2019 predictions

Quote: rollin thunder "i think regardless of Gale or not Cas 5-6 i reckon, think y

As always though, there’s a different spin. Cas have a squad of players who have proven then can finish in the top 5 consistently since 2014. Whilst other clubs have recruited some good players on paper, the game is played on grass. Plenty of “big name” Aussies have come to SL and done absolutely nothing,
There’s an argument that Saints and Wigan are not as good as they were in 2018.
Saints have lost the Man of Steel and signed players who are coming from the other side of the world - there’s no guarantee they will settle and perform. Wigan have lost Wane and two of their best players in Tomkins and Bateman. They’ve signed a half who has flopped in SL before at every club he’s played for. And a full-back who has been thrown out of his two previous SL clubs, been out of the game and during that time has become dependant on alcohol (and perhaps other substances).
Leeds look stronger, but again it will depend of how their recruits settle and perform. Trent Merrin should improve their pack, but the others are pretty ordinary to be honest. They seem to have spent their money on their back-line, but if they get smashed in the forwards every week it’s going to be difficult for their backs to get any kind of platform to work from. They’ve also lost one of the game’s best wingers.
Yet again, Warrington have put all their eggs in one basket with Austin. Time will tell if it works out better than their previous star signings. Also worth remembering that whatever he offers in attack, Austin is an absolute liability in defence. Just as he was in the NRL, he’s going to be targeted mercilessly.
Obviously, I’m making a point, but let’s remmeber that there’s a lot to be said for consistency.