Decked out in their striking new gear, the 12 Intrust Super Cup club captains smiled and posed for the cameras at the 2011 competition launch.

Friendly banter filled the rooms but don’t be fooled – things are about to turn deadly serious.

With Saturday’s 2pm clash between the Norths Devils and Mackay Cutters the first of six huge Round 1 games, the countdown to the premiership opener is well and truly underway.

The highly-anticipated 2011 season was officially launched by State Minister for Sport Phil Reeves at Portside Wharf this afternoon.

Intrust Super CEO Brendan O’Farrell also addressed guests, among them XXXX Maroons head coach Mal Meninga and many heavyweights from the corporate and sporting world.

The focus quickly turned to the football though when ABC rugby league commentator David Wright and 4BC’s Peter Psaltis ran through the player gains, losses and finals prospects of each of the clubs.

Wright predicted that the Redcliffe Dolphins would be the big improvers in the competition this year, but also stated that last year’s premiers the Northern Pride would be hard to beat.

Guests were treated to insights from Northern Pride skipper Ty Williams and two new coaches in Adam Mogg (Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles) and Troy McCarthy (Easts Tigers), who is returning to the competition where he already holds an impressive Queensland Cup coaching record.

QRL Media 16/03/2011