It’s been a while since the 2024 season wrapped up, and some time since you’ve heard from me, but I’m back – and I’m not empty handed!
In this first offering of The Corner Post for 2025, I’ve compiled an overview of each club which weighs up their respective prospects for the upcoming season. The main focus is on changes to personnel, because as Ricky Stuart likes to remind people, a coach needs the cattle.
So, whether you need reminders on signings to drum up some inspiration for your team before the season begins, or you require the “who’s gone where?” update for your fantasy teams, it can all be found here as you count down the days till round one.
BRISBANE BRONCOS
Recruitment Grade: C
Broncos fans have suffered a bittersweet offseason. For mine it’s one they would like to forget.
Following an injury-riddled season, Ezra Mam took centre stage this break with a monumental DUI scandal. Mam’s off-field antics have resulted in him not being available for selection for the Broncos until they play South Sydney in round 10 of the season.
On a positive note, the Broncos pulled off a major halves coup, luring Dragons halfback Ben Hunt back to the club in a bid to rebuild and strengthen their spine under Michael Maguire.
Ben Hunt
This season could be skipper Adam Reynolds’ last, with age and injury haunting him in recent years. It spells trouble for Brisbane.
Reynolds impending retirement, a potential departure of Selwyn Cobbo in the near future, a dummy half or two likely to be squeezed out, and Ben Hunt in the final year/(s) of his career- it all adds up to the Broncos premiership prospects ending almost as soon as they began.
Combine the above with a looming struggle to keep a roster of stars under the salary cap, and it amounts to 2025 being the final window year for the Broncos to lift the trophy.
Predicted finish: 3rd
CANBERRA RAIDERS
Recruitment Grade: C
The departure of captain Elliot Whitehead should result in Dally M prop Joseph Tapine taking the leadership reins for 2025.
Coming into this season, the Green Machine focused much of their recruitment around representative young guns including Ethan Sanders, Savelio Tamale and Matty Nicholson. It’s a genuine investment in the future.
Ethan Sanders
Across the last three seasons, the Raiders have haemorrhaged experience through the departure of Elliot Whitehead, Charnze-Nicholl Klokstad, Jordan Rapana, Nick Cotric and Jarrod Croker, and solid performers in James Schiller, Bailey Simonsson, Harley Smith-Shields and Zac Woolford.
The front office recently copped a body blow when they notably missed out on the services of Leo Thompson, despite offering a highly lucrative $3.5M deal. Instead, the in-demand prop decided to join the Bulldogs from 2026 on much less money than he could have secured in the Nation’s capital.
On a positive note, the extension of rising stars Kaeo Weekes, Matt Timoko and Ethan Strange further emphasises that Ricky Stuart is building for the future.
Predicted finish: 15th
CANTERBURY – BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Recruitment Grade: B
Can the Bulldogs consolidate their 2024 gains this season? Last year delivered the most excitement that Dogs fans have experienced since their run to the 2014 Grand final against South Sydney.
Much was expected following the addition of Penrith centre Stephen Crichton, but after the Bulldogs opened their season with a 4 from 10 record, fans expectations were low. However, between Rounds 12 and 27, the Bulldogs managed to win 10 of their last 16 matches, absolutely flying into the finals.
Sitili Tupouniua
The bulk of that 2024 squad remains the same with additions including Sitili Tupouniua (Roosters), Marcelo Montoya (Warriors), Enari Tuala (Knights), Tom Amone (Leigh Leopards) and young half Mitchell Woods (promoted to top 30).
Both the playing group and the fans will have high ambitions for 2025, but there’ll be no flying under the radar this time around.
Predicted finish: 6th
CRONULLA SHARKS
Recruitment Grade: C
A exciting regular season followed by a grim exit from finals footy. Sound familiar?
Once more this was the fate of the Sharks in 2024. Third time was not a charm for the Shire.
Cronulla has imported New Zealand Dally M prop Adin Fonua-Blake into their roster, along with Hohepa Puru from the Raiders.
Adin Fonua-Blake
However, their forward depth will be tested following the losses of Jack Williams (Eels), Dale Finucane (Retirement) and Royce Hunt (Tigers).
If the Sharks finish 2025 in disappointing fashion once more, their recruitment will be put in the spotlight, with players such as Ronaldo Mulitalo and Tom Hazelton remaining unsigned beyond this upcoming season.
Predicted finish: 5th
DOLPHINS
Recruitment Grade: C+
This club arguably has one aim and one aim only – surviving the Wayne Bennett curse.
Whilst that ambition for the season might seem dull, the club’s signings could see them achieve that goal, and more.
The Dolphins have snagged the services of Daniel Saifiti (knights), Junior Tupou (Tigers), Kulikefu Finefuiaki (Cowboys) and Max Feagai (Dragons) for 2025.
Daniel Saifiti
Though the signings don’t fall into the superstar category, they could just be the type of recruits that will add value for money to the roster.
The challenge of losing coach Wayne Bennett (Rabbitohs), captain Jesse Bromwich (retirement), Euan Aitken (Rabbitohs), Tesi Niu (Leigh Leopards), Anthony Milford (Souths Logan) and Tevita Pangai Jr (Catalans) will be difficult to overcome, but the club’s key roster investments should excite fans for future seasons.
Predicted finish: 11th
GOLD COAST TITANS
Recruitment Grade: B-
Des Hasler and the Titans sit in the top three for recruitment in this upcoming season, and it’sall about quality rather than quantity in the additions for their 2025 campaign.
