Where do you start with Manly?
The team everyone loves to hate just refuses to lay down. Long term injuries and a new coach couldn't change that, with the Sea Eagles (helped by the Hand of Foz) reaching the preliminary final in 2012.
There has been another turnover of players, the biggest of which would have to be Tony Williams who joined former coach Des Hasler over at Canterbury, but the club has managed to sign a few more-than-handy players of their own.
Manly's forward pack has been key to their success over recent years and that shouldn't change this year.
Led by captain Jason King, Manly's pack includes Brent Kite, Joe Galuvao, Matt Ballin, Glenn Stewart, Anthony Watmough, Jamie Buhrer, Justin Horo, Brenton Lawrence, Richie Fa'aoso, Vic Mauro and George Rose.
Add to that new signings in David Gower and Kayne Lawnton and the first issue that is exposed is a slight lack of depth.
Outside of the starting pack, there isn't too much experience, and that problem could rear its head as the season moves on. If more than two or three of the starting pack are injured at the same time then there could be some trouble ahead.
The fact the backline remains unchanged should help Manly's premiership charge.
Brett Stewart is the obvious incumbent for the fullback spot, and will only lose it through injury. Ben Farrar is waiting in the wings for when Stewart is missing from the lineup, but the difference in quality is massive. It's no coincidence that Manly's win rate crashes when Stewart isn't there.
The centre/wings remain the same as last year, with David Williams, Jamie Lyon, Steve Matai and Jorge Taufua slotting in. There isn't too much noticeable competition following Michael Oldfield's move to the Roosters, with Farrar, Esi Tonga, Dane Chisholm and Michael Chee-Kam the next in line.
Nobody expected Kieran Foran and Daly Cherry-Evans to perform when they formed a rookie partnership a few years back. Now, the New Zealand representative and Australian benchwarmer are one of the more lethal combinations in the league.
Liam Foran has proved to be a more than worthy replacement if any of the halves get injured, but the Kieran and Cherry-Evans remain Manly's best chance at going all the way. If times get tough, Lyon has filled in at five-eighth and could easily do it again.
Manly: 1. Brett Stewart 2. David Williams 3. Jamie Lyon 4. Steve Matai 5. Jorge Taufua 6. Kieran Foran 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Jason King 9. Matt Balin 10. Brent Kite 11. Anthony Watmough 12. Jamie Buhrer 13. Glenn Stewart Interchange 14. Justin Horo 15. Brenton Lawrence 16. Joe Galuvao 17. Richie Fa'aoso
On the fringe: Ben Farrar, Liam Foran, George Rose, Vic Mauro, Michael Chee-Kam, Kayne Lawnton, David Gower
Tuesday, March 05, 2013
NRL season 2013 - Gold Coast Titans
Showing the door to inaugural halfback Scott Prince and some quality recruitment may see the Gold Coast push for a finals sport this year.
Now I now that most people would disagree, and at time of writing I'm still not sure myself, but it could still happen.
The key to the Titans finals chances lie in the forward pack.
One of the most accomplished back rows in the league sees Greg Bird, Mark Minichiello, Nate Myles, Ashley Harrison, Ben Ridge joined by David Taylor to compete for less jerseys than are what available. Throw Ryan James, who is primarily a prop but can cover second-row, into the mix and you have a formula for intense competition, a gun back row and a disappointed few pulling on Burleigh or Tweed Heads jerseys.
One of the best young hookers in the game Matt Srama has the No.9 jersey under armed guard and will keep the position for as long as he is fit. Beau Falloon and new signing Albert Kelly can both cover the position but aren't in the same class as Srama.
The front row is quite underrated, with veteran Luke Bailey and the seemingly indestructible Luke Douglas as the bookends. Bailey's stunt double in Matthew White is no slouch, and the flexibility of Myles, James and Taylor should see the front-row covered, provided they stay fit.
The halves may be a cause for concern but I'm excited at the prospect of having two young guys in there together. Aiden Sezer, Kelly, Jordan Rankin and Beau Henry paint the picture of the Titans - not much NRL experience when compared to other teams but NRL quality players in their own right.
