opinions on next season

For my long-range two pence, I don’t think Warrington will be top of the pile, purely because Smith will once again play liquorice allsorts teams to best suit his long-term plan and that may cost us the odd game here and there, as it did this year. I think the “over the hill” players will also be used increasingly sparingly this season which means it could be something of a transitional regular season. A grand final win from any position is all that I want, so I’d be happy with top four and another largely uninspiring regular season if we land the big prize.

I think those who are underestimating Wigan are forgetting that although their squad is depleted in quality compared to last year, it is still better than most of the other sides in the competition, many of which, on last year’s evidence, were pretty poor and haven’t improved a great deal. I also think that Blake Green could be a real dark horse for an excellent season if he can stay fit. I have rated him quite highly when I’ve seen him play for Rovers. He’s a different sort of player to the two outgoing halves, but he is a good thinker who can spot a gap, has a decent close kicking game and possesses pace. I think he may well surprise a few knockers. I expect Wigan to be firmly in the top four and challenging on all fronts.

Saints still have the same problems as last season to rectify with their fullback and halves, but I think their squad is very strong and they’ll definitely be in the top three. Also, their kids always seem to come through and bed-in more quickly than at other sides, so I expect a few more to follow the likes of Jones and Makinson into the headlines under Brown.

Leeds look like they could have a stronger week-in- week-out team than the last couple of years due to the addition of Moon, who was excellent in a largely shoddy Salford side and Achurch, plus some of their highly-rated kids should be stepping up to play more regularly. They’ll still be the same old Leeds and they’ll still be all about Sinfield come the business end. Top four for mine and will take some stopping in all forms of knockout rugby.

I expect Catalans to struggle next year and it’ll be all down to the coach. The terrific job that Robinson did should not be underestimated and I think that appointing someone with the inexperience of Frayssinous is a real gamble and backwards step. I think the lower reaches of the play-offs is the best they will do.

Hull FC look like they could be dark horses if they can get it together, and if they can avoid their usual injury nightmare, they should be capable of finishing at least fifth. I’d expect Huddersfield, Hull KR, and maybe London and Bradford to be fighting it out with Catalans for 6th – 8th.

I think Widnes, Wakey and Cas will scrap it out for places 11-13 and concur with the bookies that Salford will finish at the bottom - probably spending the first few months of the season denying that they have any significant financial problems, before going into administration and needing bailing out by the RFL or a private takeover. I’ve no evidence for this, it’s just a hunch. It goes without saying that consequently, I expect them to struggle on the pitch as well.

I just have a feeling that Saints might win the big prize next year. I’m not sure about the Challenge Cup, but won’t be too bothered if Wires lose out anywhere along the road to Wembley. Been there, done that and now it has to be all about winning at Old Trafford. Not that I would turn my nose up at another Wembley trip, of course, it’s just that we just need to go that extra step and win the main prize and another cup win won’t make up for us failing to do that. Not for me at least.