After a woman disguised in an assortment of loose chiffon fabric foretold the impending doom or vibrant success of 16 NRL clubs, it is time to hear the predictions of the competition’s next four clubs.
Today, the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Cronulla Sharks, Parramatta Eels and Wests Tigers will learn their fate. And it’s not all good news.
South Sydney Rabbitohs – The Tower
When you see a tower in a reading, you may suddenly be overcome by fear and uncertainty. The comfortable realms in which you have enjoyed blissful success in are beginning to crumble.
Then, out of nowhere, something distressing or shocking occurs destroying the previous prosperity and balance you have so long enjoyed. Unfortunately, Sam Burgess cannot save the Rabbitohs alone.
The Rabbitohs’ attacking energy proved invaluable to their premiership run in 2014, likewise, their defence. However, in 2015, Issac Luke produced more runs out of dummy-half (195) and more dummy-half metres (1,500) than other hooker in the game, exaggerating the attacking loss he will be in 2016. Can Damien Cook produce these results?
Similarly, the Rabbitohs were guilty in nine of their 12 losses (in 2015) of conceding 28 or more points. A worrying sign seeing they only conceded this amount of points or more on one single occasion in 2014.
The South Sydney Tower is beginning to fall. I predict a disappointing tenth place finish in 2016.
Cronulla Sharks – Nine of Wands
Inner strength, stamina and the will to fight on despite impossible hurdles defines the meaning of the Nine of Wands. In times of great difficulty and stress, the presence of this card will reveal the physical and psychological strength you possess.
When all odds are stacked against you, the Nine of Wands proves that you can overcome adversity.
The Cronulla Sharks have been quite notably imposed with various issues and challenges in past seasons. In the face of drug allegations, the Todd Carney saga and wooden spoon finish in 2014, the club has battled on to produce memorable performances such as upset victories against minor premiers the Roosters in both 2014 and 2015.
From wooden spooners to finals probables, the Sharks have cleverly recruited a mix of experienced players such as James Maloney and Chad Townsend to compliment a growing youth coming through the ranks.
Both Jack Bird and Valentine Holmes played starring roles for Cronulla in their breakout seasons (2015) combining for a whopping 25.8 per cent of Cronulla’s points scored. However, the Nine of Wands often represents a final hurdle that will need to be climbed before true success is discovered.
So, Cronulla fans, until this final hurdle in an elusive maiden premiership is achieved, you can look forward to another top eight finish, with the top four not far away, particularly if a side such as the Roosters fade.
For me, the Sharks will finish the regular season in a respectable sixth position.
Parramatta Eels – Two of Pentacles
An image appears of a young man dancing as he struggles to juggle a combination of his concerns. The Two of Pentacles represents and need to maintain balance in times of changing nature.
It reminds you to focus on all aspects of life. Rather than putting all your eggs in one basket, it would be preferable that you keep your options open, should your favoured preference fall through.
The Two of Pentacles draws comparisons to the 2016 Parramatta Eels. Despite his gritty, determined attitude – qualities Parramatta have been desperate for – prized recruit Kieran Foran is not guaranteed instant success. Neither will this ‘Messiah’ solve all of Parramatta’s problems.
The Eels were guilty of a below average commitment to defence in 2015, conceding 573 points, an average of 4.2 tries a game (fourth worst in the league). As well as that, the Fortress that Pirtek Stadium had been in previous years was non-existent in 2015, with the Eels losing six of their nine home games.
The acquisition of Foran and Beau Scott should see the Eels’ defensive woes improve and maintain stability in their halves, however, in such a competitive year, the Eels look set to fall short of a top eight birth for the seventh consecutive year and be left to ponder an improvement which would be just not good enough in the end.
It’s an 11th place finish for me.
Wests Tigers – Five of Swords
The Five of Swords, in simple terms, represents defeat. Defeated by a more cunning opponent. Despite your best efforts, you are likely to be beaten. However, this card teaches not to be disheartened by defeat, rather to accept and learn from it.
Similarly, the Tigers appear destined for another year of heartbreak. Despite possessing one of the most talented and youthful teams in the competition, it is this very lack of experience and will power that ultimately costs them against some of the more professional outfits. With internal disruption compounding such woes, I have the Tigers finishing in a disappointing 15th place.
However, the likes of Luke Brooks and Mitchell Moses continue to improve, combining for 13 tries, 54 tackle-breaks and 28 try-assists in the 2015 season. Despite what should be a frustrating season next year, the experience learnt by younger players should prove invaluable in later years.
So, only one spot remains in my top eight… third place. And, for a helpful hint: it’s not the Newcastle Knights.
Will it be the Sydney Roosters, St George Dragons or Canterbury Bulldogs? Unfortunately, two of last year’s finals contenders will miss out, proving the unbelievably tough competition that all teams face in 2016 for a top eight spot come September.
2016 final ladder prediction
1. Brisbane Broncos
2. Melbourne Storm
3.
4. Manly Sea Eagles
5. North Queensland Cowboys
6. Cronulla Sharks
7. Canberra Raiders
8. New Zealand Warriors
9.
10. South Sydney Rabbitohs
11. Parramatta Eels
12. Penrith Panthers
13.
14.
15. Wests Tigers
16. Gold Coast Titans
It all ends with the Knights, Dragons, Bulldogs and Roosters in the last edition. Hope you are enjoying it and don’t forget to stick up for your team.
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