After all of the trades, all of the wheeling and dealing, all of the contract debate- the sides were finalised for the biggest season in ASRL history.

First came the trials, as sides sought to mesh before the season kicked off.

Then it was the Bob Fulton Cup, which climaxes tonight as Central Coast seek to complete their meteoric rise against a resurgent North Melbourne side packed with future stars. Meanwhile, in Sydney- six sides battle it out for the honours in the third annual Sevens tournament.

But all of this has been nothing more than an appetiser. A sampler of what should be an amazing season. In less than forty eight hours, the wait will be over, and season 2004 of the ASRL will kick off.

With huge clashes in all three divisions, ASRL Weekly Magazine's Frank Harris looks at each fixture and gives his tip.

Premier League
It's shaping up as the most competitive season in recent history, with all but three or four sides capable of taking it out when it comes down to the crunch. Whilst Gold Coast, Wellington, and Brisbane remain solid bets for the premiership, they face opposition from the new guard (Sydney, North Melbourne, and Parramatta) and the resurgent powers (Central, Manly, and Darwin).

Gold Coast Crusade vs. Sydney Oilers
The reigning premiers face a tough ask in old rivals, the Sydney Oilers. After winning their way into Premier League courtesy of the promotional tournament, the Oilers have recruited well- and their side includes former Crusade second string, Craig Gower. Out of form after a woeful Bob Fulton Cup campaign, the Oilers couldn't have got the Crusade at a better time- the side mauled by pre-season injury. Still, the nucleus of a premiership winning side remains.
Gold Coast by 10

Wellington Cougars vs. Capetown Ravens
Capetown face a mission impossible as they skip Australia completely and head straight to Wellington, where the Cougars are stinging from a poor BFC and a grand final loss in season 2003. Although the Ravens have recruited well, it looks like they'll kick the season off with a big loss to one of the big guns.
Wellington by 20

Surfers Paradise Punks vs. Central Phoenix
After a shocking defence of their minor premiership, the Phoenix have done a brilliant job of cleaning house and preparing a side for this year's competition. Meanwhile, Surfers received a wakeup call when they very nearly relegated in a poor year. After a solid Bob Fulton Cup campaign, the Phoenix will be eager to start their season with a win.
Central by 8

Perth Taipans vs. Brisbane Bulls
Another mouth-watering clash, as the winners of Division Two face off against Perth, a side on the wane after a decade at the top. Brisbane, fuelled by the demise of Ipswich and South Queensland, are a solid chance of taking it out this year- and will want to prove it by downing one of last season's bigger sides.
Brisbane by 7

Central Coast Falcons vs. Hawkesbury Mavericks
The war for control of the Central Coast will start right here, with the rising Falcons taking on the old enemy in Brian Randell's Mavericks. Hawkesbury, like Sydney, received a lifeline into Premier League, and will be out to prove they deserved it. Regardless of tonight's Bob Fulton Cup result, the Falcons should be able to account for the Hawkesbury side.
Central Coast by 16

Manly Cannons vs. Parramatta Vikings
It's a footy fan's feast as the Cannons play host to Parramatta, a side many are tipping to make the step up to be among the elite clubs in the ASRL. Possessing more superstars than jerseys, the Vikings have yet to find a winning formula- and may find the going hard against Krocket's well drilled Cannons.
Manly by 2

North Sydney Newbloods vs. Wollongong Destructors
The only really easy game to predict, the Newbloods should be more than capable of accounting for this year's relegation favourites. Even the presence of Brad Fittler hasn't done anything to change the Destructors' fortunes, and although they face the ASRL's retirement village, they'll still be outclassed.
North Sydney by 10

Carnarvon Grizzlies vs. Adeliade Attitude
The demise of Carnarvon and Adelaide, two formerly great clubs- has been well documented. Whilst Carnarvon did make last year's finals race, it looks like the golden days for the proud club may be about to go into remission. Adelaide, under the guidance of Brian Randell, are trying to 'stop the rot' as well, and that alone will ensure this is a classic. Carnarvon's experience should see them through.
Carnarvon by 6

North Melbourne Maulers vs. Darwin Cyclones
The Maulers have been the most improved club thus far in Premier League. They dominated their pool in the Sevens, crushed all comers in the Bob Fulton Cup, and are now on the road to winning another premiership after their glorious win in 2002. Meanwhile, Darwin welcome a new coach in Jelly Adams, who is desperate to prove he has what it takes to pilot a Premier League club. A thriller is in the offing, and I predict that North Melbourne's extended pre-season may come back to haunt them.
Darwin by 2

Division Two
New faces always make it hard to predict a season, but there are still a few consistencies in Division Two. Fairfield are still the deserved favourites, and the Power will still be a threat. But with North Queensland, Tamworth City, New England, and South Melbourne all eager to improve- it's shaping up to be an interesting season.

