Auckland have Ryan Archibald to lead their challenge with his old mate Phil Burrows - the most experienced duo in New Zealand hockey - to join him after playing all his representative hockey for Wellington.
With Simon Child, Dean Couzins and Arun Panchia to bolster their ranks, coach Hemant Lala will put out his team with some confidence as they chase a second title - 10 years after their only success.
Midlands, coached by Darren Smith, have plenty of talent with 15 players having played internationally at some level.
With Hopping, Andy Hayward, Richard Petherick and goalkeeper Stephen Graham to provide the defensive platform, Midlands will be well-served as they chase their first title since 2008. Their cause helped by the inclusion of guest player Rob Reckers (Netherlands).
Northland have Shay Neal back under the origin rule but they do not appear to have the depth.
Central have an interesting line-up with Collier, Shea McAleese and promising striker Nick Wilson to lead the charge.
Reigning champions Capital will be looking for a repeat and again have former Australian international Sean Dancer, these days assistant Black Sticks coach, along with current internationals Matt L'Hullier, Joel Baker, Kyle Pontifex, Blair Hilton and Stephen Jenness.
Canterbury, who have won only once, have recently-retired Hayden Shaw to bolster their challenge along with brother Brad, former international Gareth Brook on the comeback trail and Black Sticks midfielder Nick Haig. Again, their depth will be questioned.
The women's league appears wide open.
Reigning champions North Harbour - whose three triumphs have come in the last five years, do not appear as strong as past seasons.
There will be plenty of pressure on goalkeeper Bianca Russell and her Black Sticks teammate Petrea Webster. They have three players from the national development squad and guest players Edwina Bone (Australia) and Jo Bilkey (Auckland) to bolster their ranks.
Northland, so often one of the stronger teams on paper, have yet to deliver a top three finish. This could be their chance.
With six current or recent internationals in Laura Douglas, Ella Gunson, Charlotte Harrison, Jas McQuinn, Carli and Stacey Michelsen and Anna Thorpe along with two guest players from Australia they deserve to be among the favourites.
Auckland have been in the wilderness since their second of two victories in 2001. Again, they will go out confident of breaking that drought.
Led by co-captains and internationals Jan Burrows and Krystal Forgesson, Auckland, with back-up from Lucy Talbot, Sam Harrison and in-form Katie Glynn, will be a chance but will need 70 minutes of good hockey in every game to figure at the business end of the tournament.
Midlands, chasing a first title, have a well-balanced team with Clarissa Eshuis, Cath Finlayson, Gemma Flynn, Kate Mahon and guest goalkeeper Sally Rutherford, who emerged from the Champions Trophy as a player to watch, all ready to show they are better than their lead-up form might suggest.
Central will look to Black Sticks Kayla Sharland and Emily Naylor and retired international Caryn Paewai - in her last NHL - to provide the experience as they chase a third title. Again their depth will be under scrutiny.
Capital, seventh last year, Canterbury (fourth) and Southern (eighth) will struggle against the stronger full strength northern teams but will have the chance to show Black Sticks coach Mark Hager they are worthy of consideration.
The leagues begin with two rounds this weekend. All teams will then head to Wellington for the remaining matches with the finals set for August 14.
Last year's top five
Men, Challenge Shield
Capital 1, Midlands 2, Auckland 3, North Harbour 4, Central 5.
Women, K Cup
North Harbour 1, Auckland 2, Midlands 3, Canterbury 4, Northland 5.
Format 2011
Today/tomorrow, double round, Auckland, North Harbour, Whangarei, Palmerston North, Tauranga, Dunedin.
August 6-14, remaining rounds (finals August 14), National Hockey Stadium, Wellington.
