The wooden spooners of the 2012 season will not go back-to-back.
In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if they surged up the ladder this year.
Ricky Stuart may not be my most favoured coach but there's no denying what he can bring to a team, provided he has the playing roster he wants. His first few years at the Roosters were fantastic, and even had a few good results with the Sharks when he moved there, but it's tended to be a downward slide after the first season.
The Eels have to capitalise on fresh blood in the coaches box and have to produce on the field.
They have lost two club stalwarts in Luke Burt and Nathan Hindmarsh, who are two of the more irreplaceable players in the comp, especially Hindmarsh.
The form of fullback Jarryd Hayne may be a determining factor in the Eels chances. His golden run of form in the back end of 2009 led the Eels to a grand final appearance, but he has been plagued by inconsistent form, and whispers of an attitude problem have followed him like a lost puppy. Whether he delivers on the field or not is yet to be seen.
He and Willie Tonga lead a rookie backline consisting of Ken Sio, Ryan Morgan and Cheyse Blair. Blair has already had an under-20 NSW Origin cap to his name, but they will all need to improve on last year's performances. The solid Ben Smith provides some backup in the centres, while Jacob Loko, Eni Folau and Taulima Tautai round out the depth.
The forward pack seems to have been assembled around a group of hard working players. While they have plenty of size in Fui Fui Moi Moi, the rest of the forwards are more mobile. Players like Mitch Allgood, Matthew Ryan, Joseph Paulo, Darcy Lussick and hookers Nathan Smith and Matt Keating. Lock Reni Maitua has bounced back from essentially being booted out of the game to develop into one of the club's elder statesmen.
The halves group of Chris Sandow, Ben Roberts and Luke Kelly are under mountains of pressure to perform. Sandow especially will be after a massive year on the field after being labelled a $550k flop in 2012. Roberts had a quiet season with the Parramatta club while mid-season signing Kelly will be looking to press his case for a permanent spot.
Eels: 1. Jarryd Hayne 2. Ken Sio 3. Willie Tonga 4. Ryan Morgan 5. Cheyse Blair 6. Luke Kelly 7. Chris Sandow 8. Tim Mannah 9. Matt Keating 10. Fui Fui Moi Moi 11. Matthew Ryan 12. Ben Smith 13. Reni Maitua Interchange 14. Darcy Lussick 15. Nathan Smith 16. Mitch Allgood 17. Ben Roberts
On the fringe: Joseph Paulo, Eni Folau, Rory Brien, Taulima Tautai, Jake Mullaney, Lorenzo Ma'afu, Jacob Loko, Taniela Lasalo
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Thursday, March 07, 2013
NRL season 2013 - North Queensland Cowboys
If the Cowboys are ever going to win the grand final it has to be this year.
Led by one of, if not the, best players in the competition Jonathon Thurston, the Cowboys have had the easy task of setting up their attack around the Queensland and Australian five-eighth. Or so it would seem.
Instead, injuries have wrecked havoc with their lineup over the last few years, but the blooding of young talent has set the squad up for a serous title tilt this year.
The most impressive area is the fowards. Veteran Matt Scott leads the group which includes young guns James Tamou, Jason Taumololo and Tariq Sims, Gavin Cooper, Dallas Johnson, Glenn Hall and Scott Bolton. Add to that Ashton Sims, Ricky Thorby and englishman Scott Moore and they have quite a bit of depth to play with.
Moore is most likely to be in a three or four way battle for the hooking position, with Anthony Mitchell, Rory Kostjasyn and even Ray Thompson a chance of pushing their cases for inclusion. Add Joel Reithmuller to that list and they have a quite intense list.
Thompson is in another battle for the halfback position, with Robert Lui and Michael Morgan in the frame for selection.
The backline is full of talent, with pocket rocket Matt Bowen back to his best at fullback last year. Kalifa Faifai-Loa and Ashley Graham will hod down the wing spots, with Brent Tate and Kane Linnett liekly to have first crack in the centres. The depth in the backs start with former Bronco Antonio Winterstein, with new signing Clint Greenshields a more than capable back up.
