It has been a long wait for the beginning of the 2013 NRL season, but the moment is almost upon
us. At this stage, the season is promising for all clubs and fans alike. Everyone has an opinion running into a new season and
there is always uncertainty over what will occur and there are a number of
questions that people want answered. Some will be answered and some will
not. Lets just hope that the focus of the 2013 season
is on the field and not the antics off it. This is one of the most anticipated
seasons in the games history. Many story lines will play out in front of our
eyes and we will be left thinking and talking about games every night of the
week. In amongst it all will be the chance to have a bet on some fixtures and
hopefully win some money along the way. This preview is going to take a look at
each teams chances running into the season, the changes to their playing roster
and what could lie ahead for them.
Team: Brisbane Broncos
2012 Finish: 8th (28 Points W:12 L:12 Diff: +34) – Eliminated
first week of the Finals by the Cowboys
Key Gains: Scott Prince (Titans) & David Stagg (Bulldogs)
Key Losses: Gerard Beale (Dragons), Petero Civoniceva (retired),
Ben Te’o (Rabbitohs), Dane Gagai (Knights),
Everything was
travelling well for the Broncos last year and they looked set to finish within
the Top 6 and secure a home final. Not only that, they were looking like
genuine contenders for the title.But then things came falling apart and they
limped into the finals in 8th spot. They then had the tough task of
facing a Cowboys team at home and they were tossed out of the finals without a
second thought. It appears the transition of Darren Lockyer leaving the side
has had a large impact and this talented coach, Anthony Griffin, has his work
cut out for him. They really couldn’t settle on a halves pairing to get them
over the line in the tough games. They have gone some way to rectifying this
problem though with the acquisition of Scott Prince. Yes he is aging and isn’t
a shadow of his former self, but the knowledge that he brings to a young side
should be very valuable. The uncertainty surround Prince’s move though, is
within the role that he will play. Once that is clear, there will be a better
understanding of what effect he will have on this side. The Broncos will rely
heavily on their forwards and maybe this burden will become too much.
Strength: Their forward pack is very big and they get around the park with ease.
They should be able to set a very nice platform for their outside backs to work
off. Then again, their halves also have to get them the ball. They are lead by
Sam Thaiday and have Andrew McCullough working at hooker. McCullough is
underestimated as a player and will make everyone take notice of him this year,
if they haven’t already. The home ground advantage that they also have at
Suncorp Stadium is also working in their favor.
Weakness: The uncertainty over the halves and the consistency they play with. Even
trying to figure out which role each player will play within the halves is
confusing. They will obviously have things sorted throughout their offseason
but what impact could a few poor performances have for them.
Verdict: The Broncos are going to find this season very difficult. Unlike
Broncos teams of the past, they do not have a recognised playmaker within their
halves. They will be close to making the finals but could just fall short.
Prediction: Bottom half of the 8, but only if they’re lucky!
Team: Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
2012 Finish: 2nd (Minor Premiers 40 Points W:18 L:6
Diff: +199) – Lost Grand Final to the Storm
Key Gains: Tony Williams (Sea Eagles)
Key Losses: Jonathan Wright (Sharks), Jake Foster (Raiders) & David
Stagg (Broncos)
The Bulldogs will
be desperate to go one better than last year after they were trumped by the
Storm in the Grand Final. Things are very positive over at the kennel and they
have various reasons to be excited about the season ahead. Only a few people
were able to predict the fortunes of the Bulldogs in 2012 and they quickly put
everyone on notice with their talent. Des Hasler had them buying into his
theory and they revolutionised forward play within rugby league. It was one of
their main strengths and will continue to be in 2013. Just how much of an
impact that the “Barba Saga” has had on their lineup is unknown. It is a
definite advantage to them when he is playing and they need him back ASAP.
Strength: Various! Their forwards are the obvious strength and take a lot of
pressure off a very inexperience halves pairing. Throw in new recruit Tony
Williams into the fold and they’re even more damaging in attack and defence.
Weakness: Expectation. No one expected the Bulldogs to play as well as they did
in 2012 but now people have high expectations of them. While this is mentioned
as a weakness, Hasler will certainly have them focused on the job at hand and
will not let them get too far ahead of themselves. In the end, he should be
able to reign in any trouble related to the Bulldogs believing in their own
hype.
