The Cumberland Throw

Crystal Ball – Top 8 Predictions: Season 2018

mitch NRL, Opinion 29 Comments

In this, the 63rd annual instalment of the Crystal Ball, the Cumberland Throw (and a couple of our key contributors) are going to once again try our hand at predicting the order of Season 2018’s Top 8. Each poster will also be required to nominate a bolter (a team they think will go better than most expect) and a falter (a team they think will go worse than most expect) and nominate their tip for the wooden spoon.

We tried this very thing last year, with a couple of sharpshooter predictions from the TCT boys.

Despite us missing the finals for 8 straight years, Forty nailed the Eels finishing in 4th (Sixties had us at 3rd, which is also a mighty effort). Chris correctly tipped the Storm as minor premiers, and the Roosters at 2nd. I tipped deadset nothing right and you should stay right away from anything I say.

In regards to specific clangers from the TCT boys:

Mitch: The Warriors (3rd) – “This year. Surely.”  Must have been a typo; they came 13th. Not my finest moment.

Chris: The Rabbitohs (4th) – “… are due a sweet run with injuries.”  For 2017? See Inglis, Greg.

Forty tipping Manly for the spoon and Sixties’ prediction that Hayne would fire in 2017 were at the lower end of the clanger scale. Feel free to have a read of/laugh at last year’s effort here.

Without further ado; prepare your predictions for the comments below, and let the games begin.

 