Sezer and Rankin played together for Burleigh last year and have that experience, but Kelly could make one of the jerseys his own. The forgotten Henry lurks in the shadows after being unwanted at two previous clubs after gaining NRL selection. Look for enterprising and potentially entertaining play but the lack of experience could see them falter.
The back line isn't made of star power, bar Jamal Idris, but speedy blokes who could cause all sorts of trouble for the opposition when they switch off.
William Zillman has made the fullback role his own since leaving Canberra all those years ago, while Kevin Gordon and David Mead have made their homes on the wings.
Idris covers one of the centre positions with the other spot unclaimed. Contenders are Steve Michaels, Luke O'Dwyer, Kelly and new signing Marmin Barba, and the list expands to include Anthony Don if they consider shifting Gordon to the centre.
Titans: 1. William Zillman 2. Anthony Don 3. Kevin Gordon 4. Jamal Idris 5. David Mead 6. Aiden Sezer 7. Beau Henry 8. Luke Bailey 9. Matt Srama 10. Luke Douglas 11. Greg Bird 12. Nate Myles 13. Ashley Harrison Interchange 14. David Taylor 15. Ryan James 16. Matt White 17. Albert Kelly
On the fringe: Mark Minichiello Marmin Barba, Jordan Rankin, Beau Falloon, Steve Michaels, Luke O' Dwyer, Ben Ridge, Brad Takairangi
Now I now that most people would disagree, and at time of writing I'm still not sure myself, but it could still happen.
The key to the Titans finals chances lie in the forward pack.
One of the most accomplished back rows in the league sees Greg Bird, Mark Minichiello, Nate Myles, Ashley Harrison, Ben Ridge joined by David Taylor to compete for less jerseys than are what available. Throw Ryan James, who is primarily a prop but can cover second-row, into the mix and you have a formula for intense competition, a gun back row and a disappointed few pulling on Burleigh or Tweed Heads jerseys.
One of the best young hookers in the game Matt Srama has the No.9 jersey under armed guard and will keep the position for as long as he is fit. Beau Falloon and new signing Albert Kelly can both cover the position but aren't in the same class as Srama.
The front row is quite underrated, with veteran Luke Bailey and the seemingly indestructible Luke Douglas as the bookends. Bailey's stunt double in Matthew White is no slouch, and the flexibility of Myles, James and Taylor should see the front-row covered, provided they stay fit.
The halves may be a cause for concern but I'm excited at the prospect of having two young guys in there together. Aiden Sezer, Kelly, Jordan Rankin and Beau Henry paint the picture of the Titans - not much NRL experience when compared to other teams but NRL quality players in their own right.
Sezer and Rankin played together for Burleigh last year and have that experience, but Kelly could make one of the jerseys his own. The forgotten Henry lurks in the shadows after being unwanted at two previous clubs after gaining NRL selection. Look for enterprising and potentially entertaining play but the lack of experience could see them falter.
The back line isn't made of star power, bar Jamal Idris, but speedy blokes who could cause all sorts of trouble for the opposition when they switch off.
William Zillman has made the fullback role his own since leaving Canberra all those years ago, while Kevin Gordon and David Mead have made their homes on the wings.
Idris covers one of the centre positions with the other spot unclaimed. Contenders are Steve Michaels, Luke O'Dwyer, Kelly and new signing Marmin Barba, and the list expands to include Anthony Don if they consider shifting Gordon to the centre.
Titans: 1. William Zillman 2. Anthony Don 3. Kevin Gordon 4. Jamal Idris 5. David Mead 6. Aiden Sezer 7. Beau Henry 8. Luke Bailey 9. Matt Srama 10. Luke Douglas 11. Greg Bird 12. Nate Myles 13. Ashley Harrison Interchange 14. David Taylor 15. Ryan James 16. Matt White 17. Albert Kelly
On the fringe: Mark Minichiello Marmin Barba, Jordan Rankin, Beau Falloon, Steve Michaels, Luke O' Dwyer, Ben Ridge, Brad Takairangi
Friday, March 01, 2013
NRL season 2013 - Cronulla Sharks
Before the start of the 2012 season I considered putting some money on the Sharks to win the grand final at 50/1.