Des had already signed 23 year old Rugby Union fly half Carter Gordon towards the back end of the 2024 season. Gordon represents a young, long-term solution to an ageing and injury-prone Kieran Foran. Expect him to push for opening round selection.
RCG
The Titans also snagged Eels Origin and Australian Kangaroos representative Reagan Campbell-Gillard after he was controversially given an early release from his contract at the Eels. RCG boasts over 200 games for both the Eels and the Panthers, and provides valuable experience alongside current captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui. Along with David Fifita, Tino will be looking to turn around an injury plagued 2024.
Balanced against the key departures of Erin Clark (Warriors), Tanah Boyd (Warriors) and Keenan Palasia (Super League), the Titans roster looks to be stronger in 2025.
Predicted finish: 8th
MANLY SEA EAGLES
Recruitment Grade: D+
Manly adopted a conservative approach to assembling their 2025 roster.
Their additions are headlined by Rugby League veterans Jazz Tevaga (Warriors) and Siua Taukei’aho (Super League) whilst Karl Lawton (Cowboys), Aaron Woods (retirement), and Matt Lodge (Free Agent) are the major departures.
Jazz Tevaga
It is also worth noting that 35 year-old halfback Daly Cherry-Evans enters the final year of his contract, as fans eagerly wait to learn if the Australian representative plans to continue or end his NRL career..
This development will also uncover whether Manly begin external searches for a quality half for their future beyond this season, or whether an internal replacement such as Jake Arthur is handed the reins.
They’ll fall just short of finals footy this year.
Predicted finish: 10th
MELBOURNE STORM
Recruitment Grade: B-
It’s been relatively quiet down south over the off-season after the Storm became yet another Panthers grand final statistic. That said, Bellamy will undoubtedly have his squad champing at the bit by the time the opening round hits.
The strength of the Melbourne roster lies in the stability of its superstar players, so this grade is as much about retention as recruitment.
Personnel changes are headed by the highly anticipated arrival of Tigers star Stefano Utoikamanu. The talented prop adds more size to a forward pack which already boasts big men such as Tui Kamikamica and Nelson Asofa-Solomona.
Stefano Utoikamanu
The other significant recruit is New Zealand Rugby sevens winger Moses Leo who will add quality depth to their top 30.
Stars like Ryan Papenhuyzen, Harry Grant and the rising Jonah Pezet have taken player up options for this season and the next, choosing to remain in Melbourne.
Given the strength of their roster, and a 2024 minor premiership, the fate of the Storm rests between their ears. After the psychological blow of losing the decider, recent grand finalists have struggled to back up after falling to the Panthers. However, with Bellamy at the helm, Melbourne should again feature near the top of the table.
Predicted finish: 1st
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS
Recruitment Grade: C-
The Knights are another club that have recruited lightly, resulting in a net loss for the strength of their 2025 roster.
Newcastle kicked off their additions by signing Eels rookie Matt Arthur following his dad’s departure as Parramatta’s head coach. They then obtained the services of Raiders back James Schiller.
Matt Arthur
Balanced against this recruitment is the loss of significant talent in Daniel Saifiti (Dolphins) and Enari Tuala (Bulldogs), as well as young guns David Armstrong and Tom Jenkins to the Super League. Furthermore, Kai Pearce-Paul, Jayden Brailey, Adam Elliot and Jackson Hastings remain unsigned beyond this year. New Zealand representative Leo Thompson is already bound for the exit door at the end of this year, after being picked up by the Bulldogs.
It’s going to be a difficult and potentially unstable road ahead for the Knights, with a bottom eight finish likely.
Predicted finish: 16th
NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS
Recruitment Grade: C-
The Warriors have secured one of the game’s premier props in James Fisher-Harris but their star power additions end there.
James Fisher-Harris
Whilst Titans forward Erin Clark and half Tanah Boyd are also taking up residence in Auckland the Warriors still fall short in replacing the significant losses of Shaun Johnson (Retirement), Tohu Harris (retirement), Marcelo Montoya (Bulldogs), Jazz Tevaga (Manly), Adin Fonua-Blake (Sharks), Ronald Volkman (Eels), and potentially Bunty Afoa.
This weakened roster leaves them as leading contenders for a bottom 4 finish in 2025.
Predicted finish: 17th
NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
Recruitment Grade: D+
The North Queensland Cowboys have barely made a ripple in the 2025 player market, and the waters up north are horribly stagnant.
Whether the impact hits this year or next, the Cowboys are ultimately headed for a world of pain.
Tom Chester and Heilum Luki are out with season-ending injuries before a ball has been kicked, whilst the loss of mainstays like Valentine Holmes (Dragons), Kyle Feldt (Super League) and Chad Townsend (Roosters) will prove difficult to overcome. Reece Robson’s impending departure to the Roosters does not augur well moving forward.
Jaxson Paulo
The Cowboys have attempted to compensate for these losses by signing the likes of Jaxson Paulo (Manly) and Karl Lawton (Manly), but respectfully neither are game changers.
Failure to qualify for finals footy could put a question mark over Todd Payten’s tenure up north. Expect considerable speculation about his future this year.
Predicted finish: 9th
PARRAMATTA EELS
Recruitment Grade: A
The Parramatta Eels have actually delivered one of their most memorable signing sprees of the last twenty years.
