With the NRL trials upon us, here is part four of my predicted. ladder for the end of the season.
10. Brisbane Broncos
Many commenters have been eager to find out where I have my beloved Broncos placed. Sadly, I’ve chosen my brain over my heart and have them just missing out on a finals return.
Brisbane fell into the bottom three for the second straight year, which was disappointing, however I did see some improvements throughout 2021 – not least that they didn’t collect the wooden spoon again.
One of the largest talking points around the league right now is who will partner Adam Reynolds in the halves out of Albert Kelly, Tyson Gamble and Billy Walters.
Walters had a superb game in the recent trial against the Titans – he was arguably best on ground – while Gamble seemed like he was trying to do a little too much, while Kelly was not doing enough.
However, it’s unfair to decide on a position after a single trial.
Kevin Walters is adding an enormous stamp on defence and whoever is showing their best defensive effort at training could receive the roll.
From what I saw in 2021, Gamble needs to be in the starting 13, with Walters 14 and Kelly to be ready if one of those guys aren’t up to standard.
Although I have them in tenth, I desperately hope the Broncos can make the finals, and if they get their gameplan working and properly utilise their strengths, a position in the eight is possible.
Their opening match against the Rabbitohs at Suncorp will be one of their most important games in a while. It means so much because if they lose this badly, many fans’ hope and patience will fall.
However, if they can pull off the win, it will deliver the league a message that it’s a new and improved Red Hill.
It would also be great for Reynolds to get his Broncos career off to an awesome start by defeating his old team at his new home.
TA
Guest
I think the Broncos gave away their best chance for someone to partner Reynolds and he`ll be playing against them Saturday night.
Tony
Roar Guru
Yeah, not their best album Geoff. One of my favourites is still the "White Album"
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
I almost bought a remaster of Let it Be to listen to Across the Universe and The Long and Winding Road but some of the filler on there is yeesh material
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
Tim - you shouldn't have - I can remember putting up with Mull many times on Countdown - plus Abba's Fernando - absolute torture - the Beatles had some brilliant songs but lets not kid ourselves - they had some absolute shockers as well
Tim Carter
Roar Pro
100%, but can't be trusted without supervision.
Tony
Roar Guru
But hey - Revolver and Rubber Soul
Tim Carter
Roar Pro
Pretty much everything we was dire whenever McCartney wasn't reined in. Maxwell's Silver Hammer, anyone? Ob-La-Di's only saving grace was the the piano opening, and that was Lennon's doing. And the worst solo work post-Beatles? Forget Ringo's mediocrity, forget Yoko 'singing' on John's albums, and step to the podium, Mull of bloody Kintyre!
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
Na na na nananana, nannana, hey Jude... (repeat X number of times, fade) Most over rated Beatles song ever - actually oobla-bloody-di was pretty bad as well
Parra Pete
Roar Rookie
Recently had a meeting with a friend who has a terrible stutter. He was telling us about his nanna..By the time he finished we were all singing "Hey Jude"
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
If I hear Hey Jude again I'll scream - awful song
KenW
Roar Rookie
10th feels optimistic here. Reynolds is a decent inclusion, he'll add some stability and experience in the spine, it just doesn't get me there though. If things go well it's not beyond them but I don't see any convincing reason that a team which finished 16th and 14th in the last 2 seasons will jump to the edge of the 8 - especially considering how contested that middle section of the table is.
Christo
Roar Guru
You have no idea how hard its been to pick the last few positions :laughing:
Christo
Roar Guru
Hey Nico, i agree with you about how it's likely for the halves partners to chop and change throughout the year. I really do like the look of Mam as he is quick on his feet and has alot of spark to him. If Reynolds needs a rest during the season or things get to its worse then he would be my man to bring in.
Christo
Roar Guru
Just Nine more places to go John :happy:
Hard Yards
Roar Rookie
You are a brave man picking positions around this segment of the table Christo. But, fortune favours the brave.
Nat
Roar Guru
Well this is probably fair Christo but I hope you had this position pencilled in before punters feedback began. If you have the pen you have the power and at this point of the season you cannot be proven wrong. :thumbup:
Nico
Roar Rookie
I loved the heart that Gamble brought last year, after 3 seasons of watching sub-standard performances from a number of 'stars' who just didn't look like they wanted to be there, he was a breath of fresh air. Unfortunately as others have commented elsewhere, he just doesn't look like he's quite got the talent or the temperament to get us up to being a top-8 side. It's a bit of a conundrum for Kevvie since he's got a number of serviceable but not brilliant 5/8 options, I hope he just picks and sticks with one but given his penchant for chopping and changing it wouldn't surprise if we churned through a couple before the season's out. Mam looks the most naturally-talented of them and while it would be a brave call to throw him the six, I remember a certain K Hunt getting thrown the 1 jersey at just 17 and never looked back, plus he's there with a pretty handy halves partner who can take the pressure off him with his kicking and game management
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
I am following your “countdown” with interest. For those musically inclined, it’s like listening to a greatest hits of a few decades program & unsurprisingly either Hey Jude or Bohemian Rhapsody rate as No. 1.