Verdict: The Bulldogs are going to be a
contender for the 2013 premiership, even without Barba. They have class all over
the field and a monster forward pack leading the way, as well as speed to burn
out wide. Look for the Dogs to give this competition a shake throughout.
Prediction: Top 4
Team: Canberra Raiders
2012 Finish: 6th (30 Points W:13 L:11 Diff: +9) –
Eliminated in Week 2 of the Finals by the Rabbitohs
Key Gains: Joel Edwards (Knights) & Jake Foster (Bulldogs)
Key Losses: Dury Low (Bulldogs) & Bronson Harrison (Dragons)
The Raiders had a
lot of people taking notice of their young side in 2012. They finished 6th
and were comprehensively beaten by the Rabbitohs in the second week of the
Finals. They demonstrated a lot of attacking flair in their charge towards the
finals. In the end, the experience that they would have gained from that would
be invaluable. They are a side that is on the up and will give this competition
a real shake. But they need to play consistent footy. Perhaps that will come in
the form of their squad maturing and learning what is required for a victory.
They can be a side that will look brilliant one week and then leave you
wondering how they get paid the following week.
Strength: Having a very young squad at their disposal. They will
back their ability when they need something special and will very rarely fear
another side. Perhaps this could be a weakness as well, as it could demonstrate
a lack experience. Like the Broncos, they also have a very unique home ground
advantage. There is no worse trip in the NRL as a player than travelling to
Canberra to play the Raiders in the middle of winter.
Weakness: As soon as things don’t go according to plan down in the nations
capital, people will be calling for the head of David Furner. Having
uncertainty over the coach can never sit well with the playing group. The more
the players are asked, the more unsettling it will be. Of course, this will not
happen if the Raiders play to their strengths and really use their home field
advantage.
Verdict: The Raiders fortunes rest with the consistency of their play. If they
are the clinical Raiders teams that finished 6th, they are a
contender for the premiership. But if they are loose with their play and unable
to put teams away, they will either limp into the finals or miss out
altogether. You can never bet on the Raiders with confidence.
Prediction: Top 8, just not sure where.
Team: Cronulla Sharks
2012 Finish: 7th (29 Points W:12 D:1 L:11 Diff: +4) –
Eliminated in Week 1 of the Finals by the Raiders
Key Gains: Michael Gordon (Panthers), Luke Lewis (Panthers),
Jonathan Wright (Bulldogs), Beau Ryan (Tigers) & Chris Heighington (Tigers)
Key Losses: Tyson Frizell (Dragons), Colin Best (retired), John
Williams (retired), Josh Cordoba (retired) & Jeremy Smith (Knights)
The Sharks were a
team that improved remarkably under the guidance of coach Shane Flannaghan. He
was instrumental in turning around an “also-ran” side into serious contenders. Much
like the Bulldogs, teams were not expecting a lot of the Sharks running into
2012, but they will now be on their toes. Especially when they have to play the
Sharks at home. Boosting their chances this year is the acquisition of some
quality players to add further depth to their playing stocks, most notably is
Luke Lewis. If he can remain 100% throughout the season, there will be a very
formidable back row at the Sharks. They have also added speed outwide with
another Penrith recruit in Michael Gordon. The pair from the Tigers will also
be a great addition to their squad.
Strength: Their forwards and the depth to their squad. As noted
above, they have added some quality names to their roster. It should also go
along way to relieving the pressure placed upon Gallen in the middle of the
field. Be sure that the Sharks will be a very tough side to break down in the
middle of the field with all of the muscle they have continually rotating off
the bench.
Weakness: Keeping the entire squad healthy. Gallen has had his fair share of
injuries throughout his career and so has Lewis. Although they have a willing and
dominant replacement in Wade Graham, beyond him, they could really struggle. Not
only that, their outside backs can be quite loose in defence and opposition
sides may be forced to attack the Sharks there, especially if they are strong
in the middle of the field.
Verdict: The Sharks are a contender! They will really trouble teams with their
strong defence and their ability to continually pressure the opposition.
Whether or not they can score at a high rate will impact upon their chances but
you don’t have to score too many points if you are holding your opposition to a
low score.