Over the last seven months, the Eels have recruited Australian and New South Wales representatives Zac Lomax (Dragons) and Josh Addo-Carr (Bulldogs), promising Penrith fullback Isaiah Iongi, and Sharks forward Jack Williams, and complemented these key additions by signing Jordan Samrani, Joash Papalii, Ronald Volkman, Gideon Kautoga and Dean Hawkins.
Zac Lomax
Even more significant was securing head coach Jason Ryles from the Storm, along with a new crew of assistant coaches – Nathan Brown, Scott Wisemantel, Sam Moa and Mark Gasnier, and athletic performance staff – Blair Mills and Jack McLean.
The Eels have depth in key areas that they struggled in last season, and a holistic roster reshaping is evident.
With quality recruits improving the roster, and star incumbents returning from injury, a top eight finish is within Parra’s reach.
Predicted finish: 4th
PENRITH PANTHERS
Recruitment Grade: B-
What is left to say about the Penrith Panthers?
As much as fans of rival clubs want to criticise Penrith for roster decisions each preseason, they continue to dominate regular season opponents, then cruise through finals series after finals series.
Coming in to 2025, the Panthers let go of Isaiah Iongi (Eels), James Fisher-Harris (Warriors), Sunia Turuva (Tigers) and Jarome Luai (Tigers). Don’t the Tigers love a former Panther!
Isaiah Papali’i
On the recruitment front, Penrith has invested in Isaiah Papali’i and Blaize Talagi as their answer to deficits in their roster.
Much like Melbourne, the Panthers roster remains strong. They’ll finish close to the top of the ladder again in 2025.
Predicted finish: 2nd
SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS
Recruitment Grade: C-
The only way is up for the Bunnies after their abysmal 16th place finish in 2024, the club’s worst finish since the beginning of the NRL era in 1998.
Along with the return of Wayne Bennett, Souths have also secured the services of Lewis Dodd (Super League), Josh Schuster (Manly), Jayden Sullivan (Tigers) and Jamie Humphries (Manly) for the 2025 season.
Josh Schuster
The roster changes have been more about quantity than quality. In adding four players who see themselves as halves, a number of roster deficiencies remain.
Alex Johnston (ACL rupture) is unlikely to be available early in the season, and Damien Cook has left for the Dragons, but Souths will welcome back a healthy Latrell Mitchell, Cam Murray, Jai Arrow and Campbell Graham.
South Sydney are unlikely to go all of the way, but like the Eels, they will be bolstered by key players returning from injury. And the Wayne Bennett factor cannot be ignored.
A top eight finish awaits.
Predicted finish: 7th
ST GEORGE ILLAWARA DRAGONS
Recruitment Grade: D
The Dragons sit as my favourite recruiters for 2025. Not because I consider their results as outstanding, but rather because I consider it a dumpster fire of average short term solutions to a significant amount of issues that have long plagued the club.
The club’s recruitment process has been easily the most entertaining to watch as their fans salivated over the new talent arriving to the club, whilst the reality is a collection of players edging close to NRL retirement.
At the same time the Red V have parted ways with Jack Bird, Zac Lomax and Ben Hunt.
It’s been a recruitment campaign that demands extra attention. Lets examine the following Dragons targets:
- An ageing and injury prone Clint Gutherson who was pushed out of his own club to make way for a younger, longer term solution in the fullback role for Parramatta, and now moves the incumbent speedster Sloan sideways on his arrival
Clint Gutherson
- An arguably “washed up” Damien Cook who lost his State of Origin spot to Reece Robson and Api Korisau, and was then on the outer at South Sydney following the rise of young gun Pete Mamouzelos, will also be pushing out an incumbent in Jacob Liddle. It’s even more bewildering considering Liddle enjoyed one of his best seasons in 2024, with an average Supercoach score of 0.89 points per minute, and 65 points per game.
- The controversial Valentine Holmes, who was involved in a social media scandal which nearly cost him his career, has received above market value to head to Redfern.
- A half back, Lachlan Ilias, who has struggled to establish himself in first grade despite playing behind a highly rated pack at the Bunnies, is expected to lead the Dragons team around the park. Ilias has long been disliked by fans for his inability to execute under pressure, and would be best described as a depth option.
There’s only one place for the Dragons in 2025, and that’s the bottom four.
Predicted finish: 14th
SYDNEY ROOSTERS
Recruitment Grade: D-
The Roosters are in a world of trouble ahead of the 2025 season.
Departures to other teams and codes significantly outweigh their gains for the season, and it is completely fair to consider this year to be one of rebuilding and lower expectations than usual for the club.
The Tri-Colours have lost: Joey Manu (Japanese Rugby), Joseph Sua’ali’i (Union), Luke keary (Super League), Jared Warea-Hargreaves (Super League), Sitili Tuponiua (Bulldogs), Terrell May (Tigers) and Michael Jennings (retirement). It has been confirmed that injury means the club will be without expected halves pairing Sam Walker and Sandon Smith until later in the 2025 season, and that this upcoming season will be the last year for hooker Brandon Smith.
Mark Nawaqanitawase
On the recruitment front Mark Nawaqanitawase (Rugby Union) joined the team in late 2024, whilst veteran Chad Townsend (Cowboys) moves back down south this year as a desperate solution to their halves problem. At this stage, Reece Robson won’t be landing in Bondi until 2026.
It might sound contradictory but “struggle street” will be found Sydney’s eastern suburbs in 2025.
