Have we ever had an off-season that provided as many headlines as this one? There were the internal rumblings at the Wests Tigers that dragged on for months, Dave Smith stepping down as CEO, and perhaps the biggest of them all was Mitch Pearce having a dog’s day out.
Despite all the off-field antics, this NRL season has the very real potential to be one of the closest we’ve seen in years.
So I’ve dusted off the crystal ball to provide you with some of the biggest headlines you will read throughout 2016 (60 per cent of the time I’m right every time).
5. Blues secure second series win in past 11 years
Many could be forgiven for thinking that 2014 was going to be the start of a new era of Blues domination. But the men in maroon brought a quick halt to that theory.
There’s no doubt 2016 will be the year that Queensland – a team for the ages, a team among the best in the history of any sport – finally relent and return to being an also-ran.
How will this happen? A backline featuring Josh Dugan, Josh and Brett Morris, Michael Jennings and Blake Ferguson is big, fast and strong. The perfect recipe for success.
4. Soward and Wallace lead a revival at the foot of the mountains
Injuries played a major role in Penrith’s demise, but no club likes to use that as an excuse.
From finalists in 2014 to an 11th place finish in 2015, the five-year plan is now six years.
A shock change in coach, as well as a dramatic shuffle in their roster – having lost the likes of Lewis Brown, Isaac John and Apisai Koroisau (all to Manly) – and the retirements of Brent Kite and Nigel Plum, the Panthers will be looking to Jamie Soward, Peter Wallace, new captain Matt Moylan, and star recruit Trent Merrin to reverse their fortunes in 2016.
Despite facing perhaps more questions than answers, there’s plenty of upside to this Panthers roster, and I expect them to push hard for a finals berth. After that, it’s anyone’s game.
3. Anthony Milford is crowned the best player in the game
The new generation is here and it’s their time to shine.
Prior to the 2015 season, Wayne Bennett suggested that the Broncos could “build” a future around Hunt and Milford, rating the duo the club’s “most exciting halves” alliance since Allan Langer and Kevin Walters.
With the backing of one of the strongest teams on paper, as well as being one half of said exciting halves partnership, Anthony Milford will take his game to a new level, showcasing his talent, and take out the 2016 Dally M.
2. Wests Tigers woes continue
On the back of a season that featured a string of consecutive losses and off-field woes, including new administration and serious salary cap issues, there has been no respite for the Tigers in the offseason.
Between ongoing speculation over coach Jason Taylor’s future, as well as the fallout from the very public push to rid Robbie Farah from the club, and poor recruitment, the pressure will be on right from the start. If star halves Luke Brooks and Mitch Moses fail to fire, external pressure will force some dramatic personnel changes.
The only guarantee? James Tesdesco and Aaron Woods to lead from the front. Otherwise, 2016 is looking like a year with more problems than solutions.
1. From extra-time agony to best in class 2016
The cruel manner in which the Broncos’ 17-16 golden point grand final defeat came about will still be burning, but rest easy Brisbane fans, your mob will bounce back from that heartbreak to secure the 2016 premiership.
They say defence wins premierships and for 79 minutes and 59 seconds that notion rang true in 2015.
The Broncos only conceded 72 tries all season (including finals), with 48 of those leaked inside their final 20 – the lowest total in the competition for tries conceded inside the attacking zone – finishing the regular season with the third-best defensive record, behind the Storm and Roosters.
The disappointment of losing the grand final in such fashion will only make that brick wall harder to break down in 2016.
Follow Shane on Twitter @shanebrien
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