Peter Psaltis NRL Predictions
So the NRL season isn't too far away from getting underway. After a long off season all 16 teams are ready for action and here are a few predictions for the season.
Last year I successfully picked both the premiers and wooden spooners so the pressure will be on this time around.
2008 Premiers - It is hard to go past the Melbourne Storm once again, but winning back to back premierships is tough stuff. The Brisbane Broncos were the last team to do it and that was back in 1992/93, leaving out when they won Superleague in 1997 and the NRL in 98.
The Strorm has kept the key to their success in 2007 in the numbers 1,6,7 and 9. Cooper Cronk is now an Australian player and I believe he'll take his game to another level in '08. If there are any question marks about Johnathon Thurston's shoulder come origin time, Cronk will more than fill the void.
Many people think Manly will improve, I think they will struggle. The Sea Eagles will make the top 4 but the loss of Michael Monaghan will hit them hard, but don't feel sorry for Manly, afterall they were the ones that let him go.
Don't write them off - Melbourne's biggest challengers to the title this season will be Parramatta and Brisbane.
Michael Hagan's biggest danger at the Eels is keeping his team of talented hot heads out of the headlines for the wrong reasons. Jarryd Hayne and Tim Smith are on their last legs after a number of off field incidents, if it wasn't for their on field abilities both would be out of the game all together. Although in saying that, Hayne could get a role in Bad Boys 3 after dodging bullets in the cross recently.
The Broncos have recruited very strongly in the off season and will surprise many. Joel Clinton and Ashtom Sims are both ready to fire and there is plenty of pressure on them. One of the buys of the season is without a doubt P J Marsh, his explosivness out of acting half is something the Broncos have missed for some time.
Forget '08 and start planning for next year - A bit harsh I know but it has to be said. In other words these are the teams that are set to struggle this season.
Sorry Petero but Penrith will struggle this season. They won't run 16th but not too many teams will be behind them. Peter Wallace is a massive loss. Petero Civoneceva is a massive buy and the big fella will lead them to victory in a number of occasions...but can he do it consistantly?
Other teams that will struggle include The Dragons, they'll struggle until they get a senior coach! The Knights, Brian Smith! Need I say more.
Nuisance value - Year in year out people predict Canberra will run last. They have a exciting young team who in my opinion will cause plenty of teams headaches in 08. I'll also put the Sharks in the same boat. They have the likes of Gallen, Bird and Kimmorley and will make up the numbers come finals time.
Buy of the year - P J Marsh to the Broncos
Wooden Spoon - Newcastle
Top 8 - Melbourne Brisbane Parramatta Manly North Queensland Bulldogs Gold Coast Cronulla
Rookie of the Year - Aaron Groom at the Bulldogs...sorry Manly, but how could you let this guy go!
State of Origin - Queensland 3 - 0. No more to say on that one!
Queensland Cup - Easts Tigers and Redcliffe will fight out the Grand Final and the Tigers will be victorious.
Good luck to your team this season, I know it is going to be a beauty.