4. Hull FC
Unless they’re ravaged by injuries, Hull need to make the top five with the squad they have.
They’ve recruited well: Mahe Fonua is an outstanding winger and will be one of the most feared players in the competition. Crucially the pack looks quite a bit stronger, fitter and more mobile than last season, which was a big issue for Hull.
They had two or three forwards that stayed a season too long and the signings of heavyweight, durable forwards Manu Ma’u, Josh Jones, and Tevita Satae should make Hull a physically more competitive side up the middle and on the edges.
If the tremendously talented – but somewhat unsettled – Jake Connor finds a dominant position next season he should really kick on. A squad with Connor, Albert Kelly, Fonua, Carlos Tuimavave, Marc Sneyd and Josh Jones should be achieving top five, and I believe if their home form improves on last season, they will get there.
Key Player – Jake Connor. An absolute match winner on his day, a very naturally skilful player but he has well-known temperament issues and needs to perform at his best on a more consistent basis.