KEY POINTS:
Auckland, boasting seven internationals, will start as favourites for the men's national softball league which begins this weekend on the North Shore.
Hutt Valley and Wellington, the beaten finalists of the past two years, could perhaps provide the toughest test for the defending champions.
Hutt Valley's hopes will rest with national squad members Rhys Casley, who heads the batting lineup, while the Manley brothers Jeremy and Regan will do the pitching.
Wellington also have a number of players expected to play key roles: internationals Jarrad Martin, Wayne Laulu, Aaron Neemia, Karl Gollan, Stacy McLean and the Makea brothers Thomas and Fabian.
Thomas Makea and Martin are considered among the world's best batters.
Canterbury, who finished third last year, cannot be discounted.
Their lineup includes internationals Travis Wilson, Michael Gaiger, Stephen Ratu and leading batters Gareth Cook and Daniel Milne.
Southern Pride and North Harbour are the two teams that could surprise.
Southern Pride will be led by Black Sox pitcher Marty Grant, who has his sights set on playing in a fourth world championship.
Harbour, the 2006 champions, have national representative Brad Rona along with promising players Thomas Enoka and Tamihana Nau.
"We are expecting a close competition this year," Softball NZ general manager Dane Dougan said.
"The associations have been positive in their approach to the league, and it is an exciting time for softball."
Players will be hoping to catch the eye of the selectors with international tournaments on the horizon, such as the Pacific series in Samoa next month and the world championship.
The women's league at Christchurch, also beginning this weekend, sees Wellington back after a year's absence to swell the number of teams to five.
The women's competition is expected to be a three-way tussle among Hutt Valley, who are seeking a third title, Auckland and Canterbury.
This weekend is the first of three for both leagues.
The second round from January 31-February 1 will see the men's games played in Christchurch and the women in Wellington.
The top three teams from each league qualify for the finals which will be played at Fraser Park in Lower Hutt on February 28.
- NZPA
