I think it is looking like a very exciting competition with a number of very good squads, and I suspect the top teams will lose more matches than last season. MC has recruited well and, whilst we have lost some class, we have replacements who have the potential to fill the shoes. Our pack also has much more depth this year, which is always key in a long season. It is also worth remembering that neither Ben or Mikali hit form until the latter half of last season (not until the play offs for Mikali!) and Sam only joined us mid way through the year. We also lost Goddard and Haley for long periods.

As MC has stated, our weakness will be at half back if either BB or DJ get injured but hopefully cover will be on its way.

Its hard to say who will come out top given the strength of the competition. Featherstone were hugely impressive last year, as were Batley when they hit form. Barrow, Leigh and Widnes will all be highly competitive and no doubt Toulouse will continue to improve. Roll on....

[iMy ill researched and un-educated guesses are:[/i

League Table

1. Widnes
2. Featherstone
3. Barrow
4. Halifax
5. Leigh
6. Batley
7. Sheffield
8. York
9. Toulose
10. Dewsbury
11. Hunslet

Grand Final
Featherstone Vs Widnes

NRC Final
Halifax vs Featherstone

1.Widnes
2.Fax
3.Fev
4.Leigh
5.Barrow
6.Batley.

This all depends on injuries and strength of the squads.It will be competitive and any of the top 5 could swap places with each other.I just feel Widnes will concentrate on the league more this year.

1. Featherstone
2. Barrow
3. Halifax
4. Leigh
5. Sheffield
6. Batley
7. Widnes
8. Dewsbury
9. Toulouse
10. York
11. Hunslet

I think Fev have the best squad in the league by far even losing Briggs. Barrow always look strong but are sometimes inconsistant. I feel we have the best backs in the league but im skeptical as to whether our forwards are good enough and as such i feel we are a bit weaker than last year. If Leigh start well they could top the league but if they struggle with the tough start they have then they will be playing catchup the rest of the season. They look to have a decent team though. Sheffield look strong but whinger Aston struggles to get the best out of them. Batley are capable of beating anyone on their day but im not sure they can break in to the top 4. Same goes for Widnes, they look stronger than last year but even so dont look a patch on the top teams and they will be the team everyone wants to beat once they get their SL license. The rest have no chance of making the top 6.

i think fax forwards are stronger than we had last year with the new ones got.

Hunslet and York have strengthened well this year whereas I'm not sure Toulouse have managed to replace any outgoing players. I reckon they could be in the scrap for the wooden spoon.