I think we're in a similar position to where we were last season, which is actually a lot better than where I thought we were before last season, because we did a lot better than I thought we would having lost Briers, Morley, Carvell and Hodgson.

Last season was a tough one for us and we were not far off winning Super League - that semi against Wigan could have gone either way in the last 5 minutes and I wouldn't have been surprised had we beaten Saints at OT.

I still think we are a bit short on leaders and game breaking players and the jury is still out on a number of our players, Myler, O'Brien and so on.

I don't see any of the other teams as being clearly above the rest.

I know I see the world through the most Primrose & Blue Glasses going but yet again I think we will have a very good season.

Good points Sally. I agree with FB in that my primrose and blue speccies show a bright season ahead. We've recruited well!

I saw in the League Express that Scott Dureau is back and fit at Catalan. Alongside Carney and Bosch that will give them the strongest halfbacks in superleague and with Remi Casty also back they could really give it a big go this years especially if they can cure their travel sickness.

Catalan are definitely ones to watch. Found some good form at the back end of the season and with the players experiencing good away wins the monkey may well be off their back. Carneys ball in hand game with the kicking game of Dureau is a frightening combination.

If Catalan can sort out their away form they should be top 4 easy!

Never been a fan of pre season predictions as to who'll win what (I think they're a load of old cobblers)...e.g in the media, at the start of each season, team x to win the Carling Cup.....wtf is that

but here's mine (not contradicting myself) we'll do well, but not saying we'll win owt.

Cas to struggle, after their damp squib ending to last season, and losing Clark.

This fence is great for sitting on.

Clark will be key to our season, we are not a one man team as we were with Lee. But I think Daryl is that good he can change games, he won MOS & was a massive part in getting Cas to the CC final and a top 4 finish. If his skill did that for Cas, what would he be able to do with the class that we have got around him.

For me there are 3 key players for next years trophies & who wins what will affected by these 3.
Clark for Us.
Walsh for Saints
Carney for Catalan.

+1.

Clark is key. But Sims needs to hit the ground running to help Hill out too, that's pretty important as Hill carried us at times last season.

Well my predictions are in my sig so anyone can call me out on it during the season.

Also in the last chance saloon:
Asotasi, Wood, Wheeler, Penny

Hate saying it but I think Saints are a cut above anything in this league at the moment and could sweep all the trophies as long as walsh is fit for the big games

Have you been drinking scousewise? Saints are in with a shout as are a few others...but a cut above is stretching things especially with an unproven coach at the helm. Wire, Wigan or catalans for me.

Despite the changes to the format, the last two weeks of the season are basically the same, four teams left playing semi finals and then a final. I think we will be one of those four teams so the season will hinge on 160 minutes (or 80, if we get knocked out in the semi).

I think the final four will Saints, Wigan and us plus one of Leeds, Catalans, Hudds.

Our squad does look decent on paper... im looking forward to seeing how we go.

We should be much stronger in the pack with the addition of Sims and the extra experience of players like Laithwaite and Evans. Hopefully Harrison can put a run of games together and really show what a class act he is... Nothing has really changed much in the backs.... Maybe Wheeler can stay fit and bring something to the table.

However i thought out biggest problem last season was our kicking game.. With Briers we had one of the best. Someone that could turn teams around and give us decent field position. Last season that deficiency was there for all to see... In the big games we were constantly being turned around near our own line and pinned back.. yet when we played our sets out, the opposition were turning it round on their own 25, making good yards and were under the cosh again.... The fact we made some of those games so close is testament to the side and its battling qualities...... I don't believe we have remedied that problem in any way.. infact, with the loss of Monaghan, we could well have made it worse.

Hopefully O'Brien has been eating 3 shredded wheat and can find another 20/30 yards with ball in hand.

I am a bit more optimistic this year than at the start of last year. I hope the league is more competitive this year with the money spent by Salford and Catalans making some very good signings. Unsure of Cas this year as they fell away at the end of the year and lost some great players.
Both Hull teams are hard to call as they are both so inconsistent but I think KR will do ok this year and FC will struggle.
Top 8 will be Wigan, Saints, Wire, Cats, Hudds, Salford, Leeds and Hull KR imo

Can't wait, first season in ages where it FEELS like every game counts

totally agree...for me we should reach the semi`s at least in our quest for old trafford and its the luck of the draw for the cc..can see salfod reaching the 8 and cas struggling(may bet against them on the coupon)also leeds may find the going just a bit tougher than normal

The new chief exec will want to make an impression as will the new backroom staff. All positive signs.

I think us and Wigan have similar squads to last year but thee have improved thier in my opinion although Soliola will be a loss and their only miss from last seasons team and also Catalan could be brilliant or awful such is the typical nature of the Catalan team

In no order Wire, Saints, Catalan and Wigan for me. I personally would love Salford to break into the top 4.
This could be the season where Leeds drop out of the potential contenders list. Their pack is getting older with no apparent strengthening of the squad taking place

Who's going next Sunday then?

I'm going with a few others. Glad it's at HJ this year.

Heard Clark out till April - had an op' on his wrist.

Also heard Tony Smith's your new coach