Mitch – @mitchclarke1
1. The team that gritted their way to the Grand Final just added Matt Scott, Johnathan Thurston and Jordan McClean? Good gosh. Anything but the title in JT’s swansong is a disappointing result in my opinion.
2. Cooper Cronk is Mitchell Pearce 2.0; and Kane Evans, Connor Watson, SKD or Guerra were never the backbone of their success. I could be mistaken, but if all goes as expected, I think the Eels are the only wildcard team that will challenge either of these two for the title.
3. A largely settled roster, simply trading one Fijian superstar for another. I worry about our wing depth (particularly rucking the ball off our line), and I think we’re a major prop short. Still, any team with Gutho, Browny, Hayne, French, Jennings, Moses and Norman is going to be hard to hold back.
4. Another year, another Top 4 finish for the Storm. It’s predictably boring, but the reality of such a classy organisation. Brodie Croft even looks like Cooper Cronk, but how much longer can Slater and Smith hold on?
5. James Maloney is better than Matt Moylan, and for that reason alone you’d have to like their chances. Bryce Cartwright was dreadful for them last year too, so I think his absence is addition by subtraction. However, Hook is maybe the worst coach in the NRL. Actually, he’s definitely the worst.
6. This is more an indication of the respect I have for the Brisbane Broncos machine, rather than admiration of their roster. The minus of Ben Hunt (although quasi addition of McCullough) and lack of talent in the halves would concern me as a Broncos fan.
7. Swapping Josh Dugan for Ben Hunt and James Graham? I’d make that trade every day of the week. I think the Dragons are a better team than they were in 2017, and they missed the 8 by the narrowest of margins.
8. In regards to the new guys, see above re James Maloney and Josh Dugan. However, Jayden Brailey is legit and Fifita will want to regain his once dominant form off the back of the Tongan RLWC juggernaut.
B. The Knights could find themselves in the 8 late October, as I think it’s a lack of cohesion (rather than the strength of their roster) will be their biggest question mark.
F. Aaron Woods would be a more impressive acquisition if the teams he played on actually won a game every now and then. Same goes the recruitment of Kieran Foran.
S. I’m going with the Tigers, but not with any great confidence. Who knows what they, the Warriors or Titans will do?
 Sixties – @Sixties2153
1.  The presence of Cameron Smith guarantees both quality leadership and the advantage in 50/50 calls. The reigning premiers are ready to usher in the next generation of boats and stars.
2.  Their depth might not run as deep as their stock of TPA providers, but there’s no denying that Cronk and Tedesco are elite acquisitions. Injuries might prevent their lofty ambitions.
3.  Enviable depth in the forwards and versatility in a classy backline. Arguably a prop short, but the addition of Hayne could take us a step closer to the decider this year.
4.  The Friday night specialists won’t feature in the grand final, but the Broncos always boast enough quality cattle to plonk themselves in the middle of the 8. Jack Bird won’t be enough to bring them a title.
5.  A grand final appearance proved that there was life in the Cowboys without Thurston. That said, every one of their 2017 finals opponents was well off the pace. Even with JT returning, they’ll finish 5th to 8th at best.
6.  The 2016 Premiers still boast an impressive top 17, but the loss of a big match player like Maloney is significant. The pensioners in the pack might struggle without a quality half.
7.  Pass the tongs, the barbecue master James Maloney is good enough to save a dead coach walking. They’ll make the finals.
8.  In 2014, Rabbitohs supporters bred like… well, rabbits. The recruitment of Gagai, the maturing of Crichton and a fit Inglis should see those same supporters emerge from the burrows they’ve been hiding in since then – though they’ll need to pray for an injury free year.
B. I rate the Titans a chance of re-discovering their 2016 form this year. They have an underrated squad who can produce the goods.
F.  The Sea Eagles were the overachievers of 2017 and will slide after losing a key member of their team this year. Blake Green was a steadying hand and a great foil for DCE. Shame about that.
S.  I had trouble deciding between the Warriors and the Tigers. Ultimately,  Wests are big on heart but thin on class and depth.
 Forty – @_Forty20
1. The Melbourne juggernaut will slow down at some point but is 2018 that year? Smith and Slater are a year older but at this point I am going to need to see them hobbling around in walking frames before I will believe they are done.
2. Ever the eternal optimist I have slotted the Eels into 2nd. The Big 3 of the Storm, Cowboys and Roosters might each have slight edges over our boys in certain aspects but I don’t believe there is a hungrier roster across the NRL in 2018. Give ’em hell boys.
3. Are JT and Morgan a sum less than the individual parts? I’m not sure really. Morgan went to a new level in 2017 but how they combine in 2018 holds the key for the Cowboys. A monstrous pack will certainly aid them both though.
4. After miraculously discovering yet another pot of salary cap gold TPAs at the end of the rainbow the big spending Roosters are going to be right in thick of the title race yet again. Cronk and Tedesco are peerless acquisitions but that depth is looking razor thin.
5. I am pegging 2018 as the year the Dragons finally coalesce. Renowned fast starters and even faster faders, their new look spine should fare them well this season.
6. Gritty enough to book their way into another finals series, I have HUGE question marks over the halves pairing of Moylan and Townsend. Sharks fans are convinced that Val Holmes isn’t much chop at fullback so there is that too.
7. The first of two teams I struggled to justify making my 8. Brisbane have youth and talent in their pack but like the Sharks I struggle to get excited about their halves. Their track record says they will be there come sudden death footy though, so here we are
8. I initially had the Panthers in this position because they have consistently proven to be a team that is barely good enough to make the finals but after the debacle on Saturday they are out. In are the Bulldogs but not because they beat the Panthers. I think one of the scrappers of 2017 claw their way into the finals this year and I am giving the defensively sound Bulldogs the best shot at it.
