Well it is that time of year again when we prepare for another gruelling campaign - here are my thoughts on the year ahead:
Super League Placings:
1) Warrington Wolves
This team have been mightily consistent under the watchful eye of Tony Smith. Warrington Wolves are now a very well-oiled machine and possess some highly skilful players who can destroy teams. Last season the Wolves were putting cricket scores on teams with ease which was something of a worry for the rest of the league. The Wolves still possess Lee Briers who guides them superbly around the park and they can score from anywhere with pacey outside backs.
One negative for the Wolves is the fact they have lost Matt King to South Sydney. They have recruited Trent Waterhouse who should cause teams problems. Looking at their roster, it is full of top level players and with the disappointment of failing to reach the Grand Final after finishing top last year, I expect the Wolves to be on a mission this season. I expect Warrington to finish top and reach the Grand Final.
2) St Helens
New Stadium (Langtree Park), a large amount of promising youngsters coming through the conveyor belt, a good coach and a new air optimism that this could be year they change from being the Bridesmaid to being the Bride. Yes, Saints have lost James Graham - who coincidentally has been immense for them since he made his debut but Saints' impressive recruitment drive means that they will be confident of going all the way this season. The likes of Lance Hohaia and Mark Flanagan have come to Saints from the NRL and they have likes of James Roby and Jonny Lomax - a cracking young player who helped Saints cope last season without the now departed Kyle Eastmond and Leon pryce.
I also believe that Saints will have a strong Challenge Cup run which will see them make the Semi Finals - if not the final. The new stadium will take the 'Grade B License club' onto the next level and help keep Saints at the forefront of the game. The season ticket sales are up this season at Saints which must in part be down to the stadium facilities and Saints will be aiming to make the new ground a fortress and remain unbeaton throughout the year.
3) Leeds Rhinos
The Champions showed tremendous nental strength last year in winning Super League from fifth. All year the Rhinos were inconsistent and Leeds fans were being premature and demanding that McDermott gets the chop - which is in part due to him not being an australian or big name coach.
Well come that October night, the critics of McDermott had egg on their faces when McDermott's Rhinos won Super League for a record equalling fifth time. Kevin Sinfield is an inspirational leader to club and likes of Mcguire, Burrow, Jones-Buchanan, Webb and Peacock have been there and done it all before.
Leeds may have lost Buderus - which is a blow for them but they should still be at the right end of the table and McDermott's focus this year will be placed on consistency - which is why I believe they will have a good year. Leeds' two new signings - Moore and Griffin may not be big name signings but they should strengthen Leeds' front row options. I expect Leeds to finish 3rd but miss out on the Grand Final this year.
4) Wigan Warriors
Wigan do appear to be weaker this year, thus will most likely drop down to fourth. They have lost Deacon and Coley (both retired), Hoffman has gone back to the NRL, O'Carroll has gone to Hull and Joel Tomkins has gone to Rugby Union. This is compounded with the departure of Michael Maguire.
Shaun Wane has signed Elaphame from Hull FC and Ben Flower and Gil Dudson who played for Wales in the Four Nations but these are not really inspiring signings. Gareth Hock and Stuart Fielden should be like two new players in the team but Wigan will need to try keep the systems Maguire successfully put in place and mould it with new ideas and input from Shaun Wane.
The danger man for Wigan Warriors is Sam Tomkins - he is immense in Super League and a joy to watch - if teams are to beat Wigan, they will need to keep this Man of Steele condidate quiet.
5) Catalan Dragons
Trent Robinson's Catalans are made of sterner stuff than the sides coached by Kevin Walters. Catalans have a strong team on paper and a good fan base. I expect Leon Pryce to recover from the injury problems of the last couple of years and help Catalans cement their place in top 5.
No one likes travelling to France to take on the Dragons and to underline their potential they have decent record against Warrington and Wigan last year. They also beat eventual Champions Leeds along the way. Catalans will be placing emphasis on the Challenge Cup, as they know with the players at their disposal they could reach the final - on the proviso that the draw is kind.
6) Huddersfield Giants
Huddersfield's recruitment drive has not been all that impressive during Pre-Season and they are trying to improve their fan base. Robbie Hunter-Paul has been tasked with trying to tap into local community to raise the Giants' profile. In terms of Huddersfield going forward - long standing assistant Paul Anderson is due to take over in 2013 with Nathan Brown heading back home.
In regards to the playing roster, Huddersfield possess the likes of Danny Brough, Eorl Crabtree, Luke Robinson and Kevin Brown. However, I know that signing the likes of Tommy Lee has not pleased every fan but Jason Chan should add some grit up front. I think the Ginats will struggle against Wigan due to a Prop shortage but I still think they will be there or there abouts come Play-Off time.
7) Bradford Bulls
Bradford started their recruitment relatively early in the Summer and have with that brought in some useful players. The biggest loss for the four-time Super League Champions is talismatic captain Andy Lynch who has signed for Hull. However, elsewhere the Bulls look stronger than last year. Jarrod Sammut can create something out of nothing and can inject a sparkle or a moment of magic which can turn a game - Bradford lacked this in the halves last season with Herbert. Luke Gale - who was impressive for the England Knights is still only young and will hopefully develop to get the Bulls back to where they were for many years.
