Coach Dean Robinson and his squad have been charged with surmounting a success-seeking seven to secure their future as a professional club.

The second division was reduced to eight teams during the close season after Prescot Panthers folded, Carlisle merged with Barrow and the first division opted for an 11-team set up.

New opposition is provided in the form of Oldham and Workington Town as York seek a top three finish and a sought-after place in the first division.

STUART MARTEL runs the rule over the Wasps seven foes:

Barrow Border Raiders

The Cumbrian side's merger with Carlisle Border Raiders in October 1997 was more of a 'swallowing up' than a meeting of minds. The club will play at Barrow's Craven Park stadium, some 90 miles from Carlisle's Gillford Park, and it is hard to envisage many of the Raiders faithful 400 making that journey. The playing strengths have been pooled and the joint effort could pay if they repeat the form shown in their close-season friendlies. Success will depend on their away form - they won just once on their travels last season.

1998 chances: Mid-table - away form is crucial

Batley Bulldogs

Australian coach Peter Regan was sacked in October and former Great Britain international David Ward returned to Mount Pleasant. Ward previously led the Bulldogs from 1991 to 1994 before joining Featherstone. His side are likely to rely on a strong home record to see them into the first division. Experienced line-up includes former Great Britain internationals Roy Powell and Deryck Fox, signed from Featherstone Rovers.

1998 chances: Possible champions - vastly experienced squad

Bramley

The Villagers are becoming the side everyone loves to hate due to their ever-closer links with Leeds Rhinos. The Headingley tenants signed nine young prospects from the Leeds Alliance and Academy championship sides in December, including former New Earswick All Blacks player Dan Potter. The tumble to Ellenborough in the Challenge Cup undermined Bramley's billing as pre-season title favourites. Inexperience may count against them.

1998 chances: Promotion challengers - inexperience against them

Doncaster Dragons

The Dragons looked a disorganised side when they visited Huntington Stadium in January and they only marginally improved in time for the return game last month. Doncaster will need big seasons from Martin Rowse, Alan Dickinson and player coach Colin Maskill if they are to avoid the same fate which awaits the town's football club. Coincidentally, the Dragons are now ground-sharing with Rovers at Belle Vue.

1998 chances: Basement battle - squad looks too weak

Lancashire Lynx

Former Wigan and Great Britain full-back Steve Hampson was appointed first team coach in October and last season's boss Kevin Tamati moved upstairs to become chief executive. Like York, the Lynx will need to sort out their appalling away form if they are to achieve anything this season. They finished 1997 unbeaten at home but lost eight of their ten away matches to finish sixth. Signings include former Oldham Bears player Darren Abram.

1998 chances: Promotion challengers - away record holds the key

Oldham

The 'new' Oldham emerged from the ashes of the defunct Bears, who finished bottom of Super League and went into liquidation with debts of £1.2 million. A local consortium revived the sport in the town and are relying on traditional values to win back the club's support. The Roughyeds nickname has been revived along with traditional shirts and they won their first game against Rochdale Hornets on New Year's Day. Largely an unknown quantity, the Roughyeds appear to have recruited well, signing Chris Eckersley, John Hough (Warrington), Darren Robinson (Bears), Afi Leuila (Bears) and Ian Sinfield (Salford).

1998 chances: Mid-table - unknown quantity

Workington Town

Town are in free-fall. They started 1996 in Super League, finishing bottom with just two wins, and they ended 1997 with a second successive basement place, trailing in last in division one. Their preparations for the second division were dealt a hefty blow when they were embarrassingly whitewashed 18-0 by amateurs Egremont in round four of the Challenge Cup. However, the proposed signing of Warrington winger Richard Henare will raise eyebrows among their second division foes.

1998 chances: Basement battle - club in free-fall

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