B. Newcastle will be the popular option here I imagine but I am looking at St George to finally progress from their status as April Premiers to actual finals contenders. The jump on the ladder might not be significant but the difference between playing sudden death footy and watching it at home on your couch is huge for the players; and that is what counts.​
F. Choosing 6 of the previous year’s 8 is a historically risky proposition, but here I go, suggesting Manly as the team to make way for St George. Outside of the Top 4 I think the entire competition is a volatile shootout mind you so I am fully prepared to eat crow (Sea Eagle?)!
S. I know that Garth Brennan is meant to get the Titans back to their gritty 2016 roots but a rookie coach in a tough situation can lead to a long year. With that said, it is genuinely hard to tip an outright ‘winner’ for the spoon and injury and will luck will decide it as much as anything else this year.
Chris – @Losco01
1. I love this team and I love their draw almost as much. The Mrs has booked an overseas holiday around grand final time so they are specials to win the comp. Get on now, not even Peranara can stop us in 2018.
2. Great team, almost always win at home and have 2 x JTs. The media and the NRL love them, so do the refs so that’s a Top 2 position certified.
3. I hate them more than anyone, its true, take me on if you don’t think so. In 2010 when we won that spiteful game against the at Parra, you know when Hayne head butted Slater, I ran up in front of the coaches box and started spraying Bellamy and Slater. Holding both hands up in the shape of zeros, I was politely referring to how many comps he had won. Then I followed with a headlock pose demonstrating their tackling technique. To this day I can’t believe I wasn’t kicked out, but the crowd sure liked it. However, I have been potting them for years and alway end up with egg on my face. This year tipping them in the Top 4 so they are certainties for somewhere near the bottom of the ladder.
4. Strong, experienced team who will challenge if they can stay out of Northies. I see today that Dugan has already been up to his old tricks. One wonders where some of these players would be if it wasn’t for NRL. Was a huge fan of Moylan but he had a shocker last year. Very interested to see what happens with him.
5. Forwards and depth are a question mark for mine. See Cowboys for NRL, Media and refs love-a-thon.
6. Despite Ricky’s coaching, they will make the 8. Too many good players to be poor again this year.
7. One of the worst Brisbane packs I have seen but they win often at home and should make the Top 8 with an easier Origin workload. If they miss the 8 Bennett is gone.
8. Always seem to struggle with injuries but if they can string a few together might scrape into the Top 8. Prefer they win the spoon though as I seem to attract a lot of Souths fans for mates. No, I do not provide free dental care.
B.  The Eels. Submitted without further comment.
F. I fully expect a coach killing out Penrith way by Round 12. I might be too generous there could be by Round 8. Some great players of the future and I’m a huge fan of RCG. The problem is they all hate their coach and that doesn’t lead to good results. Doesn’t matter how good their Centre of Excellence is if all you want to do is get your coach in the wrestle room.
S. There’s a lot of new players at the Tigers and most of them are average or past it. They also have Ronnie Palmer so they should be a great 60 minute team.
Clint – @ClintChrisGee
1. Has there been a more imposing middle third in NRL history? Adding Jordan McLean to Jason Taumololo & Matt Scott will make them very difficult to stop up the middle – and we all know what Jonathan Thurston & Michael Morgan can do with time & space. Easily the March premiers for me.
2. No Cronk? No problems. Brodie Croft looks as though he’s cut from the same wood & although he may struggle for individual consistency at times, there’s enough class around him to ensure the Storm will be thereabout when it counts.
3. Some fantastic acquisitions in Cooper Cronk & James Tedesco will make them incredibly lethal, however they’re a little light on depth. Origin period could prove a problem in terms of the minor premiership, but they’ll push for a premiership come September & wow in attack.
4. Jarryd Hayne & Kane Evans will have strong seasons & ensure we’re up there again. Can we learn from our 2017 finals mistakes? Absolutely. As it stands I think we’re the only side capable of upsetting the above three teams to take it out. Will we? To be seen.
5. James Maloney will be great for Nathan Cleary & he’ll help unlock the talented outside backs. A strong forward pack will always keep them in the hunt, but questions continue over Anthony Griffin. As it currently stands, I don’t think he is the right fit for the mountain men.
6. Cronulla have made some odd recruitment decisions for me. It’s clear there is still a good side there, but I think they’ve weakened some positions to strengthen others – and not in the right way. Will be hard to beat & will be a Top 8 side, just not a premiership team.
7. I had reservations about whether Brisbane makes the Top 8. I think Matt Lodge will be a huge addition for a forward pack looking for a leader, but he’ll need support. Ben Hunt’s departure has been understated & I think they lack the type of player to control the tempo of the match.
8. My controversial choice. It was either them or the Dragons. They’re still a great defensive team & have one of the better packs on paper. Kieran Foran will straighten up their attack & they’ll average a try or two more per game as a result, defending their way to more victories in 2018.
B. I could put any number of teams here for this (Rabbitohs, Tigers), but I’m going to go on a limb & say the Titans. They have a Parramatta 2014-15 feel about them – they’ll finish between 9th-12th, but shake some of the top teams in the process. They look like they can build under Garth Brennan.
F. I think they overachieved in 2017 & Cherry-Evans without a recognised five-eighth will absorb a lot of pressure. They will need to try & nab some forwards from a team like us mid-season, if the salary cap doesn’t get in their way.
S. I want to like the Warriors (and I usually do) & they actually have a really good squad, but time-and-time again they’ve let the punter down. Talent is no question – but other teams just seem to want it more than they do.
Colmac – @colmac187
1. The return of Thurston and Scott will no doubt bolster a team brimming with confidence after last year’s finals heroics. With JT giving them 100% of his time, those rep times away will take the Cowboys up the ladder.
