Here we go again! New rosters, new coaches, new controversies, and new hope for footy fans everywhere. I've cast my one good eye over each and every team and I've cobbled together what I think the NRL ladder might look like at season's end. If I'm even remotely close it will be nothing short of miraculous, but it's worth a read nonetheless.
1st - North Queensland Cowboys
Tipping the Cowboys to finish at the top of the tree is fraught with danger, because if Thurston and/or Bowen go down with season-ending injuries the house of cowboys will probably go down with them. An astute coach, extraordinary depth in the forwards and plenty of experience and match-winners in that backline has me convinced that their time is now.
Key additions – Anthony Mitchell (Roosters), Scott Moore (Huddersfield)
Key losses - Aaron Payne (retired), James Segeyaro (Panthers)
Players to watch - James Taumalolo, James Tamou, Kalifa Faifai Loa
2nd - Canterbury Bulldogs
They performed above expectations in 2012 and if they repeat that level of performance this season they'll go very close again. The addition of a ferocious dinosaur to their engine room makes them all the more difficult to contain. You can just imagine Tony Williams and Frank Pritchard running rampant on the left edge when the Dogs get down to the business end of the field. And Ben Barba doesn't appear to have lost any of his talent in the off-season. My only doubt is over their halves combination and whether they have the creative capability to threaten the better sides in the competition. The logical threat.
Key additions – Tony 'T-Rex' Williams (Sea Eagles)
Key losses - David Stagg (Broncos)
Players to watch - T-Rex, Ben Barba, Josh Morris
3rd - Melbourne Storm
Westpac might be carving it up with the Rabbitohs these days but while the Commonwealth, NAB and ANZ are playing with the Storm you have to assume they can go close to defending their 2012 title. Smith, Slater and Cronk all turn 30 this season but I don't think any of them are running on tired legs yet. Coach Craig Bellamy has pledged his allegiance to the purple cause and there's no reason to believe they can't do it all again....and again.
Key additions – Junior Sau (Knights), Lagi Setu (Broncos)
Key losses - Dane Neilsen (Warriors), Sika Manu (Panthers), Todd Lowrie (Warriors), Anthony Quinn (Knights)
Players to watch - the big three
4th - Canberra Raiders
Some might suggest that a top four finish for the Raiders is a stretch, but they did finish sixth last year and they did that without their most important player (Campese) all season. Firepower in the backline, a bruising forward pack, quality halves, a handy fullback and a home ground advantage like no other. $2.25 about the Green Machine making the top eight looks tremendous value to my eye.
Key additions – Joel Edwards (Knights)
Key losses - Bronson Harrison (Dragons)
Players to watch - Jack Wighton, Sam Williams
5th - Cronulla Sharks
They have their tails up in the Shire. Some solid results in 2012 and some big additions to the roster have the locals hoping that they might finally get their hands on a premiership. I'm not completely convinced, but the 2013 Sharks will be one of the best line-ups they've fielded for years.
Key additions – Michael Gordon (Panthers), Luke Lewis (Panthers), Chris Heighington (Tigers), Beau Ryan (Tigers)
Key losses - Jeremy Smith (Knights), Colin Best (retired)
Players to watch - Jayson Bakuya, Michael Gordon
6th - New Zealand Warriors
I've always like Matt Elliott as a coach and a person. In years gone by his teams have often performed above and beyond what most expected of them, and I expect him to improve the Warriors as well. He has more talent in this roster than he has ever had before and if he can help them find some consistency the Warriors can give the competition one almighty shake.
Key additions – Dane Neilsen (Storm), Todd Lowrie (Storm)
Key losses - Michael Luck (retired), James Maloney (Roosters), Lewis Brown (Panthers)
Players to watch - Konrad Hurrell, Kevin Locke
7th - Brisbane Broncos
It might be some time before we fully realise how important Darren Lockyer was to the success of the Broncos. Scott Prince is a more than handy inclusion and Corey Norman will continue to improve, but I don't think they'll be making a statue of either of them anytime soon.