Predicted finish: 12th
WESTS TIGERS
Recruitment Grade: A
It cannot be denied. The Tigers have been the biggest movers in the player market in the lead up to the 2025 season.
Though some might want to debate the quality, the quantity is definitely near the top of the NRL tree. The Tigers have not hesitated in their attempt at a complete rebuild, and in my opinion will be one of the most exciting teams to watch this season.
The Tigers’ 2025 recruits include Royce Hunt (Sharks) and Terrell May (Roosters) in the front row, with Sunia Turuva (Panthers) and Jeral Skelton (Bulldogs) out on the wings, Jack Bird (Dragons) offers genuine utility value, and three-peat winning half Jarome Luai (Panthers) joins emerging superstar Lachlan Galvin in a club declared best spine in the premiership.
Jarome Luai
Trying to predict which recruit will bring the greatest impact is challenging, though Terrell May was a force with the Roosters in 2024, averaging 61 SuperCoach points each game, with an average of 45 minutes each game.
Off-field noise surrounding dramas in the merger continue to linger around the club this offseason, and it’s in the Tigers best interest to put an end to such internal conflicts.
The potential for a climb up the ladder is definitely there, and the first five rounds against Newcastle, Parramatta, New Zealand, Brisbane and the Dolphins could determine their fate.
Predicted finish: 13th
Have I underestimated or overestimated the prospects of any clubs?
I look forward to reading your opinions.
Nat
I like the ambitious prediction for the Eels of 4th. A top 4 finish would be fantastic. There are infinite possibilities for 2025, but for mine, the 3 big question marks are whether our defensive structures improve, whether the forward pack will have enough go-forward, and will we finally get a season with a more forgiving injury and suspension toll.
On paper, we’ve got the best or second best halves pairing, our forwards have plenty of ball playing ability and depth, and our backs look like they’ve got plenty of points in them. A top 4 spot beckons, but there’s a lot that needs to go right and gel early on.
I don’t see the Broncs finishing 3rd, it has been too tumultuous up there. I also thought the Warriors collecting the spoon was an odd prediction. I see both clubs lurking around the 8-12 slots.
My current thinking (subject to change!)
Top 4: Storm, Panthers, Sharks, Dogs
Bottom 4: Knights, Dolphins, Manly, Cows
I’m not sure about the Broncos finishing that high either, but I’m not ruling out finals footy for them. Why? Madge will extract a bounce back in 2025, but after that, I’m not sure about either his long term value to the club.
We had three issues in 2024 – a shocking run with injuries that saw us without some of our most influential players for long periods, a leaky defensive structure that was given to crumbling under pressure and the fact that, demonstrably, we were not fit enough to cope with the 2024 style of play; in how many games did we lead only to be beaten? Luck will decide injuries – if we have as bad a run again it’s hard to see us making the eight. We can plan to overcome the other two though we do have to factor in the loss of two of our major contributors in recent years. How will we go? Wait and see.
100% agree we had an awful go with injuries, but I feel the clubs recruitment this off season has alleviated some of that stress as a Parra fan as we have absolutely stacked our roster to provide depth in a lot of positions we’ve historically lacked in. Provided all goes well in the player health department I truly believe theres no stopping this team..!
Sorry sixties, not related to this post at all, but just wanted to share this video of Parra’s victory in the ’86 National Panasonic Cup final (ads included).
https://youtube.com/clip/Ugkxex-N1nWVacepYbBJmB2c1GOGbAwUIuzg?si=eEfa7mV9oa8KGwr_
I think Parra are a vastly different team to the one thats run out for the last two years, and coaching changes and hopeful luck with injury as well as a more forgiving draw could see us fly back into finals footy. We’ve got a wide bunch of super exciting recruits and I dont doubt for a second were a team that could go far. Real 2021-2022 vibes on the season. Were an absolute contender on paper, hopefully it translates.
RE your broncos call, I think Madge can repeat his 2014 South Sydney and 2024 blues coaching performance for sure. The competitions become a bit isolated up at the top and I think following a couple disappointing seasons they’re right up there in it. Like Parra they’ll need luck in the injury/suspension field, but if all goes right, they’ve got a team that can put up a good fight. Walsh/Hunt/Reynolds/Mozer spine with Mam coming in late to make it Walsh/Mam/Reynolds/Hunt with Haas, Jensen and Carrigan up front is a disturbing thought as a fan of a rival club. I think many clubs were plagued with awful injuries and unlucky suspensions which threw their seasons off, Parra and Broncos headlining.
I think both teams are in line for good finishes, with Cronulla serving as the main threat, as much as I dont like them.
I think that Macguires performance in SOO was very good. From the team that he picked, his tactics and man management.
He used MM to the best of his ability. Freddy only ever used him as a running half. The mail that I got was that his intentions were to use Cleary and MM until the injury.
Mitch was injured which spoilt the plan.
The challenge for Madge in the 2025 season is whether he can repeat that in the NRL with the Btoncos.
Firstly, this is a comprehensive look at season 2025. Many thanks for the effort. My major reaction is to your assessment of the chances for The Eels. I hope you’re right, but we have yet to see how a radically new approach to our football pans out once our blokes are running into some of the toughest men in the world. We have a plan, but we all know whatMike Tyson said about people with a plan. Most stimulating reading. Thanks.