Hindsight truly is the best sight of all, as I didn't put the dollars on and they didn't make the grand final.
The main point in this is the resurgence of the Cronulla Sharks.
While they still haven't won a grand final, the Sharks are moving in the right direction after a few poor seasons on the trot. Their recruitment drive for 2013 has probably been the best of any club, and a charge to the top four might have to be expected of the crew from the Shire.
Their first signing in former Panther Michael Gordon sees the Sharks with an embarrassment of riches at fullback. The goal-kicking former State of Origin representative moved to Cronulla to get a run at fullback, and he takes over the position that could and previously has been filled by Nathan Gardiner and Nathan Stapleton. His goal-kicking and experience elevates him above the two speedsters, and their presence gives some extra security in case of injury.
Another signing in Beau Ryan helps add some experience to the centre three quarters. It is much needed experience, as the centre-wing positions are the clubs weakest. Gardiner, Stapleton, Isaac Gordon, Jonathon Wright and Stewart Mills are likely to fight over the other wing position, while Ben Pomeroy should have a mortgage on one of the centre jerseys. Ricky Leutele, Gordon, Mills, Wright and Sam Tagatese will contest the other centre spot.
A punt on Todd Carney proved to be a masterstroke for Shane Flanagan as he helped steer the club towards the finals. An injury late in the season had a big effect on the club's finals charge but there's no doubting they're a better team when he's fit. Jeff Robson came over from the Eels after directing them to a grand final in 2009, and his partnership with Carney proved to work. An injury to either could derail their campaign, but Chad Townsend's ability shouldn't be overlooked.
Finally the forwards, where the Sharks possess one of the most mobile packs in the competition.
The 2012 pack of Ben Ross, Bryce Gibbs, Andrew Fifita, Jason Bukuya, Wade Graham, Anthony Tupou and Paul Gallen all remain while new additions Luke Lewis and Chris Heighington add depth to the back row.
Flanagan has been quoted on numerous occasions that he won't promote Gallen to the front row, but with Lewis, Graham and Heighinton all fighting for the lock position, Gallen could be moved sooner than we think. With the amount of competition for back row jerseys as the Sharks have, one wouldn't be cast out for thinking it could push them to all new heights. The lack of props could be an issue, with Gibbs, Fifita and Ross the only experienced front-rowers in the pack.
The dummy half position was filled by John Morris and Isaac De Gois in 2012 and that should remain the same for this season. De Gois is a classy player and has his hands on the jersey, but Morris will be lurking in the wings as a more-than-capable replacement.
Sharks: 1. Michael Gordon 2. Nathan Gardiner 3. Jonathon Wright 4. Ben Pomeroy 5. Beau Ryan 6. Todd Carney 7. Jeff Robson 8. Ben Ross 9. Isaac De Gois 10. Bryce Gibbs 11. Paul Gallen 12. Chris Heighington 13. Luke Lewis Interchange 14. Andrew Fifita 15. Wade Graham 16. Jason Bukuya 17. John Morris
On the fringe: Chad Townsend, Anthony Tupou, Stewart Mills, Nathan Staplton, Mark Taufua, Ricky Leutele, Sam Tagatese, Isaac Gordon, Tyrone Peachey, Jon Green
Hindsight truly is the best sight of all, as I didn't put the dollars on and they didn't make the grand final.
The main point in this is the resurgence of the Cronulla Sharks.
While they still haven't won a grand final, the Sharks are moving in the right direction after a few poor seasons on the trot. Their recruitment drive for 2013 has probably been the best of any club, and a charge to the top four might have to be expected of the crew from the Shire.
