Top 4 Weaker Next Season?

[Dan]

Talking about the quality of Widnes signings, I think the big 4 sides at the moment haven't strengthened for next season.

Wire
In - Trent Waterhouse 2nd Row, Chris Hilll Prop, Stefan Ratchford Standoff
Out - Louis Anderson 2nd Row, Matt King Centre/Wing, Jon Clarke Hooker

Wigan
In - Epalahame Lauaki 2nd Row, Ben Flower 2nd Row, Gil Dudson Prop, Anthony Gelling Centre
Out - Joel Tomkins 2nd Row, Ryan Hoffman 2nd Row, Andy Coley Prop, Ben Cross Prop, Ben Davies Prop

Saints
In - Lance Hohaia Stand Off, Anthony Laffranchi Prop, Mark Flanagan Loose Foward
Out - Leon Pryce Stand Off, Kyle Eastmond Scrum Half, James Graham Prop, Scott Moore Hooker

Leeds
In - Richard Moore Prop, Daryl Griffin Prop
Out - Danny Buderus Hooker, Ali Lauititi 2nd Row, Keith Senior Centre

[GSF]

I don't think Saints will be weaker.They made the Grand Final last season despite having no home ground and having to blood youngsters such as Lomax and Gaskell in pivotal positions due to injuries and those players will be better for the experience.I reckon Saints will make yet another Grand Final next year.

[Winny Ingram]

I wouldn't be surprised if the top 4 will be slightly weaker next season.

Wigan have also lost a great coach.

[Dan]

Wigan haven't signed anyone other than Lauaki, I think the other 3 will be squad players.  Also they haven't replaced Gleeson at centre and Tomkins and Hoffman made a big contribution for them last season.

For Wire Waterhouse is a good player, but so was Anderson so kind of like for like.  Matt King will be a big loss for any side although they have a lot of quality outwide.  Riley was unlucky to miss out a lot last season as he scores a lot of trys and Evans and Williams both look good prospects as we will see on boxing day.  Wires problem could be they have a few players well into their 30's, Hodgson, Briers, Morley, Solomona.  All great players but at this level they can't carry on forever.

Leeds are relying on youngsters, Buderus, Lauititi and Senior haven't been replaced with any new signings and again they would leave a hole in any side. 

For Saints Graham will be the biggest loss, Pryce and Eastmond didn't really feature last season and they still made the grand final.  Hohaia and Lomax could be a good halback combo.  If Perry stays injury free and Laffranchi settles in they could be the team to beat with the new stadium as well.

I would go Saints 1st, then Wire, Wigan 3rd and Leeds 4th.

[mick george]

Dunno why you think Wigan are not as strong of the players you mention one is retiring an two was bit players.

[Dan]

Hoffman was 1st choice 2nd row, signed from Melbourne in the NRL and has gone back there with 3 caps for Australia

Joel Tomkins had a great season first in the 2nd row and then filling in at centre, did you see the try he scored at Wembley? Would have been in the England squad if he hadn't signed fo RU

Coley was a good solid pro and first choice prop all season.

Gleeson was an England international before he went off the rails and hasn't been replaced.

Of the signings Gelling is a 21 year old from a division below the NRL. Dudson is 21 and only played 10 games for the Crusaders last year and Flower was in and out of the Crusaders side last year and you wouldn't expect them to make the first 17 at Wigan.

[J20]

I'd probably say overall they are all a bit weaker yes but will still likely be the strongest 4 again next year (Hull FC & Catalan may challenge).

Interesting that Saints have lost 4 recent / current England internationals but sone would say not weaker which is testament ti there youth system mainly and have made some really good signings. However I thought Graham needed a hand last year and without him maybe short in the prop department next year and injuries there could really hurt unless Perry gets fully fit.

Leeds, how good where they last season? Are they te side at the start or the end of last season? Two signings both forwards were they are always traditionally strong. I think they'll miss Senior as much in an off field sense helping young centres out. Buderus is a huge loss as not seen McShane play regularly enough to suggest he's up to the job and can't see Burrow doing long stints at 9.

Thought Wigan would be strong but when you look at ins and outs there newer young lads will need to step up this season coming. Deacon is a loss getting then through regular season games (Mellor's chance probably / hopefully) In Tomkins & Hoffman that's there 2 top second rows gone and as stated still not replaced Gleeson. Coley is a loss that would be countered if Fielden is fully fit but Cross & Davies would be better back ups then Dudson and they've lost O'Carroll too... So this is where Crosby could get a go I guess.

Wire are weaker for losing King but with Atkins & Bridge still have 2 international centres so not all bad. Not sure what their plans would be for Ratchford but in SL his best pefirnances are comfortably from centre also. Waterhouse is potentially better than Anderson but depends how quickly he settles and he's older too IIRC. King is a big game winner so will still be a loss in that case. Hill is a quality young forward though they are already strong at prop anyway. They may even miss Clarke a little aa his tough nature helps give Monaghan a reat in 'lesser games' especially which Higham can't really. I guess they mustvstart bring through some U20's who have been strong in recent years also. Regrading the age of some of there top players I think this is a huge year for Wire if they are to finally win SL!