Prediction: Top 4
Team: Gold Coast Titans
2012 Finish: 11th (24 points W:10 L:14 Points Diff:
-28)
Key Gains: Dave Taylor (Rabbitohs)
Losses: Boden Thompson (Tigers), Phil Graham (retired), Scott Prince
(Broncos), Michael Henderson (Dragons) & Beau Champion (Rabbitohs)
The Titans have a
lot of pressure placed on them heading into this season. Amazingly, coach John
Cartwright has been able to hold onto his job for another season. A few losses
at the start of the season could spell trouble for him and his players. With
all the quality that they posses on their roster, you would have thought that
this side would have achieved a lot more since their initial inception into the
competition. For some reason, they just haven’t been able to consistently
cement themselves as serious contenders. They have made a very good acquisition
in Dave Taylor but for every bit of talent that this bloke has, he can be lazy
and needs to lead from the front and play for 80 minutes every week.
Strength: The names on their roster. They have talent all around the park and
particularly in the forwards, including representative players. In saying that,
a game of rugby league is never played on paper and some players may be looking
for other clubs midway through this season if they are unable to perform.
Weakness: Having no certain or recognised playmaker. They have a very talented
hooker in Matthew Srama continually gaining meters around the ruck with the
forwards and creating some nice room for the outside backs. That extra room
will be useless if the Titans halves cannot capitalise on it. If they end up
playing Greg Bird at 5/8, they will lose a lot of potency in the forward pack.
Verdict: It’s going to be a long year ahead for the Titans. They are without a
recognised halves pairing to lead them around the field. It is also hard to
posses a lot of representative quality and have them injured in key games. They
will press for the finals but will come up short in the end.
Prediction: Miss the 8, but will make a push for it.
Team: Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
2012 Finish: 4th (36 points W:16 L:8 Diff: +94) –
Eliminated in Week 3 of the Finals by the Storm
Key Gains: Richie Fa’aoso (Storm), David Gower (Dragons), Esi
Tonga (Eels) & Justin Horo (Eels)
Key Losses: Dean Whare (Panthers), Tony Williams (Bulldogs),
Darcy Lussick (Eels), Daniel Harrison (Eels), Michael Oldfield (Roosters) &
Josh Drinkwater (Dragons)
Everyone was
tipping the Sea Eagles to struggle in 2012 after the loss of coach Des Hasler,
but then Geoff Toovey had other ideas. He was able to motivate his squad and
achieve the best out of them from the word go. The transition was also made
easier with the retention of so many quality players. Heading into this season,
they will definitely be excited after the retention of their very young and
talented halves pairing. Of course, they are at their best when the forwards
are tough up front. They have a formidable pack that is sure to dominate the
opposition this year, despite the loss of Tony Williams. Experience is a key
for most sides and it is aiding their case this season.
Strength: Their halves, Kieran Foran and Daly Cherry-Evans. They are the
complete package when it comes to a halves pairing. Expect these two players to
win a lot of close games for the Sea Eagles. But they have to make sure that
they are not burdened with the complete weight of the team on their shoulders.
Weakness: An aging squad and injuries. No one is doubting the talent that the
Sea Eagles posses, but with relatively the same players at their disposal now
compared to when they won the competition, they could find it difficult to
reach the same standards they have been known for. Throw in the fact that their
squad doesn’t much depth and a few injuries could spell trouble and even the
end to their title aspirations.
Verdict: Manly will be a very tough side on their day, but the light is
beginning to fade. It could be the last chance they have at winning a
premiership as their golden era comes to an end. Saving them though, is the
talented halves pairing lead by a very strong forward pack. If they can keep a
full strength side on the field each week, they should feature in finals
football.
Prediction: Bottom half of the 8
Team: Melbourne Storm
2012 Finish: Premiers (38 Points W:17 L:7 Diff: +218)
Key Gains: Junior Sau (Knights), Junior Moors (Tigers), Lagi
Setu (Broncos) & Brett Finch (Wigan)
Key Losses: Dane Nielsen (Warriors), Sika Manu (Panthers), Richie
Fa’aoso (Sea Eagles), Rory Kostjaysn (Cowboys), Todd Lowrie (Warriors) &
Anthony Quinn (Knights)
The Storm are a side
that has continually been the benchmark for other teams to work from in the previous
5 seasons. But after all of the controversy surrounding their salary cap
breaches, they were finally able to capture a “recognised” premiership. They
have arguably the 3 best players within the competition at their disposal and
working further in their favor is the positions they play. They make up 3/4
positions of the “spine” of the football team (the “spine” being the fullback,
5/8, halfback and hooker). The “Big 3” in Slater, Cronk and Smith are always
vital to the success of the Storm but also having coach Craig Bellamy guiding
the squad is invaluable.