Cowboys: 1. Matt Bowen 2. Kalifa Faifai-Loa 3. Brent Tate 4. Kane Linnett 5. Ashley Graham 6. Jonathon Thurston 7. Michael Morgan 8. Matt Scott 9. Scott Moore 10. James Tamou 11. Gavin Cooper 12. Tariq Sims 13 Dallas Johnson Interchange 14. Jason Taumololo 15. Glenn Hall 16. Ashton Sims 17. Anthony Mitchell
On the fringe: Clint Greenshields, RayThompson, Robert Lui, Scott Bolton, Rory Kostjayson, Antonio Winterstein, Joel Reithmuller, Ricky Thorby, Kyle Feldt
Led by one of, if not the, best players in the competition Jonathon Thurston, the Cowboys have had the easy task of setting up their attack around the Queensland and Australian five-eighth. Or so it would seem.
Instead, injuries have wrecked havoc with their lineup over the last few years, but the blooding of young talent has set the squad up for a serous title tilt this year.
The most impressive area is the fowards. Veteran Matt Scott leads the group which includes young guns James Tamou, Jason Taumololo and Tariq Sims, Gavin Cooper, Dallas Johnson, Glenn Hall and Scott Bolton. Add to that Ashton Sims, Ricky Thorby and englishman Scott Moore and they have quite a bit of depth to play with.
Moore is most likely to be in a three or four way battle for the hooking position, with Anthony Mitchell, Rory Kostjasyn and even Ray Thompson a chance of pushing their cases for inclusion. Add Joel Reithmuller to that list and they have a quite intense list.
Thompson is in another battle for the halfback position, with Robert Lui and Michael Morgan in the frame for selection.
The backline is full of talent, with pocket rocket Matt Bowen back to his best at fullback last year. Kalifa Faifai-Loa and Ashley Graham will hod down the wing spots, with Brent Tate and Kane Linnett liekly to have first crack in the centres. The depth in the backs start with former Bronco Antonio Winterstein, with new signing Clint Greenshields a more than capable back up.
Cowboys: 1. Matt Bowen 2. Kalifa Faifai-Loa 3. Brent Tate 4. Kane Linnett 5. Ashley Graham 6. Jonathon Thurston 7. Michael Morgan 8. Matt Scott 9. Scott Moore 10. James Tamou 11. Gavin Cooper 12. Tariq Sims 13 Dallas Johnson Interchange 14. Jason Taumololo 15. Glenn Hall 16. Ashton Sims 17. Anthony Mitchell
On the fringe: Clint Greenshields, RayThompson, Robert Lui, Scott Bolton, Rory Kostjayson, Antonio Winterstein, Joel Reithmuller, Ricky Thorby, Kyle Feldt
NRL season 2013 - New Zealand Warriors
The mighty Warriors from across the Tasman are coming into this season under a cloud of uncertainty.
Onto their third coach in two years, the Warriors have also lost some of their best players in James Maloney and the dependable Lewis Brown.
Curtains haven't been called on their 2013 campaign, and are armed with a roster that could surprise many on their way to the finals.
Covering the loss of Maloney was always going to be difficult, but the recruitment of Thomas Leuluai goes a long way to filling the hole. Shaun Johnson has proved to be a more than capable young half and will partner Leuluai. The signing of Harry Seijka provides some cover for injury, and will
The forward pack have gained the services of Todd Lowrie to cover the loss of Brown, while keeping the crux of their 2012 pack. Sam Rapira, Russell Packer, Jacob Lilyman and Ben Matulino will rotate through the front row, with Feleti Mateo, Simon Mannering, Elijah Taylor and Ben Henry providing cover for the back row.
Nathan Friend should have a mortgage on the hooker jersey, but Alehana Mara and Pita Goldinet will be ready if they get the opportunity.
Sione Lousi, Steve Rapira, Sebastine Ikahihifo, Sam Lousi and Mara provide depth in the forwards.
Kevin Locke leads from back again this season, narrowly beating out Glen Fiisiahi who has proven more than capable.
Bill Tupou and Manu Vatuvei have both laid claim to the the starting wing jerseys, while Konrad Hurrell and new recruit Dane Nielsen should get the nod at centre. Henry provides cover in the centre, with Jerome Ropati, Carlos Tuimavave and Dominique Peyroux all waiting in the wings.