Their first signing in former Panther Michael Gordon sees the Sharks with an embarrassment of riches at fullback. The goal-kicking former State of Origin representative moved to Cronulla to get a run at fullback, and he takes over the position that could and previously has been filled by Nathan Gardiner and Nathan Stapleton. His goal-kicking and experience elevates him above the two speedsters, and their presence gives some extra security in case of injury.
Another signing in Beau Ryan helps add some experience to the centre three quarters. It is much needed experience, as the centre-wing positions are the clubs weakest. Gardiner, Stapleton, Isaac Gordon, Jonathon Wright and Stewart Mills are likely to fight over the other wing position, while Ben Pomeroy should have a mortgage on one of the centre jerseys. Ricky Leutele, Gordon, Mills, Wright and Sam Tagatese will contest the other centre spot.
A punt on Todd Carney proved to be a masterstroke for Shane Flanagan as he helped steer the club towards the finals. An injury late in the season had a big effect on the club's finals charge but there's no doubting they're a better team when he's fit. Jeff Robson came over from the Eels after directing them to a grand final in 2009, and his partnership with Carney proved to work. An injury to either could derail their campaign, but Chad Townsend's ability shouldn't be overlooked.
Finally the forwards, where the Sharks possess one of the most mobile packs in the competition.
The 2012 pack of Ben Ross, Bryce Gibbs, Andrew Fifita, Jason Bukuya, Wade Graham, Anthony Tupou and Paul Gallen all remain while new additions Luke Lewis and Chris Heighington add depth to the back row.
Flanagan has been quoted on numerous occasions that he won't promote Gallen to the front row, but with Lewis, Graham and Heighinton all fighting for the lock position, Gallen could be moved sooner than we think. With the amount of competition for back row jerseys as the Sharks have, one wouldn't be cast out for thinking it could push them to all new heights. The lack of props could be an issue, with Gibbs, Fifita and Ross the only experienced front-rowers in the pack.
The dummy half position was filled by John Morris and Isaac De Gois in 2012 and that should remain the same for this season. De Gois is a classy player and has his hands on the jersey, but Morris will be lurking in the wings as a more-than-capable replacement.
Sharks: 1. Michael Gordon 2. Nathan Gardiner 3. Jonathon Wright 4. Ben Pomeroy 5. Beau Ryan 6. Todd Carney 7. Jeff Robson 8. Ben Ross 9. Isaac De Gois 10. Bryce Gibbs 11. Paul Gallen 12. Chris Heighington 13. Luke Lewis Interchange 14. Andrew Fifita 15. Wade Graham 16. Jason Bukuya 17. John Morris
On the fringe: Chad Townsend, Anthony Tupou, Stewart Mills, Nathan Staplton, Mark Taufua, Ricky Leutele, Sam Tagatese, Isaac Gordon, Tyrone Peachey, Jon Green
NRL season 2013 - Canterbury Bulldogs
Des Hasler's touch of class certainly rubbed off on the Canterbury Bulldogs in 2012.
The forward pack was a throwback to the "Dogs of War" days when opposition sides would cower in fear of the behemoth pack, Kris Keating came from nowhere to be a grand final halfback and a little bloke by the name of Ben Barba proved to be the most electrifying man in the competition.
One pre-season later and the only thing that has really changed is Barba's recent off-field issues that has seen him stood down by the club for an indefinite amount of time.
Barba's personal issues aside, his absence creates a small headache for Hasler.
The Bulldog's centre/wings have established themselves as a hard-working group of which only injury could break up. Sam Perrett and a returning Steve Turner should find themselves on the wings with Krisnan Inu and State of Origin centre Josh Morris cementing their positions in the centres.
Morris was the most impressive of the five, and has raised the bar on his game.
The solution to Hasler's fullback headache could be to shift Inu or Turner to fullback, but a call-up to Mitch Brown or Drury Low wouldn't be out of the question. Tim Lafai is another centre/wing waiting in the wings for his opportunity.
The halves pairing of Josh Reynolds and Keating only came about because of a season-ending injury to Trent Hodkinson.