2. Cronk wont be as big a loss as many expect. We all know that the Storm are run by one player, and as long as he is playing the Storm are always a dominant team. However, rep duties will cruel their attempt for another first place.
3. I don’t really need to go into their signings, but the Roosters will be praying injuries don’t hit hard circa 2016 as they have basically no depth. A team that is heavily favoured to take the title but this team will also be under lots of pressure.
4. Hurting from going out in straight sets in last years finals, the Eels will want another taste of finals football. Depth is strong at the Eels this year.
5. Again not to go on about their signings, they do look a very powerful team once again. Rep times will cruel the Sharks getting a higher spot.
6. Will be a regenerated team with a new well respected coach. Prime signings will bolster this team as well as a couple of positional changes.
7. Despite their position on the ladder in 2017, the Knights were in many of their matches last year. With astute buying this year they will be again back playing finals football.
8. For me, their squad just isn’t the Broncos of old. Their major signing in Jack Bird won’t be available for the first month or so of the season and I am hard pressed to see him lifting the team to great heights. Bennett will do enough with them to limp in 8th spot.
B. If spine gels quickly, the Knights will have one of the best spines in the comp. Bought both experienced forwards and backs.
F. The Panthers have coach who is not only under pressure, but from what I am reading, a coach who is not well liked. To boot, the Panthers also have a boss who is in the 7th year of a 5 year plan, the Panthers will struggle this season.
S. The Titans have bought ok but, in my opinion, they seem to be more individual players rather then team players. I just can’t see the Titans bothering to many teams this year (except Parra who cannot seem to win on the Gold Coast).
 DK – @FilmLad 
1. Hola Amigos – Salary Cap Sombrero in action! Tedesco, Cronk, Keary … a team only made stronger by the loss of Pearce and my tip for minor premiership.
2. A team that’s paying nearly $800,000 in TPAs? I can’t go past them for a Top 4 finish – too much strike power to ignore.
3. A full preseason for the Norman Moses combination, Hayne’s return, the addition of Evans. Make some room on the Foxtel IQ, there’ll be lots of games to re-watch over this season!
4. The Cowboys showed last year that when JT was out that they’re not just a one man show. With Thurston back they’ll give teams one hell of an atomic wedgie.
5. There will be a tussle between the remaining positions in the Top 8. Despite the inclusion of Mr Bacardi Breezer himself, the Sharkies still have the firepower for a Top 8 finish.
6. The combination of Maloney/Cleary to be good but not that good. The ‘Riff will be top 8 but won’t trouble the Top 4 teams.
7. New coach and some good forward leadership there with Klemmer and Woods. However, the X-Factor will be Foran; you can bet on it !
8. Matt Dufty will cause plenty of headaches for opposition teams and the combination of Hunt/Widdop will take time to click, but timely enough to be Top 8.
B. Loads of experience in the Newcastle Roosters Knights in 2018. Pearce, Guerra, Heighington and Kenny-Dowell. They won’t finish with the spoon, but won’t make the 8 either. Maybe about 12th.
F. Despite having the most handsome coach in the NRL at their helm, there’s problems over in Lottoland. Long, hard season coming up for Manly fans.
S. Either Tigers, Titans or Warriors. With more castaways than Gilligan’s Island in their rosters, it’s too hard to choose. So who gets the spoon? “Warriors come out to play!” but only just by a disinterested whisker!
 Shelley
1. To be the best you have to beat the best in the games that matter. The storm are certainly beatable, especially without Cronk, but they always execute in the big games.
2. No one that knows league can seriously argue that Parra don’t have the talent, skill, coaches, style of game, backline and depth across the park to beat and really worry the top teams. However the big question for the players to answer is can they execute in the games that really count.
3. Any team with Thurston, Morgan, Granville and Taumalolo has to be an exceptionally good chance. Only question is do they have the skill in the outside backs to create chances against the best teams?
4. With the acquisition of outstanding players like Tedesco and Cronk and the favourable draw, it should be easy to rate them the top team, but I don’t. They lost to the Cowboys last year because the forwards got steamrolled and they had second rowers playing in the centres – Tedesco and Cronk don’t fix that.
5. Not convinced Moylan is the playmaker the Sharks playing style fits and they lack real individual brilliance (someone like Barba) in the backs. But the boring, repetitive hit up style footy they play will win enough games during the season to get them comfortably into the 8.
6. I almost left them out as I have real concerns about the halves and front row, then I remembered how hard they are to beat for most teams at Suncorp and the influence of superb players like Boyd, Gillet and McCullough. They should make the 8, but like the Sharks no real threat for the title.
7. This is solely based on Cherry-Evans staying fit- if he gets injured they could get the spoon. When Turbo Tom, Walker and Cherry- Evans are ‘on’ they can win a game by themselves but for mine too hot and cold and absolutely reliant upon one play maker to be any higher.
8. Surely they have to make the 8 this year? It will be amusing to watch the inevitable slide down the ladder mid-late season, the real question is can they gather enough points before the choke starts?
B. I almost put the dogs into the 7/8th positions as they have a very strong forward pack but for my doubts about Foran. If Foran stays fit and focussed on footy, a big ‘IF’ I know, they will be much better in 2018.
F. I’m a Celebrity Panther, get me outta here! For a team that even for an opposing fan was so enjoyable to watch play skilful, attacking footy a few seasons back, it is almost criminal what Griffin and Gould are doing to a bunch of naturally gifted, talented and instinctive footballers.
S. The only players I feared when playing the Tigers were Moses, Woods and Tedesco and now they are all gone. They also have a horribly tough draw, (especially the first 10 rounds) and sadly I can not see them scoring enough points to win games.

