- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
The off-season is fast approaching and it’s nearly time for us die hard league fans to crawl back into our caves and hibernate for the next four or so months.
Well, the four nations does somewhat cushion the blow of having no league, but there’s nothing better than watching your club, so we’ll be counting down the days until 2017 kick-off.
In 2016, the early rounds indicated either the Broncos or the Cowboys would make it to the grand final, but we have two new sides. One last made the big dance in 2012, the other hasn’t made a grand final since the Super League decider of 1997.
How will 2017 differ from 2016? Which teams will rise, which teams will fall? Will any teams just stay put?
The following is a prediction of what I think the ladder will look like come the end of Round 26, 2017.
1. Melbourne Storm (Same)
2. North Queensland Cowboys (Up two)
3. Brisbane Broncos (Up two)
4. Penrith Panthers (Up two)
5. Cronulla Sharks (Down three)
6. Canberra Raiders (Down four)
7. Parramatta Eels (Up seven)
8. South Sydney Rabbitohs (Up four)
9. Wests Tigers (Same)
10. Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs (Down three)
11. Gold Coast Titans (Down three)
12. New Zealand Warriors (Down two)
13. Sydney Roosters (Up three)
14. Manly Warringah Sea Eagles (Down one)
15. St George Illawarra Dragons (Down four)
16. Newcastle Knights (Same)
According to my prediction, the Storm look set to get back to back minor premierships, while the Knights aren’t likely to rise even one place on the ladder.
The Eels are the big improvers, rising seven places, while the Dragons will sink fast.
Honourable mentions to the Bulldogs, Tigers and Titans who I also believe could crack the finals next year, but unfortunately there are only eight spots.
What do you think Roarers? What would you change in your own ladder selection?
Reckon you can pick the winning team? Build your own dream team with Draftstars daily fantasy and compete on any match. For great odds on the NRL head on over to PlayUp. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.