I think Hull and Saints look strong this year and will make up the top two, lots of question marks for me over the rest of the teams.
My predicted table is as follows:
Saints - a full preseason under Holbrook and an embarrassment of riches, think they are the team to beat
Hull - strike all over the field and another big year for Connor, in the centres most likely
Cas - lost hardaker and brought lots of average players, classic Powell, but he makes them play to his style. Loads of depth.
Leeds - Mcguire was huge for them last year, Myler for me won't lead them as he did. But they have winners all over the field and a really good impact from the bench
Wire - new coach, unproven, new half who I know nothing about, wire have a good young squad but not really a touch of class or brute force like a few years back.
Wakey - signed a couple of beasts, this year will prove the influence of Kear, I'm not convinced their halves have enough quality and the injury to Randell is huge
Giants - see below
Catalans - I think Macnamara will instill work ethic and resolve into them, mcillorum and mead are great signings
Wigan - still a decent squad and always good youngsters, but they are so one dimensional and aren't as aggressive or dominant as previous years
KR - based on good home form and Sheens think they should avoid the wooden spoon
Salford - who knows, glimpses of brilliance last year, less egos but so much instability. Hope Watson is given time
Widnes - so reliant on young/unfashionable players, I tip them for bottom every year and they always surprise me
Giants - last years injuries mean we have a lot of young lads with experience. Losing Leroy and mellor is a blow but we have enough talent and depth to compete with anyone. For me the most important thing is our half back pairing, we need a more balanced play and not running through Brough every time. Whether either Gaskell or Rankin are dominant enough time will tell, maybe those 2 together are the answer, especially long term. I hope we play some better rugby this year and are 100% effort every week. If we keep our spine fit and Jerry/Seb/Ukuma/Oli are on form I think we could have a good run in either the cup or the league. Also hoping to see a fully fit Turner his his straps with us.
I think it could finish in any order from 3rd-12th depending on remaining recruitment and luck with injuries,its a good job we've had a world cup because I've really missed my rugby, season can't come soon enough
