2014 Preview - St Helens

2013 could be seen as a rebuilding year in St Helens. Truth is, it was pretty much the same as the year before - injury damaged. Specifically, injuries to James Roby and Jonny Lomax.

Without these players Saints lost much of their creativity and threat. In the 11 games both Roby and Lomax played, Saints win rate was 68% - in the 9 games neither played it was 33%. They averaged more tries scored and fewer tries conceded with them both on the park.

They managed some headline wins and were a dark horse entering the playoffs but didn't have enough players who could take over a game and win it for them.

Luke Walsh is the man signed from Penrith who should add more game management and creativity. If he plays at the level expected Saints will have more chance of remaining competitive if injuries strike.

Battering ram Mose Masoe, also from Penrith, excited fans during the world cup and, with Kyle Amor and Richard Beaumont, makes up for losing Tony Puletua and Josh Perry in the off season. The story is that they will have one of the biggest front rows in the history of Super League, but fans will have to wait a while to see Masoe after he had preseason ankle surgery.

Meli was the other notable loss, but again was at the end of his career and has been replaced from within. Adam Swift is the man to take his number 5 jersey after scoring 13 in 12 appearances, mostly at the back end of 2013, including a playoff hat trick over Hull KR.

Saints should go better in 2014, but injuries to key players will still see them exposed to a lack of depth at 1, 7 and 9.

League Leaders Odds: 7/1
Grand Final Odds: 6/1
Cup Odds: 13/2
(source: Oddschecker.com)

Mark's predictions:
League place - 4th
Key man - Luke Walsh
One to watch - Adam Swift

Tom's predictions:
League place - 5th
Key man - Luke Walsh
One to watch - Joe Greenwood