table 2009

My final league predictions for the 2009 SL season1. Leeds – Possibly the strongest squad of players in the league, the youngsters that come through always seem to be ready to handle SL pace. A powerful pack of forwards which has plenty of mobility and could be even more dominant with the addition of Eastwood and Buderus. In the backs they have plenty of pace along with 2 of the best support players in the league in Webb and McGuire.

2. St Helens – Still a very strong outfit all over the park, with a good mix of youth and experience. The main concern will be how will Mick Potter go, I cant see him changing things greatly as he has stepped into a club with a strong playing staff who know their strengths. Eastmond and Clough should get plenty of game time along with some other good youngsters coming through.

3. Wigan – Look short of props to me but very strong in the back-row, will be interesting to see how their half backs work together and some good outside backs in Carmont and Richards. They also have 2 good hookers in Riddell and McIloram(sp) and with some good youth coming through e.g. both Tomkins, I can see them finishing in the top 4.

4. Catalans – Bit of a suprise package last year but I doubt teams will be taking them so lightly this coming season. Added 2 very good players in Ryles and Bell to what is already a good squad. I expect these to be physically strong in all departments but have some players with real flair in Greeshields and Mogg. Catalan have the squad to be up there, Walters and Pay were 2 great players, will be interesting to see how they go.

5. Warrington – A pretty strong squad of players that look as if they could achieve something but once again will probably not. Doesn’t sound like alot of people have
much confidence in Lowes, but they will make the play-offs.

6. Hull KR – We lacked strength in certain areas last season when injuries hit and we have addressed that. Maybe not spectacular names have been added but important additions to bolster the squad. We have a strong back-row which works well together(when fit), plenty of numbers at prop but we could have major problems if Fisher gets injured. Looks like we will be starting the season with our 2 first choice half backs, lost count of the changes in that position last year. We are safe as houses full-back and some decent pace in the outside backs, really hoping Chev can find his previous international form. With good luck on the injury front this squad can improve on last season.

7. Bradford – I can see their pack carrying them through alot of games this season, already a strong back-row with the addition of Menzies it looks powerful. Possibly we could see Menzies in the centres as they are not as strong in the backs. Not sure if McNamara will have a plan B if things are not going well for them.

8. Huddersfield - Good new players and coach does seem very encouraging, doesn't always work out though. Look strong in the backs but weak in the pack. Im a big fan of Hodgson(sp)at full-back and Hudds will be hoping Carney has turned up with his game face on.

9. Hull FC – Not added alot of strength and look weak in a number of positions, especially at half back and prop. Any injuries in these areas could really hamper the team once again this coming season. Excellent addition of Crocker if his body can deal with the change and will add quality to an already decent back-row. Not sure if Agar has what it takes to become a SL head coach but time will tell. A good start to the season could see them challenge for the play-offs, a bad start could see the loss of the coach and another poor finish.

10. Castleford – Alot of new players have come in and some good ones at that so I am expecting better things from them. Love watching Westerman play and I can only see his game improving with better players around him, not just a player for the future but a huge player for now. Could have problems in the full-back area, not really a recognised one in the squad.

11. Wakefield – Cant see this team achieving much this year but also a team that can produce suprises. Dont really seem to have many outstanding individuals but Kear certainly gets them playing for each other.

12. Harlequins – Again as Wakefield, not many outstanding players on the team sheet but looks like they have some good young lads coming through. Suprised they off loaded Worrincy and Sherrif(sp)who I thought went well for them last year. Must have made one of the biggest suprise signings of any SL team in Nanyn, be interesting to see what B Mac can get out of him.

13. Salford – As all teams coming up it will be a tough first season for them, they have added some good players but also have some decent players from last year. Big things expected from young Myler and possibly Turner backed up by experienced players like Stapleton.

14. Celtic – Cant see them finishing anywhere other than bottom.