Next season

[Infamous Grouse]

Going to be an interesting table next year.
There seems to be quite few comings and goings at most clubs so difficult to weigh up who will be the contenders for top 6
I guess that the Bookies will have Wigan as favourites and Saints not far behind. Catalan have lost a few key players so I don't think they'll be as strong.
It will be interesting to see if Leigh are just a flash on the pan, same with Hull KR, can they kick on from last year
A big question re Burgess at Warrington, they've got a good squad but will he be any good as a coach?
Leeds, again difficult to predict they have had a few in and out, Brodie Croft from Salford could be a good signing for them

Think the rest are just of the teams are also rans

[Harry Pinners teeth]

As you say, Wigan will be favourites, Saints should be top 2 if everyone stays fit and doesn't get banned. Leeds could fly or die. Having a new 1,6,7 and 9 is a massive change and if they struggle early on, i can see Smith getting the sack. Wire.. .who knows. I think Hull KR will be up there again. Recruited well, especially May and Peters seems a really effective level headed coach. Leigh.... I think Leigh's problems will come home to roost over the coming 18 months. Beaumont invested heavily to get promoted and stay in Super League with a lot of experience. granted they are starting a reserves side, but only Saints, Wigan, and to a lesser extent Leeds, regularly produce top home grown players. They are a squad with an ageing backline ..... Hardaker 32, Briscoe 33, Leutele 33, Charnley 32 and as we know, there is a dearth of quality backs around.

[The Yellow Giraffe]

Despite me banging on for a few weeks now about underwhelming transfer activity, I still have our squad more than capable of having a good crack on all fronts and we should be aiming for top 2.

As the poster above me has stated - Warrington could be anything, Leeds similar. Catalans losing Tomkins and Pearce is massive. I feared the worst for Salford when losing Ackers and Croft, but Cust and McDonald are decent signings. Still think they need a 9.

I am quietly confident in the top 4 and bottom 2 but the rest could be anything:

Wigan
Saints
Catalans
Warrington
Hull KR
Leeds
Leigh
Huddersfield
Hull
Salford
Castleford
London

[Saddened!]

Going to be an interesting table next year.
There seems to be quite few comings and goings at most clubs so difficult to weigh up who will be the contenders for top 6
I guess that the Bookies will have Wigan as favourites and Saints not far behind. Catalan have lost a few key players so I don't think they'll be as strong.
It will be interesting to see if Leigh are just a flash on the pan, same with Hull KR, can they kick on from last year
A big question re Burgess at Warrington, they've got a good squad but will he be any good as a coach?
Leeds, again difficult to predict they have had a few in and out, Brodie Croft from Salford could be a good signing for them

Think the rest are just of the teams are also rans

Definitely one of the most interesting seasons.

Wigan will likely win Super League. With the players they have and the investment they've made, if they fail to win any of the trophies they should regard it as a failure. They are basically us, but with three marquee players and with squad depth.

Catalans were better than us this season, but have changed so many players it's very hard to judge where they are at. They could be anywhere from 2nd to 10th. Leeds and Warrington also fall into this category. Leeds because they have an entirely new backline and Warrington because of the impact of Burgess and their new signings. Huddersfield? I'm not sure where they will be either, they've made some very good signings, but also lost a few key players and their squad seems unbalanced.

Hull KR will also likely be far stronger than this season given the business they've done.

It's not difficult to see us finishing 2nd in the table. It's also not difficult to see us finishing behind Leeds, Catalans, Warrington, Hull KR and Leigh either. I think London, Cas and Salford will struggle, Hull FC will be Hull FC and be inconsistent.

We need a good start to next season. We don't want to be creating a big gap we need to close down, like we did this season. Starting well would also give Wellens a bit more time to work on actually improving us, rather than just fire fighting game by game which it felt like we were doing this year. A poor start and the pressure on him will ramp up. I'm still completely unconvinced he's got what it takes to be successful as a coach. The similarities to the Cunningham era are the elephant in the room no one is talking about.