There you have it. Now, please excuse me while I scour the dictionary to find out what ‘coalesce‘ means.

Hit us up in the comments with your 11 picks for Top 8, Bolter, Falter and Spoon. Closest pick wins a dinner date with Forty; BYO knife and fork.

 

Go you Eels,

Mitch

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29 thoughts on “Crystal Ball – Top 8 Predictions: Season 2018”

  1. The rev aka Snedden

    I pray my top 8 is a sign from The Lord above. So here I go.

    1st. (Roosters) the addition of Cronk n teddy will be enought to get them top spot. But will falter in the semi’s.

    2nd. (Storm) will win enough games at home to get here. No Cronk no Harris no McLean. No worries

    3rd. (Sharks) there a team full of grand final experience n barring injury will be top 4.

    4th (eels) our team will be boosted by the return of Hayne. We will be boosted by the return of gutherson mid season. Just worried about the loss of semi. But in saying that confident in Hoffman n French when gutherson returns to fullback.

    5.(cowboys) like the sharks a side full of grand final experience n when on song are a hard team to roll. Mainly in 1300 stadium.

    6.( bronco) Father Time benny will he be able to lift his boys yet again for another tilt at grand final glory ?

    7.(Penrith) the question has to be asked will hook get the hook b4 any other coach. This team is a mixed bag it’s got youth n experience. What one will we see in 2018 ?

