Now that the North Queensland Cowboys got that maiden premiership after a 20-year journey, I wonder which club would be next to break out through and become premiers.
Only three clubs remain who are yet to claim a premiership. They are the Cronulla Sharks, Gold Coast Titans, and the New Zealand Warriors. Of the three, the Titans are the least likely due to being in turmoil due to documented financial difficulties. Being the youngest of the three, they are long off of even contending for the title.
In the meantime they should be focusing on rebuilding the club from the ground up.
The New Zealand Warriors always enter every season with a lot of promise but fail to deliver, much like their brother club the Cowboys. Being from the expansion class of 95, both the Warriors and Cowboys show the same traits every season of promising results that only led to heartbreak and disappointment.
Recruitment of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Issac Luke bolsters the Warriors’ squad. They will be contenders provided Shaun Johnson remains healthy for the 2016 NRL season. At full strength, the 2016 Warriors can contend for the premiership.
Lastly, Cronulla Sharks, who since 1967 are yet to gain a premiership. The men from the Shire have had some great players over the years but have never got the job done. Recruiting James Moloney and Chad Townsend as the halves combination is a promising move by the Sharks. Along with the emergence of Jack Bird this season, the potential is there for the Sharks to be a smokey contender come finals time.
Overall, seeing a club get its maiden premiership is a wonderful moment and if ever the Cowboys drop out of the finals and these three teams are still involved, then I’ll be cheering them to get that maiden premiership. So out of the three teams Roarers, who would be closest to getting that maiden premiership?
Bradley Jurd
Roar Rookie
I think the Ipswich Jets have a better chance than Cronulla winning the premiership. But realistically, Cronulla do have a strong team. They've bought Maloney, Townsend and Jesse Sene-Lefao, won't be surprised if they make the top 4, but we'll do well to make the grand final. Warriors constantly have great juniors, but struggle to keep them and struggle to play away from home. That's the important stuff for the Warriors to work on. They've bought well; Roger Tuvisa-Sheck and Isaac Luke and Shaun Johnson needs to stay fit if they have a chance. Two words for Gold Coast; no chance.
Richard Maybury
Guest
I agree, they are favourites but they might need a bit to settle. Maybe 2017/18 but definitely the next to break their duck. After that, don't be surprised to see the Titans start to pick up so they could be next either them or an expansion team.
Richard Maybury
Guest
I do hope not. Gallen deserves to go out as the big loser that he is.
Richard Maybury
Guest
He probably is plus some of his on field and off field antics leave a lot to be desired. Not a very nice person I think.
Renegade
Roar Guru
They got to within two games of the GF with Jeff Robson..... They'll more than sweet with Maloney and Townsend.
Matthew Tomczyk
Roar Pro
Just putting it out there...Paul Gallen might be the most overrated player in the NRL.
Matthew Tomczyk
Roar Pro
My comment was a bit if a joke. I used it against Rabbitohs supporters until last year.
no one in particular
Roar Guru
Warriors need a coach
no one in particular
Roar Guru
Not with Chad Townsend as halfback
no one in particular
Roar Guru
The 17th and 18th team will get on before the sharks
NF
Roar Guru
Matthew Sharks since destined to be the underdog club of underdog clubs in the NRL, the Cowboys tend to be 'everyone' second team but there was always a glimmer of hope they would break through. But those who support the Sharks are supporting the true battler, under-dogs who might have there GF day one day surely.
NF
Roar Guru
Jarijari An expansion team coming in and swooping on a premiership is a possibility I didn't consider. The new expansion teams if they ever happen could pull a Storm and win in record time. To think the Storm have 2 legal premierships since 98 and Sharks since on 0 since 1967. Sports can be unforgiving to some supporters, decade after decade, heartbreak after heartbreak I don't know how they do it Shark fans.
matth
Guest
This shows how even our competition is
Shades Carter
Roar Rookie
I can totally agree with that.
jamesb
Guest
At this stage its out of Warriors and Sharks with the Warriors slightly ahead. Titans have to build a team around Elgey. They are probably five years away. Warriors and Sharks have the squads to do something in 2016. Ever since the NRL began in 1998, eleven teams have won it in 18 seasons. They are: Brisbane -3 Melbourne- 2 (*4) Roosters- 2 Manly- 2 Newcastle-1 Penrith- 1 Canterbury- 1 Wests Tigers- 1 Dragons- 1 Souths-1 Cowboys- 1 The pleasing thing for the Titans, Sharks and Warriors is in the last six grand finals, three teams (Dragons, Souths, Cowboys) have either broken their duck or a drought. So it does give hope to not only those three teams, but also Parra (1986) and Canberra (1994). IMO, over 20 years constitutes a drought.
Squidward
Roar Rookie
And it's 2 bites of the cherry cause next yr is 50th season. But they're actually celebrating 50yrs old in 2017
maximillian
Guest
I always thought it was hardest being a Warriors fan but I didn't realise the Sharks supporters have been waiting almost 50 years for a premiership! I'm hoping the Warriors can win 1 in the next few years but if they cant, then I hope the Sharks can win 1 for their fans.
Wolly
Roar Guru
My guess would have to be NZ Warriors. From next season they will have the kiwi 'Big 3' along with a pretty competitive forward pack. These next couple of seasons will be their best chance to win a premiership.
NF
Roar Guru
Sharks fans are loyal, to think 40+ years no premiership. I'm glad the Cowboys got one on the board now so now the focus would be increasing that total. While Sharkies will still be waiting during that time, it could be fitting the win in there 50th anniversary the same way Cows won in there 20th year.
Renegade
Roar Guru
Let's hope so Bronco.... just one will do ;)