Manase Manuokafoa has been signed to replace Lynch and will hopefully help ease the burden on the impressive Craig Kopzak who did well in the Four Nations, rising star Tom Burgess, Nick Scruton and Bryn Hargreaves.
At Hooker Bradford remain strong with Captain-elect Heath Le'strange and Matt Diskin with England Academy Hooker Adam O'Brian waiting in the wings.
The backs have been strengthened too with NRL regulars Keith Lulia and Adrian Purtell looking to give decent ball to speedy wingers Shaun Ainscough and new signing Elliot Kear - who was another stand-out for Wales in the four nations. Bradford have once again exceeded 10,000 season tickets and hopefully this can be the year that one of the games' biggest clubs returns to the Play-Offs.
Hull FC
Many People are tipping Hull FC to finish higher than 8th due to the new ownership and busy recruitment drive. If you look at Hull's first choice 17, they are a match for anyone but beyond that there is a reliance on youngsters. Yes - Andy Lynch and Eamon O'Carroll strengthen the front row options and the likes of Brett Seymour seem very good signings but how Hull go depends upon how the new signings fit into the structures and systems in place and how well the team responds to the new coach.
The KC stadium is a diffcult place to go and Hull have a large and dedicated fanbase which makes the atmosphere within the stadium intimidating but I think Hull's best chance of silverware is the Challenge Cup and they could get there if the first choice 17 stay fit.
9) Hull KR
A new coach in Craig Sandercock and some new players including David Hodgson and Graeme Horne from Huddersfield Giants. Ben Galea has been appointed the Captain for the upcoming campaign and they are aiming on reaching the Play-Offs once again.
I do Believe that Justin Morgan's tenure came to an end at the right time but the focus this year for Hull KR will be on making that top 8 - problem is I believe they will miss out on the Play-Offs by 2 points due to Hull FC possessing some slightly better players, although the likes of Blake Green can cause teams problems.
10) Castleford Tigers
Ian Millward (Basil), has taken the reins off the Tigers from Terry Matterson and has tried to make best use of his available budget by upgrading contracts on a few players and implementing systems he hopes will make the Tigers a top 8 team at the end of the year. Castleford do have some quality personnel - Rangi Chase is one of the best players in Super League and Richie Owen is a good player despite recent off-field disciplinary issues.
11) Wakefield Trinity Wildcats
The busiest team in Pre-Season from a recruitment perspective - they have a new coach in Richard Agar and a new assistant coach in James Webster - both from Hull FC. In terms of recruitment, the Wildcats have signed the likes of Steve Southern (Newcatle Knights - now Captain) Danny Kirmond and Andy Raleigh (Huddersfield Giants) and Ali Lauititi (Leeds Rhinos) - The Wildcats' recruitment drive has become that intense that the first 13 squad numbers are all taken up by new signings. With such upheavel and change, I believe the Wildcats will take a while to gel and that may cost them in the early games which is why I have them finishing 11th.
12) London Broncos
The capital club - great potential due to London's vast population - but more needs to be done to increase the fanbase of the Broncos. They have reverted back to London Broncos from Harlequins as they believe the name change could help them increase numbers and enhance the profile of the club as they felt that people failed to identify with Harlequins due to the Rugby Union club. They have also been on an impressive recruitment drive which has seen the likes of Craig Gower and Michael Witt join the club. London Broncos may be a club about to rise - but the competitiveness of the squads this year means the Broncos will have done well to finish higher than 12th.
13) Widnes Vikings
First season back with the big clubs - will do well to finish higher than 13th but with a good management team, some good players and a stadium, Widnes can consolidate and build. Jon Clarke will lead them this season with Shaun Briscoe as the Vice-Captain - the Vikings should be in this league and lets welcome them back and hope they make a good fist of it.
14) Salford City Reds
Coach Matt Parish leaving during Pre-Season and not many inspiring signings with the exception of Joel Moon, Phil Veivers will have his work cut out for him this season. Sean Long is now the assistant coach so he will be helping the City Reds with his knowledge of the game. Daniel Holdsworth has relinquished the Captaincy with Stephen Wild now Captain and Luke Pattern Vice Captain. Once positive for the City Reds is the new stadium at Barton which should hopefully provide a springboard for the club to develop to the next level by increasing the fanbase and corporate sponsorship to attract better players and instil a winning mentality.
So now to round up the table and predicted winners:
1) Warrington Wolves
2) St Helens
3) Leeds Rhinos
4) Wigan Warriors
5) Catalan Dragons
6) Huddersfield Giants
7) Bradford Bulls
Hull FC
9) Hull KR
10) Castleford Tigers
11) Wakefield Trinity Wildcats
12) London Broncos
13) Widnes Vikings
14) Salford City Reds
Grand Final: Warrington vs St.Helens (Winner St. Helens)
Challenge Cup Leeds Rhinos vs Hull FC (Winner Leeds Rhinos)
WCC: Manly Sea Eagles (too strong for Leeds)
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