Strength: The “Big 3”! Is there any more that needs to be said?
Weakness: Possessing three very talented players as the Storm do, they will be
without them for a few games this season due to representative honors. It is
never easy on them and it is always tough for the Storm to back up after a SOO
game. As the games get tougher, these guys find it harder to recover. This
could slow down the Storms momentum in the middle part of the season.
Verdict: The Storm will always be a contender for the title with the current
roster that they have. They also have the players that are able to win the “big
matches”, so long as they are playing their games. They are genuine contenders
but need the “Big 3” firing each week. Each season is always a new test of
their depth as well.
Prediction: Top 4
Team: Newcastle Knights
2012 Finish: 12th (24 Points W:10 L:14 Diff: -40)
Key Gains: Beau Scott (Dragons), David Fa’alogo (Huddersfield),
Jeremy Smith (Sharks) & Anthony Quinn (Storm)
Key Losses: Zeb Taia (Catalans), Richie Fa’aoso (Storm), Wes
Naiqama (Panthers), Joel Edwards (Raiders), Junior Sau (Storm)
After signing
Wayne Bennett as coach, people were tipping the Knights to go deep into the
Finals in 2012. They couldn’t be further from the fact as they were left
wondering, even under the guidance of the experienced Bennett. It is fair to
suggest that they were unlucky with injuries and were definitely going through
a rebuilding year. Bennett is a great coach but even he had his work cut out
for him heading to Newcastle. Now he has had a full season with his squad and a
chance to overhaul the playing roster and recruit players that fit his mold as
a coach. A lot of players were released and Bennett seems to have things
running in his favor. We just have to wait and see if he is able to turn this
club into premiership contenders.
Strength: Wayne Bennett at the helm. He will always get the best out his players
and he is sure to take players like Kurt Gidley and Jarrod Mullen to the next
level of play. He has also recruited players to the club that have done the job
for him in the past with the Dragons, namely Beau Scott and Jeremy Smith.
Weakness: Financial woes off the field and the ruck on it. Owner Nathan Tinkler
seems to be in a world of trouble and uncertainty over the future of the
Knights is sure to impact the players regardless of their on field performance.
On the field, they are going to struggle at hooker. They have one of the greats
of the game in Danny Buderus playing there but his light is fading fast and
whilst he is still a talent, his body is struggling to keep up with the pace of
the NRL (he is apparently ruled out for the first 6-10 weeks of the season).
Gidley would be able to do the job there but that will perhaps limit the impact
of him in other parts of the field, especially halfback.
Verdict: The Knights are going to be a
completely different team and will be pushing strongly towards the title. They
should feature in the finals with some very tough, gritty and even boring
performances. Where they go from there is a mystery but they will be an
improved side.
Prediction: Bottom half of the 8
Team: New Zealand Warriors
2012 Finish: 14th (20 Points W:8 L:16 Diff: -112)
Key Gains: Thomas Leuluai (Wigan), Dane Nielsen (Storm) &
Todd Lowrie (Storm)
Key Losses: Lewis Brown (Panthers), Krisnan Inu (Bulldogs),
Michael Luck (retired), James Maloney (Roosters) & Omar Slaimankhel (Rugby
Union)
If a person is
brave enough to predict the fortunes of the Warriors, they deserve a medal!
There is not a more volatile team in the competition than the Warriors. The
only consistent part of their play is that they are consistently inconsistent.
So what does season 2013 hold for the Warriors after an extremely disappointing
end to 2012? There is a new coach there in Matt Elliot and apparently a new
attitude amongst the playing group. They haven’t exactly recruited talented
players apart from the two from the Storm. Added to the pain is the talent that
they lost to other clubs. Of course, they have one of the strongest junior
programs in the NRL, so maybe they are sitting on a gold mine of talent that is
yet to be unearthed. We saw the quality of junior players like Konrad Hurrell
is capable of, but you can never trade talent for experience in the NRL.
Strength: The size and strength of their forwards. They are a very tough side to
stop, especially when sides travel across to NZ to play them.
Weakness: Where to start? Mistakes? Defence? Consistency? There is a host of
limiting factors that hamper the effectiveness of the Warriors. If they manage
to get things rights for 80 minutes a week, they can be one of the hardest
teams to stop in the competition. But when they’re off, they can be shocking.
