Quote ="Cruncher"Too early to pass informed judgements yet, so this is only a bit of fun. But here are my thoughts on who the main threats to us are likely to be this year, based on what I've seen so far.
Toronto - Another example of what a Brian McDermott team looks like without Sinfield, McGuire, Peacock, Burrow etc. Sonny Bill, though quiet by his own standards, certainly showed a lot more than George Burgess. But they looked weak and disorganised almost everywhere else. I don't hold out much hope for them.
Castleford - Could be a menace in 2020. Showed typical early-season rust but while not devastating, it was a solid, robust show even without a couple of star players. Richardson and Trueman will certainly bring energy to the halves. =#FF0000Powell makes me laugh - how such a dour man ever inspires anyone I'll never know - but there is something relentless about Cas's ability to challenge the top of the table and I have a feeling this year will be no different.
Hull - Appear to have recruited well, and looked physically strong and very businesslike, a lot more so than at the end of last season. But we have seen this from them before, and then, suddenly it's all petered out and their heads have dropped communally. They'll need to maintain it for a few weeks before they put genuine fear into anyone.
Leeds - Look to have picked up where they left off, unimpressively. They're a bunch of willing lads, but so many of them are physical lightweights. Not sure where their main attack is going to come from; I don't rate Robert Lui and Luke Gale is notoriously injury-prone. Agar was only appointed as a caretaker, so not sure why he's still in charge now.
St Helens - Anyone predicting a fall-away because Holbrook has gone look like they're going to be disappointed. The smooth, well-oiled machine got back into motion fairly effortlessly. Granted, they weren't challenged much this weekend, but with so little disruption to one of those first teams that can probably coach itself, it's now hard to see why the bookies didn't make them favourites, though they'll be put to a much sterner test this coming weekend.
Salford - I've got a bad feeling that last season was a Jackson Hastings-inspired blip, and that 2020 will see a return to lower-table mediocrity. Everyone is very keen to see Ian Watson installed as the new home-grown super-coach, but he'll have earned that title if the Red Devils achieve success after losing quality players like Hastings and Jones and replacing them with lesser talents like Dan Sarginson and a past-it Kevin Brown.
Warrington - Always an uncertain quantity. On paper, Wire are well up there, but ridiculous indiscipline contributed to them losing a game last Thursday during which their strong and aggressive pack was on top for long periods. Even so, it would always be a risk betting against them. Lots of attacking prowess, and in Austin and Clark two very crafty pivots. But 'where is Widdop?' could become a mantra in 2020, and they may also be without Chris Hill for the next few weeks.'"
oh aye, and Wane was a real barrel of laughs.
Having said that I'll agree he does come over like that in interviews but away from the camera he's one of the funniest men you could wish to meet.
Having said that I'll agree he does come over like that in interviews but away from the camera he's one of the funniest men you could wish to meet.