Hodkinson followed Hasler over from Manly, where he proved to be a more then capable player who could perform under pressure and effectively marshall his troops.
The quality of Keating could be as simple as the gameplan laid down by Hasler, who almost won back-to-back titles at two different clubs. Without taking anything away from Keating, Hasler's gameplan focuses on simple plays that are executed at 110%. The only thing that could let Keating down is the fifth tackle option, but even that improved as the season went on. Recent speculation about Hodkinson wanting a release could ease the selection drama but the Bulldogs wouldn't want to let such a classy halfback go.
Michael Ennis has proven himself to be a a quality hooker and will keep his jersey. He has removed a lot of the grub from his game, but still has enough mongrel to get under the skin of opposition players. Ennis still remains one of the best in the current game.
The Bulldogs forward pack is the biggest, scariest, and maybe the best in the competition.
Their front-row pairing of Sam Kasiano and Aiden Tolman combines the size of one of the biggest props in the game with the consistency of Tolman. The size doesn't get any smaller in the second row with big Frank Pritchard pairing with new signing Tony Williams. Rookie sensation Josh Jackson completes a starting forward pack which would leave scales trembling with fear.
The depth in the forwards is one of the keys to Canterbury's success.
From the bench they will most likely have Dale Finucane, Greg Eastwood and English forward James Graham (when he's back from suspension). Add to that the fringe first-graders in Joel Romelo, Martin Taupau and Dene Halatau and the Bulldogs could lay claim to having the most depth in the forwards.
Bulldogs: 1. Ben Barba/Drury Low 2. Steve Turner 3. Krisnan Inu 4. Josh Morris 5. Sam Perrett 6. Josh Reynolds 7. Trent Hodkinson 8. Sam Kasiano 9. Michael Ennis 10. Aiden Tolman 11. Frank Pritchard 12. Tony Williams 13. Josh Jackson Interchange 14. Greg Eastwood 15. Dale Finucane 16. James Graham/Martin Taupau 17. Kris Keating
On the fringes: Joel Romelo, Martin Taupau, Tim Lafai, Mitch Brown, Drury Low, Trent Cutler, Dene Halatau
The forward pack was a throwback to the "Dogs of War" days when opposition sides would cower in fear of the behemoth pack, Kris Keating came from nowhere to be a grand final halfback and a little bloke by the name of Ben Barba proved to be the most electrifying man in the competition.
One pre-season later and the only thing that has really changed is Barba's recent off-field issues that has seen him stood down by the club for an indefinite amount of time.
Barba's personal issues aside, his absence creates a small headache for Hasler.
The Bulldog's centre/wings have established themselves as a hard-working group of which only injury could break up. Sam Perrett and a returning Steve Turner should find themselves on the wings with Krisnan Inu and State of Origin centre Josh Morris cementing their positions in the centres.
Morris was the most impressive of the five, and has raised the bar on his game.
The solution to Hasler's fullback headache could be to shift Inu or Turner to fullback, but a call-up to Mitch Brown or Drury Low wouldn't be out of the question. Tim Lafai is another centre/wing waiting in the wings for his opportunity.
The halves pairing of Josh Reynolds and Keating only came about because of a season-ending injury to Trent Hodkinson.
Hodkinson followed Hasler over from Manly, where he proved to be a more then capable player who could perform under pressure and effectively marshall his troops.
The quality of Keating could be as simple as the gameplan laid down by Hasler, who almost won back-to-back titles at two different clubs. Without taking anything away from Keating, Hasler's gameplan focuses on simple plays that are executed at 110%. The only thing that could let Keating down is the fifth tackle option, but even that improved as the season went on. Recent speculation about Hodkinson wanting a release could ease the selection drama but the Bulldogs wouldn't want to let such a classy halfback go.
Michael Ennis has proven himself to be a a quality hooker and will keep his jersey. He has removed a lot of the grub from his game, but still has enough mongrel to get under the skin of opposition players. Ennis still remains one of the best in the current game.
The Bulldogs forward pack is the biggest, scariest, and maybe the best in the competition.