[Saint]

Very interesting season ahead for lots of teams, none less than ourselves.

The bookies odds will tell you we still have probably one of the best 2 squads in Super League.

If we get off to a slow start and, particularly, struggle to put points on like 2023, the knives are going to be out for Wellens and his staff. He's out of contract at the end of the season and needs to show that he can impact the way we play and get a tune out of a very good squad or questions are rightly going to be asked. It's such a big period of transition coming up - legendary player and beloved club icon status aside, we need to see some proof that he's the right man to oversee it.

[Harry Pinners teeth]

Very interesting season ahead for lots of teams, none less than ourselves.

The bookies odds will tell you we still have probably one of the best 2 squads in Super League.

If we get off to a slow start and, particularly, struggle to put points on like 2023, the knives are going to be out for Wellens and his staff. He's out of contract at the end of the season and needs to show that he can impact the way we play and get a tune out of a very good squad or questions are rightly going to be asked. It's such a big period of transition coming up - legendary player and beloved club icon status aside, we need to see some proof that he's the right man to oversee it.

I was thinking about this earlier, there are alot of coaches/managers that will be under pressure if results don't go their way early on. I would imagine Peet, Lam and Peters, possibly Mcnamara will be spared any pressure early season. All eyes will be on Wellens, Rohan Smith and Tony Smith as each didn't have a great season last season. Sam Burgess will be given a free hit this season I guess, like Powell was in his first Wire season.

I can't think of a name out there I'd want at Saints to be honest with you. Peters probably the best but he seems to have loyalty to KR.

[Scouse Don]

We will be fine if we can improve the attack but I'm afraid I have reservations at the moment.

[Samphire15]

Catalans losing Tomkins and Pearce is massive.

I think it's worse than you make out for Catalans, not only have they lost the two above, but also Adam Keighran, Tiaki Chan, Mickael Goudemand, Tyrone May, Siosiua Taukeiaho & Matt Whitley.
Granted, they have signed Chris Satae, Theo Fages, Tariq Sims, Jayden Nikorima & Bayley Sironen, but as we know, the NRL signings could fly or die and I'm not sure that either Satae or Fages adds anywhere near the quality that they have lost.

[Samphire15]

It would be interesting to get people's thoughts on who has done the best business in the close season:

Ignoring the players that departed each club, it seems that London are planning to go straight back down (more than certain given the IMG grading criteria), Salford are deeply hamstrung by their lack of funds and their signings reflect this, Leigh haven't signed anyone of any note, Castleford have signed nearly a whole team, etc.

I think that Wigan have made the strongest gains, Warrington could go one way or the other.

Castleford Tigers (10)
Ins: Nixon Putt (Central Queensland Capras), Elie El-Zakhem (North Sydney Bears), Sylvester Namo (North Queensland Cowboys), Josh Hodson (Batley), Josh Simm (Wynnum Manly Seagulls), Sam Wood (Hull KR), Luke Hooley (Leeds), Rowan Milnes (Hull KR), Innes Senior (Huddersfield), Samy Kibula (Batley)

Catalans Dragons (5)
Ins: Chris Satae (Hull), Theo Fages (Huddersfield), Tariq Sims (Melbourne Storm), Jayden Nikorima (Melbourne Storm), Bayley Sironen (New Zealand Warriors)

Huddersfield Giants (7)
Ins: Thomas Deakin (Sydney Roosters), Adam Swift (Hull), Andre Savelio (Hull), Elliot Wallis (Castleford), Hugo Salabio (Wakefield), Jack Murchie (Parramatta Eels), Adam Clune (Newcastle Knights)

Hull FC (9)
Ins: Herman Ese’ese (Dolphins), Jayden Okunbor (Canterbury Bulldogs), Franklin Pele (Canterbury Bulldogs), Jack Walker (Hull KR), Liam Tindall (Leeds), Jack Ashworth (Huddersfield), Morgan Smith (Wakefield), Damel Diakhate (signed permanently following successful trial), Fa’amanu Brown (Newcastle Knights)

