As the preseason frenzy reaches its peak, here are a few random thoughts in anticipation of a great new season.
1. Souths will go hard to win back-to-back comps
I loved the way South Sydney wanted to and did win the Charity Shield and Nines, then demolished their Super League opponents in grand style in the World Club Series.
Approaching everything with a winning attitude has sparked the club. No hangover.
The coach is on the ball.
Read more from Brian Smith at SmithySpeaks
Whatever the reason, making Greg Inglis captain is a great decision by Michael Maguire. Evidence? Already there for all to see. In his media interviews Inglis has displayed real focus and conveyed clear messages of what the club, coach and players are striving for.
This transferred into his own performance – the win over St Helens was easily the best defensive performance I have seen from any fullback for many a year. Inglis’ positional play and anticipation was spot on for 80 minutes, an ominous improvement in a part of his game not always matching his attacking powers in the past.
The captain is setting the standard for everyone in Rabbitland from the get-go!
2. Paul McGregor is not going to follow Wayne Bennett’s model
The passive end of the line defence the Dragons have employed since Bennett’s arrival is dead and buried. The red and whites are now up and in whenever there is a threatening attack arriving.
Is that a good thing? Well the jury is out. Will Benji Marshall participate regularly? Will Jason Nightingale come forward on play four or five when opponents come to his side? He has made a living off being back with his fullback waiting for kicks, so old habits will die hard.
And I can’t wait to see the new attack Dragons players have hinted at. Understandably we saw nothing of it versus Warrington in the wet conditions. Looking forward to that in Round 1.
3. The Broncos will be hard to beat in 2015
The ground conditions versus Wigan restricted any real ball movement, until Wigan showed it was possible from their own goal-line, shifting it on play two in the final minutes, then going 100 metres for a game-equalling try!
Apart from Anthony Milford’s individual brilliance, Brisbane’s speed looks pretty limiting. There will be low-score wins for this squad rather than the rampaging, free-scoring Brisbane demolitions of decades past.
Adam Blair and James Gavet will add more starch and offloads, and quick play-the-balls to a vigorous pack.
4. Some clubs will be engaging in vital trades as we speak
As clubs assess preseason form of their team and specific individuals, as well as hear the good and bad news from their CEOs, big calls will be made.
The first bundle of pressure will be on head coaches and recruitment heads to improve any weaknesses in the roster. Taking educated gambles on young players or other inexperienced outliers on the edge of the full-time squad who have trained well and performed in preseason games can save cap money. Moving a player no longer required could save two-thirds of his cap cost if it happens this week.
The number of calls to and from the Titans and Raiders in the next few days will be huge. Some other tactical manoeuvres for the adventurous clubs could surprise.
5. The World Club Series has a future
The wonderful support at all matches and the atmosphere created by devoted ‘roogby’ fans suggest the WCS was a real winner for our game’s potential growth.
The tight and very physical contests between Warrington and St George Illawarra, and between Wigan and Brisbane had everyone on their feet at the ground and on the edge for the lounge here, spurred on by Channel Nine’s Joey and Freddy telling us what fantastic footy we were watching.
Standard, low-competitiveness high was how I saw it.
Where to from here for WCS?
No way José in Australia next year, or until the Super League clubs seriously challenge by winning and playing a better brand of footy. It should continue on the international calendar and be played in the UK until Super League fans vote ‘no’ with their feet, or they beat us.
Joe
Roar Rookie
Yes Reynolds is important too but I think if anything happens to him it will be Sutton to 6 and Keary to 7 so they do have options. The loss of Inglis though in my opinion would be much more catastrophic due to the difference in what he brings in comparison to the next best option.
Brendan
Guest
I would argue that Reynolds is just as important to Souths as Inglis.
