My expectations are that Wigan will be the side to beat. Like CM I believe Maguire made a capable side very good, and with the signings of three quality imports together with their prospects another year older and wiser it is hard to see another side finishing above them.
Maguire seemed like he was one step ahead of every other SL coach last year, can he do the same this year?
I think Saints will start slowly as they adapt to a different coach and start to introduce youth and integrate the three signings. My start bet is that Wigan will win by more than 10 at the weekend. I think it will be a while before they click in attack, but will be in the top three. Hopefully Eastmond will settle, but that said, we still manged ok without him last year and Gaskell is waiting in the wings (although still green at the moment.)
Warrington are an ageing side who still poses some quality veterans in Morley, Briers and Monaghan, but the question is how much they have in the tank. I personally believe they are akin to The Great Gatsby, dreaming of even bigger things, but without realising that their best moments have already been achieved. Their future will depend on how many more juniors of the quality of the likes of Ben Harrison they can introduce before the big boys call it a day.
I think Leeds are hard to predict, but on paper certainly appear weaker and the injury bug – with their side older – seems to have bitten. Huddersfield will be dangerous again and that’s that really. I cant suggest who would fare better out of Hull and Hull KR; probably KR at a push and I don’t see any real quality in Bradford to worry the big boys.