Nat’s provided food for thought and debate here Noel.
no worries Noel! I’ve enjoyed keeping up with each clubs moves for the year, and it’s exciting seeing where fans think their teams will end up because of them. I think all the signs are there for Parra to make some noise this season, and with Moses as potential captain this really helps our chances. That guy just cant stand losing, and his Origin and Kangaroos performances really prove the quality of player and leader he can be! I’m really excited for this new era at Parramatta, and I think all Parra fans cant wait to get back into watching the game they love after some disappointing years. Many thanks for your kind words, I’m glad you enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed putting it together!!
Hopefully parra go well. Manly and sharks were underrated here I think. Especially manly – they will go well for this season (top 6 at least) and then Fall off next year as dce retires and Jake trobjevic + their older forwards slow up even more so.
I don’t see cows doing well. Payton has gone stale up there I suspect. Raiders will go better than 15th (I don’t rate them but I have to admit they are a stubborn team and will probably grind out enough wins to be around 10-12th). That’s enough for Ricky to continue to be protected by his mates in media.
Manly are a tough cookie. They always seem to finish in that mid-section of the table, and honestly, they haven’t really changed too much ahead of this season (If anything they’ve lost more than they’ve gained ahead of this season). I concede I may be underestimating Cronulla but they’re also a team who haven’t changed up too much, and I think teams like the Broncos and Eels may come in and give them a shock, as they are used to a top 4 finish each year now. I don’t think Manly will make this year’s top eight, solely because I can name 8 better clubs than them, and I just think that if injuries subside for a lot of last year’s unlucky clubs, i.e, Souths, Parra, Brisbane, then they’re in for a big shock!
I also don’t see the Cowboys doing too well, and I predict Payten is going to be in a world of trouble sometime this year. I think they have made many shaky recruitment calls, i.e., Losing Val Holmes and signing Jaxson Paulo instead.
I hope you are wrong about Canberra but deep down I fear you may be correct. They always manage to fight their way up to finish higher than what their season looked like and it frustrates me. I think with many roster losses and a huge focus on junior development they seem to be on track to finish in the bottom four, lets just hope that does happen
I think with manly it’s not about change. It’s about improvements based on continuity. Having turbo and dce on the park means they will win a lot of games. And even if turbo gets injured, they have unearthed Hopoate who is a gun and show he can fill in admirably (something they have lacked in past). Hamoule is stepping up big time. Their backs are electric. Paseka is a good, explosive front rower and the rest of their forwards are toilers. I don’t think Nathan brown is good but he surprised me last year and he might have one more year in him to be a spark off the bench for them. I hope I’m wrong on all the above but it is a feeling I haven’t been able to shake since they signed brooks and became less one dimensional in attack/kicking. Just hoping dce retires this year so they begin their free fall down the ladder.
Be very surprised if the titans make the 8. I agree with your sentiments around St George, they’ve bought stop gap solutions and have lost their two best players.
Eels 8th for mine
I think our defence will improve especially out wide, where we’ve had major issues, and finally our NSW cup team won’t look like a hotchpotch of rejected middle aged players from other clubs.
Ryles finally has us on the right pathway on how a development club should look.
Eels to win everything going, bugger the rest. Now for another Scotch.
Chiefy agree with your comments. Nat has the Eels at top four. Personally I think a lot has to go right for that to happen.
I think it could happen if we don’t suffer the debilitating injuries of the past two seasons. The other thing that needs to happen is that the new recruits live up to our expectations of them on the football field.
Eels top 8. Really looking forward to some of the new recruits. Lomax. JAC, Jack Williams and Isaiah Iongi.
Definitely agree a lot of things have to go right, but I agree!. We have the kind schedule, we have the good roster, and we have the staff to make it happen. I think if the club is lucky on the injury/suspension front, then the teams in line to cause some real damage!!
In terms of New recruits, seeing alot of hype at the club about Jack Williams! seems like hes absolutely training the house down, and won’t be surprised if he earns a starting or bench spot (depending on how Junior Paulo enters the game) for this year. Excited to see some of these awesome depth signings in action at the trial matches.
Titans finished somewhere just outside the eight last year after starting something like 0-6!! Its a big call to make, I know, but it could happen especially with a healthy Tino and D.Fifita, as well as the addition of Carter Gordon and RCG. I think a lot of good things are going to happen in this Des era with the Titans, and I’m excited to see what they produce this year.
Good food for thought Nat. Forth finish for us would be brilliant but think more likely lower part of top 8, top 4 next year. Penrith to slip out of top 4 for mine as loss of JFH will impact them much like loss of Ray Price did for us. Roosters to drop lower down ladder and doubt Warriors to 17th. But unable to really pick bottom team where injuries will probably determine that.
Bunty afoa possibly a late eels inclusion ?
Would be cool but overall unnecessary in my opinion..
I like the way the forwards pack is shaping up with Lane/Paulo/Matterson/Williams/Moretti/Greig/Hopgood/Ofahengaue.
Thanks Glenn!!
I agree although a top 4 spot sounds lovely, it may be over-ambitious, however, I think things are aligning for Parramatta to make it happen. A forgiving draw, a good roster, a new coach and motivation from players like Moses who have had awesome international and state campaigns off some really grim years will help a a lot. I think the club adopted a sort of complacency with losing these last two seasons and I an extremely excited to see the new attitude and leadership the club adopts ahead of the year!
Eels finish to 4. I like the sound of it.
Eels definitely did well with recruitment.
We just need extra luck with avoiding injuries. 🤞
We are set for an exciting season.
I think you’re right there!
I agree we are set for an exciting year, hopefully Parramatta bring back that exciting brand of footy we saw a couple seasons back. I’ve truly never seen anything like it.