    8.(dragons) with new players arriving at the joint will Mary be able to lift this team with out choking.

    (B) souths. new coach new attitude will shock a few of the top teams. Will Greg inglis be as dominate as he was a few years ago will his body see out the year ?

    (F) bulldogs. New coach n only 2 new players woods n foran. Are these two enough to lift them out of the bottom 8 ?

    (S) Warriors. Still the same coach n same game plans. New players like Harris n hiku n Blair are going to struggle under SK

    #Eelsforlife#

    Reply
    1. mitch Post author

      I think you nailed it re Inglis’ body. A couple of guys had them in their 8. Then again, few had us in the 8 last year, and we got to 4th.

      Reply
  2. Pou

    The Storm were so much better than everyone else last year I’m tipping them to falter and still make the eight.

    Reply
  3. Gazzamatta

    Loved the Ronnie Palmer comment.
    Improved energy after the break will be a huge factor for our Eels. Condition last year definitely wanting.
    1. Cows
    2. Cheats
    3. Sombreros
    4. BAs Men
    5. Flannos Oldies
    6. GIs Back
    7. Penfolds Flagons
    8. The Mr Eds

    B. Glitter Strip
    F. The Ten Million $ Man
    S. Pennys. Bye bye coach.

    Reply
      1. Gazzamatta

        Im gambling with your money Mitch. Lol. I wonder if Maguire can turn em around when hes handed the white hat by MrFive Year Plan.

        Reply
        1. mitch Post author

          On one hand, I can’t believe he so boldly defends Hook, but on the other hand I see that Gould doesn’t really have a choice.

          Then again, did he recently extend him or did I imagine that?

          Reply
  5. sixties

    Having watched Chris:
    a) Thoroughly enjoy a win
    b) Express his displeasure
    I’m wishing I had witnessed his Storm explosion. Classic stuff from Losco

    Reply
    1. Chris

      It was the most spiteful game I have witnessed. Some might remember the crowd throwing fake cash at the storm players. When you are more than 3/4’s cut, it was easy to go over the top and that’s what happened to me that night. My son who was 13 at that time, got a great lesson on what it means to be a Parramatta fan 🙂

      Reply
  6. Braeden

    1 Cowboys – The additions of JT, Scott & Mclean will boost the cowboys! They have a nice forward pack with a very underrated 9 & 1 very hard to beat at home!

    2 Melbourne – they will be very hard to beat again this year, their forward pack is HUGE and the saying goes you can’t score tries unless you go forward. Croft will slot straight in beautifully.

    3 Roosters – any team with the addition of Cronk and Teddy will be hard to beat. Good forward pack with a decent spine. Latrell Mitchell will be the dark horse for them this year he and Tupou im tipping for big years

    4 Sharks – good forward pack, Fifita will be out to impress this year, the addition on Dugan out wide will help them along with Moylan and Val homes. Moylan will have a good year now he’s happy and away from the coach at Penrith.

    5 Parra – We have a very silky smooth backline, we are going to miss Semi very much this year he was very reliable in attack and D. We are still a big body short in the forward if we want to challenge the top 4 forward packs.

    6 Broncos – Uncle Wayne will have his typical Bronx team this year hard to beat at home. Might struggle in the halves this year?

    7 Souths – Very good from what I saw in early pre season trials. Their forwards go forward and the addition of Inglis, Gagai in the backline looks very good. Walker and Reynolds will be happy to feed the backline.

    8 Tossing up between Dogs & Panthers. I’m leading towards panthers. Maloney will bring a calm head to the not so young “young” panthers team. They have a good forward pack.

    B – I’m tipping the dogs for bolters this year Foran and Mbye out the back will be good. Klemmer and Jackson will lead the forward pask.

    F Dragons – from what I’ve seen in pre season trials they have absolutely nothing. All they do is go sideways and don’t know how to play of the back of their forwards. They finally got their 7 and now all they want to do is play side ways instead of playing off the back of Vaughn, Frizzel etc.

