The NRL trials are done and we are on the doorstep of a new season. The bottom four in my ladder predictions is complete and here are the teams that I think will finish in 13th and 12th.
13. Gold Coast Titans
The Gold Coast Titans looked to be on the rise when they were only one pass away from progressing to the second round of the 2021 finals. Many thought things were turning around on the Goldy and that making the 2022 playoffs was a sure thing.
However, this was not to be the case, as they finished 13th and disappointed everyone. It’s hard to put a finger on an exact reason why things went wrong last year. Some would say it was their poor defence and limited attack, both those points are true, however their lack of direction was a major factor and key players that didn’t fire.
(Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
One such player was David Fifita, who signed one of the Titans’ most expensive contracts in club history. Fifita looked like a lost puppy in 2022 and must step up in order for the Titans to at least sniff September footy this season.
Kieran Foran is set to play in the number six jersey on the Gold Coast and could provide a spark of experience and leadership. Foran and Tanah Boyd could link very well, however the Gold Coast needs two rock solid young halves who are able to develop a partnership in the years to come. The two things that the Titans need are a high-quality halves partnership, as well as David Fifita back to his best. Looking at their roster though, it’s hard to move them any higher then where they finished last season.
12. Canberra Raiders
My first bold prediction of the season involves the Canberra Raiders. The Green Machine finished their 2022 campaign immensely, winning seven of their final eight games of the regular season, before upsetting the Melbourne Storm in week one of the finals.
(Photo by Jono Searle/Getty Images)
Their possible fairy-tale story came crashing down in week two when they were thrashed by Parramatta. The Raiders seem to have a pattern of carrying on with their business quietly for most of the season, before turning a switch and playing close to perfect around finals’ time. The squad is heading into the 2023 season with few changes and their strongest starting seventeen is set to remain almost identical to last season’s, except for Zavier Savage who suffered a broken jaw in the trials and is expected to return mid-season.
I don’t think the Raiders will decline much in quality, however there are teams such as the next one on my list that are improving and moving onto better things. It seems that Canberra may be stuck in the mud and will find themselves mid-table all season.
Rob
Guest
If it’s any consolation you can look at Christi’s predictions of the Cowboys last year. Based on their roster being weak and Townsend and Hiku being rubbish signings they were guaranteed to be playing for the spoon from memory. Anyway cause for a little confidence IMO. I’m hoping Cristo doesn’t pick the Cowboys to high or I’ll be worried before a ball is kicked.
Geo
Roar Rookie
I think one will make the Finals but will go out early. You can’t keep a marginal squad intact, you need to improve it, although unlike the Roosters both these teams pay overs for class.
Rob
Guest
I’m thinking the Titans will have a good season one of theses days. They might be due but i worry about the coaching.
Adam
Roar Guru
What they should have been hoping for is more games against storm cause storm are currently their bunnies
Short Memory
Roar Rookie
For sure. I'm suggesting it's maybe not as soft as it looks when you look at Raiders' recent record against the teams one might otherwise consider 'soft'...
Adam
Roar Guru
I'm merely suggesting that they have a soft draw
Short Memory
Roar Rookie
Would that be the same Tigers who pumped them without Koroisau, Brooks and Bateman? And the same Raiders who went 1-1 against both Dragons and Warriors last season? That suggests they can expect to win 50% of games against the 'play twice' teams... and how many of the others? I think it's going to be a tough season for the Raiders.
