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With the new season approaching, and after an off-season teeming with controversy, here are my predictions for the 2015 season.
North Queensland Cowboys – 1st
After witnessing Jason Taumalolo’s dominant display in the Auckland Nines, I am convinced that along with master halfback Johnathan Thurston and an array of speedy outside backs, the Cowboys will finally prove their worth in 2015.
Last season, the Cowboys only managed three wins from 12 away games, so they will need to improve on that basis.
South Sydney Rabbitohs – 2nd
If Adam Reynolds’ performance at the Nines was any indication of his capabilities for the 2015 season, the Rabbitohs have a great chance of being very competitive this season. While it may be difficult to go back to back, South Sydney seem very enthusiastic. However, they may have to contend with a number of players leaving for State of Origin duty.
Penrith Panthers – 3rd
They may have had quite a soft draw in 2014, yet with a host of injuries to key players, the Panthers continued to rise, and I believe they will be even better in 2015. Many of Penrith’s young stars, including Waqa Blake, Bryce Cartwright and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, would have appreciated the off-season to build skills in order thrive in first grade. However, it is noted that powerhouse winger Josh Mansour and Jamal Idris are expected to be late starters in the new season due to off-season surgery.
Sydney Roosters – 4th
2015 should see the Roosters maintain a top four position, but eventually begin to slide. Blake Ferguson’s arrival should boost attacking flair, however their eventual position depends upon the form of halves James Maloney and Mitchell Pearce. They have a formidable forward pack nevertheless, and young Jackson Hastings seems a fitting replacement for injured hooker Jake Friend.
Brisbane Broncos – 5th
The Broncos have recruited well for 2015, and boast one of the most professional forward packs in the competition. Master coach Wayne Bennett returns, with a 66 per cent winning rate while coaching the Brisbane side, compared to recently sacked coach Anthony Griffin (54.1 per cent). However, I personally feel that those glory days are gone. The Broncos will definitely figure in the 2015 finals, but where they finish depends on the form of Anthony Milford.
Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs – 6th
Ever since the departure of Ben Barba the Bulldogs have struggled to find a permanent fullback. Sam Perrett did a great job last year, however much of the Bulldog’s attacking statistics will rest upon new recruit Brett Morris. The Dogs boast a monster forward pack, and while they may struggle to come up with points, they most certainly make up for it with brutal defensive displays.
Manly Sea Eagles – 7th
The Sea Eagles’ forward pack is beginning to crumble. They have lost seasons of experience following the departures of Brent Kite and Jason King. Therefore, their young guns must step up. They still possess a potent backline starring Daly Cherry-Evans and Kieran Foran, whose futures are clouded by uncertainty.
Cronulla Sharks – 8th
The Auckland Nines have reiterated the reason why the Sharks will figure in the 2015 finals – courage. Ben Barba is a great purchase, however he will still struggle to reach the heights of his 2011 campaign. With a host of key players returning from injury, Cronulla will hope for a less controversial year and that Luke Lewis stays on the field for at least two games.
Newcastle Knights – 9th
I plead with Rick Stone, the Knights need Jake Mamo at fullback. Along with the Matu’utia brothers, Mamo is the future of the club and provides attacking flair which compliments well with the experienced, older players at Newcastle. Their fans are optimistic, and should be.
Melbourne Storm – 10th
I have a feeling that this may be the year the Storm crumble. Jesse Bromwich is firing, but do the ‘Big Three’ still have it in them? They will have hoped to have solved their issue in the five-eighth role with the signing of Englishman Blake Green and his involvement could sway their overall result in 2015.
New Zealand Warriors – 11th
Last year I predicted the Warriors would finish fourth. I was left disappointed. Their defensive display against Penrith in their most recent trial was promising, yet they remain a real question mark. But if they solve their defensive lapses they finish in the eight. At least.
Wests Tigers – 12th
Originally I had the Tigers finishing ninth and just missing out as I saw parallels between them and the Panthers of 2013. A young side, underrated by many. However, to be any chance of making the finals, they need to aim up in defence. Last year, Luke Brooks missed a whopping 116 tackles. I know he gets beat up about this a lot, but the Tigers and Brooks himself have aimed up to try become a more defensive unit. I am not entirely convinced though.
Parramatta Eels – 13th
I am really not sure about the Eels. Chris Sandow is in great shape and seems excited for the 2015 season. However, it is a real mystery how the Eels will handle life without Jarryd Hayne. Will William Hopoate step up and rise as new club fullback?
St George Illawarra Dragons – 14th
I believe that after a full off-season, both Benji Marshall and Gareth Widdop will head into 2015 with a much better combination than previous. However, despite losing crowd favourite Brett Morris, the Dragons have recruited pretty woefully and I just cannot see them competing, unless they give some of their young forwards a chance.
Canberra Raiders – 15th
I still think the Raiders just have enough to avoid the dreaded wooden spoon. Optimism exudes from new rookie halfback Mitchell Cornish, and workhorse Shaun Fensom should shoulder more responsibility this season. The Titans and Raiders should be battling out for the lowly prize, and I think a new, exciting halves combination, including skilful ex-Tiger Blake Austin will benefit.
Gold Coast Titans – 16th
The Titans boast a great mix of young, energetic stars such as James Roberts and experienced leaders such as Nate Myles. However, the alleged news of involvement of two Titans players in potential drug trafficking means they will need to be especially brave this year. It is also speculated that Greg Bird may be leaving after this season, and other than some shock wins against adversity it could be a long year. But, it’s only bound to get better some time.
2015 Ladder
1. Cowboys
2. Rabbitohs
3. Panthers
4. Roosters
5. Broncos
6. Bulldogs
7. Manly
8. Sharks
9. Knights
10. Storm
11. Warriors
12. Tigers
13. Eels
14. Dragons
15. Raiders
16. Titans
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