Super keen to get back out there for our first home game and experience it all again, feels like its been too long!
This is a very accurate and well thought-out analysis into both the predictions for the NRL and how each of the teams additions will perform throughout the season.
Good work!
Legend, James!!
Thank You
A top 4 finish for my EELS might be a tad optimistic.
Rylesie will take the best part of the season to have the team consistently playing the type of football he wants them to play.
Remember when Cameron Circaldo took over the Bulldogs
Their first year under him was pretty ordinary but they eventually found their rhythm towards the end of last season.
A top 8 finish this season would be a big step forward and a major premiership campaign in 2026 would coincide with the 40th anniversary of our last premiership.
I wouldn’t compare us to the Bulldogs at the stage that they were in to be frank. I think we’re in a much better spot, much like the Broncos, and the rest of the league knows our capabilities. We’re not stuck in a roster rut like the CBB were and I think were starting our rebuild from a much better spot. I think the team chemistry, training and emphasis on rebuilding the culture will drive the boys after many disappointing years. I think the clubs heading in the right direction for sure! Get excited to watch it all unfold, I know I am!
If we finish 4th (I hope we do) Ryles will be coach of the year.
I think Ryles’ chief competiton is Madge for sure, maybe Ciraldo if the Bulldogs somehow manage another stellar campaign. I think they’ve been found out and can’t really fly under the radar like last year so Madge/Ryles are the main contenders for sure! Keen to see how it all unfolds!!
It’s a tough competition this year with no easy wins on the board. Injuries will always be a concern and over the past two years Parra has had their fair share, plus suspensions, unnecessary suspensions. (Sivo, Brown, Matterson, RCG). I believe top four is a fair call and I have said since late last year we are definitely a top eight. We have the cattle but more importantly we have two excellent and experienced goal kickers. Parra has lost many games from poor kicking and a number of times at the last minute. We are going places this year but, not so fast. Let’s keep under the radar! The Broncos and the storm will lead the way, not sure about Penrith. I think they are out of the top four and although top eight. What else we need to consider are the quality of the coaches. Yes Maguire got South’s up a few years ago but they had a great team and forwards. He won origin last year but what with the tigers? Bennett will lift South’s but how far – they were second last 2024 and they haven’t really improved with a focus solely on halves. Mitchell is looking good but south’s are looking older. They are not a top eight. As for the tigers can Marshall really coach – I don’t think so. Top four Parra, Storm, Broncos and Cronulla. Bottom feeders Saints, Newcastle, Titans, Dolphins. Parra stays healthy and get a fair shake from the referees then if you a betting man go the best odds now. Finally, I hope Moses doesn’t play origin – he becomes a target and gets hurt. Watch out for Paulo – I believe he will up for a big season. That LaFranc injury gave him a rest he surely needed and he will be fired up and I tip he could become an origin selection.
Bennett won’t lift the Bunnies enough to make the 8, they just don’t have the cattle, especially in the forwards. I’ve seen a lot of people writing the Dolphins off due to Bennett leaving but Woolf can definitely coach (a 3-peat with St Helens as well as what he’s done with Tonga show he’s a quality coach) and other than Jesse Bromwich they haven’t lost much and have signed some decent players, especially Finefuiaki who is an exciting talent. Add Tom Gilbert back who missed all last year and they have a very, very good forward pack and speed and strike power across the backline. They’ll be closer to Top 4 than bottom 4 IMHO.
Unlike you, Zero, I think the Broncos are going to struggle. Reynolds will be injured again before Round 4, he’s just gone a couple of years too long. I can also see a massive player revolt against Madge, it’s brewing already and a few losses can see things fall apart there, although they’ve got a dream start to the season again. I think the Storm are the team to beat, and clearly so this year. The Panthers will still be thereabouts but have a couple of big losses to overcome – they seem to do that though. I think the Eels will definitely improve, but in all honesty, scraping into the Top 8 might be their best result. A lot of new players, new coaching staff and new systems have never translated well for any club, I don’t expect the Eels to be any different. Whatever the Eels produce in 2025 will be a stepping stone to 2026 and beyond.
Well, Stubbs I don’t really care about the Broncos and they would never garner any sympathy from me. You have a good point with the Dolphins and quite frankly I had trouble coming up with the bottom feeders. Maybe I change the Dolphins to Easts who have lost a lot of good players. Yes, I can do that. As for Parra struggling this year as you sort of hinted – a true long suffering Eels supporter would always be optimistic about the top eight and most hopeful of a top four.
Stubbs are you a long suffering Parra man? I don’t care! This year is already looking better than last year and we lost games through poor responses which had we won might have seen us thereabouts. Manly, Bulldogs, Newcastle were winnable games we threw away. Top eight is certain – enjoy the ride Stubbs.
PS.
My favorite snapshot is the EOY nrl leader board 2020 which I treasure revealing the wooden spooner for that year – the Broncos.
Who ever thought the Broncos would collect a wooden. Finally the starting halves for the Broncos are so old they are almost due for the pension.
Hunt is pretty durable but Reynolds should have dispensation from the NRL to allow a zimmer frame as part of his uniform. They may prove me wrong but I just think there’s a lot of things that can go wrong for them and the hard nosed approach of Madge will be so different to Kevvie that I’m just not sure how long they’ll put up with it if a few losses start racking up. I’d be very happy for the Broncos, Dogs, Roosters and Storm to be battling out the spoon!!