Hull KR (8)
Ins: Oliver Gildart (Leigh), Peta Hiku (North Queensland Cowboys), AJ Wallace (Bradford), Tyrone May (Catalans), Niall Evalds (Castleford), Jai Whitbread (Wakefield), Reiss Butterworth (Dewsbury), Kelepi Tanginoa (Wakefield)

Leeds Rhinos (7)
Ins: Mickael Goudemand (Catalans), Lachie Miller (Newcastle Knights), Matt Frawley (Canberra Raiders), Paul Momirovski (Sydney Roosters), Brodie Croft, Andy Ackers (both Salford), Kieran Hudson (Castleford)

Leigh Leopards (7)
Ins: Dan Norman (St Helens), Owen Trout (Huddersfield), Louis Brogan (Swinton), Lewis Baxter (St Helens), Jack Darbyshire (Warrington), Kavan Rothwell (Wigan), Ben McNamara (Hull)

London Broncos (2)
Ins: Sadiq Adebiyi & Robbie Storey (both Keighley)

Salford Red Devils (5)
Ins: Nene Macdonald (unattached), Ethan Ryan (Hull KR), Matty Foster (St Helens), Kai Morgan (Leeds), Cade Cust (Wigan)

St Helens (3)
Ins: Daryl Clark (Warrington), Tee Ritson (Barrow – loan made permanent), Matt Whitley (Catalans)

Warrington Wolves (7)
Ins: Lachlan Fitzgibbon (Newcastle Knights), Rodrick Tai (PNG Hunters), Wesley Bruines (St Helens), Toby King (Wigan – returning to parent club from loan spell), Jordan Crowther (Wakefield), Zane Musgrove (St George Illawarra Dragons), Brad Dwyer (Hull)

Wigan Warriors (6)
Ins: Kruise Leeming (Gold Coast Titans), Adam Keighran (Catalans), Tiaki Chan (Catalans), Sam Walters (Leeds), Luke Thompson (Canterbury Bulldogs), Sam Eseh (Wakefield)

[STIDDY]

It will all boil down to injuries and suspensions next season, our forward pack is still very strong and have adapted well to the absence of props.

Our back line took a big hit last season with only Welsby staying fit, you would think Dodd and Lomax will go a bit better next season and they have got to make Ritson work as a threat on the wing. You would think Wello will change the attack next year because he won't have a "rookie first hit" now and will be more judged on next season.

The usual threat will still come from Wigan, Warrington and Catalan, those teams have fresh faces in the team and sometimes need a bit more time to settle in. Saints need to take advantage and make a good start tto the season next year.

[Harry Pinners teeth]

It would be interesting to get people's thoughts on who has done the best business in the close season:

Ignoring the players that departed each club, it seems that London are planning to go straight back down (more than certain given the IMG grading criteria), Salford are deeply hamstrung by their lack of funds and their signings reflect this, Leigh haven't signed anyone of any note, Castleford have signed nearly a whole team, etc.

I think that Wigan have made the strongest gains, Warrington could go one way or the other.

Castleford Tigers (10)
Ins: Nixon Putt (Central Queensland Capras), Elie El-Zakhem (North Sydney Bears), Sylvester Namo (North Queensland Cowboys), Josh Hodson (Batley), Josh Simm (Wynnum Manly Seagulls), Sam Wood (Hull KR), Luke Hooley (Leeds), Rowan Milnes (Hull KR), Innes Senior (Huddersfield), Samy Kibula (Batley)

Catalans Dragons (5)
Ins: Chris Satae (Hull), Theo Fages (Huddersfield), Tariq Sims (Melbourne Storm), Jayden Nikorima (Melbourne Storm), Bayley Sironen (New Zealand Warriors)

Huddersfield Giants (7)
Ins: Thomas Deakin (Sydney Roosters), Adam Swift (Hull), Andre Savelio (Hull), Elliot Wallis (Castleford), Hugo Salabio (Wakefield), Jack Murchie (Parramatta Eels), Adam Clune (Newcastle Knights)

