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NRL Preview: Season 2010
Topic Started: Mar 8 2010, 03:57 PM (114 Views)
stacey Mar 8 2010, 03:57 PM Post #1
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 By Raman Goraya

Updated March 9, 2010 14:18:00
Jarryd Hayne and the Eels will be looking to get out the blocks quicker in 2010.

Footy season is back with the NRL kicking off this weekend. Friday night dishes up two tantalising contests with the Eels and Dragons facing off at Parramatta Stadium and Brisbane hosting northern rivals the Cowboys.

Melbourne starts its premiership defence with a trip to Cronulla while old foes the Rabbitohs and Roosters lock horns in their traditional first round encounter.



Brisbane Broncos

After another off-season where player departures outweighed the gains, Brisbane is arguably at its most vulnerable in 19 years not to make the top eight. Full-back Karmichael Hunt, hulking forward Dave Taylor and veteran Tonie Carroll have all left Red Hill, while injury has ruled out Test centre Justin Hodges for most of the season. The biggest concern for coach Ivan Henjak will be conceding points; the side's annual Origin slump last season leaked 307 points (ending with a 56-0 thrashing in Canberra) in a period that produced just one win in eight weeks. But the likes of Darren Lockyer, Peter Wallace, Israel Folau and resurgent half-back Tim Smith could be enough to maintain the Broncos as the most consistent force in the NRL.

Predicted finish: 7th

Canberra Raiders

It seems a simple equation for the Green Machine - keep their best 17 fit, win at home and they are a definite finals chance. It's a basic recipe most clubs will like to follow, but the Raiders are blessed with having the icy tundra of Canberra Stadium as their backyard. The Raiders knocked off the likes of the Storm, Broncos, Titans and Dragons at home late last season but let themselves down against lesser opponents. Terry Campese is still the go-to man behind a massive pack, while full-back Josh Dugan is a star in the making. The Raiders' depth has already been tested with Joel Monaghan out for the first five weeks.

Predicted finish: 11th

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

For all that was made of the Bulldogs' amazing turnaround last season, it'll count for nothing unless 2010 lives up to the now lofty expectations. Many players credited the club's fantastic administration and recruiting, as well as the outstanding team spirit following Sonny Bill's acrimonious exit, for the side's success in '09. With pointscoring legend Hazem El Masri and Greg Eastwood the only notable losses there is plenty of potential for a premiership at Belmore. The only pitfalls could hinge on the fitness of aging general Brett Kimmorley, although excitement machine Ben Barba may be waiting in the wings.

Predicted finish: Minor premiers

Cronulla Sharks

Last year was a nightmare for anyone involved with the Sharks and unfortunately the 2010 season doesn't appear to hold much more promise. While they possess some quality forwards in Paul Gallen, Luke Douglas and Anthony Tupou the lack of pointscoring ability out wide is Ricky Stuart's primary concern. The acquisition of centre Dean Collis and journeyman John Morris won't help too much there as the pressure will likely heap on Trent Barrett with no Brett Seymour. They will be doing well to exceed their record of only won five wins last season.

Predicted finish: 16th

Gold Coast Titans

Despite such an impressive regular season, the Titans predicably fell flat in the finals. Make no mistake, they will be top four contenders again as they continue to improve on the road to match their record at the fortress that is Skilled Park. Greg Bird is a tremendous addition and will make Scott Prince and Preston Campbell even more dangerous on their dalliances at the line. A mobile forward pack with few names but plenty of gusto is again Gold Coast's hallmark but inexperience out wide is sure to be tested.

Predicted finish: 5th

Manly Sea Eagles

Manly's plans to build a dynasty after 2008 were spoilt by the loss of key commanders. Matt Orford is the latest to escape to the UK, leaving behind Jamie Lyon and young half-back Kieran Foran to pull the strings. Regardless, it will be flying full-back Brett Stewart and juggernaut Anthony Watmough who will set the tone at Brookvale. Both need to be on the field for the Sea Eagles to have a shot at the top eight - simple as that. Despite being booted from the finals in week one, Manly did finish just a point from fourth last season and should not be written off too early.

Predicted finish: 9th

Melbourne Storm

After three straight minor premierships the Storm finished fourth last year and still won the title. They've played in the last four grand finals and seven finals series. They have the freakish ability of Greg Inglis, Billy Slater, Cam Smith and Cooper Cronk at their disposal and all are instructed by master tactician Craig Bellamy. Melbourne deserves to be the competition favourite. The loss of workhorse Dallas Johnson is a major blow but the Storm should compensate for the departures Steve Turner (Bulldogs) and Will Chambers (Queensland Reds) with a crop of young backs including new arrival Chase Stanley. They may not be at full tilt all season long, but expect them to be there at the business end.