Optimism and realism are often 2 different things, Zero, and saying “long suffering” and “Eels fan” in the same sentence is like saying wet water!! I hope they exceed my expectations, however, it’s very rare for an incoming coach to turn things around immediately and I would suggest even moreso when there’s been a massive player turnover including some of the leaders like Gutho and RCG. I think the long suffering may have a little longer to suffer but there’s a definite cultural shift as well as playing style shift happening and we can only wait and see how that develops.
I agree re the Roosters, they’ve lost a lot and while they have some youngsters with plenty of hype they may just struggle this year. Surely that will mean Robbo is under pressure.
Unfortunately robbo is never under pressure in the media as uncle Nick keeps journos on a tight leash.
This is so despite Roosters having been completely embarrassed by the storm and Penrith organisations since Cronk retired. They have made multiple big money signings that haven’t worked out. They have not even been competitive against top teams. I could go on and on about Robbo’s tactical and personal deficiencies as a coach but the short point is – roosters are objectively in a bad spot and will have a bad season. But, like the joker said: no one cares if things are bad as long as there’s a plan (even if said plan is dubious). And I think putting eggs in the Sam Walker basket is always a dubious plan – he can’t kick or defend. He has no real structure to his play. He desperately needs an organising half but roosters are linked to brown and Galvin (perhaps roosters want to continue to try copy storm playbook of two running halves).
I will admit, they do have a lot of talented juniors signed up from other teams so their performances for 25 will be interesting nonetheless
Thanks Stubbs. I don’t get your illustration “wet water” against “long suffering – Eels fan”. Forty years between premierships is a long time. I have aged forty years waiting and waiting and waiting. That’s long suffering. We were unlucky 2001 – 24 nil half time, robbed by cheaters 2009 and against a dream team 2022.
You surprise me with your Maguire and Broncos comments. I would have thought they would embrace the change. Their halves are old and Hunt is durable but, he never quite lifted the Dragons. I believe he is a little overrated. The Broncos will go close this year – they are a lucky team that get the rub of the green. Them and the Storm and the Roosters.
Cheers Stubbs
The reference is just pleonasm, Zero. Pleonasm means using more words than are necessary. Pleonasm shows up in phrases like “I saw it with my own eyes” (who else’s eyes could have seen it for you?), “buy now for an added bonus” (a bonus is by definition additional), and “receive a free gift” (gifts are always free). Hence, long suffering Eels could be classed as a pleonasm just like wet water!!!
Stubby and Zero..I’ve always had this left field view of the Broncos, they need hard boiled leaders from Queensland to really stand up, think of some of the names from the good years…Webcke, Tallis, Gillmeister plus the Qld coach. They are littered with all sorts now and I don’t claim to be a social expert, but look at some of the Origin years when they’re all Qldrs together. I had the pleasure of working with a brother of one of the Qld legends and shared many Bundies with groups of Broncos (late 90’s/early 2000’s) at their watering holes in Brisbane. Rugby League is important up there and the bonds are strong…if you’re a Queenslander.I found them great to have a drink and chat. That’s why I like Hopgood’s bloodlines.
Zero and Stubby, I can’t argue with your respective logic.
Last season could have been worse, much worse than it was. You might wonder how, given only victory in the Mariana Trench Cup (Spoonbowl) lifted us to 15th. Well sacking the coach, and having the top 30 list missing around a combined 140 games, including the only two current Origin players and the former Origin prop being out for extended periods in the back half of the season, is a major contributor to a wooden spoon. Somehow, the team that took the field in the last few rounds found some wins, albeit the defence during those winning games still had moments of horror.
This preseason is incredibly positive and dare I say meticulous. How will it translate? That is the great unknown, but given a healthier team during the season, plus greater talent and depth, a ladder climb will eventuate. Enough to achieve top 8? If the players believe so and deliver their best, then maybe.
Thanks Mr Sixties. To connect the dots from 15th to top four we need to look at the team. Essentially, they have been together for a few years but, for this year we have a few new injections with the bonus of speed. Injuries have really hurt Parra the past two years and do we need to talk about unnecessary suspensions along with poor depth. Who is to blame for the poor depth? We can point fingers here and there but the positive is the club has now addressed it. I believe our new team members look good and your training reports indicate they have settled in. We are in a better place and the only way is up. I suspect Ryles has put some grit and determination into our boys and this will translate onto the park. Realistically we can be quite hopeful of better days. We threw away at least four games last year we should have won. Had that occurred no one would be looking back at that last game for the spoon. 2025 is definitely top eight and top four not beyond them. For those philistines who think we are bottom feeders will be wiping egg from their faces.
Paulo also down apparently to 111kg so bought into the hype. A huge drop off in weight which has to improve him.
Nice to see big jnr is looking fit and trim Glenn. Sounds like Jason is preparing our team in terms of body composition and playing style to be fit and be able to compete set after set. It sounds like the front load power game then die off playing style may not be seen again. Ryles storm is a Melbourne former player and assistant coach. They are the biggest grinders besides Panthers. It looks like our boys are being conditioned for that relentless playing style. Exciting times ahead.
Glenn and Muz, you can see the body shapes have changed dramatically. Junior will possibly need to add a couple of kgs before the season starts, Joffa is as lean as I’ve seen him, even Woody couldn’t be any leaner. But they all look strong too.
