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You enter a candle-lit room, ominously greeted by a woman disguised in an assortment of loose chiffon fabric.
She draws cards, foretelling impending doom or vibrant success. Sixteen cards are dealt, each representative of your team’s chances in the upcoming 2016 season.
Part 1: Warriors, Raiders, Broncos and Storm
New Zealand Warriors – The Fool
The Fool is of predestined potential, neither positive nor negative, yet can manifest the possibility of either. His approach to life is strange, almost unconventional.
The Fool never questions taking chances, regardless of the outcome, some days he may stumble but others he soars. Similarly, the Warriors were bound for September footy before a broken ankle soured both their finals chance and most gifted player.
The Warriors are recognised for their unorthodox, exhilarating style of play, combing for 257 offloads and 99 line breaks in a promising yet disappointing 2015 campaign. Their predestined potential is undeniable and the addition of New Zealand internationals Issac Luke and Roger Tuivasa Sheck makes for salivating attacking line up.
Nevertheless, an up and down campaign should see the Warriors figure in the finals. I have them finishing in eighth position, with a run indicative of that of the 2009 Parramatta Eels seeing the Warriors eventually defeated in their first grand final since 2011.
Canberra Raiders – The Ace of Wands
The Ace of Wands initiates a burst of creativity that energises and project, transforming it into greatness. It is a card which when seeking to build on a goal, represents speed and boldness.
These are qualities which can be seen in the Raiders’ style of play in 2015. Despite finishing in 10th position, the Canberra side (led by the enigmatic Canberra convert Blake Austin) rivalled the attacking prowess of even the top sides, scoring 577 points (their highest total since 2008) while committing the least errors in the competition with 213.
The addition of Aidan Sezer will compliment, adding stability to their offensive tactics. The one drawback, The Ace of Wands is unpredictable, much like the Raiders, and uncontrollable, like Ricky Stuart in press conferences.
Despite this unpredictability, I expect the Raiders to gain a spot in the Top 8, for me it’s seventh position.
Brisbane Broncos – Three of Pentacles
The Three of Pentacles embodies the principle that hard work will be rewarded. This card celebrates the mingling of convention and freedom.
The Broncos were indicative of this attitude in the 2015 season, with almost faultless discipline, with the second highest completion rate (78%), fewest penalties conceded (132) and the second fewest missed tackles (567).
Their mission seemed complete, up until a devastating blow saw them stumble in the final minutes. Their mixture of discipline and scintillating attacking raids will serve them well in 2016, and the acquisition of James Roberts will only strengthen their chances.
Furthermore, this card implies that this masterpiece, a fine combination of youth and experience is all but a piece of the master himself.
And, after sculpting the Broncos from borderline finals contenders in 2014 to all but premiership favourites, Bennett looks set to claim his eighth premiership victory, and I predict a J.J Giltinan Shield will accompany it in the trophy cabinet.
Melbourne Storm – The Moon
The Moon, when chosen, represents an illusion. Its selection indicates something is not as it appears to be. It is how you perceive this chosen subject that will bring to your awareness its true value.
Likewise, I predict perceptions about the Melbourne Storm may be proven incorrect this season. I was one of many to doubt the Storm and their ‘ageing’ roster in the 2015 season.
Yet, even without representative fullback Billy Slater, the Storm, buoyed by rookie standout Cameron Munster, burst into grand final contention. Munster achieved a breakout year, with 84 tackle-breaks, 10 offloads, seven tries and five try assists.
The departure of the likes of Ryan Hinchcliffe, Kurt Mann and Matt Duffie will test their depth in 2016, yet I give the Storm at least one more year of success before the wheels fall off.
Call me crazy, I have the Storm finishing the regular season in second position and facing an elimination in the preliminary finals.
2016 NRL Ladder Prediction
1. Broncos
2. Storm
3.
4.
5.
6.
7. Raiders
8. Warriors
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12.
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14.
15.
16.
Tune in next time for the Cowboys, Panthers, Sea Eagles and Titans.
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