NRL Season Preview
The NRL season opener is just not that far away, with the Roosters set to take on the Rabbitohs at home tonight. After the tumultuous news of late for the NRL the start of the season will be more than welcome such that the news can focus on football rather than off field dramas. Let’s take a look at how the teams are shaping up this season.
Brisbane Broncos
Position last year: 12-12, 8th. Eliminated first week of Finals by Cowboys.
In: Scott Prince (Titans), David Stagg (Bulldogs), Denan Kemp (Dragons), Joe Bond, Jake Granville
Out: Gerard Beale (Dragons), Petero Civoniceva (retired), Dane Gagai (Knights), Ben Te’o (Rabbitohs)
Notes: The Broncos started 2012 so well, for a while I was thinking top 4 (top 6 worst case). Then they were hit with some injuries, inconsistencies, and the gap that Lockyer left had become evident. They have tried to rectify this with the acquisition of Scott Prince. Though he isn’t getting any younger he will bring some valuable experience to a youthful side. However, I don’t know whether this will bring consistency in the halves, and I expect the Broncos to rely mostly on their forward pack with the likes of Thaiday, McCullough and return of Stagg.
Conclusion: It’s going to be hard for the Broncos this year; however they have consistently been a top 8 side for a long time now.
Ranking: 8th (just)
Canterbury Bulldogs
Position last year: 18-6, 1st Regular Season (Minor Premiers). Runner-ups in Finals.
In: Tony Williams (Sea Eagles)
Out: Sione Kite (Widnes, mid-season), Michael Lett (Illawarra Cutters, mid-season), Jonathan Wright (Sharks), Jake Foster (Raiders), Luke MacDougall (retirement), Tupou Sopoaga (Sharks), Bryson Goodwin (Rabbitohs), David Stagg (Broncos), James Gavet (Tigers)
Notes: I had been contemplating on the Dogs to do one better than last season and finish as Premiers. With Des Hasler as coach, their mental preparation will be near best. However, with the indefinite suspension of star player, Ben Barba, for “behavioural issues”, this prediction needed to be reassessed. Their forwards are their main strength, giving a good platform for their backs. Their halves aren’t the best in the business but they are consistent.
Conclusion: It’s hard to tell what the impact of Barba will have. They aren’t a one man band, but surely they’re not going to play without their star fullback for an entire season. Originally had them as Minor Premiers, but their will be some loss with Barba.
Ranking: 4th
Canberra Raiders
Position last year: 13-11, 6th. Eliminated by Rabbitohs in week 2 of Finals.
In: Joel Edwards (Newcastle), Jake Foster (Canterbury)
Out: Bronson Harrison (St George Illawarra), Trevor Thurling (released), Travis Waddell (released)
Notes: The Raiders are a young side and play with a lot of flair. I expect them to play with little fear, and their youthfulness will bring them energy and mobility (as it did last season). However, this is also their weakness with inexperience, and therefore, consistency is key here for them.
Conclusion: They really are the dark horse for me; they can surprise a lot of people and do very well this season, however, the inexperience might just be the factor they are missing to give them that killer edge all season round.
Ranking: 9th
Cronulla Sharks
Position last year: 12-1-11, 7th. Eliminated first week of Finals by Raiders.
In: Michael Gordon (Penrith Panthers, 2015), Chris Heighington (Wests Tigers, 2015), Luke Lewis (Penrith Panthers, 2016), Beau Ryan (Wests Tigers, 2015), Tupou Sopoaga (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, 2013), Jonathan Wright (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, 2014)
Out: Colin Best (retired), Josh Cordoba (retired), Tyson Frizell (St George Illawarra Dragons), Jeremy Smith (Newcastle Knights), John Williams (retired)
Notes: Paul Gallen is a born leader, and coach Shane Flannaghan has done a very good job at the Sharks. With these two, the team should remain focused throughout the season. With the additions of Luke Lewis, Beau Ryan and others they have added good depth. They’re back line is now very much strengthened; however, their outside backs are their weakness in defense and will be targeted by oppositions, especially when they are strong in the middle.
Conclusion: If they can remain fit this season, the team will do well. Todd Carney is key to how well they perform. The recent off-field problems will cause a hiccup; however, they should overcome this. I had them originally as a top 4 finish, but these allegations might cause some issues early on.
Ranking: 5th
Gold Coast Titans
Position last year: 10-14, 11th.
