RUGBY League chiefs are predicting the most competitive season yet as clubs make a big step up in quality for 1999.

At the season's launch at Mottram Hall on Tuesday, Super League Europe's managing director Maurice Lindsay spoke of his optimism.

He said: "We've had three years preparing for this one. We had the evolution year with all the political drama.

"The second year was one of consolidation and the third year was the breakthrough. We think the Grand Final at Old Trafford last October sealed it for us. It was a wonderful occasion.

"And just look at all the indicators now. We have the return to this country of two of the most important and influential people this game has produced.

"Malcolm Reilly and Ellery Hanley have returned to Super League from Australia - it is an indication of their faith."

Super League games will also be shown in France and Australia this year with a £275,000 prize awaiting the winners when the Grand Final takes place on October 9.

"There is the emergence of Gateshead Thunder who have a whole crew of top Australians on board as Super League hits the north east.

"And then look at teams like Salford and Warrington - no team will revel in playing at their grounds after their performances in the cup. We have found the level we were looking for and it is going to be a really competitive year.

"There have been record season ticket sales in the build up and we expect to break the one million attendance barrier this year."

Nationwide billboard and cinema advertising have helped to stir up the passions of supporters, who will be able to attend games and watch Friday and Sunday night matches live on SkySports.

Super League games will also be shown in France, Australia and possibly South Africa this year with Australian National Rugby League games being shown in Briatin on Saturdays at 10am.

It all adds up to a feast of rugby between now and the Grand Final on October 9 where a magnificent £275,000 prize will be waiting for the winners.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.