Brendan
Guest
If your happy with 10K and "Steady" support then your sales team is terrible. Its a lot easier to keep current members than recruit new ones
James
Guest
Well of course you cant expect souths to replace inglis with someone as good, there's no one in the league as good as Inglis!!! Johnston will make a great full back in the future no doubt about it, the kid is class, has speed to burn and really he has only played 1 season of top grade footy, only 20 years old, has scored a ton of tries, the only way is up for him and with madge guidance, he'll become an even greater footballer.
Mark Ferguson
Roar Rookie
Oh where's their Leagues club that's right they DONT have one, these numbers you are quoting are football club members. Now the Roosters have 5 leagues clubs and if you added those members then the numbers would look alot different than what you quoted. On the Bunnies title defence they will find it's alot easier to win one than defend one as there are no easy games as every team lifts when playing the premiers.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Bunnies back to back eh, didn't you predict the chooks last year Smithy?
Joe
Roar Rookie
Souths looked a very different team from the one that played the Charity Shield. Obviously the inclusion of their stars had a part to play in it but it's looking to me like a lot of Souths success will hinge on Inglis being on the field. He just provides so much in attack and defence that I would go so far as to say that if anything happens to Inglis they can wave their back to back chances goodbye. I had hoped Alex Johnson would be a viable alternative at fullback same as Merritt had been the past couple of year but from his Charity Shield game I would say he has some way to go to be an alternative fullback. Out of all the positions in the Souths team I would say only Inglis is irreplaceable. On the Dragons defence I think it will be one of those all or nothing, great when they get it right but one lapse and it's a clean line break. I think Benji's edge will be the one tested as already there have been busts down that side, if a Super League side can do it you can bet the NRL sides will definitely be targeting him. Widdop is a great defender and is used to that rushing defence from his Storm days so would probably be better at it. The key of course is everyone being on the same page and up at the same time. With the Dragons smaller forwards if they start to get tired from defending against the monster packs there might be gaps opening up as in the WC game.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
At the very least, those two try to act professional. Fittler doesn't even try. The whole Channel Nine commentary philosophy is just rubbish, utter rubbish. The fact that it is somehow considered acceptable is mind boggling.
Epiquin
Roar Guru
Locky and Wal are just as guilty IMO.
Epiquin
Roar Guru
As opposed to all the other clubs, who have steady support no matter what the team's performance.
Brendan
Guest
Considering Souths cracked 20K well before they became a top 4 team id say its more a poor reflection on the Roosters and a lot of other clubs.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
Sorry, I read your Fittler and johns comment the wrong way. I saw 'praise' of Fittler's commentary and didn't notice the sarcasm drenching it. My bad.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Its well known souths fans come out of the woodwork when there's a march or a bit of success.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
I'll probably be repeating this phrase whenever the topic of the commentary and Fittler come up but I just don't understand how such rubbish is considered acceptable.
Squidward
Roar Rookie
How many are either dead or pets?
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Could be wrong here but pretty sure Smithy aint the biggest fan of the Ch 9 team ! Your are right regarding Freddy, if he actually took it more seriously he could make a good fist of it. His mate Joey isn't much better.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
When asked about his thought on Matty Bowen's transition to Super League, Fittler replied that he didn't know because he rarely watches Super League. His co-commentator was left with nothing, absolutely nothing to work with. That is stunningly unprofessional of a sports commentator. It beggars belief. Honestly, I just stared at the screen for a few moments after he said it and just... I don't know. I just don't know get how such rubbish is considered acceptable.
Brendan
Guest
One things for sure, they will certainly have one of the bigger supporter numbers cheering them on if membership is any indication. Souths are currently sitting at 31,403 members for 2015 compared to their arch rivals The Roosters tally of 10,838 members
The eye
Guest
How about some good oil from your club Brian ? Do they have the talent in the back row for an 8 spot this season..Is Robbie happy ?Whos the best back in the club ? Yes who,yes how,and why Brooks ?
Squidward
Roar Rookie
I just got a feeling they'll burn out come late July august. And they'll have a couple more rep players than usual this season and less poms