Hull FC (9)
Ins: Herman Ese’ese (Dolphins), Jayden Okunbor (Canterbury Bulldogs), Franklin Pele (Canterbury Bulldogs), Jack Walker (Hull KR), Liam Tindall (Leeds), Jack Ashworth (Huddersfield), Morgan Smith (Wakefield), Damel Diakhate (signed permanently following successful trial), Fa’amanu Brown (Newcastle Knights)

Hull KR (8)
Ins: Oliver Gildart (Leigh), Peta Hiku (North Queensland Cowboys), AJ Wallace (Bradford), Tyrone May (Catalans), Niall Evalds (Castleford), Jai Whitbread (Wakefield), Reiss Butterworth (Dewsbury), Kelepi Tanginoa (Wakefield)

Leeds Rhinos (7)
Ins: Mickael Goudemand (Catalans), Lachie Miller (Newcastle Knights), Matt Frawley (Canberra Raiders), Paul Momirovski (Sydney Roosters), Brodie Croft, Andy Ackers (both Salford), Kieran Hudson (Castleford)

Leigh Leopards (7)
Ins: Dan Norman (St Helens), Owen Trout (Huddersfield), Louis Brogan (Swinton), Lewis Baxter (St Helens), Jack Darbyshire (Warrington), Kavan Rothwell (Wigan), Ben McNamara (Hull)

London Broncos (2)
Ins: Sadiq Adebiyi & Robbie Storey (both Keighley)

Salford Red Devils (5)
Ins: Nene Macdonald (unattached), Ethan Ryan (Hull KR), Matty Foster (St Helens), Kai Morgan (Leeds), Cade Cust (Wigan)

St Helens (3)
Ins: Daryl Clark (Warrington), Tee Ritson (Barrow – loan made permanent), Matt Whitley (Catalans)

Warrington Wolves (7)
Ins: Lachlan Fitzgibbon (Newcastle Knights), Rodrick Tai (PNG Hunters), Wesley Bruines (St Helens), Toby King (Wigan – returning to parent club from loan spell), Jordan Crowther (Wakefield), Zane Musgrove (St George Illawarra Dragons), Brad Dwyer (Hull)

Wigan Warriors (6)
Ins: Kruise Leeming (Gold Coast Titans), Adam Keighran (Catalans), Tiaki Chan (Catalans), Sam Walters (Leeds), Luke Thompson (Canterbury Bulldogs), Sam Eseh (Wakefield)

Definitely think the pies have recruited the strongest. Covered all their outgoings (arguably improved) a couple of project players that will have time to bed in as they have a strong pack anyway. No real disruption in the backs. I think Hull KR have recruited well too. Leeds, toss a coin, could be a master stroke, but could also implode if the spine don't hit the ground running. Wire are also an unknown quantity. Leigh have simply padded out their squad, wouldn't be impressed with any of those. Salford may not even start the season at this rate. Burning money they haven't got and keeping afloat with player sales.

[Saddened!]

We've just given up, happy to finish in the play offs and not compete for the trophies.

[superarch]

I'm in the positive camp. We had a tough season to follow Woolf. Won the WCC then suffered the effects. Despite all that happened we still finished joint top and got to 2 semis. Looking forward to coming season with a full pre-season.

[Blobbynator]

We've just given up, happy to finish in the play offs and not compete for the trophies.

We've got a good squad. We lack depth in the three quarters and we're probably a prop short due to Paasi's injury, but we won't have the cap space to replace him unless he medically retires. Hopefully we do sign a centre/winger before the season starts, and hopefully some of the young lads come through and make a good impression, similar to Delaney.

