2014 Preview - Warrington Wolves

Its always supposed to be their year but 2013 again saw them fall at the final hurdle. It really is just the playoffs that pose a problem for the Wire. They again showed they can win big and beat top teams throughout the season.

A few of the stalwarts of their recent cup successes have now gone. Lee Briers has retired, Brett Hodgson has gone too, and Adrian Morley has moved to Salford. That's a lot of leadership leaving the squad.

Crucially, the team has been preparing for this eventuality and didn't suffer greatly when these players have missed notable parts of the 2013 season. Some research done mid-way through last year showed Warrington won more games without Briers (73% without, 69% with) and Morley (77% without, 68% with) during a 118 game spell between 2009 to 2013.

Stefan Ratchford has been groomed to replace Briers for a few years and should be able to play at a high level alongside Richie Myler. Matty Russell, who shone for Scotland in the World Cup, has come in to play full back. Roy Asotasi is an experienced pro capable of filling Morley's boots.

They have lost a number of other forwards - Garreth Carvell, Mike Cooper, Tyrone McCarthy - but players like Ben Currie, James Laithwaite and Chris Hill have been groomed to step up. Anthony England has been signed in hope of being the next Hill, a player who can step up from the Championship and revel in a full time environment.

Crucially with the comings and goings they have made the squad younger. Their 24 man first team squad is still older (and smaller) than most squads in the competition, but is nearly a whole year younger than last year. The average age in 2013 was 27.17 years old. Despite retaining many of the same players its now 26.25. 

If they included some of their young players on the edge of first team consideration, like others do, it would be younger but that would distort the true picture.

In Higham, the Monaghan's, Westwood, Atkins and Grix Warrington still have a lot of weapons with experience and high work rate. They also have a coach that has a proven record. The bookies have them there or there about for all three pieces of silverware on offer and their fans will be asking again if this could be their year.

League Leaders Odds: 10/3
Grand Final Odds: 7/2
Cup Odds: 9/2
(source: Oddschecker.com)

Mark's predictions:
League place - 1st
Key man - Stefan Ratchford
One to watch - Matty Russell

Tom's predictions:
League place - 2nd
Key man - Stefan Ratchford
One to watch - Matty Russell