In: Mark Ioane (Canberra Raiders, 2013), Matthew Russell (Wigan Warriors, 2014), Dave Taylor (South Sydney Rabbitohs, 2016)
Out: Phil Graham (retired), Bodene Thompson (Wests Tigers), Scott Prince (Brisbane Broncos)
Notes: The Titans were very inconsistent last season and largely disappointing. This season, they will need to do without Scott Prince, which isn’t going to be easy. Their strength is definitely the forward pack with Harrison, Bailey, Myles, Bird, Srama and now Dave Taylor. The forwards will be carrying this team, and possess a lot of talent.
Conclusion: Their halves are inexperienced, and if they move Bird to 5/8 then the forward pack will suffer. There is a lot of pressure, especially financially.
Ranking: 12th, don’t see them doing any better than last year.
Manly Sea Eagles
Position last year: 16-8, 4th. Eliminated in the Preliminary Finals by the Storm.
In: Michael Chee Kam (Raiders), Richie Fa’aoso (Storm), Ligi Sao (Warriors), James Hasson (Sharks), Ben Musolino (Dragons), Brenton Lawerence (Titans), Dane Chisholm (Tigers), Jacob Gagan (Eels NYC), David Gower (Dragons), Peta Hiku (Warriors NYC), Jesse Sene-Lefao (Panthers), Kayne Lawton (Titans), Esi Tonga (Eels) & Justin Horo (Eels)
Out: Josh Drinkwater (St George Illawarra Dragons), Daniel Harrison (Parramatta Eels), Darcy Lussick (Parramatta Eels), Michael Oldfield (Sydney Roosters), Dean Whare (Penrith Panthers), Tony Williams (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Notes: The best recruitment award must go to Manly, with a squad of players brought in. Last year people had tipped them to struggle, and they proved people wrong. They will probably do the same this season too. Andrew Johns will add good value in the backroom as well as retaining key players, such as their halves pair.
Conclusion: Manly as always will be a tough side to play, however, age and possibly injuries could cause a few issues. The golden era is fading on them, and this will be one of their last chances in winning silverware. Expect them to still make the Finals.
Ranking: 7th.
Melbourne Storm
Position last year: 17-7, 2nd. 2012 Premiers.
In: Brett Finch (Wigan Warriors, 2013), Tim Glasby (2014), Kurt Mann (Newcastle Knights, 2015), Junior Moors (Wests Tigers, 2013), Junior Sa’u (Newcastle Knights, 2013), Lagi Setu (2013)
Out: Richie Fa’aoso (Manly Sea Eagles), Michael Greenfield (retired), Luke Kelly (Parramatta Eels), Rory Kostjasyn (North Queensland Cowboys), Jaiman Lowe (retired), Todd Lowrie (New Zealand Warriors), Sika Manu (Penrith Panthers), Dane Nielsen (New Zealand Warriors)
Notes: The Storm have been the benchmark team for the last few years; the ones to beat. They also look to be the first team to win back to back premierships since the Broncos in 1992/1993. The Storm possess a star studded team with the “Big 3” (Slater, Smith, Cronk) in the spine of the team, however, a tough home and away fixture could cause an issue.
Conclusion: It will be interesting to see how State of Origin affects them this year with a tough fixture ahead. Regardless, this team is just too talented and will finish in top 4 and be title contenders.
Ranking: 2nd.
Newcastle Knights
Position last year: 10-14, 12th.
In: David Fa’alogo (Huddersfield Giants, 2014), Dane Gagai (Mid Season: Brisbane Broncos, 2014), Toka Likiliki (New Zealand Warriors, 2014), Beau Scott (St George Illawarra Dragons, 2016), Jeremy Smith (Cronulla Sharks, 2015)
Out: Sam Anderson (Penrith Panthers), Ethan Cook (Penrith Panthers), Joel Edwards (Canberra Raiders), Richie Fa’aoso (Manly Sea Eagles), Kurt Mann (Melbourne Storm), Wes Naiqama (Penrith Panthers), Kyle O’Donnell (Penrith Panthers), Junior Sa’u (Melbourne Storm), Zeb Taia (Catalan Dragons), Evarn Tuimavave (Hull Kingston Rovers)
Notes: 2012 was a disappointment for the Knights. With the appointment of super coach, Wayne Bennett people had expected big things from the Newcastle outfit. A big cog in Bennett’s system will be Kurt Gidley, and he must remain fit if the Knights are to do well. Buderus is still chugging along; however, he’s at the back end of his career.
Conclusion: It’s hard to say what to expect from the Knights. After last season, surely the only way is up. Bennett has now had some time with them to execute his plans, but for my mind they are probably another season away from a finals berth. First few rounds are crucial to see if they have turned a corner or not.
