The 2009/10 Bank of Beirut Rugby League Championship kicks off at the weekend with an increase of two teams to the season. American University of Science & Technology and Wolves RLFC join last season's five teams in the third edition of the titled championship.

AUST have been playing rugby league for a few years now, but due to administrative problems have not been admitted into the league. This year they have successfully applied and Rabie El Masri has an enthusiastic and physically huge squad at his disposal. Their lack of experience, despite the presence of Lebanon international Ahmad El Masri, the coach's brother, will mean they are bound to struggle against some of the more seasoned outfits.

Wolves RLFC follows Jounieh as a totally independent club trying to establish itself in the RL firmament. A product of AUB's RL nursery, its board felt the time was right to go it alone. Former Cedar and long-time AUB scrum half Jad Abinassif will provide plenty of know-how on the field, but their squad will need to be strengthened if they are to compete.

Of the five more experienced teams, Jounieh stands alone as double-winning champions. Without the resources of some of the other teams, Al-Galacticos face the normal struggle to prepare a competitive squad, and with the loss of several key players, namely reigning Darren Maroon Award winner Paul Jabbour, who returned to Australia in the summer, and Karim Mourabet, now in Saudi Arabia, they will do well to maintain their level of success. But the 'three-peat' must be the champions' goal.

Beaten finalists of the last two years, LAU Immortals will have revenge on the mind. With a strong squad packed with experience the men in green-and-white, who went 12-0 last season before losing a thrilling final, enter the season as favourites. Their pack is as strong as ever and teams will have to stand up to be counted in the middle if they are to compete.

One of the most improved squads, USJ Saints, has impressed hugely in pre-season work outs and despite the loss of the country's best player, Ramy Rassi, who is in France, the Saints are confident of improving on their semi-final loss last season. Former Club Libanais play-maker Roy Abla has returned from Sydney, and AUB and Lebanon utility Wael Harb has moved across town, with both sure to prove important cogs in the blue-and-white's machine. If Rassi's studies end before the end of the season USJ could be a serious threat for the crown.

AUB have suffered the loss of some key players following the decision of the Wolves to go it alone, but coach Faysal Jaber has the best facilities in the country with which to prepare his numerically strong squad. Deficiencies in the skill positions will be a hindrance in tight matches, but their defensive capabilities should mean AUB are not taken apart.

Last but not least, Balamand Razorbacks look like fielding their best squad for years. Following a couple of difficult seasons in the wilderness the northerners have recruited well and re-organised themselves from top to bottom. Director of Coaching Ray Safi has overseen the transfer following Mohamed Habbous's departure and the squad is sure to challenge for the play-offs. What's more, they may welcome back Lebanon's best ever domestic player, Allen Soultan, into their ranks from February. His insertion could prove decisive.

Balamand and AUST have the honour of kicking off the competition which ends in May. Second and third play off for a spot in the final to play the league-leaders. There are sure to be many twists and turns along the way.

LEBRL.COM projected league table:

1. LAU Immortals RLFC
2. USJ Saints
3. Jounieh Al Galacticos RLFC
4. Balamand Razorbacks
5. AUB
6. Wolves RLFC
7. AUST