The main issue for us will be the coaching. Can Wellens get the best out of this squad next season? Will he implement some subtle changes to improve our attack? Will the kicking game improve and become more offensive than safe? Can Lewis Dodd rediscover his form from a couple of years ago and if he doesnt, how do we adapt our attack? These are questions we won't know until next season. I suspect by about Easter we will have our answers. Any coach would love to have the squad we have, and it's a case of what Wellens can do with it. He won't be a rookie coach anymore and he won't have the WCC hangover as an excuse either. I agree with an earlier post about our start to the season, we really need to get off to a much better start and not be chasing later in the season. I also think Wellens needs to learn how to better utilise the squad and not flog certain players so they're not done at the end. Hopefully a better start will help with this as the season rolls on.

[Blobbynator]

As for others, Wigan have recruited well. I think Smithies and KPP will be a loss for them but if Thompson and Walters hit the ground running they'll be very strong up front and that will compliment the strength they have in the backs.

Hull KR and Leeds have recruited very well and will be stronger next season. Wire who knows what they will produce but some decent signings on paper. Huddersfield and Hull will improve but not sure if they'll make the Play Offs. Leigh have added depth but haven't really strengthened yet.

[CaseyJ]

I'm in the positive camp. We had a tough season to follow Woolf. Won the WCC then suffered the effects. Despite all that happened we still finished joint top and got to 2 semis. Looking forward to coming season with a full pre-season.

Yeah, me too. We've still got a lot of good players and arguably the best player in SL. I think a lot of what we got rid of was dead wood anyway and it's a case of the right personnel not being available to replace them. I also think there's big things expected of the youngsters coming through, that may take more than a season but I'm not overly concerned.

As for the rest, Wigan obviously looks strong and have signed well, I'm not sold on Wire or Leeds, Catalan I expect to be up there and I think Hull KR will do well, and have made some good signings, I fancy them for 4th. London look ••••ed already. As for the rest they're all much of a muchness, Hull/Huddersfield probably looking strongest if I had to sick my neck out.

[NSL]

Castleford as it stands have plenty of depth but the quality is questionable at best and it's hard to see them making much if any improvement on last year.

Catalans have made some interesting signings and have largely replaced all the established players they have lost. Lighter in terms of depth but I'd hope the likes of Mourgue, Rouge and Romano are ready for the step up to regular playing. Be hard for them to be as competitive as last year though I feel.

Huddersfield need to find a bit of consistency, plenty of quality in there altough some of their better players have left. Made some exciting pickups though, I thought they had a really tough start to last year which set them back a bit but a kinder draw next year and they should improve and compete for a playoff place.

Hull FC, plenty of recruitment but all pretty underwhelming bar Nu Brown who I think will be go well over here. Got a couple of ladsd with potential but I don't see them improving sufficiently to make the playoffs.

I think Hull KR can give it a real shake this year. Some excellent signings and real depth all across the park, they were great to watch this year and if they can tighten things up a bit defensively they can move closer to the top 2-3. Look very well coached and learned some harsh lessons last year, really interested to see how they react.

Leeds look to have a strong 17 and if they keep everyone fit they will definitely kick on. That said they are pretty weak in their rest of their squad (releasing Myler was a strange decision in particular) and whilst they have plenty of Academy players waiting in the wings I;ve not been massively impressed by what I've seen from them so far. Coach is a bit unorthodox and I think it's important for him to get off to a good start, they are pretty tough to judge as of now.

Leigh have padded their squad out a bit and it's pretty smart as they were extremely lucky with injury last year and were flagging by the end of the year. Not too sure about the quality in reserve but they will be competitive again and should be close to a playoff place.

Hard to have much hope for London. Great story last year and with a squad mostly (all?) away from the RL heartlands but the IMG ranking is a killer and has probably reinforced their decision to remain part time as has been rumoured.

More concerned with Salfords off-field problems than on-field and it would be a shame for that to have an effect on them. I've enjoyed watching them but losing that Croft/Ackers axis is huge and whilst they've recruited pretty well I think they will struggle unfortunately.

I expect Warrington to improve and it's clear they are looking for more reinforcements too (think Sam Powell would be a great sigining for them incidentally). An interesting year ahead, they are certainly capable if they are coached well enough.

Wigan are rightfully favourites after last year and they have recruited better than anyone. Forward depth is pretty ridiculous and they have plenty of strike in the backs. The team to beat as of right now.

