Revised idea:, given the front row, which could be a formidable pack, obviously the depth in the centres is a bit concerning, but with our strongest 17 if they all click we could go well.
Wigan (by some distance) St Helens (could see them creaking last year and all a year older now) Catalans (still got some real quality there) Leeds (good signings) Hull KR (Pack isn't strongest but some back division) Leigh (injuries may derail them but if not could go as high as 4th) Hull (improvement on 10th) Warrington (still think they'll have a soft underbelly) Huddersfield (Watson has to deliver but not sure he can, squad average age a worry) Castleford (big gamble on squad age average 31) Salford (don't think they'll retain their stars, would go for Watkins and Lafai for a year) London (may win a few but cannon fodder in reality for the big boys)
Chris71 wrote:For me I can't see past Wigan to dominate in 2024 as their squad looks very good with quality and depth a plenty.
Beyond that St's will no doubt likely be next, then I think its a bit of an unknown for 3rd to 6th. Catalans have recruited well but lost some significant & influential players in Pearce, Tomkins, Keighran along with Sam Moa in the coaching dept so think they'll have some adjusting to do. Leeds have recruited well with the likes of Croft, Millar and Ackers but Frawley could go either way and they still look light in the forwards. Warrington under Burgess could be a masterstroke or an absolute train wreck Rovers & Leigh again decent squads with the pressure on both to back up the performances of last season and improve. Ourselves, Cas and Huddersfield will be looking to improve on last seasons poor performances. Salford not sure how they'll go with the issues theyve had to deal with and the loss of Croft & Ackers in particular. London are really a complete unknown.
So for me I think it will be
1. Wigan 2. St's 3rd to 10th could be any order 11. Cas 12. London
Think we'll be somewhere between 9th and 7th in all honesty but could well surprise a few a do a little better.
Its not just the strength and quality at Wigan its also the pace they have in the team Bit frightening really especially when the pitches start to firm up
I do understand the regular posters concern over our 2nd row, We will be considerably bigger, younger and arguably faster next season. Off the back of that I’d expect to see our 2nd row look much better. The likes of jebson severs Staveley aren’t exactly small either. Can’t see why we won’t be in the top 6. Expectations are high with the dobbins I personally think they will struggle. They’ve lost key leaders. Absolutely got battered in the semi by wigan. Think they and Leigh did well on the back of saints Leeds wire giants having such a poor season. First time in a few years that I’m looking forward to seeing our new look team.
Second row is weak...Okunbur is an unknown quantity, he's only played second row for a couple of seasons having been a winger, then you've got Ashworth who again is unknown and used a prop previously, Lane isn't super league standard and staveley and severs aren't SL quality yet
Taukeiaho has been spotted training with Catalans again following his failed NRL medical, unsure if ita a temporary thing but they do have a quota spot free. Size of their pack will be insane if hes staying too.
UllFC wrote:Taukeiaho has been spotted training with Catalans again following his failed NRL medical, unsure if ita a temporary thing but they do have a quota spot free. Size of their pack will be insane if hes staying too.
Still under contract isn't he? Asked for a release to join the roosters but failed his medical...so presumably staying at Catalan?
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