Verdict: The Warriors are on a slide and it doesn’t look as though it will get
any easier this season. They posses a lot of talent and will promise so much
but again fail to deliver. Consistency is never a high priority for the
Warriors and they always seem to struggle on the road. The hopes of the Kiwi’s
should rest with the RLWC at the end of the season.
Prediction: Miss the 8 altogether
Team: North Queensland Cowboys
2012 Finish: 5th (34 Points W:15 L:9 Diff: +152) –
Eliminated in Week 2 of the Finals
Key Gains: Anthony Mitchell (Roosters) & Rory Kostjaysn
(Storm)
Key Losses: James Segeyaro (Panthers), Cory Paterson (Hull KR)
& Aaron Payne (retired)
The Cowboys can be
another side that struggles with consistency, but they play with a lot more
conviction and have a great host of talent within their side. They were
unfortunately dealt a very tough hand in 2012 with the amount of injuries that
they had to battle. The hopes are squarely on the shoulders of Jonathan
Thurston but should the Cowboys fail early on in the season, the heat will be
turned up on coach Neil Henry. Due to the Cowboys decent performances in recent
years, he has been able to hold onto his position. He is a quality coach but an
early season slump will have people calling for his head.
Strength: JT working off a great platform set by the forwards. The forwards that
the Cowboys had last year were damaging, but they must ensure that they are all
fit and firing at the same time. There is no use having the wealth of talent at
your disposal and not being able to use it on a consistent basis. They also
need to create room for their star play on a regular occurrence.
Weakness: Uncertainty surrounding Jonathan Thurston. There appears to be a
bidding war coming up over the services of one of the best players in the
game. His mind may be elsewhere at
certain points. Hopefully for the Cowboys sake, he makes his decision known
early and it works in their favor. If it does, the real weakness may lie within
the ruck. They had Aaron Payne retire at the end of 2012 and lost James
Segeyaro. Maybe the acquisition of Rory Kostjaysn, who is a very capable and
talented player, can offset the trouble they might have.
Verdict: The Cowboys are genuine contenders for the premiership and their
chances will only be boosted with positive news regarding JT. They are always
strong at home and posses a dominating forward pack that is capable of bruising
and exciting football.
Prediction: Top 8
Team: Parramatta Eels
2012 Finish: Last (16 Points W:6 L:18 Diff: -243)
Key Gains: Darcy Lussick (Sea Eagles) & Daniel Harrison (Sea
Eagles)
Losses: Nathan Hindmarsh (retired), Luke Burt (retired), Casey McGuire
(retired), Justin Poore (Wakefield) & Justin Horo (Sea Eagles)
The Eels have high
hopes heading into 2013 and the only way is up for them after an extremely
disappointing 2012. In a very positive move, they acquired the services of
coach Ricky Stuart. Stepping aside from the coach of NSW was a big move, so
obviously he still has a desire to coach in the NRL. He should have a positive
effect on the squad and push some talented players to reach their potential on
a consistent basis. Especially when Stuart-coached teams have always been built
around a very strong defensive game.
Strength: Stuart demanding the best out of his players. Players such as Chris
Sandow, Tim Mannah and Jarryd Hayne are only going to benefit under his
guidance. As leaders of the squad, they will hold a key position in motivating
the rest of squad to bigger and better things. They will also see an
improvement in their work ethic, attitude and defence.
Weakness: Figuring out how to play Sandow and Hayne in the same side together.
Both players are individually focused and like to dominate the play. There has
to be one player leading them around the park.
Verdict: The Eels are going to be an improved side this year but they will not
be contending for the title. Ricky Stuart will need more than one short
preseason to turn the fortunes of this club around. They may make it to finals
football but will trouble the top sides on their day.
Prediction: Pushing for the Top 8 and may just scrape in.
Team: Penrith Panthers
2012 Finish: 15th (20 points W:8 L:16 Diff: -166)
Key Gains: Lewis Brown (Warriors), Dean Whare (Sea Eagles), Sika
Manu (Storm), James Segeyaro (Cowboys), Wes Naiqama (Knights), Tom Humble
(Tigers) & Mose Masoe (Roosters)
Losses: Michael Gordon (Sharks), Luke Lewis (Sharks), Travis Burns (Hull KR),&
Michael Jennings (Roosters)
There is a lot of
change occurring out west and it seems as though they have only just begun a long
road to rebuilding the club. Phil Gould has his fingerprints all over the
Panthers redemption, but at the end of the day, responsibility will fall with
the players and coach Ivan Cleary. It looks as though he is slowly getting the
players he wants to coach, at the club. Much like the Eels, the only way up for
them is up. By the clubs own admission, it is another rebuilding year ahead but
they cannot continually use this as an excuse.