Ranking: 10th.
New Zealand Warriors
Position last year: 8-16, 14th.
In: Thomas Leuluai (Wigan Warriors, 2015), Todd Lowrie (Melbourne Storm, 2014), Dane Nielsen (Melbourne Storm, 2015)
Out: Lewis Brown (Penrith Panthers), Krisnan Inu (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Toka Likiliki (Newcastle Knights), Micheal Luck (retired), James Maloney (Sydney Roosters), Ligi Sao (Manly Sea Eagles), Omar Slaimankhel (Japanese Rugby), Ukuma Ta’ai (Huddersfield Giants)
Notes: The Warriors have a couple of good acquisitions in Lowrie and Nielson, but they still lack that star power in my opinion. Maloney will be a big loss to the Roosters. The appointment of Matt Elliot is a little confusing, seems like they know they are in a rebuilding phase and he is possibly keeping the seat warm until a big name coach arrives.
Conclusion: The Warriors have a big and strong forward pack; however, it is just too hard to know which Warriors side will turn up. When they are on, they can be one of the hardest teams in the competition to stop. However, more times than not, they struggle to maintain 80 minutes of play in most games. Because when they are off, they can be terrible. They suffer with too much inconsistency, poor defence, and mistakes.
Ranking: 15th.
North Queensland Cowboys
Position last year: 15-9, 5th. Eliminated by Manly in week 2 of Finals.
In: Clint Greenshields (Catalan Dragons, 2013), Rory Kostjasyn (Melbourne Storm, 2014), Anthony Mitchell (Mid Season: Sydney Roosters, 2013), Curtis Rona (Sydney Roosters, 2014)
Out: Dane Hogan (Easts Tigers), Moses Pangai (Penrith Panthers), Cory Paterson (Hull Kingston Rovers), Aaron Payne (retired), James Segeyaro (Penrith Panthers)
Notes: The future of Thurston was a bit unknown leading up to this season. However, seeing as they have retained their key players, they should make another crack at the Premiership and a possible top 4 finish. There will be a lot of pressure on Thurston’s shoulders, but what’s new?
Conclusion: The Cowboys will need to work on mental strength, at home they have been strong, and however, on the road they have consistently struggled. JT’s future will be in the back of his mind, but he is a professional. However, I do believe, if they don’t improve this season, he will be more likely to depart.
Ranking: 6th.
Parramatta Eels
Position last year: 6-18, Wooden Spoon.
In: Kenny Edwards (2013), Daniel Harrison (Manly Sea Eagles, 2014), Luke Kelly (Mid Season: Melbourne Storm, 2013), Darcy Lussick (Manly Sea Eagles, 2015), Lorenzo Ma’Afu (2014)
Out: Luke Burt (retired), Nathan Hindmarsh (retired), Casey McGuire (retired)
Notes: If for any team the only possible direction is up, then it is definitely the previous season’s wooden spoons. They have poached Ricky Stuart from his NSW coaching duties, which should strengthen the side. Stuart usually plays a strong defensive game, and he will also bring good attitude, and work ethics.
Conclusion: Players like Hayne, Sandow, and Mannah will benefit from Stuart’s guidance; however, they’re lacking a player that will lead them on the park. They will make improvement from last year, but won’t be challenging a top 8 finish.
Ranking: 13th.
Penrith Panthers
Position last year: 8-16, 15th.
In: Sam Anderson (Newcastle Knights, 2013), Lewis Brown (New Zealand Warriors, 2015), Ethan Cook (Newcastle Knights, 2014), Maurice Kennedy (2013), Jeremy Latimore (St George Illawarra Dragons, 2014), Sika Manu (Melbourne Storm, 2015), Wes Naiqama (Newcastle Knights, 2014), Kyle O’Donnell (Newcastle Knights, 2014), Moses Pangai (North Queensland Cowboys, 2014), James Roberts (2014), James Segeyaro (North Queensland Cowboys, 2015), Dean Whare (Manly Sea Eagles, 2014)
Out: Michael Gordon (Sharks), Luke Lewis (Sharks), Travis Burns (Hull KR), Mitch Achurch (Leeds), Harry Siejka (Warriors), Michael Jennings (Roosters)
Notes: The Panthers have been busy signing players this season; however, none of them can replace the losses of Jennings, Lewis and Gordon. Ivan Cleary has a tough ask ahead of him, and it will be interesting to see how he manages this team.
Conclusion: The Panthers are favourites with bookies for the wooden spoon, and it is hard to argue with that. Those three big losses will hurt them, and they are at least a year if not 2 years away from being competitive.