Key additions – Scott Prince (Titans), David Stagg (Bulldogs)
Key losses - Petero Civoniceva (retired), Ben Teo (Rabbitohs), Gerard Beale (Dragons)
Players to watch - Alex Glenn, Corey Norman
8th - South Sydney Rabbitohs
The Rabbitohs have lost a few forwards this season, and quite a number of the forwards they do have aren't getting any younger (well...none of them are, but you know what I mean). I don't think there are anymore Burgess brothers to add to the roster but I'm not sure if three is enough. In any case, they showed us glimpses of their best in 2012 and by my reckoning their best was better than anyone else. Now they just need to replicate that level every week and they'll take the next crucial step.
Key additions – Ben Teo (Broncos), Jeff Lima (Wigan)
Key losses - Dave Taylor (Titans), Scott Geddes (retired)
Players to watch - Greg Inglis, Adam Reynolds
9th - Wests Tigers
Despite some high-profile departures last year the Tigers still boast one of the best sides in the competition...on paper. That said, they may not be the happiest side in the competition, and the Tigers play a lot better with smiles on their faces. The jury is out until the Tigers provide us with some convincing evidence.
Key additions – Braith Anasta (Roosters), Eddy Pettybourne (Rabbitohs)
Key losses - Gareth Ellis (Super League), Chris Heighington (Sharks), Beau Ryan (Sharks)
Players to watch - Aaron Woods, James Tedesco
10th - Sydney Roosters
There's a whole lotta shaking going on at Bondi with a new coach, a new captain and some big name signings. James Maloney might be the least heralded of the new recruits but he's probably the most important. He adds a level head and a kicking game to the line-up - and he's a much better goalkicker than Braith Anasta. Still, it might take some time before all the changes at Chook City get bedded down and they start playing some decent football.
Key additions – Sonny Bill Williams (the dark side), James Maloney (Warriors), Michael Jennings (Panthers), Luke O'Donnell (Huddersfield)
Key losses - Braith Anasta (Tigers), Mose Masoe (Panthers)
Players to watch - SBW, Tautau Moga
11th - St George Illawarra Dragons
The Dragons are a professional outfit on and off the field but their roster looks weaker than last year. Not for mine.
Key additions – Bronson Harrison (Raiders), Gerard Beale (Dragons)
Key losses - Ben Hornby (retired), Dean Young (retired), Beau Scott (Knights)
Player to watch - Jason Nightingale
12th - Newcastle Knights
On weights and measures the Knights should be doing a lot better than this. A lot better than this. Jeremy Smith grows a leg under the tutelage of Wayne Bennett and there's plenty to like about their roster but I have this niggling doubt about their off-field circumstances. If there's a team that storms into contention after a disappointing 2012 then I suspect the Knights will be that team.
Key additions – Jeremy Smith (Knights), Beau Scott (Knights)
Key losses - Junior Sau (Storm), Wes Naiqama (Panthers)
Players to watch - Jeremy Smith, Akuila Uate
13th - Manly Sea Eagles
That pack of forwards has served them well in recent seasons, but they're starting to look a little on the old side to me. Mind you, every year the Sea Eagles perform better than I think they will. If I keep putting them down I'll probably get it right eventually.
Key additions – Richie Fa'aoso (Storm), Esi Tonga (Eels)
Key losses - Tony 'T-Rex' Williams (Sea Eagles), Dean Whare (Panthers)
Players to watch - Jamie Lyon, Glenn Stewart
14th - Gold Coast Titans
I have a soft spot for the Titans, but unfortunately the Titans have a soft spot of their own. If they could add just one dynamic playmaker to their list they are a top four side. Without one, the Titans simply can't score enough points to win enough games.
Key additions – Dave Taylor (Rabbitohs)
Key losses - Scott Prince (Broncos)
Players to watch - Dave Taylor, Jamal Idris, Matt Srama
15th - Penrith Panthers
Many will predict that the Panthers will struggle this season - and with good reason. Their roster looks a little like my pantry if I haven't gone shopping for a month. Hopefully some of their young talent starts to come through and gives their long-suffering fans hope of a brighter future ahead.
Key additions – Sika Manu (Storm), Lewis Brown (Warriors), James Segeyaro (Cowboys)
Key losses - Miachel Gordon (Sharks), Luke Lewis (Sharks), Michael Jennings (Roosters)
Players to watch - Lachlan Coote, Josh Mansour
16th - Parramatta Eels
It doesn't always feel good to talk down the prospects of the Parramatta Eels, but it certainly feels right. Their heart (Hindmarsh) and soul (Burt) retired last year and I can't see any obvious names in their roster that scream 'leadership material'. Ricky Stuart takes the reins in the coaches box and I'm not convinced he makes a great club coach - the last NRL team he was coaching (the Sharks) got better when he left.
