Folks, time to lay it only the line. What are your predictions for the coming season? Mine over the fold. Add your own categories if you like.
Premiers: I say it every year but the mighty Eels. And they have the team to do it.
Player of the year: If he, and the rest of the team, say injury free, Benji Marshall.
Best buy: Willie Mason. Just joking. I can’t believe that some hacks are predicting that he will play for NSW. If he says out of trouble, Todd Carney will be a great signing.
Most improved side: The Roosters. New coach and attitude will do wonders at Bondi.
Most disappointing side: Sea Eagles. They are on the slide out of the eight. Even Stewart is going to struggle with no kicking game to give the side field position.
The Sure Thing to make the eight: The Storm. Do I hear cries of panic from the punters?
The Sure Thing to miss the eight: The Knights. They are in disarray. Sorry Mungo.
State of Origin: NSW to win 2-1
Top Eight in order!:
Eels
Storm
Dragons
Bulldogs
Tigers
Bun Buns
Titans
Panthers
I can see the Roosters making the eight but had no idea who would miss out to accommodate them. Manly and Brisbane will slide out of the eight and the Cowboys will perform okay at home but, even with Thurston, will find it hard to match the top sides. The Raiders and Sharks will have their moments but will fall short. As for the wooden spoon, the Warriors and Knights will fight this one out.
To all commentors, lurkers and media types who cut and paste from the site, may your team have a blessed run free from injury and scandals so that all teams fight it out on their own merits.
7 responses so far ↓
gilmae // Mar 9, 2010 at 9:59 pm
Care to make a halves prediction for the Blues?
Shaun // Mar 10, 2010 at 6:24 am
Prediction is that the selectors will find way to stuff it up. To be honest I have no idea. The positions are open and early season form will decide. If Pearce plays like he did in the trial game I saw in the games leading up to Origin then he deserves another chance.
As for 5/8 I fear Bird will get the nod. Prefer someone who can offer more in attack and can kick. Campese maybe but I’m not sure he can handle big games.
Mountain Boy // Mar 10, 2010 at 7:05 am
my tip is leave Jennings out. Origin put him on the sidelines for 10 weeks I think it was and cost Penrith a top 8 spot, possibly a top 4 as far as where they were sitting. Play one Origin game in October when it doesn’t affect the teams.
Shaun // Mar 10, 2010 at 8:30 am
You gonna push for Sammut to play Origin? Having him out of the team may be bonus.
Mungo Amanda // Mar 11, 2010 at 2:43 pm
How do we know the Knights are in disarray? They haven’t played a game yet. I will wait to see evidence on Saturday of what state their array is in, which even then shall be provisional given the lineup is missing Gidley, McManus and De Gois through injury.
Bismark O'Measles // Mar 12, 2010 at 7:33 am
Good point Amanda – let’s give them a go.
Pre-season signs are not good though & it’s always a giveaway when a prior ‘great’ comes out in public to spruik a bit of morale….
I have higher hopes for the Bunnies (which is my want) but similarly feel the Eels have real chances this year.
Giddy-up!
Mountain Boy // Mar 12, 2010 at 8:36 am
…other than that – I did have a strange dream in the off-season. Of course, my dreams are in brown and white – although sometimes they include the following colours black, blue, red, green, yellow, and aqua. Penrith colours don’t you recognise? Anyway the Grand Final I saw was Penrith …… V…….. (ad break) ………. The Cowboys !?! Laugh, yes it is pretty funny. No doubt stranger things have happened.