They may be but their recruitment is in its early days yet. As things stand they've let a lot of players go and signed a reserve grader from Penrith at prop and Bryson Goodwin who should be a solid signing but he isn't going to turn them in to world beaters.

If they get Murdoch-Masila, Tyrone Roberts etc then I'm sure they'll be much much improved.

Correct.

I Caaarrnn'ttt Speeeyykk!

I posted elsewhere about the love-in on Sky with Powell, who is now as successful a coach as Paul Anderson. When he was interviewed before the game he looked a beaten man, full of anxiety, and he clearly put that over to his team. They have now bottled it against Leeds in the Cup (in 2015) and also the GF. Once might be forgiven, but twice is starting to look like a real issue. Well done to Brian Mac who kept his head after last season and the sixty point drubbing in March.

Let's face it, if Percival could kick, or if Morgan used his brain then it would have been Saints v Leeds. Saints are the team to beat at this stage I think.

That's why you'll never see a bookie at a bus stop.

Correct, opinions are cheap. Would anyone seriously back against Wigan doing exactly what Leeds did this season?

The bookies do know something and the odds are not calculated on the back of a fag packet, but are based on probability and the amount of money staked. Since only four teams have won Super League and one of them has gone it would be a fair bet that Leeds, Wigan or Saints will be in with a shout next year.

Warrington and Castleford are professional losers of the big prize. Anyone who wants to chuck their money away by backing them, then there are dozens of bookies only too happy to take their money.

I wouldn't go so far as to say that Cas are 'professional losers' just yet. They'll need to put a few years in before they get to Wire's standard!

Likewise, I can see how history puts Wigan in with the favourites. We'd have to show considerable improvement on the pitch from this year's efforts, though.

Send the dirty get off, that were diabolical!!

Youw bottleless get Camp Bell!!

I can see Cas dropping back into the pack next year. Hardaker is a big loss and there's quite a few teams with scores to settle from this year. They've probably spaffed their best chance IMO, obviously excluding their recent 4 week reign as Champions

When they beat Leeds 66-10 this season i thought nobody could touch them but i think the Hardacker story hurt the entire team

Quite fancy Wigan myself next season if they can recruit well in the offseason. The mass ejaculation about tomkins not being selected for England is laughable. He's still a class player and better than 99% of the half backs in SL. Defo need a block busting prop and a dynamic back tower but apart from that? Maybe, maybe a more dynamic Hooker too? Backs are on a par with saints and Leeds if not better in my opinion

Regards

King James

Saints v Wigan/Leeds in the Gf imo.

Saints will very good with a full pre season under Holbrook and a fully fit barba.

There will be a reaction from Wigan, and Leeds will quietly chunter away under the radar again.

A reaction from Wigan? I'd hope so but I can't see it. Just more of the same.