NATIONAL League Two was the closest of all the divisions last season and early pointers suggest it should prove just as competitive this year.

Although the likes of London Skolars and Gateshead Thunder were cast adrift at the bottom of the table, things were incredibly close at the top, with the three leading teams finishing the regular season level on points.

York City Knights finished just three points behind – points which were surprisingly dropped early in the league campaign to Gateshead and Skolars – while there was only another two points encompassing the remaining play-off qualifiers.

Sheffield, Chorley and Keighley were divided at the top only by points difference, with Keighley going on to win promotion via the Grand Final, despite having the hardest play-off route of the three.

League leaders Sheffield, beaten in that Final, are likely to be up there again this year as they strive to go one better, while relegated Dewsbury Rams will want to bounce straight back up.

Hunslet, too, will have their own aspirations, as will Barrow Raiders, who knocked the Knights out of the play-offs last year and have since appointed the experienced Peter Roe as coach.

Swinton, Roe’s previous club, will be eyeing at least a good play-off place having just missed out on the top six last time out.

However, predicting just who will finish where is not easy.

Chorley surprised everyone last year and any team of about five could prove to be the dark horses this year.

The National League Two campaign kicks off on Easter Monday, April 12, following the completion of the Arriva Trains Cup group stage, with the Knights starting at home to Chorley.

Here, we take a look at the Knights’ rivals in the race for promotion from NL2.


BARROW RAIDERS
Ground: Craven Park
Coach: Peter Roe
Experienced Roe joined in October from Swinton and will bring lots of know-how.

He has a reasonably young side but with older and proven players and a few good signings. They will have the potential to be up there.
One to watch: James King – Australian second-row is a big, powerful player
Last season: 5th
Prediction: In the mix.

CHORLEY LYNX
Ground: Victory Park
Coach: Mark Lee
The surprise package last season, being real promotion contenders. But lost highly-rated coach Darren Abram to NL1 big-guns Leigh, as well as several key players, so will do well to match their performance last year, despite good recruitment.
One to watch: Rob Smyth – utility back with Super League and England Sevens experience
Last season: 2nd
Prediction: lower play-offs

DEWSBURY RAMS
Ground: Ram Stadium
Coach: Andy Fisher
Relegated last year and will be looking to bounce straight back. Similar side to last season so will be used to higher tempo, which could serve them well.

Several Rams links in the Knights squad, so clashes between the two will be eagerly anticipated.
One to watch: Paul Hicks – hard-working front-rower
Last season: 10th (NL1)
Prediction: Up there

GATESHEAD THUNDER
Ground: ‘Thunderdome’ (Gateshead International Stadium)
Coach: Seamus McCallion
Lost some key players, including Yusuf Sozi and Damien Reed to York, in the closed season. Trying to put down better roots and may rely on local talent, which could take time to blossom.
One to watch: Paul Thorman – inconsistent but dangerous
Last season: 9th
Prediction: Vying for wooden spoon

HUNSLET HAWKS
Ground: South Leeds Stadium
Coach: Roy Sampson
Lost NL2 Player of the Year Phil Hasty among others in the closed season but have an ever-improving young squad and signed some quality. The title may be a little out of their reach but will be dangerous and have ability to beat anyone.
One to watch: Latham Tawhai – part of impressive new half-back pair
Last season: 6th
Prediction: Outside contenders

LONDON SKOLARS
Ground: New River Stadium
Coach: Alex Smits
Made great leaps in last few years to become a pro club. Last year’s bottom spot in inaugural pro season was no surprise – unlike their memorable draw at York. Still lack experience and remain a few years away from success at this level.
One to watch: Rubert Jonker – stood out last year
Last season: 10th
Prediction: Bottom two

SHEFFIELD EAGLES
Ground: Don Valley Stadium
Coach: Mark Aston
Topped the table last year but were beaten in the play-off final and then lost inter-divisional play-off to Batley. Solid, reliable and with a proven formula, they will have a similar set-up this time and will be the team to beat.
One to watch: Andy Poynter – full-back was the Eagles’ top scorer in last two years
Last season: 1st (GF losers)
Prediction: Top two.

SWINTON LIONS
Ground: Park Lane
Coach: Paul Kidd
Swapped coaches over the closed season and lost a few key men. However, several good players have joined and the club could be buoyed by move to Sedgley Park RUFC’s ground, which has brought them nearer to their old Station View HQ.
One to watch: Peter Cannon – hooker/loose-forward is the new captain
Last season: 7th
Prediction: Dark horses.

WORKINGTON TOWN
Ground: Derwent Park
Coach: Gerard Stokes
Have endured a few years in the doldrums and a renaissance remains a while away.

Will hope to improve on last season and could cause a few shocks at home, but the squad will rely heavily on key men.
One to watch: Tane Manihera – experienced half-back signed from Barrow will need to bring inspiration
Last season: 8th
Prediction: Same again