Key additions – Darcy Lussick (Sea Eagles)
Key losses - Nathan Hindmarsh (retired), Luke Burt (retired), Justin Poore (Wakefield), Shane Shackleton (Panthers)
Players to watch - Jarryd Hayne, Matt Ryan
Comments
Submitted by Craig on
Hi Thinker, im looking forward to a new year and a new season.
My predictions:
1.Bulldogs - they've kept the core strength of last years team and added a couple of handy blokes, 'Des the Dealer' will have the boys pumped and ready.
2.Storm - GF winners in 2013, Just too good when it comes to the finals i think 2013 will be the last Melbourne premiership for the decade, the stars are losing their brightness but still have more than enough for this season.
3. Bunnies - Sth Sydney look to be close to a GF appearance, if they can improve their consistency and Reynolds keeps getting better they will be on the big stage come October, The Gladiator should be proud..Go Rus Go...
4.Cowboys- Being a Qlder ive no choice but to up my support of the NQ boys seeing as the Broncos are on a self destruct mission. I think the Cows are missing a key few ingredients though, Coaching and discipline are two areas they fall short, they should have hired a new head coach and a couple of fresh U20s utilities.
5.Knights- Have to come good this year, Bennett needs to get this team moving and having spent some time in Newcastle i think the town can drive them to a top 8.
6.Manly- the Sea eagles have a decent roster and great play makers, Toovey isnt up to the task but i think he can use up the last of the 'Des' factor still lingering around the dressing rooms to pull off a bottom 4 position.
7.Sharks- Gallen and the crew will finish around the same mark as last year, i expect them to fail again though.
8.Tigers- maybe, be interesting to see if they have fixed the turmoil inside the club and if the big 2 forget about beating the spread they will do ok. New coach new year..maybe.
9. Raiders - almost good enough
10. Bronco's - throwing the heritage away en mass, they could have had Thurston, Belamy, Cronk, kept Teo and Beale and won the lot back to back 2013 and 2014 premiers...could of but 'Anthony do it my way Griffin' has no idea how to coach a first grade side, done for the next 3-4yrs or until Griffin goes.
11. Dragons - nothing to see here
12. Warriors - like wise
13. Para - Ricky ricky will give it his best, my top prediction here is that Ricky will sign a deal with Advanced hair, year of frustration ahead im afraid.
14. Titans- can consider 14th a premiership, with all the scandals etc.. premonition of a big name player suffering a groin injury from slipping on urine in the toilets
15. Roosters- SBW to go back to rugby and fixing Boxing matches, his good mate Choc will blame the colour of the sky for the lack of success here.
16. Panthers- Not even the Guru can get this rabble to success, rising debt and internal conflicts, look for a new coach in 2014 or earlier.
QLD to win the Origin again : )
Submitted by The Thinker on
Welcome back Craig. Great to hear from you again.
All the best
Submitted by christine on
hope you do well this year thinker i follow your tips & i have won the football comp the last two years in a row, now looking for a 3rd win
Submitted by The Thinker on
Best of luck Christine. They'll start banning you if you win three years running.
Craig,
I've done some very minor editing of your comments. A lot of NRL people are thinking about throwing laywers at things at the moment and I don't want either of us getting sued.
