The NRL is so full of hope this season and there are many questions in fans’ mind. Will Greg Inglis prevail for the Bunnies, will the Bulldogs take the Grand Final or will it go back to the now eligible Storm, again?
Well, let’s see:
The Contenders:
The Brisbane Broncos will have a big impact in the 2011 season. With a new coach and new potential in the side, they would want to forget ruining their record of consecutively making the top eight.
The Bulldogs have made some great signings in the off-season. Frank Pritchard, who played well in the Kiwis victorious Four-nations campaign, is one of them.
It will be good to see them in the final and they will be one of the contenders to win it if they make it to the final.
The West Tigers have been predicted by Phil Gould to win the competition as they fell short in a narrow loss to St. George in the decider. Benji is now an unknown for the side but I am sure he will really make up for it with some great football this season.
The Dragons will be under the pump to win back-to-back premierships, but still under the direction of master coach Wayne Bennett, they will be strong contenders for the title.
The Pretenders:
The Newcastle Knight will be probably at their worst this season. With some good handy players in Gidley and Uate, it will still be no surprise if they make the eight but I doubt it.
The North Queensland Cowboys may have the same problem. Being a big fan of them, I just can’t say whether they’ll make it or not. I hope that with all the big signings, they will try but can’t count on it.
The Canberra Raiders had a lucky season in 2010 as they cruised through to the finals. However, I’m still uncertain if they could do it again. Although, with Matt Orford as their new halfback and the skills of star Josh Dugan, anything is possible for this side.
The Manly Sea Eagles may not make it this time to the top eight. They struggled at the back-end of the season in 2010 and with no real halves-pair (unless Jamie Lyon steps in) they fail to show off.
The Back-enders:
The Cronulla Sharks. No. They will not see the top eight this year. You can say they signed this player or that player but it will make no difference to the side. It will take more than a few good players to help this team.
The Penrith Panthers. Can they back-up last season? I don’t think so. Matthew Elliot can continue chucking wobblies this season because I don’t think they will make it.
Where does your team fit?
Reckon you can pick the winning team? Build your own dream team with Draftstars daily fantasy and compete on any match. For great odds on the NRL head on over to PlayUp. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
The Wests Tigers threw the ball around like it was a grenade with the final kick sitting up perfectly for Charlie Staines to collect…
It was already going horrendously for Benji Marshall and the Tigers, 22-0 down at the hour mark, when their captain walked off the field.…
Samuela Fainu thought he pulled off a great tackle on Corey Oates, the problem was he was running for a quick restart, instead, he…
Api Koroisau thought he slammed the ball down for a try but on review, the bunker said there was separation and ruled no try.…
Deine Mariner had a shocker dropping the last pass with the line open, but he made up for it moments later with a diving…
The NRL's match officials announcement on Tuesday lunchtime is usually cause for little fanfare, but sparked debate this week with top ref Ashley Klein…
