspects of current champions St Helens, Challenge Cup holders Leeds Rhinos and regular trophy contenders Wigan Warriors will all be there or thereabouts again.

And then I start to think: “Hang on a minute! What about Huddersfield Giants, Catalans Dragons and Castleford Tigers?”

Huddersfield may have come up short in cup finals and play-offs, but they were deservedly table toppers in 2013 and continue to show signs of progression. The arrival of Craig Huby from Castleford will only enhance them.

French side Catalans were one of the form teams in the second half of last season and are highly fancied with mercurial Australian Todd Carney, despite previous off-the-field antics, as their marquee signing and scrum half Scott Dureau fit again.

And Castleford, despite losing some quality stars including reigning Man of Steel Daryl Clark to Warrington, will be set on proving to one and all that last season’s successes were no flash in the pan under coach of the year Daryl Powell.

Don’t write off Wolves’ opponents on Saturday, Salford Red Devils, either. Despite underperforming last year, they have now had plenty of time for individual geniuses like New Zealanders Rangi Chase and Kevin Locke to bed in, while new arrival Michael Dobson will be looking to pull the strings in the way that he has done successfully in Super League previously with Wigan and Hull KR.

So, that’s at least eight clubs in my mind with sights set on being in the top four spots by the time stage two of the season starts. And I've not even mentioned the capable Hull FC, 2014 play-offs finishers Widnes Vikings and the new-look Hull KR - all of whom will challenge the top eight rankings.

And clubs all know that an injury crisis at some stage can affect chances later in the campaign.

Therefore, a good start is paramount to the season’s ambitions. Bring it on!