Predicted finish: 2nd

New Zealand Warriors

It's all about confidence for the Warriors. When they are flying high they can produce some of the most entertaining, ad-lib footy in the NRL. When they are down, usually when they land in Australia, they go totally off the boil. No player epitomises this theory more than full-back Wade McKinnon, yet along with former captain Steve Price, new skipper Simon Mannering and half-back Brett Seymour, he is one of the team's foremost barometers of success. Hooker Ian Henderson and back rower Micheal Luck are also two of the most underrated players in the competition. It's difficult to predict where they will end up, but it is safe to say it won't be too high.

Predicted finish: 13th

Newcastle Knights

Newcastle's year has the making of a Cronulla-esque disaster after both Danny Wicks and Chris Houston were charged with drug offences in preseason. What can save them is their performances on the park as they desperately try to back up their first finals appearance since 2006. Kurt Gidley is the heartbeat of the Knights and his absence for the first few weeks could prove that against the Dogs, Storm and Manly. Newcastle won nine straight games at home last season and names like Jarrod Mullen, Junior Sau and Matt Hilder prove the Knights have the man power to push for the finals.

Predicted finish: 12th

North Queensland Cowboys

Things aren't the same in Townsville. Gone are the days when Johnathan Thurston and Matt Bowen would bamboozle oppositions with their telepathic link-up play. The 28-year-old Bowen is sadly past his best and is out until May with a knee injury while Thurston is in the midst of a contract battle. Aaron Payne is arguably their most valuable player aside from JT. Lose the crafty hooker and with it goes almost all hope for Neil Henry. The pick-up of Willie Mason has brought publicity but will it bring points?

Predicted finish: 14th

Parramatta Eels

Even after the Eels' grand final loss the vibe in Parramatta was one of excitement. That anticipation has flowed through to week one where Parra will be trying to avoid their miserable start from 2009 which saw them win just four of their opening 10 matches. Both Jarryd Hayne and the recently re-signed Daniel Mortimer will be out to prove they can emulate their exploits from last season. New additions Timana Tahu, Justin Poore and Shane Shackleton suggests the Eels' squad is as good as any. Dealing with the expectations, ala 2008, will be the major challenge.

Predicted finish: 3rd

Penrith Panthers

The Panthers are yet to return to the finals since 2004, a season after winning a memorable premiership. They boast some explosive names in left-side combo Michael Jennings and Frank Pritchard as well as proven hardmen Petero Civoniceva and Trent Waterhouse. Young guns Wade Graham and a beefed up Lachlan Coote are the future and will be heaped with responsibility while Jarrod Sammut is hoping to practice what he preaches after having 'Justify Your Existance' inked on his chest. Underfire coach Matt Elliott will be hoping Sammut's ball playing is better than his spelling.

Predicted finish: 15th

South Sydney Rabbitohs

Souths are bigger than they've ever been, but are they better? New signings Luke Burgess, Dave Taylor and Ben Ross add substantial bulk to an already lumbering forward pack but the Rabbits lack the guile and experience to make it count in the halves. With Chris Sandow at half-back things hardly run smoothly, but there is plenty of opportunity considering Souths scored the second most points in the comp last season. They also conceded the sixth most - a factor new coach John Lang will be well aware of.

Predicted finish: 8th

St George Illawarra Dragons

Wayne Bennett coaches sides to the finals and the Dragons will get there again. What they do in the post-season is another story. St George Illawarra struggled to score points when needed and at times looked completely disjointed with ball in hand, even for a minor premiership side. But what they do best is employ a clinical, no-nonsense style. Jamie Soward has got a much-deserved contract extension and will be hoping to inspire some more tries for the Red V. Recruiting was slim in the off-season, especially compared to the loss of some first grade regulars.

Predicted finish: 4th

Sydney Roosters

A new coach and new faces will hopefully deliver a fresh start for wooden spooners the Roosters. Brad Fittler and Willie Mason paid the ultimate price for their misdemeanours with alcohol but ironically it-s bad boy turned teetotaller Todd Carney who offers the most promise with Brian Smith choosing to play him in the number one jersey. Jason Ryles also returns from the UK and Phil Graham arrives in the centres from Canberra but they lose old heads Craig Fitzgibbon and Mark O'Meley. Do not expect drastic improvement but the Roosters should leave the horrors of 2009 well behind.

Predicted finish: 10th

Wests Tigers

It is time for the Tigers to rejoin the top half of the NRL. They have too good a squad and too good a coaching staff not to be in the mix after finishing 11th, 9th, 10th and 9th since their premiership victory in 2005. With genuine match-winners at 1/6/7/9 as well as a few interesting recruits and solid pack, Wests have all the ingredients to finally make the eight for the first time in five seasons. Among the new signings are Jason Cayless, Tame Tupou and former Tigers premierships players Liam Fulton and Daniel Fitzhenry returning from the UK. Fitness coach Steve Folkes will have the Tigers purring from the get-go and if injuries are kind they could emerge as real dark horses.

Predicted finish: 6th

Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrl, australia, new-zealand

First posted March 9, 2010 14:00:00

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