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?
Darrell
Guest
Oh dear...
therookie
Roar Pro
And u said the broncos don't have a chance
JC
Guest
NC, you should flesh out a bit more of the 'why' as opposed to the 'what'.
therookie
Roar Pro
Graham is great. its Bani who plays like a blind bat. He drops everything given to him and somehow mess' up the most easiest of plays. While Graham: is fast, can tackle and will very valuable for NQ. In U-20's James Segeyaro will probably play origin in 20-whenever as soon as Payne retires.
NF
Guest
It makes no sense to have Bani & Ash on after being proven as duds there needs to be more young blood a few players from the under-20 may be ready to step up onto the next level sooner than later.
sambaker
Roar Rookie
Cowboys won't win a game if Neil Henry keeps making stupid selections like Michael Bani and Ash Graham. They couldn't tackle to save their life. Why he has not been sacked is beyond me. Although I like the fact Ray Thompson, Will Tupou and Tariq Sims are in the team.
berra boy
Guest
hilarious - is this phil gould? go raiders!
NF
Guest
Who would of thought that the Broncos once favorite for finals every year is now not capable of not making the 8. Times a changing. As a Cowboys fan hopefully the change begins with a formidable season from the Cowboys I'm happy with 8th-12th anything than last year. Then 2012 I feel could be our year with the talented youngsters we got in under-20's and our re-vamped squad this year providing no injuries & no JT hissy-fits I think we be good.
weinrage
Guest
Is this for real? Broncos as top contenders??? Definite joke. They will not make the top 8, no doubt about it.
Roarr
Guest
My tactic is to pick 2-3 teams that absolutely every picks to not make the 8 (i.e last year canberra/wests/panthers) and tip them to make a move. Then choose 2-3 teams that absolutely everybody is saying will make the 8 (i.e last year parramatta, bulldogs, broncos) and tip them to miss out. So this year i'd say cowboys, manly and maybe even cronulla (that might be a stretch) to push into the top 8, whilst maybe roosters and raiders to just miss out. The season is so long, that one or two injuries at the wrong time and you lose all your momentum. Alot can happen in the months from March-October.And as the eels showed in 09, if you can string together a good last third of the season, you can go within 80 minutes of winning the whole thing from 8th! It's good to see that most teams are actually looking pretty strong and have a good starting 1-17 (on paper anyway) which gives their fans a decent amount of hope.
Gaz
Guest
The Broncos will make the top eight alright. Cut this out pin it to your wall and have a look in September. The coach is new only to us not to the players. The Broncos have enormous depth in all positions and in particular the forwards. Just watch them go! -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
Adrian
Guest
About time you stopped posting articles. Firstly you said that sonny bill whatshisname starred in the Crusaders win over NSW and now your saying the Broncos are contenders! Have they got a coach? Transition season for Brisbane while they line up a new coach for 2012 they've got no chance. Manly will make the top eight as well. -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
Willy
Guest
The Broncos as contenders? You're kidding, right? They're an injury or two away from being wooden spoon contenders, and will be nowhere near the title. And the Bulldogs are a fringe Top 8 side, at best. On another note - I am having a couple of bucks on Greg Inglis to win the Dally M Front Rower of the Year title. He looks like a special.