With the introduction of the new franchise The Dolphins, we now find ourselves with an odd number of teams. While this year’s competition once again has weekly byes mixed in, the debate rages on for who should be named as the 18th team to even out the numbers again.
Having a club once again based in Perth seems to be leading the charge, while the possibility of a team in Papua New Guinea is even gaining traction.
But if Fox Commentator and rugby league tragic Andrew Voss was in charge, he’d be bringing in another team from across the ditch.
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“I’m not the bean counter, so I’m not looking at who has to actually fund it, but I would actually like a second team out of New Zealand,” said Voss.
(Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
“The fact that you then get to have a New Zealand club derby, I think that would be enormous for rugby league over there. I think it also then would give young Kiwi players the chance for more opportunities than just the Warriors or having to come to Australia and link up with Australian clubs. I just think having two avenues to pathways for them across New Zealand is important.
“I would just love to see the game of rugby league prosper in New Zealand, and I think it’ll strengthen even international rugby league as well. So my next team is a second team from New Zealand.”
As for the team that did get the green light, Voss isn’t expecting too much out of the Dolphins this season.
“The Dolphins are a smorgasbord of players thrown together. I see a good roster, but history tells me with a few exceptions – Melbourne was up there in their second year in the comp – but it’s going to be very, very tough.
“If the Dolphins could win one-third of their games, I think they’re having a good year. So that’s the marker I’m setting for them in trying to predict what would be a pass mark for them.”
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
Looking further up to the pointy end of the ladder, Voss thinks this year’s finals teams are way too hard to predict.
“I think I am as confused as I’ve ever been in my life trying to narrow down and pick a top eight. I’ve got about 14 teams in contention!
“I can’t possibly see Penrith being better, and I can’t see Melbourne being better. So there are a couple of heavyweights straightaway that have to go down the table but not right out of the eight.
“I don’t think there’ll be any big crashing and burning. Maybe Canberra don’t make the finals this year, but I think they’ll still be in the mix at the end. I’m just seeing a really competitive season this year with many teams thereabouts. Coming into the finals, still a month out, we’ll still think they are in with a chance.”
As for who will be the dark horse? Like the Cowboys in 2022, if he had to pick one club to make a push this season, it’s the Tigers. With their new recruits, along with the new coaching team of Tim Sheens and Benji Marshall, Voss believes they are the ones who can shock everyone and play finals footy.
(Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
“I think for what he’s done the last couple of years at Parramatta, I think Isaiah Papali’i is the buy of the year,” said Voss.
“You’ve signed a player who can play 80 minutes and has amazing quality in his work rate. Throw in there Api Koroisau as well as David Klemmer – the Tigers have bought exceptionally well this season. But singling out one player, I think Isaiah Papali’i at the end of the year will be the Tigers player of the year.
“I honestly believe – and I’m not that I’m saying they’re going to win the title – but I think the Tigers are going to be very much improved. I’m going to have the wooden spooners making the top eight.
“I’m not saying they are winning the title, but they will be the biggest improver of any team this year.”
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