Auckland Marlins vs. New England Ferrets
Auckland, coachless after the sudden departure of Tim Voegeli, face a tough task if they're to beat a New England side quickly making up ground after two years of relative obscurity. The loss of Andy Farrell should hurt the Ferrets, but it seems to have given them more drive.
New England by 8

Suva Suns vs. Perth City Blackhawks
Suva are another side who should be in the finals again this year, coach JD Marskell's recruitment having built them into a formidable side. While Adam Mills' return to coaching has been a publicist's dream, it's hard to see his Blackhawks being able to match it with the might of Fijian rugby league.
Suva by 18

Tamworth City Titans vs. North Queensland Dolphins
Probably the match of the round, this clash sees last season's miracle finalists clashing with North Queensland- the side most likely to snare Fairfield's mantle as favourite for Division Two. While Tamworth City will benefit from their finals' appearance, the Dolphins possess too much talent and too much experience to be overawed.
North Queensland by 14

Eastwood Pumas vs. Penrith Highlanders
Two struggling Sydney clubs fighting the battle of who could care less. Penrith and Eastwood have both been under-performing for as long as they've been around, and neither side will be there come September. I'll flip a coin.
Eastwood by 6

Redlands Rhinos vs. Hobart Shades
Redlands will need to be careful against the untried Hobart side, who boast some real talent and the guidance of former Hobart Devils coach, Murray Norris. The Shades have one of the most solid Division Two squads, but Redlands' experience as a team should see them collect first round points.
Redlands by 6

Coffs Harbour Wyrms vs. South Melbourne Devils
This is a possible finals' preview, with both sides favoured to be there are the season's end. Coffs Harbour have a new coach in Anthony McElroy, who has whipped last season's big underachiever's into shape for this season. South Melbourne, after a woeful first up year in Division Two, have likewise improved- and this match should provide some indication of where each club stands. At home, the Wyrms should be able to do their coach proud.
Coffs Harbour by 4

Port Moresby Power vs. Christchurch Carnage
The Power have had two seasons of near misses, and will be desperate to make good on the wraps put on them. Christchurch look likely to be their whipping boys, and the Power will vent their frustration with a big score.
Port Moresby by 16

Fairfield Stallions vs. Newcastle Fear
The Division favourites won't be given an easy win first up- facing Mark Fowler's always impressive Newcastle Fear. One of the most well drilled squads in Division Two, the Fear will be hoping their off season buys can add some flare to their side. Fairfield will have a scare, but put away the improving side.
Fairfield by 12

St George Breakers vs. Pacific Sharks
Two new sides clashing here, and it makes for a hard to predict game. Both sides made the Sevens finals (Pacific represented by Queanbeyan), and both had solid but ultimately fruitless BFC debuts. It's really down to the coaches, and newly elected Country coach O'Keefe should be able to guide his side home.
St George by 8

Colombo Harlequins vs. Canberra Chargers
Like him or hate him, Chris Colombo has done the world of good for league in Sri Lanka. After taking on a largely inexperienced and untried squad, Colombo bent over backwards to ensure the locals would have a quality side to watch. In Australia, Canberra found a new coach in Michael Sparrow- who has likewise fixed some parts of his team. It makes for an enthralling clash, but the Chargers should have too much flare for the Harlequins.
Canberra by 12

Rising Star Conference
Who can predict a competition without a single recognised side in it? Twenty untried squads, some with veterans and some completely green, makes for an enthralling battle. Not to decide who will be the next champion team- but who will produce the next champion player.

Rotarua Kittens vs. Port Hedlands Jets
While 'big daddy' happens to be a Premier League heavyweight (Wellington and Perth respectively) for both sides in this clash, it's not likely to be a grand final preview. While Rotarua possess some daunting forwards, they're not a carbon copy of big brother. That said, they should be able to outclass a hastily formed Port Hedlands' side.
Rotarua by 10

Wests Panthers vs. The Flintlocks
This match is a little more appetising, with the Brisbane Bulls' feeder eager to impress its Premier League parent by downing the Cannons' young guns (forgive the obvious pun). The Flintlocks have some experience on field already, and are a hot tip to win this one.
The Flintlocks by 6

Rabual Rangers vs. North West Kookaburras
Neither side has seen much action, with North West having played in the Sevens but hardly turning heads. Composed mostly of country players, the Kookaburras are something of an unknown entity- but should have what it takes to down Rabual.
North West by 12

Bougainville Bears vs. Pine Rivers Turtles
Neither side has seen action, with Pine Rivers forced to pull out of the Bob Fulton Cup due to player disputes. It's really just a flip of the coin again.
Bougainville by 10

Balmain Storm vs. Sunshine Coast Wizards
This match has every league expert watching intently, as the two strongest RSC clubs clash in a curtain raiser to Gold Coast vs. Sydney. Balmain possess some immense talent in the forwards, whilst the Wizards' backs turned heads in the Bob Fulton Cup and in the Sevens. It really comes down to who paid more attention- Bossert or Bush. The Wizards, on the back of their big game experience, to get home.
Sunshine Coast by 4

Hornsby Wasps vs. Cairns White Pointers
With a ready made supporter base up north, Cairns will be hoping they can impress in Sydney before flying back for their next fixture. Lobbying for a return to Division Two, the White Pointers' players will want to impress North Queensland coach Troy Haines all the same.
Cairns by 10

Hunter Bantems vs. Broome Warriors
Master recruiter Mark Fowler has crafted a dangerous looking Hunter Bantams side, and they'll be taking on the Broome 'worst club ever' Warriors, who are now representing a waning Carnarvon side. They should be able to bring it home for their fans.
Hunter by 10

Birchgrove Nightwings vs. Northern Territory Lions
Possessing the most experienced squad, Northern Territory should've have much trouble accounting for Birchgrove's inexperienced lineup.
Northern Territory by 14

Port Kembla Voodoo vs. Western Suburbs Raiders
The best performing RSC club in the sevens faces off against a side boasting talent that other clubs dream about. Western Suburbs, like their parent (Parramatta), possess a squad full of future stars- and are another club pushing to win the inaugural RSC premiership. They should make a solid start here.
Western Suburbs by 20

The Entrance Tigers vs. Werris Creek Magpies
The Entrance, under the guidance of former Division Two mastermind- Michael Magro, will be eager to punish Werris Creek and get their season off to a winning start. It doesn't seem a tall ask, with the side already pushing Manly and then crushing the Balmain Storm in a friendly.
The Entrance by 22