Warriors: 1. Kevin Locke 2. Bill Tupou 3. Dane Nielson 4. Konrad Hurrell 5. Manu Vatuvei 6. Thomas Leuluai 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Ben Matulino 9. Nathan Friend 10. Sam Rapira 11. Feleti Mateo 12. Simon Mannering 13. Elijah Taylor Interchange 14. Todd Lowrie 15. Russell Packer 16. Jacob Lilyman 17. Ben Henry
On the fringe: Glen Fiisiahi, Steve Rapira, Harry Seijka, Jerome Ropati, Carlos Tuimavave, Sione Lousi, Sam Lousi, Alehana Mara, Pita Goldinet
Onto their third coach in two years, the Warriors have also lost some of their best players in James Maloney and the dependable Lewis Brown.
Curtains haven't been called on their 2013 campaign, and are armed with a roster that could surprise many on their way to the finals.
Covering the loss of Maloney was always going to be difficult, but the recruitment of Thomas Leuluai goes a long way to filling the hole. Shaun Johnson has proved to be a more than capable young half and will partner Leuluai. The signing of Harry Seijka provides some cover for injury, and will
The forward pack have gained the services of Todd Lowrie to cover the loss of Brown, while keeping the crux of their 2012 pack. Sam Rapira, Russell Packer, Jacob Lilyman and Ben Matulino will rotate through the front row, with Feleti Mateo, Simon Mannering, Elijah Taylor and Ben Henry providing cover for the back row.
Nathan Friend should have a mortgage on the hooker jersey, but Alehana Mara and Pita Goldinet will be ready if they get the opportunity.
Sione Lousi, Steve Rapira, Sebastine Ikahihifo, Sam Lousi and Mara provide depth in the forwards.
Kevin Locke leads from back again this season, narrowly beating out Glen Fiisiahi who has proven more than capable.
Bill Tupou and Manu Vatuvei have both laid claim to the the starting wing jerseys, while Konrad Hurrell and new recruit Dane Nielsen should get the nod at centre. Henry provides cover in the centre, with Jerome Ropati, Carlos Tuimavave and Dominique Peyroux all waiting in the wings.
Warriors: 1. Kevin Locke 2. Bill Tupou 3. Dane Nielson 4. Konrad Hurrell 5. Manu Vatuvei 6. Thomas Leuluai 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Ben Matulino 9. Nathan Friend 10. Sam Rapira 11. Feleti Mateo 12. Simon Mannering 13. Elijah Taylor Interchange 14. Todd Lowrie 15. Russell Packer 16. Jacob Lilyman 17. Ben Henry
On the fringe: Glen Fiisiahi, Steve Rapira, Harry Seijka, Jerome Ropati, Carlos Tuimavave, Sione Lousi, Sam Lousi, Alehana Mara, Pita Goldinet
NRL season 2013 - Newcastle Knights
The Wayne Bennett factor took a while to rub off last season but the Knights are primed a big year.
Their trial against the Rabbitohs was the only trial I saw this year, and Newcastle looked good.
Injuries will remain the biggest concern to their premiership hopes, with much riding on the fitness of Kurt Gidley and Jarrod Mullen. Both have represented NSW in the past, and always produced good results when they were on the field together.
When it comes to being on the field at the same time it's a completely different story, as both have struggled to put in full seasons. The injuries have forced backup halves Ryan Stig and Tyrone Roberts to perform at NRL level, and that is exactly what they have done. The experience may be a blessing in disguise for the Novacastrians, with the ability to chop and change the four players without losing too much ability.
The strongest part of this team is its forwards.
Names like Kade Snowden, Willie Mason, Chris Houston, Beau Scott and Jeremy Smith pepper the starting lineup, with Neville Costigan, Alex McKinnon, Matt Hilder and the returning David Fa'alogo adding massive impact from the bench.
Throw seasoned veteran Danny Buderus into the mix, along with backup Travis Waddell, and the Knights have a solid foundation to build the rest of their season on.
The backline isn't as imposing as the forward pack, but they are no pushovers.
