If we compare the two squads 2019 vs 2020 we should finish as high as we did last year, our big failing this off season (so far) is the lack of a new prop, but that prop was absent last year too. All we have lost prop wise from 2019 is Tasi and a bit part Westood, we have lost depth rather than quality. The half back situation is obviously a positive on 2019. The key for us will be keeping Clark, Widdop & Austin fit and returning to a style of play & form from H1 last year - There's lots of doom & gloom around, but I am expecting a top 4 finish.
I think overall we are weaker in the centre, Gelling and/or Burrell need to impress me more than my expectations for us to be better in this department than 2019.
Of the other contenders:
Saints: Will be favourites with little squad change, the only variable is the new coach
Wigan: Will be better than 2019 I think with Hastings & Burgess. Top 3 comfortably
Leeds: Who knows? They have recruited well, but losing Merrin still looks a possibility. They have better halves going in to 2020 and their back row looks good but props still an issue. Could be top four, could equally be bottom four.
Hull FC: Have added some good strike with Fonua & Jones. Halves can be a bit hit and miss, so much rests on the season of Sneyd, Connor & Albert. Wouldn't surprise me to see Connor leave mid season causing unrest. Chasing Top 4
Salford: Big ask for them to back up 2019 with Hastings, Jones & others. They have a good coach, but I think they may well drop down to 5th/6th
Castleford: A lot rests on the shoulders of Trueman and Richardson will need to step up I'm expecting mid table
Catalan: Maloney is a great signing, but they have a long way to go to prove they can be consistent enough for a top four spot.
Toronto: Like Leeds, no idea, the travelling may be a problem for them and its a big step up in intensity for SL, so i'm expecting they'll go better in 2021. Lower mid table
Huddersfield, Wakey and KR should all be concerned about the drop.