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Five fearless predictions for the 2015 NRL season

2nd March, 2015
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The Roosters take on the Eels in a split round of NRL action. (Action Photographics, Renee McKay)
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2nd March, 2015
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It’s that time of year again, where I provide ammunition to a demographic of people who certainly don’t need it. That’s right, it’s my annual fearless predictions for the NRL season, where I like to over-supply Roarers with egg to throw on my face come October.

Last season, I came in with a paltry one correct prognostication out of five; and even that was slightly generous.

Ironically, I was lambasted for not being fearless enough when I made my original predictions, so this season I’ve strategically gone a little left field with my bold projections.

Drumroll please editors…

1. The Bulldogs will win the premiership
Loyal readers of The Roar will know I’m a Doggies fan. New readers will surmise from that statement that my opening prediction is simply a case of being bias and one-eyed. However, I honestly and objectively think the Dogs will win this year’s premiership.

My biggest question mark over the Dogs last season was their lack of creativity – especially in the halves. While Trent Hodkinson and Josh Reynolds remain at halfback and five-eighth for 2015, the addition of hooker Michael Lichaa and winger/fullback Brett Morris will add to the team’s attacking prowess significantly.

The Dogs will miss Michael Ennis’ leadership more than they think, but otherwise the squad that was on top of the ladder for the first part of the season, and also made it all the way to the grand final, remains relatively intact. Therefore, continuity will be an advantage for the team, and I see the Rabbitohs and Roosters dropping just a touch this season.

I also think a few Doggies’ players will adjust to the post-Origin period a little bit better this season, along with Des Hasler having something up his sleeve to put this squad over the top in 2015.

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2. Mitchell Pearce will win the Dally M
Wow. Well, I did say ‘left field’.

The halfback has always had his detractors for his performances on the field, and last year they were joined by detractors for his ‘efforts’ off the field; specifically for the infamous boozy night out that cost him his NSW Blues jersey.

However, Pearce seemed to grow up after that incident, and even though I’ve never been his biggest fan, he was excellent at times for the Roosters in 2014, especially when running to the line.

With Sonny Bill Williams departing back to rugby and Anthony Minichiello retiring, the Chooks have a leadership vacuum this year, and Pearce has been named co-captain, along with Jake Friend.

The captaincy will bring out the best in Pearce, and he’s set for a big 2015. So big, he may have the Dally M Medal around his neck come season’s end.

3. Queensland will win the State of Origin series 3-0
Predicting Queensland to win really hurts. It also probably isn’t all that fearless of a prediction. However, suggesting it will be a straight-sets victory is.

As a New South Welshmen, it was amazing to see the Blues break the drought last year, and even the most parochial of Queenslander would probably admit they deserved it. Or at least, that the Maroons weren’t robbed or anything.

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However, three indisputable facts lead me to believe that the Blues may fall back to earth with a thud this year:

One: No Jarryd Hayne.
Two: Cooper Cronk will presumably be fit for all three games.
Three: The Maroons dynasty team were the greatest rugby league outfit I’ve ever seen, and to think they won’t be highly motivated and ready to bounce back with a vengeance this year is foolish.

Though this is the one prediction I hope I’m most wrong about, it’s also the one I make with the most confidence.

4. The Penrith Panthers won’t make the eight
Some predictions make no rational sense.

The Panthers are an extremely well run organisation, have a brilliant head coach in Ivan Cleary, and a talented young roster. They were also the surprise packet of 2014, and continued their good form all the way into the finals series.

Yet I have a nagging feeling that they may have overachieved last season, and are set for a reality check in 2015.

Of course, I wrote them off all of last year, and they continued to prove me and all other doubters wrong. So perhaps I’m just an incredibly slow learner, and the Panthers are the real deal.

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5. A first-grade coach will get the sack for a sex scandal
Just remember where you heard this one first.

Bonus prediction: Karmichael Hunt will play in the NRL this year.

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