With the season fast approaching, I thought I would see who people thought would be the main challenger for the title.

Personally I have a feeling that Wire will push us all the way, but it will be Saints in the final.

Thoughts?

Warrington.

Yep,year of the wolf!!!!!!!!!

Yep, I reckon Wire will be dogging our footsteps.

I hope Tony Smith's not reading this, he'll think you're picking on Joel Monaghan

I am sure they will be like a dog with a bone but I think you are barking up the wrong tree - Its Leeds for me.

Leeds would be a surprise for me with all their recent changes, but they've the experience to pull through.

Saints I think could be semi finalist material this year, ageing/departed players, coach who may not gel etc.

Warrington have also got experienced heads on now, and i see them as our main rivals.

As for the unlikely candidates... Bradford could surprise some, they'll finish quite a lot higher than expected or... quite a lot lower, there's that many new faces it really could go either way.

I like this thread. This time last year, it would have seemed ludicrous to question who our main rivals were, as we were languishing mid table, this year we've the WCC to look forward to and an old fashioned optimism. Will it last!?

Here's how I see it:

1. Wigan
2. Warrington
3. St Helens
4. Huddersfield
5. Leeds
6. Hull K.R
7. Hull F.C
8. Salford

Wigan v Huddersfield
Warrington v St Helens
Leeds v Salford
Hull K.R v Hull F.C

Huddersfield v Leeds
Warrington v Hull F.C

Wigan v Hull F,C
St Helens v Leeds

Wigan v Leeds

Both Finals Wigan vs Warrington

Prediction threads are generally a waste of time but I will put down on record that Saints won't make the top 4 next year! We shall see though.

Lockers said the main dangers this season are saints and hudd

Warrington and Leeds.

Hudds and Saints right behind.

In no particular order, the top 5 will be Wigan, St Helens, Warrington, Huddersfield and Leeds unless one of those clubs suffers a major injury crisis. I can't see any other team challenging for a trophy.

I don't think there's a chance of that happening.

We look stronger than in 2010 IMO (a couple of much needed front line props and a pacey centre in, plus hopefully a fit Soliola), when we finished 2nd (and 7 points clear of 5th) despite a lot of injuries.

wigan
warrington
hull kr
saints
leeds
hudds
bradford
catalans

I dont think warrington will be that close to us to be honest yes they have sign brett hodgson but he looked old and knackered at the end of last year plus he is 35 and warrington like leeds are an old side. I also think we will only lose 2 or 3 games next year as our strenght in depth is fantastic we could easily put out 2 teams next year and they both would do quiet well. hull kr i think will be better with willie mason if he ever gets here but blake green partnering up with dobson is what they have been short of for a few seasons. saint will have a bad year this yr they have lost some big players and there ground and with eastmond lookin at yawnion and looking abit thin in the back line on bodys.

He's a far better FB than Mathers, if Tony Smith can bring back Hodgson's form of 09 then it will look good for Wire, plus he's a good conversion kicker. Joel the dog lover is another great signing for them, similar winger to Pat, Tall, big build and excellent under the high ball. That coupled with the players they already have will make them better than last season imo.

I'll go:

Wigan
Wire
Saints
Leeds
Hull
Hull KR
Bradford
Salford

You dont think Huddersfield will make the 8?

My predictions would be:

Wigan
Warrington
Leeds
St Helens
Hudderfield
Hull FC
Bradford
Hull KR
Salford
Castleford
Catalan
Harlequins
Crusaders
Wakefield

Whoops!!

Wigan
Wire
Saints
Leeds
Hudds
Hull
Hull KR
Bradford

WIGAN
WARRINGTON
LEEDS
SAINTS
HUDDERSFIELD
HULL KR
BRADFORD
SALFORD
CATALANS
HULL FC
CASTLEFORD
HARLEQUINS
CRUSADERS
WAKEFIELD

I dont think Hull FC will make the 8. There squad looks really thin

Fancy a little charity wager on that, old bean?
I'll give you 4-1 on a £5 stake - if Saints make the 4, you give £5 to my nominated charity, if not, I'll donate £20 to the charity of your choice.
Let me know.

i recon saints will definately be up there in the top 4

He's 32, but I take your meaning. I'm sure we'd both agree that a 32 year old Hodgson is a good improvement on Mathers, despite his best efforts.

For what it's worth I think we'll be your biggest threat but wont be close enough to challenge for the league crown. The playoffs however, who knows!

And you support?