Re: League table predictions : Wed Feb 07, 2024 3:30 pm  

jonh wrote:

They have lost a genuine talismanic leader, key players are a year older and they are relying heavily on a lack of injuries in the pack.

Can't argue with that.

Counter-argument would be we played big chucks of last year with lots missing and both halves carrying pretty bad knocks and the WCC disruption and only missed out on PD anyway. We've also added some pace to the backs in Blake which was badly missing. And, whisper it, but Clark in for Roby might give us more with the ball - scored a long distance try at the weekend which we haven't seen from a hooker for a while!

If we stay relatively healthy we'll be right up there. Wigan's depth is in the pack and you can't argue that you can carry absences in the pack better than us (and anyone)!

We'll probably be starting the season with Paasi, Whitley and Wingfield not making the XVII - all very good players so we can carry a couple of injuries once Paasi back before being into the kids - but I think there are a couple of good lads to come in and out and I'll be interested to see the likes of Noah Stephens get some minutes.

Re: League table predictions : Wed Feb 07, 2024 3:46 pm  

Saints won't be far off, if Roby and Walmsley have another year left in the tank and if Dodd can find his pre-injury form they've every chance, solid back row and as FTV says some much needed pace added

Re: League table predictions : Wed Feb 07, 2024 4:16 pm  

apollosghost wrote:

Saints won't be far off, if Roby and Walmsley have another year left in the tank and if Dodd can find his pre-injury form they've every chance, solid back row and as FTV says some much needed pace added

Pretty sure Roby doesn't have another year in the tank

Re: League table predictions : Wed Feb 07, 2024 4:22 pm  

FearTheVee wrote:

Pretty sure Roby doesn't have another year in the tank

Not playing anyway

Re: League table predictions : Wed Feb 07, 2024 4:23 pm  

FearTheVee wrote:

Can't argue with that.

Counter-argument would be we played big chucks of last year with lots missing and both halves carrying pretty bad knocks and the WCC disruption and only missed out on PD anyway. We've also added some pace to the backs in Blake which was badly missing. And, whisper it, but Clark in for Roby might give us more with the ball - scored a long distance try at the weekend which we haven't seen from a hooker for a while!

If we stay relatively healthy we'll be right up there. Wigan's depth is in the pack and you can't argue that you can carry absences in the pack better than us (and anyone)!

We'll probably be starting the season with Paasi, Whitley and Wingfield not making the XVII - all very good players so we can carry a couple of injuries once Paasi back before being into the kids - but I think there are a couple of good lads to come in and out and I'll be interested to see the likes of Noah Stephens get some minutes.

Clark will be an improvement on Roby the 2023 version.
I have a hunch that Walmsley, Lomax, Percival et al will have a “point to prove” particularly as we seem to be virtually everybody’s tip to be top dogs in 2024.
I think that Lomax at captain will also add weight to you starting the season strongly.
Interesting times.

Re: League table predictions : Wed Feb 07, 2024 4:24 pm  

I think we need to remind ourselves Saints were a flys di*k away from reaching both finals last year and they took the LLS down to the last day. They did that while playing pretty poorly, coming off the back of an emotional/physical challenge of beating Penrith away and with a couple of big injuries (although everyone gets those). They won’t be falling away this year unless they get an injury crisis that lasts throughout the season and if they have a fair wind with injury, they’ll be up for the lot.

Re: League table predictions : Wed Feb 07, 2024 4:32 pm  

FearTheVee wrote:

Pretty sure Roby doesn't have another year in the tank

My bad, Lomax

Re: League table predictions : Wed Feb 07, 2024 5:42 pm  

Saints will definitely be up there.Still a great team couple of injuries might scupper them if it is to key players.
Clark could turn out to be a fantastic signing with his pace.
Tell you what looking forward to the derbies should be some class games.

Re: League table predictions : Wed Feb 07, 2024 6:17 pm  

Agree that Wigan & Saints are the teams ahead of others, however, just keep an eye out on the roaring Leopards right behind you.

Re: League table predictions : Wed Feb 07, 2024 6:51 pm  

Cokey wrote:

Agree that Wigan & Saints are the teams ahead of others, however, just keep an eye out on the roaring Leopards right behind you.

Well you did win one trophy last season (1 of 3 domestic trophies,if you can count the LLS)