Darius Boyd had a quiet first year the Knights' No.1 jersey, which should have the State of Origin representative hungry to make a big improvement this season. He has developed his playmaking, providing an extra danger at the back.
Akuila Uate maintains his standing as one of the more prolific tryscorers in the competition. James McManus, the Scot who has a NSW Origin jersey to his name, keeps a hold on the other wing jersey but will be lucky to keep Anthony Quinn at bay. Timana Tahu and Dane Gagai make up an exciting centre pairing that will trouble defenders all year.
Knights: 1. Darius Boyd 2. Akuila Uate 3. Dane Gagai 4. Timana Tahu 5. James McManus 6. Jarrod Mullen 7. Kurt Gidley 8. Kade Snowden 9. Danny Buderus 10. Willie Mason 11. Chris Houston 12. Beau Scott 13. Jeremy Smith Interchange 14. Tyrone Roberts 15. Neville Costigan 16. David Fa'alogo 17. Alex McKinnon
On the fringe: Ryan Stig, Anthony Quinn, Matt Hilder, Siuatonga Likiliki, Adam Cuthbertson, Peter Mata'utai, Chris Adams, Korbin Sims, Kevin Naiqama, Travis Waddell
Their trial against the Rabbitohs was the only trial I saw this year, and Newcastle looked good.
Injuries will remain the biggest concern to their premiership hopes, with much riding on the fitness of Kurt Gidley and Jarrod Mullen. Both have represented NSW in the past, and always produced good results when they were on the field together.
When it comes to being on the field at the same time it's a completely different story, as both have struggled to put in full seasons. The injuries have forced backup halves Ryan Stig and Tyrone Roberts to perform at NRL level, and that is exactly what they have done. The experience may be a blessing in disguise for the Novacastrians, with the ability to chop and change the four players without losing too much ability.
The strongest part of this team is its forwards.
Names like Kade Snowden, Willie Mason, Chris Houston, Beau Scott and Jeremy Smith pepper the starting lineup, with Neville Costigan, Alex McKinnon, Matt Hilder and the returning David Fa'alogo adding massive impact from the bench.
Throw seasoned veteran Danny Buderus into the mix, along with backup Travis Waddell, and the Knights have a solid foundation to build the rest of their season on.
The backline isn't as imposing as the forward pack, but they are no pushovers.
Darius Boyd had a quiet first year the Knights' No.1 jersey, which should have the State of Origin representative hungry to make a big improvement this season. He has developed his playmaking, providing an extra danger at the back.
Akuila Uate maintains his standing as one of the more prolific tryscorers in the competition. James McManus, the Scot who has a NSW Origin jersey to his name, keeps a hold on the other wing jersey but will be lucky to keep Anthony Quinn at bay. Timana Tahu and Dane Gagai make up an exciting centre pairing that will trouble defenders all year.
Knights: 1. Darius Boyd 2. Akuila Uate 3. Dane Gagai 4. Timana Tahu 5. James McManus 6. Jarrod Mullen 7. Kurt Gidley 8. Kade Snowden 9. Danny Buderus 10. Willie Mason 11. Chris Houston 12. Beau Scott 13. Jeremy Smith Interchange 14. Tyrone Roberts 15. Neville Costigan 16. David Fa'alogo 17. Alex McKinnon
On the fringe: Ryan Stig, Anthony Quinn, Matt Hilder, Siuatonga Likiliki, Adam Cuthbertson, Peter Mata'utai, Chris Adams, Korbin Sims, Kevin Naiqama, Travis Waddell
Wednesday, March 06, 2013
NRL season 2013 - Melbourne Storm
There is no arguing about Melbourne's premiership credentials - they are a staple in the top eight and it is becoming increasingly difficult to remember a time when the Storm didn't make the finals.
Success in Melbourne has long revolved around the "big three" of Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk and captain everywhere, Cameron Smith.
With names like that in the key positions, it is impossible to go past the Storm as one of, if not the, favourites, provided all three stay fit. They have managed to cover the three position in case of injury, using some sorcery to secure backups in each position - Gareth Widdop (English international), Brett Finch (NSW rep) and Ryan Hinchcliffe (NSW Country). While the calibre of play does drop - they are the best players in their positions - the quality of the players that can fill the void is unmatched by any other club.
