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
Penrith Punter
Roar Guru
Mate thanks for the thoughts. I wasn't trying to buy into the headlines. I think Cronk is still very good and slater and smith sure they are still classy players , the warriors are also great in attack and if they improve their defense they'll be there, the tigers are still young and were a power team 3 years ago but not now. there are a lot of teams that could make the eight and I wouldn't be surprised if Storm or warriors made it but I had to limit it to 8. The only team I think could possibly slip out of my eight is Cronulla but that's it really.
Tony
Guest
You are obviously entitled to your opinion, but your predictions are obviously based on an inexperienced knowledge of the game. I think it's back to the drawing board for you my friend. Take a good look at who you have listed in your Top 8. Don't be influenced by the media hyped titles of " Master Coach", or fairy tales of " bottom of the table " teams who are predicted to make an impossible dreams come true in a matter of six months. Five or six of your Top 8 look almost certainties however, to leave mighty talent like Warriors, Storm, and Tigers out of the 8 is just dreaming. Everybody has been saying the " Big 3 " have had it. The Warriors can't play away from home, and the Tigers get injured and can't finish a season. Tell me in June that Slater is a has-been, Cronk's kicking game is no good any more, Cameron Smith is too slow, The Warriors can't score more points than they concede, or that The Tigers have no attack or finish to win a comp. With the new recruits, player movements, clever signings, sensational training and medical programs, and sheer determination, I'm sure we will see 2 out of YOUR last 9 teams somewhere in the 8. Just watch and I will remind you at the end of June about how you "gave up" on " a Tiger ", " A Warrior ", and three of the greatest League players to put on a boot.
Muzz
Guest
Sounds like you have it ALL figured out, Gappy All the best for the coming season.
Josh P
Guest
He should never hand abandoned his running game from his junior years. Since he has started to take on the line more, he has not only prospered but he has put a lot more doubt in defender's minds.
Josh P
Guest
My point is not that it only happens to the Cowboys. My point is that we won't be minor premiers because we will lose critical games around that time. My only hope is that we find ways to win with our remaining cattle, but if QLD were to pick Michael Morgan, then we will have even less attacking options during that period.
Gappy
Guest
You talk about after origin the cowboys struggled look at what happen to the dogs and it could be worst thus year for them as possible lose 6 players Morris twins, Jackson, Klemmer, Hodkinson & Reynolds so you lose 3 big deal. Every top team struggles after origin
Gappy
Guest
No I think losing Ennis is a big lose but the cowboys have had at better 1,6 & 7 a few years ago and still have no real 7. The Rooster 7 is probly the most overrated play in the league. The bunnies wouldn't go back to back and Kearny is overrated big time hasn't done much all last year. Luke to me is the best hooker in the league. But both the bunnies & roosters won on the back of great forwards SBW and Sammy B. I just can't see any team beating the dogs come October. Parra and Sharks are looking good for a finals birth but I do believe it's the dogs year the can only beat themselfs
The Barry
Roar Guru
I've given up worrying what people think of the bulldogs halves. There was nothing wrong with the dogs attack in the first half of 2014 and both Reynolds and Hodkinson were at the business end of the Dally M leaderboard. Which is exactly why they were picked for origin. They were both playing very well. Both of them struggled coming back into club footy after origin - not unusual for first timers. Hodko struggled with a knee injury for most of the back end of the season and Reynolds spent a lot of time suspended. It's a simplistic (and incorrect) assumption to blame them for the dogs problems in attack in the back end of the season, all the while ignoring the significant injury toll the dogs had at the time. These guys were good enough to play in NSWs first series win for 8 years and take the dogs to the GF. Hodko stepped up and won an origin off his own bat with a solo try. How long have we waited for a NSW halfback to step up in a clutch moment like that? But he still gets bagged. As a dogs fan it's better for us that they don't get picked for origin. Very disappointing as fans of them personally. Very disappointing as a NSW fan if that's how they treat the series winning incumbents. It would also speak volumes about NSW culture (or lack of) if they are discarded. I couldn't be more comfortable with where we sit with our halves and there's very few I'd swap them for.
Benny
Guest
I know this has been said in the past but I get the feeling Pearce is in for a massive year this year. Will be one of the best players in the game this year
Muzz
Guest
Gappy, All i'm trying to say is that the Dogs will be in the mix however they'll fall JUST short through the lack of spark/creativity.This imo will be the difference. Compare your 1, 6 and 7 to the Cows, Roosters and Bunnies and then throw in Jake Friend and Issac Luke who have both recently won a premiership and are also in their prime.The difference in playmaking and ballplaying ability becomes stark. James Graham blows me away however i think he's overused to compensate for the plodder halves thus making him less effective and the team more predictable.Reflect back on how Manly used Glen Stewart in their second phase play.There was always an element of surprise that cut D lines in two. I also think your underestimating the loss of Michael Ennis.
Muzz
Guest
I like Pearcey mate.He's copped plenty over the years but has worked hard on his game.Things are now starting to click for him. I thought Maloney played a huge part in 2013 premiership win but was more miss than hit last season.Pearce was the more dominant playmaker. It will be interesting to see how we go if they both fire.There's plenty of strike power for them to feed across the park.
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Yeah mate checked a few things, nothing on Lyon. All news outlets, however, reporting a knee injury. Funny that Manly are only talking about Symonds hyper-extending his elbow. My guess is Lyon limped off, he was fine, but they didn't send him back out after half-time as a precaution. Reporters have jumped on that. Good to hear Pearce ran the show well, Muzz. Would love to see him back in Blue.
Muzz
Guest
Hi eJ, I wasn't there.My mates went and were sending me updates.Have you checked the Silvertails forum? They may have an update on Lyon. Ruddy trail games.The necessary evil that stress out fans.
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Muzz, were you at the game? Aap reporting Lyon injured his knee, will miss round 1, but Manly saying they simply took him off at half-time. Who to believe?!
Josh P
Guest
I like my Cowboys chances based on the way we finished last season. At the end of last season, we beat Souths and Canterbury away (in Sydney) and pretty convincingly. We had narrow (1 point...?) away losses to Penrith, and of course, the final versus the Chooks (also 1 point). Our road form is much better now (at least the end of the last year), but everybody overlooks that. My concern is a minor premiership because we always struggle around the origin period. We will at least give up JT and Scott, perhaps Tamou and maybe a few others (though, I hope not...), and thus, could miss out on a crucial 4-10 points. Hannant should be a replacement for Ashton Sims. Taumololo to kick on. There has been talk about losing Tate and Tariq Sims. Great players, no doubt, but they were hardly on the paddock for us thanks to injuries and suspensions. Justin O'Neil, Granville, King, Coote and Wright to push all incumbents hard for positions. Ethan Lowe to step up.
Benny
Guest
Hopefully he'll be good for round one
Muzz
Guest
That's all i know Benny.He could put weight on it so hopefully not too serious.I guess he'll need scans
Benny
Guest
Heard about Fergo's ankle, any word on how serious?
Muzz
Guest
Roosters 36 Manly 6 in todays trail game.Napa best on ground.Maloney 6 from 6(can foz do that?) Fergo rolled ankle, doesn't look good. Manly without Matai, Lawrence and Buhrer.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
People say this a lot, but a good number of halves have 3-4 set plays they run like clockwork -- well drilled and executed to be certain, but only a few plays with subtle variation. Virtually every Bulldogs loss last year was down to making far more errors than is acceptable for a first grade side rather than any lack of creativity from the halves.