Re: 2015 Season : Thu Dec 04, 2014 1:56 pm  

Aboveusonlypie wrote:

We have improved the squad since last season, but so have Saints and Wire. Saints will miss Soliola and Manu but have probably the best half back pairing. Wire have toughened up an already decent pack with the addition of Sims. Clark doesn't have Monaghan's creativity around the ruck but adds explosive pace, so all in all they are stronger. They finished the season well after finally overcoming the loss of Briers.

Leeds are on the decline, but may have one last hurrah for their 'golden generation'. Cas have lost Clark and Sneyd, but have a good coach and have recruited well in Roberts and I think Moore can do a job if he stays out of trouble.

No-one will fancy Salford much after last year. And this may in fact work in their favour. They have the makings of a good pack, and Dobson is a quality half back. It's a big 'if' but if Chase can play with him then Salford could surprise a few.

It may be Huddersfield's last chance, with Brough the wrong side of 30.

My pick of the rest will be Catalans. Strong at home. The deciding factor will be the class of Todd Carney. I for one, can't wait to see him in Super League. Possibly the best import since Trent Barrett. I hope Carney overcomes his demons.

Having said all that the top four will be Wigan / Wire / Saints / Catalan. With any one of 7 teams for the cup.

I can't wait, because I think that the season will be a genuine contest. I hope the new system works for the sake of the sport. And I would love a repeat of this year's GF at Old Trafford in 2015.

Excellent post and I agree with pretty much every word.

I do think the system will work. It will create a competitive season from start to finish and those last 7 games especially should be very good to watch with at least 6 teams realistically scrapping for top 4 hopefully.

Re: 2015 Season : Thu Dec 04, 2014 10:45 pm  

Wigan will finish about 3rd or 4th reckon

Re: 2015 Season : Mon Dec 08, 2014 11:40 am  

I see in todays 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.

Re: 2015 Season : Tue Dec 09, 2014 1:41 am  

Goodness me YG agreeing with AUOP comments I nearly fell off my sunbed into the pool here in Perth WA, not often I read that but then try reading some of the others on the R.V.

Re: 2015 Season : Tue Dec 09, 2014 11:34 am  

Sunshine state wrote:

Goodness me YG agreeing with AUOP comments I nearly fell off my sunbed into the pool here in Perth WA, not often I read that but then try reading some of the others on the R.V.

Hi M. Hope all is well down there. See you in February, have a good Christmas and New Year, I know it's going to be a difficult one for you.

Re: 2015 Season : Wed Dec 10, 2014 3:20 am  

Thanks Brian just glad to be with Jules and family, I'd just like to wish you Jan and all the family a Merry Christmas and a lovely New Year. It might be March when I see you all.

Re: 2015 Season : Wed Dec 10, 2014 2:18 pm  

Sam Powell probably the best bet at 6, but Wigan will be rudderless if Smith gets injured. Plenty of biff up front, but Hudds, Warry & Saints would be able to deal vey easily against a one dimensional team. Leeds are in transition, but going down the youth route will pay dividends in a couple of seasons. There's not really any worry about getting relegated as Leigh the only threat to a Superleague side not making the cut failing to finish in the top half of a mini league against Championship sides. They'll finish 5th-8th anyway as Jones-Buchanan and Delaney can fill in it prop and be good enough to beat the mid to lower Superleague teams. I think Catalan will be 5th-8th too.

Re: 2015 Season : Mon Dec 15, 2014 1:14 pm  

Toosmooth wrote:

Sam Powell probably the best bet at 6, but Wigan will be rudderless if Smith gets injured. Plenty of biff up front, but Hudds, Warry & Saints would be able to deal vey easily against a one dimensional team. Leeds are in transition, but going down the youth route will pay dividends in a couple of seasons. There's not really any worry about getting relegated as Leigh the only threat to a Superleague side not making the cut failing to finish in the top half of a mini league against Championship sides. They'll finish 5th-8th anyway as Jones-Buchanan and Delaney can fill in it prop and be good enough to beat the mid to lower Superleague teams. I think Catalan will be 5th-8th too.

I think you could say that for ANY team that loses its' scrum half. Smith's fitness record is excellent anyway (Fingers crossed Matty!!! )

A partnership of Powell and Williams would be just fine for me in any case, especially with SOL in the team.

Re: 2015 Season : Mon Dec 15, 2014 8:11 pm  

Now the squad has been declared it does appear to be very strong.
With Williams at 6 we will have more pace in the halves than last year, also when Hampshire is selected the speed of the squad will be outstanding.
Opposition clubs know what Wigan are going to do from the past few seasons, however with the added pace all around the squad and the new tactics Waney has mentioned then the way the squad plays could change quite a bit.