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With the Rugby League World Cup almost out of the way, all attention now turns to the upcoming 2014 NRL season.
2013 was a fascinating year for the NRL, and no matter how successful (or unsuccessful) your team was in 2013, 2014 is a brand new season with different challenges facing each of the 16 teams.
This is part two of the series, seeing what kind of issues confront your team in 2013.
North Queensland Cowboys: Going going gone?
After two “disappointing” exits from two consecutive finals series, the North Queensland Cowboys look to be slipping off the pace.
Despite all the controversy, 2012 saw them reach the semi-finals while in 2013 they reached only the qualifiers.
While they have a talented team assembled for the 2014 season, bolstered by the addition of Lachlan Coote, one wonders if we can truly expect anything fascinating from the Cows next year.
The introduction of new coach Paul Green perhaps serves for the best kind of positivity for next year, and a good showing from him may be their best chance for a successful season.
Parramatta Eels: When will it start to go north?
Realistically, the Parramatta Eels could have their own article about expectations for 2014, but more realistically, who wants to write one?
What is perhaps most encouraging for Parramatta fans is that they have assembled a decent best 13 for next year, highlighted by the additions of young talents Will Hopoate, Corey Norman and Lee Mossop from England.
If each player 1-13 can find their best form, you’d like their chances of not winning the wooden spoon. Let’s just hope new coach Brad Arthur can bring that out.
Penrith Panthers: When can they hit their straps?
The Penrith Panthers, or simply the ‘Panthers’, as they are now known, are in a situation similar to that of the Canberra Raiders. They finished three spots higher than the Raiders, in 10th, and arguably have more reason for positivity next year.
2014 will see a complete overhaul of the playmaking reigns, with the keys being handed to former Blues Jamie Soward and Peter Wallace.
Gus Gould seems to have put together a decent mix of talent both young and old. Let’s just hope for their sake that the young isn’t too young and the old too old.
South Sydney Rabbitohs: What will it take?
South Sydney fans probably don’t won’t to hear about football until the next season starts, but there’s no reason they should lose faith for 2014.
Many are convinced that this is the most, if not second-most talented team in the league. While that may be true, Rabbitohs fans of all will be most convinced that it takes much more than talent to win the ‘ship.
While it takes a brave man to question the genius of ‘Madge’ Maguire, if it’s not another year of experience that will get the Rabbits over the line, perhaps it’ll take a different coach.
St. George/Illawarra Dragons: When will it start to go north?
St. George Illawarra were one of the three teams on an island on the bottom of the ladder in 2013.
Like those teams isolated with them, their fans will be wondering when it’s going to get better.
In 2014, Dragons fans can expect young, fresh energy from the halves, with management placing all their faith in the young of Gareth Widdop and Sam Williams.
2014 will also see crunch year for coach Steve Price, who will need to prove his worth if he is to have a job the year after.
Sydney Roosters: Can they defend the throne?
A wise man once said “the only thing harder than winning a title is defending one”.
The last team do such in Australian rugby league (excluding Super League) was the Brisbane Broncos, 20 years ago in 1993.
The return of Sonny Bill Williams for one final season in Sydney is as important as anyone can imagine, as is the unchanged starting line-up they will employ again in 2014.
Briefly said, I like their chances to be the first team in 21 to repeat.
New Zealand Warriors: What does Sam Tomkins add?
It’s hard to know where to look with the 2014 New Zealand Warriors. Recent play (excluding goal-kicking) from Shaun Johnson has been inspired, exemplified in the Rugby League World Cup.
2014 will likely see him establish himself as New Zealand’s (both the Warriors and the Kiwis) next perennial halfback. Then attentions turns to their new franchise fullback in Sam Tomkins.
The most anticipated player of next year adds a whole other level of expectations for the 2014 Warriors.
Add in a nice supporting cast highlighted by Locke, Nielsen and Vatuvei and suddenly the enigmatic Warriors start to become a little more threatening.
Wests Tigers: When will it start to go north?
The Wests Tigers’ 2013 season was about as embarrassing as seasons come for a team expected to win it all a few seasons ago. The disappointing year was capped off by the departure of Benji Marshall to rugby union.
Despite the introduction of the incredibly impressive Luke Brooks to the fray late in the season, as well as the prospect of other champion juniors beginning the careers, one can expect another uphill battle in 2014 for the Tigers and their fans.
All one can hope for is that the experience of rough times serves this young team well.
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