Their front-row pairing of Sam Kasiano and Aiden Tolman combines the size of one of the biggest props in the game with the consistency of Tolman. The size doesn't get any smaller in the second row with big Frank Pritchard pairing with new signing Tony Williams. Rookie sensation Josh Jackson completes a starting forward pack which would leave scales trembling with fear.
The depth in the forwards is one of the keys to Canterbury's success.
From the bench they will most likely have Dale Finucane, Greg Eastwood and English forward James Graham (when he's back from suspension). Add to that the fringe first-graders in Joel Romelo, Martin Taupau and Dene Halatau and the Bulldogs could lay claim to having the most depth in the forwards.
Bulldogs: 1. Ben Barba/Drury Low 2. Steve Turner 3. Krisnan Inu 4. Josh Morris 5. Sam Perrett 6. Josh Reynolds 7. Trent Hodkinson 8. Sam Kasiano 9. Michael Ennis 10. Aiden Tolman 11. Frank Pritchard 12. Tony Williams 13. Josh Jackson Interchange 14. Greg Eastwood 15. Dale Finucane 16. James Graham/Martin Taupau 17. Kris Keating
On the fringes: Joel Romelo, Martin Taupau, Tim Lafai, Mitch Brown, Drury Low, Trent Cutler, Dene Halatau
NRL season 2013 - Canberra Raiders
Where do you start with the green machine?
For the last few years the fate of the Canberra Raiders have seemingly revolved around Terry Campese's knee. Well at least that is how it has reported and many people have held the same opinion.
Young gun halves Sam Williams and Josh McCrone blew that theory out of the water last year when they led the Raiders to the finals.
The young pairing took a while to click, but when they did they managed to blow the more highly fancied opposition off the park.
David Furner's job at the Raiders went from being on thin ice to having his feet firmly planted on land.
He's now left with the headache of bringing Campese back into the team with the knowledge Williams and McCrone worked out how to win games together.
Canberra remained traditionally quiet on the market front during the off-season, but the recruitment of Joel Edwards from Newcastle is a good one.
Edwards is a gun back-rower and his pairing with Josh Papalii will be one to watch in 2013.
Speaking of Papalii, the news he has signed a three year contract with Parramatta is news the Raiders could've done without. By the way the rules are now, the Raiders have up until round 13 to change the young forwards mind - something which the Raiders will have to do. Papalii is one of the best young back-rowers in the game and has already been engaged in a representative tug of war between Queensland and New Zealand. It will be interesting to see what effect his future signing has on his performance this year.
The rest of Canberra's forwards are a mix of youth and experience.
In the front row there are State of Origin representatives David Shillington and Tom Learoyd-Lahrs along with the brute power of Brett White, Dane Tilse and Sam Mataora. When you add the back-rowers in Joel Thompson, Joe Picker and Mr Dependable Shaun Fensom, they're every chance of muscling up and gaining considerable yardage.
Hooker is a position they've struggled to fill and at this stage the only options are incumbent Glen Buttriss and McCrone. It is a position that has a fair bit of emphasis on it in the modern game and the Raiders are coming up a bit short in that department.
The main problem for Canberra lie in the backline.
While you can't argue with Josh Dugan's skill as a fullback, he has spent more than a few games injured over the last few years and could become a liability if the injuries continue. Reece Robinson slipped seamlessly into the role when Dugan had an injury-enforced holiday and will find himself on the wing when the inclumbent is fit to play.
On the other wing you have mid-season signing Sandor Earl who has added a touch of class and deft ability in the air. He and centre/wing Blake Ferguson's ability to find the try line is a massive ace up the Raiders sleeve.
An injury to Jarrod Croker not only removes goal-kicking centre and 2012's top pointscorer but could give some of the young guns a shot at the big time. Jumping Jack Wighton and Edrick Lee both took their chances with both hands last year and could be one or two injuries away to securing a guaranteed spot in the top squad.
Add to that the utility value of Shaun Berrigan and Michael Picker and the Raiders could be a dark horse of the competition.
