I’m sure most fans like me are viewing this year’s NRL top eight with some curious expressions, as this is seemingly in my memory one of the most open finals period that I can recall. So let’s run through the remaining contenders.
1st – The Dragons. There is not too much to be said here as they were definitely the best team all year, especially defensively, but the question of last and many previous years is can they live up to the expectations and perform when it counts? Many doubts remain, especially considering their hot and cold attack which usually only shows up when the pressure is off.
2nd – The Panthers. Have been what many consider both the underachievers of years gone by but also the overachievers this year. Still the question remains, will their attack, which has relied heavily on the combination between Luke Walsh and Lachlan Coote (provided they return from injury) fire when the pressure is on? Or has the bubble burst for the Panthers?
3rd – The Tigers. Similar to the Panthers, the Tigers are another team that has underachieved in previous years but seemingly overachieved this year. This is probably largely due to the fact that Benji Marshall has managed to stay fit for a considerable amount of time allowing him to hit something close to his 2005 form. Personally, I see the Tigers as a strong contender as long as Tim Sheens manages to control himself and settle on a consistent line up, without a winger on the bench (Daniel Fitzhenry?). They could pose a serious threat.
4th – The Titans. Probably like the Dragons; not the most enjoyable team to watch but under the guidance of John Cartwright they know how to grind out wins. However, being a new team they are lacking in finals experience which will work against them. If they are to pose a serious threat both Scott Prince and Preston Campbell need to be fit and firing.
5th – The Warriors. Probably the dark horse of this year’s competition, as they came back from a poor start to the season to become one of the best defensive outfits with a strong kicking game from NRL discards James Maloney and Brett Seymour. If they can continue their form under the pressure of finals football, the rest of the teams better watch out.
6th – The Roosters. Another team that many will consider to have somewhat overachieved with a transitioning roster and new coach. But they have shown to have strong and talented youngsters coming through the system in the likes of Mose Masoe and Kane Linnett. Much relies on whether the experienced players (Jason Ryles the penalty machine) can set a good example for the young players who have yet to experience finals football. If they are to go deep into the finals it will most likely be due to the stunning revival of Todd Carneys career.
7th – The Raiders. Consistently a team that no one rates but always seems to squeal into the top eight. The difference this year is that they are in form and have arguably one of the biggest and best packs in the competition added with a young and very talented back line. One thing for sure is that the Dragons will be breathing a big sigh of relief that they don’t have to play their bogey team in the first round. Either way things for the Raiders are looking up especially next year with their pack only getting bigger with the addition of Brett White and the backline getting the added flair of Blake Ferguson.
8th – The Sea Eagles. Finally the Sea Eagles, who just managed to cling to their spot in the eight. While their team still has quite a few players left from their premiership success a lot will be riding on whether or not they can manage to field those players considering their current injury/suspension crisis. However despite their lowly position the Dragons would be foolish to discount the only recent premiership team in the top eight, due to the lack of perennial finalists Brisbane and the salary cap sanctioned Storm being out of the running.
By and large, this year is almost impossible to pick and as it stands I can’t pick one team. Thus the three teams I think could take it are Tigers, Warriors and Raiders (as the outsiders).
Nevertheless, in the end, as long as the team that wins is playing in an entertaining style, the fans and NRL should be happy.
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