Strength: The exciting youngsters they have at their club. They cleared their
decks last year and got rid of some club “legends”. Now the youngsters at the
club have to stand up and lead from the front. This includes Lachlan Coote, Tim
Grant and Luke Walsh. Otherwise further pressure will be placed on the entire
squad as well as coach Ivan Cleary.
Weakness: The “Rebuilding-factor”. As stated above, the Panthers have admitted
that it will be a tough season ahead. The squad doesn’t posses much talent
either. A few injuries could see their season hampered further. Coach Cleary
will have his coaching ability tested this year and people may be calling for
his head with a few poor performances.
Verdict: It could be another long year for Panthers fans as this club continues
to rebuild every aspect from the coach to the junior development. They will not
play as poorly as they did last year and will be able to worry a few sides on
their day. Either way, it is better than where they were last season.
Prediction: Miss out on the 8, but will be a mathematical chance
at in the run home.
Team: South Sydney Rabbitohs
2012 Finish: 3rd (36 points W:16 L:8 Diff: +138) –
Eliminated in Week 3 of the Finals by the Bulldogs
Key Gains: Jeff Lima (Wigan), Ben Te’o (Broncos), Thomas Burgess
(Bradford) & Beau Champion (Titans)
Losses: Eddy Pettybourne (Tigers) & Dave Taylor (Titans)
Hopes are high out
at Redfern and coach Michael Maguire has worked extremely hard in changing the
culture and mentality of this squad. 2012 was a good season for the Rabbitohs
as they reached the Finals for only the second time since 1989. A lot of it
comes down to the talent they have within their roster. They have the services
of some out and out NRL Stars and it is showing in their play.
Strength: Various! They have the very damaging Greg Inglis at his sublime best
and playing at fullback, Sam Burgess dominating up front (or where ever he
plays on the field), Issac Luke dynamic out of dummy half and Adam Reynolds
experiencing a great run in his rookie season. There is no doubt that the first
three mentioned will always reach their best but a cloud does hang over
Reynolds. Hopefully he doesn’t suffer an injury or the dreaded “second year
syndrome”. No doubt Maguire will have all of these players motivated and firing
when needed.
Weakness: Reliance on their stars. We saw at times in 2012 that when their stars
were out through injury or suspension, they would struggle. This could happen
again this season but can be avoided if everyone stays fit.
Verdict: The Rabbitohs are genuine contenders for the premiership this season
with a very talented roster. They will only be boosted when their stars are
firing. Hopefully they would have learnt from the finish to 2012 and be hungry
for more. Expect them to feature heavily this season in some very exciting
fixtures.
Prediction: Top 4
Team: St George-Illawarra Dragons
2012 Finish: 9th (26 points W:11 L:13 Diff: -33)
Key Gains: Gerard Beale (Broncos), Tyson Frizell (Sharks), Josh
Drinkwater (Sea Eagles) & Bronson Harrison (Raiders)
Key Losses: Beau Scott (Knights), Dean Young (retired) & Ben
Hornby (retired)
The Dragons are a
side that seems to be still struggling with a Grand Final hangover from 2010.
Since then, Wayne Bennett has left and Steve Price took the reins. While not recognised
as a genuine coach, he was endorsed by Bennett and was quickly introduced to
the NRL with a tough season. They failed to make the finals in 2012 and they
had a fairly talented roster, but they were unable to play with consistency.
When they did, they were tough to stop. Things will only get tougher for the
Dragons this season after a lot of recognised players either left the club or
retired. Many are tipping Price to be the first coach to be sacked in 2012 but
you can never be too sure of the outcome of the season, especially when no one
has high expectations of them.
Strength: The young players coming through their system. These players include;
Mitch Rein, Dan Hunt, Trent Merrin. Jack de Belin. They will be looking to
these players when their pack needs leaders to put their hand up and take
charge.