I personally don't see it happening, but I was surprised by the green machine last year and could be again if the results fall their way.
Raiders: 1. Josh Dugan 2. Reece Robinson 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Blake Ferguson 5. Sandor Earl 6. Terry Campese 7. Sam Williams 8. David Shillington 9. Glenn Buttriss 10. Brett White 11. Joel Edwards 12. Sam Papalii 13. Shaun Fensom Interchange 14. Dane Tilse 15. Joel Thompson 16. Sam Mataora 17. Josh McCrone
On the fringes: Tom Leoroyd-Lars, Shaun Berrigan, Edrick Lee, Jack Wighton, Joe Picker, Michael Picker
For the last few years the fate of the Canberra Raiders have seemingly revolved around Terry Campese's knee. Well at least that is how it has reported and many people have held the same opinion.
Young gun halves Sam Williams and Josh McCrone blew that theory out of the water last year when they led the Raiders to the finals.
The young pairing took a while to click, but when they did they managed to blow the more highly fancied opposition off the park.
David Furner's job at the Raiders went from being on thin ice to having his feet firmly planted on land.
He's now left with the headache of bringing Campese back into the team with the knowledge Williams and McCrone worked out how to win games together.
Canberra remained traditionally quiet on the market front during the off-season, but the recruitment of Joel Edwards from Newcastle is a good one.
Edwards is a gun back-rower and his pairing with Josh Papalii will be one to watch in 2013.
Speaking of Papalii, the news he has signed a three year contract with Parramatta is news the Raiders could've done without. By the way the rules are now, the Raiders have up until round 13 to change the young forwards mind - something which the Raiders will have to do. Papalii is one of the best young back-rowers in the game and has already been engaged in a representative tug of war between Queensland and New Zealand. It will be interesting to see what effect his future signing has on his performance this year.
The rest of Canberra's forwards are a mix of youth and experience.
In the front row there are State of Origin representatives David Shillington and Tom Learoyd-Lahrs along with the brute power of Brett White, Dane Tilse and Sam Mataora. When you add the back-rowers in Joel Thompson, Joe Picker and Mr Dependable Shaun Fensom, they're every chance of muscling up and gaining considerable yardage.
Hooker is a position they've struggled to fill and at this stage the only options are incumbent Glen Buttriss and McCrone. It is a position that has a fair bit of emphasis on it in the modern game and the Raiders are coming up a bit short in that department.
The main problem for Canberra lie in the backline.
While you can't argue with Josh Dugan's skill as a fullback, he has spent more than a few games injured over the last few years and could become a liability if the injuries continue. Reece Robinson slipped seamlessly into the role when Dugan had an injury-enforced holiday and will find himself on the wing when the inclumbent is fit to play.
On the other wing you have mid-season signing Sandor Earl who has added a touch of class and deft ability in the air. He and centre/wing Blake Ferguson's ability to find the try line is a massive ace up the Raiders sleeve.
An injury to Jarrod Croker not only removes goal-kicking centre and 2012's top pointscorer but could give some of the young guns a shot at the big time. Jumping Jack Wighton and Edrick Lee both took their chances with both hands last year and could be one or two injuries away to securing a guaranteed spot in the top squad.
Add to that the utility value of Shaun Berrigan and Michael Picker and the Raiders could be a dark horse of the competition.
I personally don't see it happening, but I was surprised by the green machine last year and could be again if the results fall their way.
Raiders: 1. Josh Dugan 2. Reece Robinson 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Blake Ferguson 5. Sandor Earl 6. Terry Campese 7. Sam Williams 8. David Shillington 9. Glenn Buttriss 10. Brett White 11. Joel Edwards 12. Sam Papalii 13. Shaun Fensom Interchange 14. Dane Tilse 15. Joel Thompson 16. Sam Mataora 17. Josh McCrone
On the fringes: Tom Leoroyd-Lars, Shaun Berrigan, Edrick Lee, Jack Wighton, Joe Picker, Michael Picker
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