Hey OT, this time last year Saints were not tipped to make the 8, they were tipped for the spoon. Hunt was wanting out, Lomax spitting chips over positional change, Flanno first year to a club that came 2nd last, recruitment of unwanted players like Leilua and RFM, etc. Saints were coming into 2024 on the back of a very difficult off-season and not one that looked top 8 bound that is for sure.
Mid year after a start which surprised everyone, they were then removed from spoon favourites and it did not come till much later in the season they were tipped to make the 8. Saints definitely did not underachieve from what they were predicted to come this time last year in 2024 hence why most see see Saints as exceeding expectations last year.
Saints again are tipped to finish bottom 2 by most so if they have a similar season to last season, then it will be again looked at as being successful. They have media reports saying that they have the worst halves combo in the comp and no big forwards compared to other bottom 8 sides.