in what at we're Leeds lucky to avoid the MPG, they were well clear with a game to spare and in reality were never in the The running for MPG so why were they lucky, and why can't they finish second and win GF they did it in 2017 after being in middle 8's in 2016 and Warrington made both finals after being in middle 8's year before, and as for barely strenthening, 2 halfback one centre two new forwards including two margue top draw signings, cannot think of many sides in SL history strengthens so much in off season, Leeds certainly not added so much in an off season since GH took over, I think you are hopping nay praying for Leeds to fail because deep down you know they will be pushing for top 3-5 maybe not GF next season but will be in the trophies again within 2 seasons.
Oh and Wakefield top 8 certainties, don't think so, one half decent seasona in 20 years does not make them a top side and contenders, avoiding the bottom 4 will be an achievement for them, anything else a bonus, Hull Kr, Huddersfield all strengthens much more than Wakefield and cannot see Hull being as bad this year and if they are Radford will be gone by Easter.

Anyone heard owt about Gale doing his Achilles? Were it true, that'd put a spanner in some predictions...

dont normally like predicting the league, but hell why not

1 saints
2 wigan (dont write them off ever)
3 warrington
4 catalan (home form will see them finish higher than last season and no world cup hangover for catalan players)
5 cas
6 leeds
7 hull fc
8 wakey
9 hudds
10 hull kr
11 salford
12 london


6th-9th hard to predict, those clubs all seem to be of similar standard at full strength,leeds new signings just edging it over the other 3 below them

Castleford have no chance of making the top 5 without Lucas Gale. Even with him playing they will struggle to make the top 5.

It appears to many objective observers that the top 5 will be:

1. Warrington
2. St Helens
3. Catalans
4. Leeds
5. Wigan

Then:

6. Castleford
7. Huddersfield
8. Wakefield
9. Hull FC
10. Hull KR
11. London
12 Salford

Cas finished 3rd last year with gale missing for over half the year. Jacob Trueman will be the main man. I've no idea where we will finish but I don't think we will fall off a cliff.

Out for all 2019.
Then again, he didn’t play much in 2018 and wasn’t fit when he came back towards the end of the year.

Of course Jean,it would be silly to put Catalans outside the top 5 wouldn't it?

1-Saints
2-Warrington
3-Leeds
4-Wigan
5-Castleford
6-Catalans
7-Hull
8-HKR
9-Wakefield
10-Huddersfield
11-Salford
12-London

i think regardless of Gale or not Cas 5-6 i reckon, think y=there bubble has burst, they had their big chance in 2017 and blew it, don't think they will be up there again this year, there average squad over achieved and peaked, and good for them but other sides look stronger this year.they may get a shot in CC if draw is favouable.

Warrington
saints
Wigan
Leeds
Catalan
Cas
Hull Kr
Huddersfield
Hull
Wakefield
London
Salford

1-St Helens
2-Warrington
3-Wigan
4-Wakefield
5-Catalans
6-Castleford
7-Hull KR
8-Leeds
9-Hull FC
10-Huddersfield
11-Salford
12-London

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.

As much as Cas and Wakefield have competed well in the last 2 years, when other teams have got it right they’ve done better. Wigan and Warrington got it wrong in 2017 but when they got it right in 2018 they won a GF and reach both finals between them. Leeds and Hull got it wrong in 2018 but when they got it right they won the GF and CC between them. Whilst one bad year each their best was still better than 2 5th place finishes and the worst GF showing ever.

Can these smaller clubs rely on 2 of the bigger clubs flopping every year? Unlikely, when the bigger clubs get it right they do better and for various reasons they’ve had their problems in recent seasons, don’t think they will this year.