Cyril Snodgrass III
Guest
The Canberra Raiders are on the slide Stuart has had plenty of opportunity to clinch a Premiership but has failed Maybe it’s time for major change
jammel
Roar Rookie
I agree on the competitive nature of the comp for sure. Positions 3-8 could be occupied by about 10 or 11 teams….. I see Newcastle and StG being not as strong in 2023. Despite the trials form, I am confident we’ll make the 8. This is based on: ^ quality pack especially Tapine Papa Young and CHN ^ quality draw ^ more matches to be played by Fogarty ^ I rate starling highly. Hooker is no worries. I hope starling plays 15 minutes more per match ^ timoko and kris more experienced. HSS minutes would be great too. Although SavageX definitely a loss for seven weeks ^ wighton must be better ^ surely we can improve and close out some more matches|
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
I like your thinking about Tapine at lock - but it really requires Guler to step up in the middle to cover what Joey was bringing to the Raiders go forward in 2022 - at least Tapine has some smarts in attack - would like to see Cory Horsburgh step up as well
Noel
Roar Rookie
I think it's Guler's year. Tapine @ 13 makes sense to me. Emre is a big unit, who looks like he put even more size on for this year. I rate him, but, like the team, trial form was poor. If he comes good, and Tapine shifts to a Yeo-style 13, that could really unlock the attack.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
Interesting observations - agree about Mariota - he looks to have a future - not sure yet about Trey Mooney - he has some decent size but we need to see more of him to make a judgement. The Raiders have a large number of props to choose from but more thin in the second row. I'd really like to see CHN stamp his mark this season. Will be interesting to see if Ricky plays Joe Tapine at 13 and we will see if Guler and Horsburgh progress. Its time they stamped their authority. I think Kris has been earmarked for full back until Savage returns - he has some skills and pace but its a big ask to take on full back. Big call if Ricky makes it. I don't mind it. Hopoate would perhaps be a safer choice but he lacks the speed of Kris. And its uncertain as to who Ricky chooses in the hooker roles. I thought Woolford provided a lot of stability and direction when he played there last season. But he needs to be more creative and work a bit more on his defence. Players around him seem to play better vas they knew what he was going to do whereas Starling and Hodgson were more off the cuff and confused players around them. Haven't seen enough of Levi to be able to comment.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
You're entitled to your opinion Christo. Just not sure that looking at recruitment is the best indicator of improvement. Certainly a lot of hype surrounding the Dogs and the Tigers with their recruitment - they've both picked up some big names from other clubs but the depth of the rest of their squads still looks a bit average to me. Lets see if their recruitment translates into results. They should both certainly be better than they have been in recent seasons which is good for the comp. The Broncos and Manly both fell away badly last year due to injuries and poor form but at their best and with a full complement of players they are highly competitive. Don't think either team has recruited substantially in the off season - similar to the Raiders - but will certainly be in the mix for the 8. All 4 of these teams plus the Raiders could be battling for spots in the bottom of the 8. There could also be a couple of other teams in the 8 from last year who may slide due to poor form and injuries which often happens from year to year. The Eels and even the Storm might be vulnerable due to player loss even though both teams have decent and stable spines. And the Cowboys and Sharks surprised in 2022 but may tumble down the ladder if things don't quite go their way. Penrith, Roosters and Rabbitohs look the most likely to be in the top 4 for mine and you could raffle five positions 5 to 8 from at least 8 teams. This all adds up to a potentially very competitive season for mine.
King of Kings
Roar Rookie
Happy to see the above and many others keep the Raiders outside the 8. Historically the green machine tends to perform opposite of the expert and public opinions at this stage of the year. Outside back depth is solid and should provide some competition, top tier forward pack, but lacking depth so injuries here could impact. Need improvement in combinations and direction from hookers and halves.
souvalis
Roar Rookie
Fairly surprised at Ricky splitting his hookers for Levi. Optimistic on Mariota for Sutton, E. Gulers trial was ordinary, need to see more of Mooney, Timoko should get more cred this year moved well and looks classy. Still new at the club but you’d think young Hopoate would be the better fit for fullback than Kris or the clunky Rapana. If only Ricky were as calm as his players.
Adam
Roar Guru
I think Canberra's abrasive nature will get them enough wins win half lose half. Or thereabouts. They've got the Dolphins, Tigers, Dragons, Warriors and Knights twice meanwhile they have the Storm, Panthers, Eels, Rabbitohs and Roosters only once. The draw has been kind
Christo
Roar Guru
Hey Geoff, i didn't even think of their trial performance. Made this prediction purely off how their roster is shaping up and teams who are improving will bypass them.
Redcap
Roar Guru
I think I had the Gold Coast last and Canberra ninth in my ladder predictor from a few weeks back. Pretty confident in my Titans prediction. The Raiders could go either way - there's a lot of upside there, especially with their forward pack and young outside backs.
Rellum
Roar Guru
I hope Jojo and Khan-Pereira get the wing spots on the Coast. Two lighting quick old school wingers will be great to watch
andrew
Roar Rookie
I see the Fifita hype train is gathering steam. This isn't a shot at you Christo but after the Titans trial win over the Dolphins you'd think Fifita was superman judging by some of the reports after the game. I think the Titans will finish higher up the ladder, just shy of the 8.