    Spoon tigers. They don’t have much quality at all, this is the year they NEED Brooks to finally stand up and deliver all the “promise” he’s had for the past 3-4 years.

    Reply
      1. Braeden

        Mitch do you watch the game against Hull? They have 5-6 players out and on just beat them with 2mins left on the clock! They were also dreadful against Souths in the charity shield. They will FLOP majorly this year imo.

        Reply
          1. Braeden

            Honestly mate from what i’ve seen from the two trials they are shocking and just play side ways with almost 0 impact.

    2. Hearndo

      I fully agreed with your Fafita comment until I remembered the roll ball crack down. Sharks fans get nervous every time he rolls the ball and that was without the recent attention. He’ll cost the sharks a few games this season.

      Reply
  7. Milo

    Cowboys – refs like them; home town advantage
    Easts – do i need a reason? Refs / media / NRL
    Melbourne – see Cow’s comment
    Brisbane – see Melb comment
    Parra – if we see injury to halves we may struggle for consistency
    Cronulla – solid and they wrestle well and cheat
    Canberra – not sure; they have improved body weight of players…may do ok
    Saints – not far off last season….only need to win a few more.

    Bolter – C’bury – defence should sharpen up and pack seems ok.
    Spoon – Titans
    Backwards – Manly (just do not respect them, never have).

    It’s all about opinions. Go Parra

    Reply
    1. mitch Post author

      Some good choices, but Brisbane is VERY high in my opinion unless you’re loving the addition of Jack Bird.

      But as you say Milo, it’s all about opinions mate, and yours is just as valid as anyone’s. Thanks for the contribution mate.

      Reply
      1. Milo

        Mitch the Broncs get the TV games and run with the consistent games. That is half my thought as well as they get the pic of the best Juniors from Brisbane etc. Halves will be ok even without Hunt. I do not have a view on Bird either way tbh he is part of a team; Broncs wont win the comp take that as fact but they are often there. But yes its about opinions….Rugby league the winner

        Reply
  8. Watson

    This competition will be so tight that injuries and representative games could very well dictate the outcome of the ladder.

    You have to look towards the well coached teams and their structures. This highlights the value of Brad Arthur as coach, the fact that Parra finished in the top four last year with less than impressive statistics. The training this year has generated a tremendous amount of enthusiasm which has even infected the TCT fans. I believe this could well be their year and I have not said that since 2009 when they were clearly robbed on the field and off the field in storms’s back office.

    It would probably be easier to group teams in lots of fours rather than pick in order of finish.

    My top four but, not necessarily in presented order are:-
    Cowboys
    Eels
    Storm
    Roosters
    They pretty well pick themselves – coaching – structure and playing roster.

    Second top four making top eight are:-
    Raiders
    Brisbane
    Sharks
    Saints

    I selected Saints because of Ben Hunt – he is their missing link. They show enthusiasm but, fade at the wrong time. Hunt will keep them focused simply because he is an ex-bronco who knows how to win.

    Next four but not making the top eight are:-
    Panthers
    Souths
    Manly
    Warriors

    Why – they have too many question marks over their consistency. Panthers cannot afford to lose two quality attacking players and not suffer. Good coach but, is his style too harsh in terms of player communication.

    The last four and would be regarded as the losers but, by no means easy beats are:-
    Bulldogs
    Titans
    West Tigers
    Knights

    These last four have had too many team changes to properly gell and are possibly at risk of losing due to poor on field communication.

    I am taking the easy way out. My bolter is Canberra – the wooden spoon Titans just behind the Bulldogs.

    Reply
    1. mitch Post author

      A few tip the Dogs for the 8. I can’t pick anything other than the Eels, Cows, Storm and Roosters being my Top 4; Titans and Tigers struggling; everyone else somewhere from 5-14.

      Reply
      1. The rev aka Snedden

        I’m thinking Canberra n manly will push for 8th n 7th spot.

        Manly will win more away games then home games. There season will depend on consistency through out the year.

        Canberra on the other hand will win more at home then they will away games. Can Ricky get the green machine firing with out there star hooker ?

        Reply

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