BRAD Singleton knows Leeds Rhinos are there to be shot at this season, after their 2015 treble-winning campaign.

The Rhinos start the defence of their Super League crowns against Warrington Wolves at Headingley tonight, a match Singleton expects to be ‘a tough one’ (8pm kick-off).

But the 23-year-old is hopeful Leeds can defend the Grand Final, League Leaders’ Shield and Challenge Cup admirably, despite the retirements of key figures Kevin Sinfield, Jamie Peacock and Kylie Leuluai during the close-season.

“This year, we can guarantee every game is going to be as tough, if not even tougher, than last year,” said the Barrow Island youth product. “People will want to knock us off our perch.

“We’re just taking one game at a time. We know each game is going to be tough and we’ll just look at each one and how we can win it, and then move on to the next week.

“I think the squad has the capability to be as strong as last year. I think we’re going to respectably defend all three trophies.”

Leeds have spent part of pre-season in Jacksonville, Florida – taking on a USA side as part of their preparations in weather Singleton described as not being as warm as the location suggests.

They have done so with new faces Keith Galloway, Beau Falloon, Anthony Mullalley and Brett Ferres in the squad – though hooker Falloon has suffered a broken toe in training which is set to rule him out of the start of the campaign.

Singleton has been pleased with how the Rhinos have adapted to the changes in personnel over the winter and is hopeful the team are ready to go for the start of the season.

“As a team, I think we’re learning after a few important people left the team,” the big prop said. “We’re learning play with each other and I think we have achieved that.

“It’s about getting our game fitness and getting used to each other, with Keith Galloway, Beau Falloon and Brett Ferres, the new signings, playing strongly and playing right.

“I think the recruitment has been great. What they have done in signing Keith, Beau, Tony Mullalley and Ferres, has been great.

“I think things have changed more in the changing room than on the field. They (Peacock, Sinfield and Leuluai) all played a massive part, but it’s time for the others to step up.

“There have been leaders all through my career and I’m sure there are similar people will lead again.”

The 2015 Cumbria Sports Personality of the Year added: “I would hope there’s a bigger role for me. Each year, I’ve always said I just want to build on the last and this year hopefully I can build on last year.

“I think the squad means it is the tightest and hardest to get a place in for the competition this year. I just feel the pack is strong, so hopefully I can get in that side and be part of the team each weekend.”

One player Singleton is looking forward to coming up against this season is long-time friend and fellow Rating Lane product Ryan Shaw.

The former Barrow Raiders centre or winger has joined Hull Kingston Rovers from Championship Bradford, and Singleton is hopeful his old England Under-18s team-mate can make an impact in the top flight.

“I’m really close to Shawy and I know what he’s doing most days,” said the Leeds man. “He hasn’t got much in his head off the field, but on the field he’s a smart lad and he deserves a crack in Super League again.

“He’s fit, strong, fast and committed and he deserves to go far. Hopefully this year he gets a bit of a look-in, luck can go his way and he can cement his place in the starting side.”