So far this year I’ve written a crazy idea for the future of the NRL, complained that there are too many Sydney teams in the competition, outlaid my fearless predictions for the season, and induced a full-blown code war.
Clearly, I’m not one for easing my way into the season.
So with those boxes ticked, it’s time to actually move onto the only thing that really matters: the actual football.
More specifically, it’s time to field some questions from Roarers about the upcoming NRL season, and I have to say, I’m extremely curious as to what our rabid rugby league fans are keen to discuss, dissect and debate.
As is customary at the start of any season, there are a thousand questions that could potentially be asked, as it’s the time of the year when the unknowns are as vast as they are varied.
Can the Wests Tigers avoid their expected wooden spoon?
Will the Sydney Roosters go back-to-back?
How will the rugby union defectors, Sam Burgess and Sonny Bill Williams, perform in their last year in the NRL?
Will the NSW Blues finally end their State of Origin drought against the all-conquering Queensland Maroons?
Which coach will get fired first?
When will the first UFO sighting – or some other conspiracy theory – first surface from Queensland?
Will Mitchell Pearce receive chance number 3584 at Origin level?
Will the eventual premiership winner come outside the big four of the Roosters, Storm, Rabbitohs or Sea Eagles?
What’s the over/under for the number of code wars on The Roar for 2014?
Will Parramatta vote on another new board?
Can Ricky Stuart deliver results in the nation’s capital?
Who will Cameron Smith sign with?
How long until Geoff Toovey goes on a wild rant about the referees?
Will the Warriors remain consistently inconsistent?
Who will win the Dally M Medal?
Have the NRL referees learnt to count to six?
Will Ben Barba be worth all the trouble for Brisbane?
Can the Newcastle Knights stay injury (and trouble) free?
Can you name 13 first-grade-standard players at the Dragons?
Will my beloved Bulldogs be pretenders or contenders this season?
Whatever question you have, fire away. Do your worst. Heck, do your best! And for an hour I shall endeavour to answer them all, from 11am today.
Ryan O'Connell
Expert
So who's behind them???
Ryan O'Connell
Expert
He actually went alright on Saturday!
Ryan O'Connell
Expert
You should probably ask Steve himself on his next Roar piece.
Ryan O'Connell
Expert
You should!
Ryan O'Connell
Expert
How's that optimism now?
john badseed
Guest
did bellyache give steve turner a SOO jersey as part of the salary cap rort?
Passionate_Aussie
Roar Rookie
Maybe when I do a live Q & A's with Passionate Aussie :P
Ryan O'Connell
Expert
Well, come on, out with them!
Passionate_Aussie
Roar Rookie
So a lot. I have a few problems of my own that id like changing but it will never happen.
Ryan O'Connell
Guest
Cracking start too
Jake
Guest
188cm & 108kg small hey?!?
Ryan O'Connell
Expert
He's a fine player, who wouldn't look out of place in a Maroons jersey.
Ryan O'Connell
Expert
You really think that Col? You don't think they're a playmaker short?
Col Quinn
Guest
With Graham being available for the whole season and not needing a 12 week catchup Canterbury-Bankstown will be in a far better position than last year. Graham is difference between a winning and losing pack. When Graham plays nearly all the forwards move the ball around, like a pommy pack. If the Dogs dont win this year they will come mighty close.
Dogs Of War
Roar Guru
Well he sort of revealed his hand last year by doing the same thing with Drury Low last year. Named him on the wing, and suddenly he was playing fullback (Not very well I may add). At least Corey Thompson has some size and a bit more pedigree in that position.
Christian D'Aloia
Roar Guru
I don't know about you, but I wouldn't be surprised if Corey Thompson swaps positions with Sam Perrett at some point during the match. That's the kind of thing I'd expect Hasler to do.
Dogs Of War
Roar Guru
It's mine all mine!
Sean
Guest
@ Dogs Of War: I agree they're both solid but not amazing, but you need guys like that to make up a strong side. @Ryan O'Connell: I agree about Chambers. He will probably play Origin this year if Hodges isn't fit and ready. I think SBW gets enough raps. But let's not open any cans today.
Mark Young
Roar Guru
Makes perfect sense to me, I'm worried that the window for the Central Coast Bears was open eight years ago when the Titans came on board, and now it is firmly shut with Brisbane, NZ2 and Perth leaping ahead. Anyway, five hours to the Season!!!
Mark Young
Roar Guru
Gday Tristan! How is the new position going? Well done on moving onwards and upwards! Sad about the Knights but true, seems to be not much love at ALL! I'm running the Grand Prix live blog so hope you have time to check in while the retirements pile up Cheers mate!