All the best
Submitted by a on
Hi I think it has been a long off season and it has been and I am so glad to see you make your prediction
Here are my predictions
1 Bulldogs: They have a very good team with talent and I think they have the X factor to be No1
Players to watch Ben Barba Josh Reynolds Tony Willams James Graham
2 Sharks They have brought well during the off season and old players are expecting to be on fire
Players to watch Paul Gallen Todd Carney Andrew Fifita Luke Lewis
3 Storm Another good year for the big 3 will lift the storm to another good year
Players to watch The big 3 as everyone knows
4 Cowboys The Cowboys gave a chance to make the top 4 just for the 2nd time in history
Players to watch Johnathan Thurston James Tamou Gavin Cooper Matthew Bowen Mathew Scott
5 Roosters They have brought SBW and other players they could do it here
Players to watch Mitchell Pearce James Maloney Jake Friend
Micheal Jennings
6 Broncos Well they have some more returing players that had experience maybe they could do something here
Players to watch Corey Parker Andrew McCullough Sam Thiaday Ben Hannant
7 Knights It could be a good year for the Knights if some players step up
Players to watch Jarrod Mullen Chris Houston Dane Gagai
8 West Tigers They may have missed the top 8 last year but they will improve
Players to watch Robbie Farah Benji Marshall Liam Fulton Araron Woods
9 Rabbitohs Everybody thinks they will make it to the to 4 but I think they will miss the finals
Players to watch Issac Luke Greg Inglis Sam Burgess Adam Reynolds John Sutton
10 Titans They will do better than most people think but I think it will not be enough
Players to watch David Taylor Nate Myles Ashley Harrison
11 Warriors After season of disapointment last year I think they will miss the finals
Players to watch None
12 Dragons They will fall even lower this season
Players to watch Trent Merrin Jamie Soward
13 Raiders They will do awful this year only brought 2 players they do not have the X factor
Players to watch Shaun Fensom Josh Dugan
14 Sea Eagles They have done great sine 2006 but this year they will not play football
Players to watch Dale Cherry Evans Matt Ballin Anthony Watmough
15 Eels Ricky Sturat has not done well as a coach and this year will be no different
Players to watch Jarryed Hayne Matthew Keating
16 Panthers they have a crap team with no good players and will get the wooden spoon
Players to watch Kevin Kingston
QLD will win the Origin 2-1
All the best
Submitted by Bait0008 on
Hi Mr Thinker
Looking forward to another very successful year and I really appreciate your comments and tips. Keepem coming
Submitted by The Thinker on
Thanks Bait0008.....and welcome back 'a' - another detailed contribution from you sir. Where do you find the time?
Submitted by Craig on
What's your thoughts on the Charity Shield?
Submitted by The Thinker on
Afternoon Craig,
I love the Charity Shield. I expect the Dragons to make a game of this tonight.
I'm almost tempted by the $2.75 on offer, but I think I'll just sit back and enjoy the unofficial start to the season.
All the best
Submitted by mark ashford on
Hi Thinker and welcome to 2013. We all need those tips to help win our comps so THANK YOU. As a Broncos supporter I think they will get a nice flogging this year. Why was Ben Teo let go? and why was Princey bought? Looks like a club drifting along without a lot of direction. My prediction they won't make the eight. Hope I'm very wrong.
Submitted by Esra Star on
Mr, Thinker can you include a standout game/winner this year?
Submitted by The Believer on
G'day Thinker nice to meet you. Im The Believer. And I believe you can help me win our footy comp 2013
All the best
Submitted by The Thinker on
Mark Ashford,
Have faith sir. They are still one of the most professional clubs in the comp, and they don't have terrible seasons terribly often.
Esra Star,
Yes I can. If I'm going to make a fool of myself making incorrect predictions on the internet I might as well do a good job of it.
The Believer,
Welcome aboard. I hope you enjoy your flight on Thinker Airways (the nuts are complimentary...and there's quite a few of us).
Submitted by christine on
thinker can you tell me when your tips will be posted please.
Submitted by The Believer on
A red alert to you thinker and most everyone else, as there are few true Shark believers. Dont leave the Sharks out of your top 3 teams as they will have more bite this season than they have had since the Tommy Bishop days..
Submitted by dada siva on
2013 will be a good footy year and believe 100%
success for followers of THE THINKER
GO PAAAAAARA
Submitted by The Thinker on
Hi Christine,
I think we have Thursday night games for about a month. When that is the case I'll try and get mine published by Wednesday night whenever possible.
Otherwise I will be publishing on Thursday mornings.
We usually get our Wally tips late on Thursday. That might be problematic during the first month but I'll do my best.
Submitted by Ryan on
Knights will be winning this year.
Knights
Cowboys
Storm
Dogs
Souths
Sharks
Broncos
Manly
Roosters
Warriors
Tigers
Eels
Raiders
Titans
Panthers
Dragons
Round 1: All home sides except the bunnies.
Cheers.
Thinker: will use your knowledge throughout the season, don't let me down mate :)
Submitted by Esra Star on
Thanks Thinker mate. We can all be fools together.
Have a great year and good luck.