sidelined

I’ve been a little occupied this week but the NRL waits for no man, woman or baby. So the second most exciting thing to happen this week will be the start of the NRL season. It promises to be a ripper of a season. Over the fold I take a look at the chances of all 16 clubs.

Brisbane Broncos

Just the other day rumours flew around regarding a salary cap breach for the reigning Premiers. Unfortunately the Broncos are in the clear so I need to rate their chances. And their chances are just as good last year. Webcke is a big loss but the Broncos will have the depth to cover if they run relatively injury free.

Bulldogs

The Chokedogs after a spectacular fall from the finals last year but with one of the best packs in the comp (even with a few players missing), they will be in the running again. A lot does depend on if they can keep Sonny Bill Williams off the injury list. But with the loss of Asotasi their depth will be tested if injuries do strike. Still deserve favouritism for a top four finish.

Canberra Raiders

After losing quite a few players last year, the Raiders inexperienced squad is favourite for the wooden spoon. I’ll remain agnostic on this until a few games into the season. The Raiders won’t make the eight but are always tough at home, especially when the mercury drops and brass monkeys are rendered incomplete at Bruce Stadium.

Cronulla Sharks

Can Ricky Stuart turn the Sharks around? The Sharks looked the goods for a while last season before fading badly. They have the cattle to make an impression but a lot depends on Kimmorely being able to work with Stuart and Dykes. I don’t think they are top eight material but could be a spoiler for other teams trying to make the finals.

Gold Coast Titans

The new kids on the block. They have an impressive roster for a new club and while untested, have the potential to make the eight. It is great to see Mat Rogers back in league and he will be a key for the Titans along with Preston Campbell and Scott Prince. As a new club, depth is a concern but I reckon they’ll make the finals in their first season.

Manly Sea Eagles

Ben Kennedy is a big loss and may bring the Eagles back into the middle of the comp. Jamie Lyons returns to the NRL after great success in England but it remains to be seen whether he can carry that form into a much tougher competition. If they make the eight it will be by a feather and unlikely to really challenge for the premiership.

Melbourne Storm

As the Storm found out last year, being the best team throughout the season counts for nothing when it comes to the grand final. But with much the same roster as last year and a very astute coach, the Storm deserve favaourtism take out the title. Inglis is moving to 5/8 and there are some concerns if this will blunt his attack. I don’t think it much of a concern as Inglis has the talent to slay them anywhere on the field.

Newcastle Knights

Brian Smith has left one a club with one of the best off-field setups to join a club with one of the worst. But he does have Andrew Johns. Smith may have to change his regimented style a tad to let Johns weave his magic but overall Smith should have a positive influence on the club. Newcastle need to improve their infrastructure to remain competitive after Johns retires. If Johns is injured, it will be interesting to see what Smith can pull out of his players.

North Queensland Cowboys

After making the GF in 2005, 2006 promised so much and the Cowboys didn’t quite deliver. Suffering an Origin hangover they faded at the end of the season. Jason Smith may be the oldest and slowest player in the NRL but his ability to slow the game is a rare gift and often a joy to watch. His partnership with Thurston should work well. Expect a better season.

Parramatta Eels

Me boys! 2006 could have been a disaster but their run to the finals rescued the season for the club. While the Eels have lost quite a few players, they have great depth and a few first graders will have to perform. The key will be the form and partnership of Tim Smith and Brett Finch. If they fire, the Eels will roll on especially if Fui Fui can get on the right side of the judiciary this season. Eyes on Hagan to see how well he can coach without having a player like Johns on his side.

Penrith Panthers

The Panthers made headlines for all the wrong reasons in the lead up to the season but that should be behind them. With a new coach it is hard to pick how the Panthers will go. Gower is the key but it has been noted that they have no recognized goal kicker. It could cost them games they should have won.

South Sydney Rabbitohs

A different king of rabbit the season or the same bunny of old? Many are hoping that the promise of Holmes a Court and Crowe will be realized and the Bunnies will ride high. With a pack that is basically the New Zealand forward pack they should hit hard. There is a question about their halves at this stage. Jason Taylor did a great job with the Eels last year but will be under pressure to turn the Bunnies into a competitive squad.

St George/Illawarra Dragons

The Dragons are bit of an unknown quantity this year. They have lost a few seasons campaigners to other clubs and the injury to Mark Gasnier will hurt their chances. They will be competitive but fans should see this year as a rebuilding year. A good chance for the eight but I don’t see them getting close to the grand final as they have done the past few seasons.

Sydney Roosters

The last year is best forgotten as new coach Chris Anderson tries to rebuild the squad. Quite a few inexperienced players means that like the Dragons, it is hard to gauge the Roosters chances. Another club in a rebuilding phase but if the new boys fire, the Rooster have enough experienced players (Minichello, Fitzgibbon) to provide some guidance.

Warriors

After being docked 4 points last year for salary cap breaches, the Warriors would have made the eight. And there is no reason they should this year. They are a frustrating side in that they are capable of great footy but also have a habit of doing silly things on a regular basis. A bit of consistency will see them into the eight.

West Tigers

Never has a shoulder had to bear so much. Benji Marshall’s shoulder is the key to the Tigers. Without them they struggle. New buy John Morris will replace Scott Prince at half. He is not as dynamic as Prince but will do the job. Another side that is hard to work out at the moment. I’ll hedge my bets and say they finish somewhere around the middle of the field.

And now for my top eight (in no particular order):

1. Bronocos
2. Storm
3. Bulldogs
4. Eels
5. Knights
6. Cowboys
7. Titans
8. Warriors