Here are some question I hope the upcoming NRL season will answer.
How will the Storm fare in the post-Cameron Smith era?
Albeit not confirmed, I think it’s fair to assume the Storm will be without their champion number nine for the 2021 season. Arguably the best player to ever play the game, it will be interesting to see how the Storm deal with it.
It’s not as if they aren’t used to greats retiring. Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater have both retired in recent years and the success hasn’t waned – they’ve found handy replacements (Jahrome Hughes and Ryan Papenhuyzen) – and I don’t think they have a bad replacement in a player named Harry Grant.
However, the loss of Smith, probably the most influential player the game has seen, will undoubtedly take the most adjusting to.
I still believe the Storm have the strongest roster in the NRL, which combines the best pack in the game with an envious spine of Papenhuyzen, Hughes, Cam Munster and Grant.
I think we will see Melbourne vying for premiership honours at the end of the year.
Can the Titans kick on after an impressive finish to 2020?
The Titans finished the season in great shape, stringing together five wins and emphatic 36-6 over Newcastle in the last round.
To add to that, they’ve recruited excellently – adding Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, David Fifita and Herman Ese’ese to a pack that needed some firepower last season. Fa’asuamaleaui is the best young forward in the game, and he adds a lot of physicality and size to the pack. Fifita could turn out to be the biggest signing in tean history – he’s got the potential to be one of the best players in the game and he looks primed for a massive year after his injury-plagued 2020.
They also have great x-factor in the backline lead up by Alex Brimson and Brian Kelly.
Brimson is one of the most exciting players in the game and I think he only gets better as his combinations with the spine improve.
(Getty Images)
Justin Holbrook did a fantastic job last season and he will look to build on that this year. He’s assembled a well-balanced side that should be in the finals.
Has the Canterbury resurgence begun?
The Bulldogs have struggled over the last four years, not making the finals in any of those seasons.
In fairness, they haven’t had a side that could challenge for a top-eight spot. That looks to have changed in 2021, they’ve recruited well – adding Kyle Flanagan, Nick Cotric, Corey Allan and Jack Hetherington. I’m especially excited to see how Cotric develops in the centre position – he’s one of the strongest backs in the game and I think he will be dangerous with some early ball.
The biggest signing, however, has been Trent Barrett. A fantastic coach who was a large part of why the Panthers had such a great 2020 season – he will bring the best out of Flanagan and transform their attacking game (which has been their downfall in recent years).
The Dogs have always turned up and I think this resilience they have in their defence will combine well with Barrett’s renowned attacking structures. Canterbury should be challenging for a top-eight spot in 2020 and looking for a foundation year before the arrivals of Matt Burton and Josh Addo-Carr in 2021.
Will the Panthers go one better?
Despite 17 wins a row during the year, Penrith unfortunately fell short in the final against Melbourne. Not to take away from their season – they were fantastic. I can’t remember seeing a side that looked so in sync during games.
The challenge is now how do they go one better? It’s a chance for Penrith to show they can be one of the top franchises in the game by backing up their season.
They’ve lost a couple of hardened forwards in James Tamou and Zane Tetevano, however, this provides a platform for youngsters such as Spencer Leniu and Billy Burns to develop. It’s a system Penrith have long trusted; bringing through talented youngsters from the Penrith football nursery. It’s worked in the past and I’m glad they’ve stuck solid to this approach.
They have the talent to win a premiership, and it’s a massive opportunity for the likes of Jarome Luai and Stephen Crichton to back up their fantastic 2020 seasons and help the side go one better.
The best clubs in the game make a habit of backing up each season – the Storm and the Roosters are prime examples. It’s now Penrith’s turn to show they belong at the table of the game’s elites.
(Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
Can the Warriors make the top eight?
A new coach, new signings and a new consultant (Gus Gould). The Warriors have made some significant changes in 2021 and I’m really excited to see how they go.
NRL.com posted their predicted side for the year and I was really impressed with it. They have a fantastic forward pack which will be led by Addin Fonua-Blake and Tohu Harris, coupled a great backline consisting of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, David Fusitua, Peta Hiku, Euan Aitken and Kennedy Maumalo – it’s one of the stronger back fives in the NRL.
Nathan Brown is a good coach and I think he will create a style of play that suits the Warriors, not following the mould of other sides. The best Warriors teams of the past have played expansively, utilising offloads and second phase football to score points. With players like Tuivasa-Sheck and Kodi Nikorima, it seems silly to try to play any other way.
The one question mark I have is how the halves combination will go: Nikorima and Chanel Harris-Tavita. Both extremely talented players, however, not noted game managers. I think Nathan Brown needs to settle on a number 9 and allow the spine to find their groove instead of chopping and changing.
The NRL needs a strong New Zealand side and I believe they can push for a top-eight spot.
RedDog
Guest
I dunno...I reckon the Dogs will get busted for the salary cap. Melbourne won't be in the top four, and Parramatta will be crowned 2021 premiers. Oh and NSW will win 3-0. Brisbane again wooden spooners... either them or the Sharks
Paulo
Roar Rookie
Geez, it’s a bit rough to be talked about as a ‘mathematical chance’ in the pre-season. Accurate, and we’re use to it, but rough. They should change their name to Aardvarks and then bask in the glory of table topping until round 1 kicks off :silly:
Nat
Roar Rookie
In principle I agree that Smith would be huge for the Titans (and it's still possible) but Smith, like most true greats, don't do things at half measure. If he commits at either Storm or Titans he'll train and play like it's day 1. That's why retiring would be such a huge call because it's a massive undertaking either way.
