Following on from Tuesday’s examination of your team’s chances, here is part two of the look at the prospects of the Rabbitohs, Roosters, Cowboys and Sea Eagles.
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Myths: you have to lose one first before you win a grand final. I reckon Souths not making last season’s grand final and losing it won’t stop them from winning it this time round.
Rookie to the rescue: they already did it last season! What a season Adam Reynolds had, and there is more fresh talent there to keep the list very competitive for spots on a weekly basis.
What can stop the train: losing Inglis might not stop this well-oiled machine but it could seriously affect their winning chances on the big-pressure days.
Why they can win it: Inglis is the most dynamic match winner in the NRL and has become a consistent performer, even on days where his magnificence is not required.
The number of threats they have in attack from Luke with speed and strength at dummy half to Burgess smashing runs off the ruck to combos of Sutton and Merritt and Inglis this attack is not only potent but all those players improved during last season and can do it again this time round – scary.
What I really like about them: this season they can think they can win the comp and haven’t felt the need to excite everyone in and around their club by talking about it.
Rating: maybe not favourites but could be on grand final day. Will be interesting to see if they move to the Storm’s level of solving problems and inventing new ways so as not to be as predictable or reliant on same ways of winning between now and September time.
Sydney Roosters
Myths: as per others who had poor seasons in 2012 – it can be done in a year and this team has been set up for 2013 for three or more years now.
Rookie to the rescue: so many red hot youngsters some of whom have already had some NRL experience – Toupou, Cordner, Moga, Tuivasa, Tasi and Henry – but don’t take your eyes off Brendan Tago an NYC front rower maturing there again in 2013.
A ruthless performer with the most wonderful rugby league fundamentals that need some harnessing, but when that happens the Roosters will have yet another top prospect on their books.
What can stop the train: emotion and either end of it – too excited too soon or too down too easily. Roosters just need to be there in the eight at end of season and keep improving as season wears on. Hard to do that if demands are you have to be red hot and carving every other team up in March.
Why they can win it: talent galore! And plenty in store for coming seasons too if the ship stays upright.
What I really like about them: Maloney has the talent and personality to fill in many of the question mark areas from his playing talent (support, awareness, crafty kicking and competitiveness) to his on-field fun loving pressure-breaking antics.
Rating: a real chance of capturing the headlines for all sorts of reasons in 2013. For all those who love the mighty Roosters and those who love watching top talent execute well I hope those headlines are for all the right reasons. Top four for sure – if they get the headlines right!
North Queensland Cowboys
Myths – Cows can’t win in Sydney. This needs to become a myth by end of season 2013. These issues always have a reason – the answer needs to found ASAP.
Rookie to the rescue: some really good prospects for the future in this area for Cows. Back-rower Grevsmuhl has some great carries in him. Ulugia and ex-NYC Rooster Curtis Rona have raps.
What can stop the train: Apart from the very obvious (A Thurston injury and away record) I am concerned about the replacement of all that Payne and Segayaro brought to the Cows’ attack in recent seasons.
Would love to see Ant Mitchell do well but not sure he can manage solo anything like those important aspects of dummy half play – structure and consistency and footy intelligence (Payne) and lightning pace and points (Segayaro).
Why they can win it (or at least have successful season): Thurston’s ongoing inspiration and competitiveness and class.
I hope he doesn’t lose it for any reason for the Cowboys’ sake. Some very good young players who can really grow and take the team with them if they follow the leader.
What I really like about them: Some great finishing players leading directly to points. The team’s ability to attack in so many parts of the field in so many different ways.
That’s why I am concerned about dummy-half situation – it may limit them this time round and their D would need to improve considerably to compensate.
Rating: possible comp winners. If the first few games show that they have sorted the travel bug look out as the confidence of youngsters could really grow. Without it – get off quick.
Manly Sea Eagles
Myths: they can’t win without Des. Or maybe? Lets see if his influence carried over for a season only.
Rookie to the rescue: – Alas I can’t find a Cherry-Evans or Foran. Another club where all resources have gone to top level and the long term is not far from the here and now!
What can stop the train: the continuous drain of the top squad depth as back-ended contracts for the superstars leaves lean pickings for players 11 to 25 instead of 21 to 25 for other clubs.
Why they can win it: still some fantastic matchwinners and genuinely tough guys who have that hunger to compete not only every week season on season but on every play!
And the key positions are covered by exactly those types of winners, team-oriented and physically fierce – Ballin, Foran, Cherry-Evans, the Stewarts and Jamie Lyon – wow.
What I really like about them: all of the previous point over and over again.
Rating: I suspect they will need a lot more of the luck factor to go well for them this season than they needed in the past.
Skinnier squad, perhaps the wear and tear of demanding training programmes and the physical domination required to win matches in the style they have employed for many seasons could be a little too much.
In any case, beware.
Kellett_1992
Guest
Chodo, Unfortunately not, but Brisbane Broncos did. I thought manly would beat Brisbane but I still stand by my prediction. Most people don't expect Brisbane to make finals, I think Brisbane showed what they can do this year. It's a long competition and we shall see what happens.
chodo
Guest
So did Manly show you something different against your beloved Broncos?
Cameron
Roar Guru
Brian Smith, Firstly I would like to thank you for your contribution to the game of Rugby League, secondly I would like to thank you for your contributions to this website. Each article has been quite insightful and provided a good read. I don't believe I have commented before for I haven't felt the need to add anything yet but with the season now underway I feel as though I can get into the full swing of things. There were aspects in tonights match between Roosters and Rabbits that gave fans something to look forward to. South Sydney look much stronger than last season already and with team structures now settled and depth forming I can see Souths easily returning to the glory days in seasons to come. Sydney Roosters although dominated on the score board, showed signs that something is starting to click. If the opening exchanges are anything to go by, the Roosters are going to have a good season. SBW? I didn't know what to think when he re-signed for an NRL club but I honestly believe he can be one of the buys of the season. He may not have trained long with the team, but he has to be on the park a lot longer if the Roosters are going to create more chances in attack. Although possessing a great centre pairing I believe SBW is honestly better than both combined. In attack I believe he needs to stay out wide in around the centres, this will create even more headaches for defence. It will take some more time but even Tom Waterhouse was spot on, Roosters will require now time to gel thus the reason they weren't favorites although possessing a great team on paper. Enough about Roosters and Rabbits, moving on. In regards to the Cowboys, it is once again a story of now or never to win their first, premiership, winning in Sydney will be VITAL to achieve this. With the salary cap increasing and a formidable team assembled by Cowboys, it's a matter of time before more poaching occurs. Will JT go or stay? A great player but he'll want to finish his career with,a premiership ring that he 'earnt' in his prime and not thanks to injury (Steve Price). Can the Cowboys overcome these mental frailties? This weekend will go a long way to relinquishing some demons. Manly? I only bear ill feeling for this club during 2013. I don't know if they have what it takes anymore? Class players they posses but you're only as good as your last match and the finish to 2012 will be one to forget. Today Manly take on Broncos. Last year one of the best games was played by these two but in that game it established the lack of dominance portrayed in previous seasons. I am predicting manly to not make the finals, 9th is my tip. Maybe tonight they'll show me something different against my beloved Broncos. Cheers for the read. Look forward to more.
Bazzio
Roar Guru
what about the sharks, Smiffy?