Ranking: 16th (Wooden Spoon)
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Position last year: 16-8, 3rd. Eliminated in Preliminary Finals by the Bulldogs.
In: Mitchell Buckett (2014), Thomas Burgess (Bradford Bulls, 2013), Bryson Goodwin (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Jeff Lima (Wigan Warriors, 2014), Ben Te’o (Brisbane Broncos, 2015)
Out: Scott Geddes (retired), Eddy Pettybourne (Wests Tigers), Dave Taylor (Gold Coast Titans)
Notes: Rabbitohs’ 2012 performance would have given good confidence and experience. The old tag of easy beats is now a thing of the past. They have made some good signings like Te’o and the only big name loss would be Taylor, although he can be a little lazy. The big names in Inglis, Luke and Burgess will need to play well every week. Inglis is lethal and dynamic, Burgess is brutal, and Luke controls the play well.
Conclusion: The Rabbitohs are title contenders, however, for them to do better than last season it isn’t their star players that need to step up (as last year their only fault was an over-reliance on the three), but the other players around them. Reynolds had a good rookie year, and he will need to build from that.
Ranking: All goes well; they are going to improve from 2012. 1st (Minor Premiers), and possibly Premiers
St George Illawarra Dragons
Position last year: 11-13, 9th.
In: Gerard Beale (Brisbane Broncos, 2015), Josh Drinkwater (Manly Sea Eagles, 2014), Tyson Frizell (Cronulla Sharks, 2014)
Out: Jack Buchanan (Wests Tigers), Ben Hornby (retired), Jeremy Latimore (Penrith Panthers), Beau Scott (Newcastle Knights), Dean Young (retired), Michael Jennings
Notes: Steve Price is listed as favourite for the first coach to be given the sack. It has been big shoes that he filled in 2012 with the departure of Wayne Bennett, and I think it is still a tough ask for Price.
Conclusion: This team is definitely on a rebuild, they have lost some big names to other clubs or retirement. A lot of hope lies on Jamie Soward, if they are to do well and Price will need to sort out his team structure and tactics.
Ranking: 14th.
Sydney Roosters
Position last year: 8-1-15, 13th.
In: James Maloney (New Zealand Warriors, 2015), Sam Moa (Hull FC, 2014), Michael Oldfield (Manly Sea Eagles, 2014), Nafe Seluini (Mid Season: Penrith Panthers, 2013), Sonny Bill Williams (2013) Michael Jennings (Penrith Panthers)
Out: Braith Anasta (Wests Tigers), Justin Carney (Castleford Tigers), Anthony Mitchell (North Queensland Cowboys), Sam Perrett (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Curtis Rona (North Queensland Cowboys), Peni Tagive (retired),
Notes: For those of us who have been living under a rock; Sonny Bill Williams has returned to the NRL and is playing for the Roosters. This is a big coup for the glamour boys of Sydney City, and will be interesting to see how he adapts back to the game he once left in sour terms four years back. Maloney is a good trade, and if he gels with Pearce, we could see some good play from the halves. Jennings could bring back his old self with this move sparking some energy back into him.
Conclusion: I am picking the Roosters to be the biggest movers in the league. Last years 13th will be a thing of the past. They have a youthful team with passion and drive, along with experienced finals players. Inexperience can also be a weakness but hopefully Trent Robinson can steer his team in the right direction.
Ranking: 3rd.
West Tigers
Position last year: 11-13, 10th.
In: Braith Anasta (Sydney Roosters, 2014), Jack Buchanan (St George Illawarra Dragons, 2015), Masada Iosefa (Mid Season: Penrith Panthers, 2013), Eddy Pettybourne (South Sydney Rabbitohs, 2015), Bodene Thompson (Gold Coast Titans, 2014)
Out: Gareth Ellis (Hull FC), Chris Heighington (Cronulla Sharks), Junior Moors (Melbourne Storm), Beau Ryan (Cronulla Sharks)
Notes: The Tigers have a talented squad, but are lacking in areas namely fullback and halfback which is half of their spine. Loss of Ellis, Heighington and Ryan will be big and apart from Anasta they haven’t brought anyone to close this gap. Tigers parted ways with Tim Sheen, which was probably a good thing as many of the big name players were starting to quarrel with their now ex-coach.
Conclusion: With no expectations for this team, it could be a good thing for Farrah and Marshall to play without pressure, but they will need support from Tedesco and Miller (fullback and halfback respectively).
Ranking: 11th.
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