As for us I don't think we are miles away, assuming we can add an outside back the quality of the squad isn't under question. Discipline and attacking coaching need to improve though. If we can be a bit more clinical with the ball we will have no problems contending for every trophy.

Right now I would go:

Wigan
St Helens
Hull KR
Warrington
Catalans
Leeds
Huddersfield
Leigh
Hull FC
Salford
Castleford
London

[Harry Pinners teeth]

Right now I would go:

Wigan
St Helens
Hull KR
Warrington
Catalans
Leeds
Huddersfield
Leigh
Hull FC
Salford
Castleford
London

Definitely looks like 4 groups of 3 and the poisitons within those look changeable depending on injuries and suspensions (and obv key player form) but a really accurate summary IMO

[scotty2hotty]

A season that isn't overshadowed by inconsistencies and baffling decisions made by the disciplinary panel would be a bonus, for the whole league not just saints.
Squad wise were still comfortable top 4. Expecting big things from KR and plenty of questions for the usual underachievers at Hull, Leeds and Wire to answer. Intriuging nevertheless. 1 hope I have overall is to be entertained. Regardless of the fixture and teams involved. Product quality has been poor for a while reflected in the latest TV deal and overall presentation of the game.

[Belgian Saint]

I'm in the positive camp. We had a tough season to follow Woolf. Won the WCC then suffered the effects. Despite all that happened we still finished joint top and got to 2 semis. Looking forward to coming season with a full pre-season.

I would have liked to see a couple more signings, but I always feel positive about us, with a full team we will be a match for anyone. Between us and Wigan it will come down to the team that turns up on the day.

[Prez]

I would have liked to see a couple more signings, but I always feel positive about us, with a full team we will be a match for anyone. Between us and Wigan it will come down to the team that turns up on the day.

I agree Belgian. For me this is the season that Wello must establish his playing philosophy, rather than the continuation of the huge success that was Woolfball. We've still got a strong squad and if the new batch who are moving up to the first team are on a par with Delaney, we'll be fine. If Wello gets us playing with the panache we showed in a couple of games (Wigan and Wire spring to mind) rather than the now predictable low risk style of most of last season I think we're in with a shout. Like you I feel a couple of signings would've made me feel more confident, but as I say, if the lads coming through can do the job, happy days!

[Saint Toppy]

We've just given up, happy to finish in the play offs and not compete for the trophies.

The Saints squad, even as it stands now without any further signings still looks stronger than the Warrington Squad they've announced this morning. Our pack in particular still looks light years ahead of theirs even without Paasi for half the season.

[CaseyJ]

Fully agree with Belgian Saint and Prez, 2 more signings, a three-quarter a prop and I think we'll be good to go, they don't even need to be world beaters.

Someone mentioned Tim Lafai, I think that's a good shout and we could probably do that deal.

[Brian Nazareth]

As always, I'm by far most interested in us winning silverware.

Second consideration is the scum having a crap time of it. I wish nothing but misery on that club and their 6-fingered fans.

Third is wanting to keep the number of years since Dire won the title ticking.

I will also be hoping that London manage a miracle. I'd love a strong London in SL again (and Toulouse)

Other than that, I've zero interest in the game. No longer give a flying about the international side and positively hate the 'powers that be' in the game for being utterly incompetent and destroying the sport as an entertainment spectacle.

[Pasty]

Fully agree with Belgian Saint and Prez, 2 more signings, a three-quarter a prop and I think we'll be good to go, they don't even need to be world beaters.

Someone mentioned Tim Lafai, I think that's a good shout and we could probably do that deal.

I would like to see him playing for us. I'm not sure we need another prop though. We've got a strong, mobile, speedy pack which suggests a different style of attack. I hope we can build a strong off loading game. I still think we might be weak in the the three quarters and halfbacks in the event of injuries. On the other hand, if the new young players are good we will be in with a definite shout. I'm not sure I would be confident of second but I think we will finish in the top 4 comfortably