That’s awesome sixties. And you can even really tell in the eels media how they look trimmed down and fit. They will no doubt be able to compete for longer defensively now. Even just a few kilos off the body (in any sport) can dramatically improve your cardio.
We are definitely under the radar with many journalist calling us spoon contenders.
I think we can squeeze into the eight if we have some luck with injuries.
True Woody… and how can media clowns claim a team with mitchel moses and Zac Lomax in it get a wooden spoon?
It’s crazy.
If those two players went to the tigers? The NRL media clowns would claim it “guarantees” the tigers a top 8 finish.
Just by having Lomax & Moses alone on any team immediately makes it competitive.
When they state “wooden spoon” it’s almost like a joke. It’s hard to take them seriously.
This parra side is possibly the strongest by far we’ve seen since 2022. I would argue that besides our props no longer being NSW level starting props, and a few of our forwards no longer in their prime. It’s a better squad in many respects.
The wooden spoon stuff they say is insane. 💀
I’ve never seen a team look this stacked with rep stars be predicted to get a wooden spoon.
Insanity!
By the way, does anyone know what we’ve got left under the cap? There is still a number of very talented players being mentioned as on the market and Zero Tackle has us listed as still having three spots in the 30; one of those, presumably is held in case Ron Volkmann works out. Ronaldo Mutlitano added to the three quarters we’ve already got, for example would provide a top 4 backline.
Not sure about that Noel. I agree with him (Mulitalo) at parra would make it a top 4 backline you would think. Volkman is an interesting one. We lack hookers depth. I wonder if he could play hooker as well as 5/8? He is short and stocky / low centre of gravity.
Who are you interested in?
I’ve previously mentioned that Reimiss Smith, a former Parramatta junior before the disgraceful mishandling of the Will Hopoate resigning currently appears to be without a club. A big man, experienced, a noted defender. Also Ron Mulitalo ( if that’s the spelling, apologies if not) is reported as being available.
It seems to me that
Y we are one quality outside back swa to from a backline that could win a comp..
The forwards? Maybes few players yet to emerge or be recruited.
Id take Reimiss on a bargain basement deal. I think Mulitalo is available next year. I think he is in talks with the Broncos.
We were one of the bigger recruiters this year. Tigpies did well also.
In our podcast, Mark O’Neill stated that an outside back would be a likely target.
Agree Noel. Remis would have been a nice addition. He can defend. His upside is possibly limited. But from memory he was a handy player at Storm. As 60’s mentioned, we did hear MON state on the podcast that they are after another outside back. Hopefully we get lucky.
Thanks Nat
I like the optimism with a top 4, and think a few things need to happen for this to occur. We basically need our top team on the paddock most of the season and playing very well each week or thereabouts and it can occur.
Think we can make top 8, and again with less key injuries and our new buys playing strong.
I honestly think Cows / Titans : Dolphins and Cronulla will all fade – Canberra and Brisbane will improve but not enough for too 4.
Melbourne and Penrith will be strong again and I think C’bury will make 8 but that’s it. Easts will be an interesting one to watch as they’ve lost a bit and rarely fail but pressure could mount here.
Newcastle also have pressure all over them for me and I’m totally unsure how they will go.
As for Saints and Wests they’re also 50/50 chances but I feel Wests could surprise a few.
I also don’t give a toss abt South’s as they rely on Walker and Mitchell and they are v unpredictable but will cop it now that the old Fox is there.
And Manly, who cares…
haha love the take! not too much we disagree on to be honest. Just keen to watch it all unfold.. things are looking good for us this year!!
Cows, Dolphins, Knights, and possibly Dragons are in for a tough season in my opinion Milo.
Hope it’s the dragons Sixties, as my st george cousin almost cried watching the dragons/eels match where we knocked them out of the 8. He also complained that he wasted 10$ petrol money to drive to the stadium, and had a hissy fit because of it lol.
Some people lol 😆
Classic!
Interesting sixties. Cows are possibly in trouble, just not so sure that all is well with some of the players and Payten and the handling of JT2 last year was woeful. Knights need to settle on 2 halves and stick with them. If they get that bit right and Ponga stays fit they will be pushing for the bottom of the 8 again. I aired my views on the Dolphins above, but I think they are going to surprise a lot of people and will be in the 8 especially if they can get a full year out of Tom Gilbert – add him to Bromwich, Kaufusi, Saifiti, Finefuiaki, Plath, Stone, Nichols, Lemuelu and a couple of good young prospects and that’s a quality forward pack with Marshall King at 9. If they somehow get Flegler back as well later in the season they will take it to any pack. The Dragons are a mystery, some good signings but will Flanno persist with his son in the halves? If so, they will be spoon contenders. I think the Roosters will fall from grace a bit. The Tigers could be the smokies to improve a decent bit but not sold on Benji as a coach.
The Dragons have a very ordinary halves pairing Stubby. I will concede with the Titans that a fit Marshall-King will make a difference for them.
Titans? Dessie could be under the pump too and I forgot to mention the Warriors…
We could have been top eight last year if we had a tight defensive structure on the edges.
We would have beaten both grand finalists.
Notwithstanding the unknowns, we look like we have some depth.
Top eight for sure.
Broncos about 10th.
Top eight in no particular order.
Eels,Panthers,Storm, Roosters, Dogs,Sharks and two of Titans, Raiders and Bunnies.
57, I have huge question marks over Souths roster.
They are getting a couple back including Campbell Graham but all the hype is about Bennett.
No coach can work without cattle. Will be interesting to see how the Pom goes.