Queensland Reds

Finishes over the past three seasons: 2011 – 1st, 2010 – 5th, 2009 – 13th.

Coach: Ewen McKenzie

Captain: James Horwill

Gains: Chris Feauia-Sautia (Australian Schoolboys)

Losses: Will Chambers (Melbourne Storm NRL), Leroy Houston (Bordeaux), Ian Prior (Brumbies), Kimami Sitauti (Brumbies), Lei Tomiki (Stade Francais).

One to watch: Mike Harris – The former New Zealand Under-20 representative is poised to fill the big hole left by sidelined playmaker Quade Cooper for at least six weeks. A loping runner, robust defender and dead-eyed goalkicker. Made an eye-catching debut last yeart and can also slot in at inside centre and fullback.

Best team: Luke Morahan, Rod Davies, Anthony Faingaa, Ben Tapuai, Digby Ioane, Quade Cooper, Will Genia, Radike Samo, Beau Robinson, Scott Higginbotham, James Horwill, Rob Simmons, James Slipper, Saia Faingaa, Ben Daley. Res: James Hanson, Greg Hanson, Adam Wallace-Harrison, Jake Schatz, Liam Gill, Ben Lucas, Mike Harris.

Predicted Australian Conference finish: 1st

Betting: Sportingbet: $7.50 (to win tournament)