Weakness: The halves. Jamie Soward will play 5/8, but there is a lot of
uncertainty over the halfback role. Some have touted Nathan Fein as a replacement,
but many would agree when I say that he is only an average halfback now. A lot
of pressure will fall on Soward, especially if the side is unable to win those
close games and play without structure.
Verdict: The Dragons are on a slide and they will require something very
special to stop it from occurring. What that is remains a mystery. The 9th
finish last season was very flattering and a lot of pressure will surround
their coach. It is going to be a long season for them and they will be
languishing down the bottom of the table.
Prediction: Miss out on the 8, possible spoon favorites.
Team: Sydney Roosters
2012 Finish: 13th (21 points W:8 D:1 L:15 Diff: -164)
Key Gains: James Maloney (Warriors), Sonny Bill Williams (Rugby
Union) & Michael Jennings (Panthers)
Key Losses: Braith Anasta (Tigers), Sam Perrett (Bulldogs),
Anthony Mitchell (Cowboys), Mose Masoe (Panthers) & Joseph ‘BJ’ Leilua
(released)
The Roosters have
featured heavily in the media during the offseason after they were able to
secure the services of SBW, albeit for only one season. It seems a distant
memory now, but the Roosters are also venturing into the season with a new
coach. They now have Trent Robinson running the show. The young coach has an
advantage in taking this position, he was assistance coach of defence when the
Roosters reached the 2010 Grand Final. He will no doubt have knowledge of the
squad and how they operate, so maybe the transition to his coaching style will
be easier than most think. Don’t forget that they have also made other useful
acquisitions of Michael Jennings and James Maloney.
Strength: A youthful squad. They went through some very hard times during the
2012 but no doubt that would’ve had a positive effect on the squad. They were
losing very close games and looked lost at times around the field. A lot of
players remain from the 2010 Grand Final team and they will no doubt be hungry
to return to finals football.
Weakness: A youthful squad. While it is listed as a strength, it can also be a
weakness for them. It just depends on how coach Robinson can influence the
squad. He really needs to mentor playmaker Mitchell Pearce, who is still yet to
reach the heights he was destined for, despite playing SOO footy. Hopefully,
Maloney can help him and it could be the calming effect that he brings to games
that Peirce is looking for.
Verdict: Expect to see the Roosters improve dramatically in 2013. They have
recruited very well and now have a very smart coach running the club. Although
a rookie, he will emphasise defence as a key part of their structure. They should
feature in the finals and will not be making up the numbers by any means.
Prediction: Bottom half of the 8.
Team: West Tigers
2012 Finish: 10th (26 points W:11 L:13 Diff: -45)
Key Gains: Braith Anasta (Roosters), Eddy Pettybourne
(Rabbitohs) & Bodene Thompson (Titans)
Key Losses: Gareth Ellis (Super League), Beau Ryan (Sharks) & Chris Heighington (Sharks)
The Tigers are
coming to the end of a golden era at the club. It was apparent last year when
they failed to make the semi finals and subsequently sacked coach Tim Sheens.
Mick Potter is his replacement after coaching in the English Super League since
2006. He has served a very long apprenticeship and now it is his chance to make
his mark at the NRL level. He certainly does have his work cut out for him.
There is no doubt that the Tigers posses a talented roster but they seem to be
lacking in areas, which may limit their potency within this competition. The
Tigers have also lost a few quality players from their 2012 squad and don’t
seem to have any suitable replacements “jumping up” to replace players like
Ellis, Ryan and Heighington. Time will tell with the Tigers and the difference
in their season could come down to the effect that Potter has on his new club.
Strength: The unpredictability of their play. The Tigers are often at their best
when they have Marshall and Farrah calling the shots and working their side
around the field without structure. Of course, these two players need to be
consistent.
Weakness: The depth of their squad. Last year they were pushed to the limits
with injuries and it was part of their downfall. If the same thing occurs again
this year, their season may very well be over sooner than they would like.
Verdict: It is going to be another tough season for the Tigers. They lack depth
in some key areas and place too much pressure on the shoulders of Farrah and
Marshall. The best thing that could’ve happened was the hiring of a new coach.
Maybe this will keep them in contention longer than most predict.
Prediction: Miss out on the 8, but will be a mathematical chance
at in the run home.
For a more comprehensive look at the season including the complete list of player transfers, Dally M prediction and a Fantasy League guide, head to theprofits.com.au
Good luck!
Scooby
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