Craig Bellamy's ability to develop players has made him one of the premier coaches the NRL has ever seen.
Despite large cuts to the player rosters over the last few years, Bellamy has managed to develop players who may otherwise be kicking on in reserve grade at other clubs into highly sought after players. Some names that roll off the tongue like Todd Lowirie, Dane Nielson and Sika Manu have all left, but there are plenty of players who will step up to fill the void.
The forwards are obviously led by captain Smith, with Bryan Norrie, Jesse Bromwich and Jason Ryles fighting over the starting prop positions. The back-row has plenty of experience between the hard-working and most likely starting trio of Kevin Proctor, Ryan Hoffman and Hinchcliffe. The form of boom rookie Tohu Harris could be irresistible too ignore, while Junior Moors, Lagi Setu, Siosaia Vave and Kenny Bromwich wait in the wings.
In the backs Justin O'Neill and Matt Duffie are the inclumbent wingers and should keep their positions. Junior Sa'u will take Neilson's old spot while Will Chambers has the opportunity to continue his fine form. There is plenty of depth (as always), with Sisa Waqa, Maurice Blair and Victorian Mahe Fonua ready to step up.
Storm: 1. Billy Slater 2. Justin O'Neill 3. Junio Sa'u 4. Will Chambers 5. Matt Duffie 6. Gareth Widdop 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith 10. Bryan Norrie 11. Tohu Harris 12. Kevin Proctor 13. Ryan Hoffman Interchange 14. Ryan Hinchcliffe 15. Jason Ryles 16. Junior Moors 17. Brett Finch
On the fringes: Siosaia Vava, Maurice Blair, Mahe Fonua, Kenny Bromwich, Lagi Setu, Sisa Waqa, Mitch Garbutt
Success in Melbourne has long revolved around the "big three" of Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk and captain everywhere, Cameron Smith.
With names like that in the key positions, it is impossible to go past the Storm as one of, if not the, favourites, provided all three stay fit. They have managed to cover the three position in case of injury, using some sorcery to secure backups in each position - Gareth Widdop (English international), Brett Finch (NSW rep) and Ryan Hinchcliffe (NSW Country). While the calibre of play does drop - they are the best players in their positions - the quality of the players that can fill the void is unmatched by any other club.
Craig Bellamy's ability to develop players has made him one of the premier coaches the NRL has ever seen.
Despite large cuts to the player rosters over the last few years, Bellamy has managed to develop players who may otherwise be kicking on in reserve grade at other clubs into highly sought after players. Some names that roll off the tongue like Todd Lowirie, Dane Nielson and Sika Manu have all left, but there are plenty of players who will step up to fill the void.
The forwards are obviously led by captain Smith, with Bryan Norrie, Jesse Bromwich and Jason Ryles fighting over the starting prop positions. The back-row has plenty of experience between the hard-working and most likely starting trio of Kevin Proctor, Ryan Hoffman and Hinchcliffe. The form of boom rookie Tohu Harris could be irresistible too ignore, while Junior Moors, Lagi Setu, Siosaia Vave and Kenny Bromwich wait in the wings.
In the backs Justin O'Neill and Matt Duffie are the inclumbent wingers and should keep their positions. Junior Sa'u will take Neilson's old spot while Will Chambers has the opportunity to continue his fine form. There is plenty of depth (as always), with Sisa Waqa, Maurice Blair and Victorian Mahe Fonua ready to step up.
Storm: 1. Billy Slater 2. Justin O'Neill 3. Junio Sa'u 4. Will Chambers 5. Matt Duffie 6. Gareth Widdop 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith 10. Bryan Norrie 11. Tohu Harris 12. Kevin Proctor 13. Ryan Hoffman Interchange 14. Ryan Hinchcliffe 15. Jason Ryles 16. Junior Moors 17. Brett Finch
On the fringes: Siosaia Vava, Maurice Blair, Mahe Fonua, Kenny Bromwich, Lagi Setu, Sisa Waqa, Mitch Garbutt
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