Nat
Roar Rookie
Yeah, I agree and you can't say that lightly as Cam would walk into and Capt every other team tomorrow. By my count this would be the 3rd preseason for Grant, further, even when he was playing with the Falcons, he was part of a group that go down and train with the squad quite regularly during the week. Harry would be quite comfortable with all their systems by now.
souvalis
Roar Rookie
Dunno the Storms loss record without him but, he has won 72.09 % of his 433 Melbourne club matches.( Rugby League Project ). Fair job.
Albo
Roar Rookie
Great article, Eddy. I reckon you have nailed 5 of the most asked questions heading in season 2021. For what its worth, my thoughts are : 1. The Storm will always be highly competitive with a good spine, a solid pack and an experienced successful coach. But for me you don't lose the GOAT and stay where you were from last year. Top 4 will be a great result for them. 2. The Titans improved markedly last year under an impressive coach in Justin Holbrook. Now they have bolstered their pack with Tino, Fifita & Ese Ese. The key for me is still getting reliability of performance out of Ash Taylor. If he keeps firing the Titans will go further in 2021. Top 8 is a good chance. 3. The Dogs have commenced the long journey of recovery with some good imports for 2021 . I think Flanagan will be the key. He was rather shabbily dealt with by the Roosters, I feel. Corey Allen & Hetherington add some bite and whilst I think Cotric is overrated, he is a handy winger. I think the 2022 season with Addo -Carr & Burton due to arrive will continue the growth. Still in the bottom 8 for 2020. 4. The Panthers will be smarting over wasting their 2020 opportunity on GF day. They will still be hungry and further improved in 2021 and they can go one better. I'm tipping the pack will remain very solid with the backs improving markedly via the halves and especially the outside backs with Crichton & Staines. Top 4 for mine. 5. The Warriors biggest problem has always been attitude, I believe. Will Gould & Brown turn that around ? I think the more they spend together in Gosford as a team, the better they went last year. They have a couple of handy imports this year in Fonua Blake & Sironen , but still look light on in the backs . Top 8 spot at best.
Albo
Roar Rookie
What is the Storm's record without Cam Smith on the park ? Anyone know this rare event ?
Joe
Roar Rookie
I definitely feel a lot better about Cam Smith's departure with Harry waiting in the wings. With Brandon I wouldn't have the same confidence. Harry brings a lot of what Cam does, in particular accurate passing and picking the right receiver as seen by his try assists with the Tigers forwards this year. Brandon still has some work to do in that area and unfortunately for him not playing 9 these past few years has not helped. Although they lose the experience of Cam they have the speed and youth of Harry. Also glad they get a preseason together in the spine to fine tune their combination.
The Sporacle
Roar Rookie
I think we need to give the Storm spine a chance to gel, if you have a look at the list of Rookie of the year over time, there are some guys that have gone on to great things, some have been solid and some have faded, about even numbers for each give or take. Plenty of guys have played SOO and Milford probably should have got the CC. Smith is the GOAT and I really think his loss will be felt and will be the greatest test of Bellamys systems. I backing Cam to the Titans for one year, no pre season, train when you want, play a minimum of 15 games, here's another Boat, oh look at this Audi, jeez the beach is nice. Seriously one year for him at the Titans would help make the club :thumbup:
Walter Black
Guest
Famous last words that have been uttered repeatedly by the Storm doomsters.
Mr Right
Roar Rookie
He's done nothing special so far but he is a bit more experienced. This appointment will definitely make him or break him as to whether he has got the goods.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
And Barrett has been a good hands on assistant coach. Being head coach may take away from being able to add anything in that capacity also.
Nat
Roar Rookie
It is getting a tired question "how will Melbourne go without ...?" We all know why they should slip backward but we're yet to see it. Smith leaves and so their spine is only 2x internationals, a Clive Churchill medalist and Rookie OTY & SOO rep. Same same but different. I think the Titans will pip both the Dogs and Warriors for biggest improver. Dogs have recruited well but they are young and may need a season or two to find the balance. I'll hold judgement on the Warriors but it feels like shuffling deck chairs atm. The Titans have added power and skill but the players who were driving improvement last season are still there. Can the Panthers go one better? Highly possible if they can maintain their standards from last season. Looks like they've been given a few warm-up games to start the season but the following 4 will be a test of their metal.
mushi
Roar Guru
That's been the typical outcome when someone has been over bid in sports....
mushi
Roar Guru
That he may be, but it's unrealistic to assume he gets to the top TPA target day one including ambassador ones. Or assume that it will play the same role in his club decision. Either way it doesn't necessarily create 1m in cap space
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
I have already backec the Storm to win the 21 comp. Last year's collect still to be spent. I figure fair odds are $3.00 and they gave me $7.00 , silly boys. The Storm have unearthed a brilliant replacement for Cam Smith. In fact he may even turn out to be better. If they can just work out a way to get him onto the field I think Bernard Sutton gets their true odds down to $2.00. They are without doubt the best recruiting franchise in the NRL.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Spot on. Foggerty has been the key at the Titans. He does the stuff that Taylor doesn't do well . He's the Captain for mine. With him running things Taylor just has to pop up at the right time and do his stuff. I'm very excited for the Titans in 21.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Grant will be almost as good a player as Smith and he's a much more likeable personality. He will be pelted with TPAs.
Stormy
Roar Rookie
Nice first article, Eddy, well done. Is it possible that Cam Smith could play of the bench this season? Maybe as mentor to Grant &, or, potential saviour, if necessary. Just a thought - he hasn't announced his retirement, as yet.
Eddy Ainley
Roar Rookie
I completely agree - some massive questions for the new coaches this season. Payten may have the biggest job of all - the Cowboys have a decent squad but have massively underperformed in recent years. I really liked the way he had the Warriors playing and I think he could get Morgan/Holmes playing their best footy.