bradford & London to go down

There's still much water to flow under the bridge before it becomes any clearer who'll be in the bottom two.



London look dead set to be at the bottom but who knows what they'll pull together before the season kicks off and the RFL may still offer them some kind of special dispensation because they're London.



Bradford have retained most of their team but may well lose quite a few yet and become favourites for the bottom spot



Wakefield have recruited well and after what looked like a disaster in the making could well be stronger than last year, they still sve 3 signings still to finalise and announce.



Widnes don't seem to have changed much at all so could find themselves finishing in much the same position or even slip backward. As other teams have progressed.



Castleford have recruited for depth but are woefully short on quality, an injury crisis might not affect them much as they'll swap like for like but they're squad is slightly belw average at best.



Salford despite all their headline grabbing have no depth at all and an unlucky run of injuries especially to key players will see them fall like a rubber brick in a swimming pool

The reports of the AGM state that the league will reduce to 12 but I have not seen anywhere where it states specifically it will be the bottom two that are relegated. I just doubt they would commit to that, just in case a team they wanted to keep was at the bottom.



If, as is being said, it's agreed and ratified then 2014 is going to be a tremendous year with everyone fighting for every point.

At least 6 Salford players who would have played last season in the 13, will not make the first 13 in 2014. For the first time in many years I am confident we will not be in the bottom 2. 6th place is my prediction.

A lot of Widnes fans fancy us making the 8 without get over confident. We've only lost Hock and Cross really. Cross hardly played but would have liked to see Hock stay.



No reason to say we shouldn't be stronger than Cas. Chase did a lot of work and it will be interesting to see how they cope. We've signed Tickle Galea Johnson and a few trialists. Really think we'll surprise a few this year but we'll see. Finished 10th last year and if anything we've improved slightly and gelled massively together.



Bradford will be interesting. Signed quite well but depends on how many they need to get rid of.

I think London are one to go down. If it was only one to go down I would be quietly confident they would avoid been relegated as they have never finished bottom in SL and depite them playing absolutely woefully the last few seasons, they have still managed to avoid finishing bottom. But with it been two to go down, I don't think they will make it.



The other team to go down is going to be very interesting and exciting. Bradford, Cas, Widnes, Wakey are the obvious choices. Cas I think are stronger and more well balanced and will do well under Powell. If Wakey can get some half backs in, they could go well. They will give anyone a game, particularly at home. It's whether they can create enough.



Widnes I'm unsure about. They were more consistent last season but still produced some embarrassing performances as well as some excellent ones (twice against us) I do worry about strength in depth and with it been their 3rd season of the I pitch, will they have less advantage.



Bradford, I think our squad looks better than last, however off field issues is what could relegate us. If we get through the season, how many players will have left during the season. Will off field issues effect performances. If we get them sorted and cut back the £400k, we should be ok.



Wouldn't surprise me any of the above sneaking into the play-offs, but I think all of their number 1 priority is to avoid the drop.



Two wildcards to go down could be the two hull clubs (bracing my self to be shot down) personally I think both will finish in the play-offs and will have decent seasons.



But KR need Keating to step up to replace the massive hole left by Dobson. They're recruited very well in the pack though. Weyman is an excellent signing.



Hulls season will depend on their half backs. If they click Hull will have a decent season. but if they struggle, they are both young, hull could struggle. With every team fighting for their lives, big teams will get beaten by the smaller teams and hull could be dragged into the dog fight.

But they weren't good enough last year, Pulutua, Morley and Meli have been injury prone for the last couple of years and I don't see that improving with them being a year older.



Smith and Chase are a gamble.



If you pick up injuries you don't have the quality to challenge the 8

Smith and Chase. I am happy to take that gamble! We will make the top 6. Nice to see a little anti Salford stuff on these boards proves we are seen to be a "Player" again.

It proves that Salford fans discussing the odds for trophies this year has required a reality check in some eyes - it's not anti Salford particularly but your signings won't worry those at the very top.



Huddersfield Warrington Leeds Wigan saints and Catalans have stronger squads. I'd put Salford in the second tier which consists of the two hulls, Salford and probably a wildcard or either Widnes or cas (I can't quite tell I feel like one of them will click I'm just not sure who!)



That's not to say 7/8th isn't a massive achievement given where Salford was last year, but talking them up more will bring out the doubters

As the squads are now, London and Wakefield. But I expect Bradford to lose a few and maybe replace Wakey.



As for Salford. If you make the 6 I will be very surprised. If Koukash sticks around long term then I am sure you will become a force. He has done well with the squad considering how much needed doing but this is going to be a season of transition and if you scrape 8th it's a really good year. Next year and beyond are when you will start to compete.

Bradford and Hull FC

Top 6 ???

That means finding your feet with a totally new squad and the list of stars becoming a successful "team".

Plus, you will have to be better than either Wigan, Wire, Leeds, Saints, Huuds, Hull or Catalan.

There is no doubt that your first 17 will be very competitive but, there will be injuries and suspensions (Hock) along the way and from where you've been, top 8 would be a good season for you guys.