All NRL clubs will begin their pre-season trials in just over 1 month. So what better time to give all the readers out there an in depth preview in just what you can expect for 2008.
Most big shot Rugby League experts will wait until the pre season trials to gain at least some insight in how the teams are performing. However I’m no expert and couldn’t be @rsed travelling to Condobolin district playing fields to get a glimpse of the Tigers and Panthers go around.
So without further delay, here is my (very lengthy) season 2008 review.. I can see this coming back to bite me in the @rse after round 26…..
1st: Melbourne ’Can we get an article in the Herald Sun’ Storm
Gains: Joseph Tomane (2008), Ben MacDougall (2008).
Losses: Michael Bond (Roosters, 2007), Matt Bartlett (Cowboys, 2007), Ian Donnelly (Titans, 2007), Ben Cross (Newcastle), Anthony Perkins (Cowboys), James Aubusson (Roosters), Matt King (Warrington Wolves), Ryan Shortland (Warriors), Clint Newton (Hull KR)
The defending Premiers will probably win the title again simple because they got Super stars like Cronk, Inglis, Cameron Smith and Billy Slater. When you have them for a 1,6,7 & 9 you almost don’t need any other players. It will take an incredibly talented side with a mix of youthful exuberance and experience (Canberra) to have any chance on stopping these boys from winning the Premiership. I say we just hand them the trophy now and let every other side battle for runners up status. The only thing that can stop the Storm is Injury, even with that they have shown they can pull a super star from nowhere. You only have to look as far as Israel Falau he stepped in from nowhere and tore apart nearly every teams fringe defences.
Yet despite mountains of success in the past few years, the Storm still struggle to gain media attention nd decent crowds in the city. 15,000 might sound ok, but when your in a city of 3 Million you really have to wonder what’s going on, Especially when Melbounre Victory Continually attract 20,000+ despite making an ironic mokery of their team’s name.
2nd: North Queensland Cowboys
Gains: Matt Bartlett (2007, Melbourne), Travis Burns (2010, Manly), Anthony Perkins (2009, Melbourne), Ben Harris (2008, Bradford), Dayne Weston (2009, Cronulla), Anthony Watts (Sharks), John Williams (2011, Roosters)
Losses: Rod Jensen (Huddersfield), Brenton Bowen (Titans), Jason Smith, Paul Bowman, Scott Minto (retired) Neil Sweeny.
If Thurston stays fit the side is a certainty of making the top 4. He and Matt Bowen can single handily win games by themselves by pulling a try out of nowhere, Canberra found this out the hard way last year.. Twice.. The Cowboys will be even tougher to beat at home under the reduced interchange laws. Players coming up from the South must feel like they are in Calcutta when they step food in the North Queensland Town.
Not too much news on the signing front, although the side will miss chain smoking 5/8 Jason Smith who finally decided to hang the boots up after his 3rd “this will be my last season”.
Travis Burns is a god replacement though, the cowboys picked him up after the Sea Eagles decided they were better off having Jamie “I’m so home sick I moved to the other side of the World” Lyon as the sides new overweight 5/8.
3rd: Cronulla ‘Maybe this year?‘ Sharks
Gains: Karl McNichol (Bulldogs), Rory O’Brien (Dragons), Blake Green (Eels 2009), Kade Snowden (Knights 2009), Bryan Norrie (Panthers 2009)
Losses: Josh Hannay, Brett Seymour (2008), Michael Greenfield (Souths), Adam Dykes (Hull), Robert Worsley (Bulldogs), Craig Stapleton (Salford), Dayne Weston (Cowboys), Anthony Watts (Cowboys), Richard Villasanti (Retired)
Poor old Ricky Stuart saw his side fall just short of victory on so many occasions. The Sharks actually finished with a positive differential which shows that they won plenty of games big, and lost a lot of close ones. Injuries galore struck the side big time in 07, which gave plenty of young blokes the chance to gain valuable experience in First Grade. All of this will benefit the side greatly in 2008 as Ricky Stuart’s boys will be right up near the top of the table.
Off the field the sharks have secured funding for their home Ground, this multi Million dollar deal will see “Toyota Park” attempt to gain “Stadium” status, don’t hold your breath though, the place isn’t as bad as Brookvale, but then again what is?
4th Canberra: ‘We’re gonna win the League’ Raiders
Gains: Nigel Plum (Roosters,2009), Joel Monaghan (Roosters,2010), Joel Thompson (Storm, 2010)
Losses: Andrew Lomu (Broncos) Tony Pamatangi (Released), Craig Frawley (Released, Broncos), Steve Irwin, Jason Williams (Released), Josh McCrone (Panthers), David Howell (Harquinns) Matt Bickerstaff (Released), Junior Sau (Knights), Chris Borgese (UK).
Canberra had a dreadful year with officiating with mind boggling decisions costing them as many as 4 matches. However Canberra’s bigger problems came on the road, apart from a win at Elliott’s Panther and a scrappy win against Souths, the boys from the capital struggled to be competitive away from home base. The side show it’s enormous heart with a come from behind win against the Red Hot Warriors a week after succumbing 52-4 at the hands of the Bulldogs.
The side also showed how it could entertain with big wins over the Knights, Dragons and Titans at home.
Young Todd Carney is inline for a blues 6 jersey with his biggest competition Barge Arse Jamie Lyon. With help from mentor Laurie Daley Carney should make the country origin side (of which Daley is the coach). A solid performance there will see him put enormous pressure on the blues selectors.
In personnel changes, the Raiders picked up the only decent and inform centre on the open market in Joel Monaghan, and also picked up the highly regarded young centre/2nd rower Joel Thompson.
A few injuries could see Thompson given his chance at a first grade debut.
The prediction of a top 4 berth may come from some extreme bias, but if you really take a closer look at the team you will see they have the ability. Don’t listen to any ‘experts’ who rubbish us, most of these are the same people that claimed Matt Elliott was a super coach and would lead Penrith to success in 2007…
A top 4 Finish will see the young side gain such confidence, that they will tear apart the Warriors, Sea Eagles and Sharks side on their way to a Grand Final where @ $5.45 outsiders they topple the Storm 31-18 after trailing 18-0 at the break…
Does the above contain heavy bias towards the Raiders?
Yes
Are you honestly surprised that an article on the Raiders Army Website would be overwhelmingly positive towards them?
I’ll Let you answer that one.
5th: New Zealand ’We signed Roger Ramjet’ Warriors
Gains: Brent Tate (Broncos, 2010), Ian Henderson (Bradford SL, 2009), Ryan Shortland (Storm,2008)
Losses: Cooper Vuna (Knights, 2007), Lui Toimoana (Manly), George Gatis (Huddersfield Giants- ESL), Tony Martin, Todd Byrne (released)
Brent Tate will help strengthen a backline on what is a very impressive Warriors side. This side boasts an incredible forward pack which can tear a whole through opposition teams in their sleep.
Wade McKinnon has turned out to be one of the best fullbacks in the league showing some downright freakish ability. The Warriors are producing some great footy that more sheep then ever are getting the night off across the Tasman.
Coach Cleary has turned this team into an entertainment machine and halves Witt and Rovelli will only get better after a solid season in 07.
If this side is firing in the finals series anything could happen. A lot of the side gained valuable finals experience last year which will only benefit the side in 08.
6th: Manly ’Rich Club, Sh!t Ground’ Sea Eagles
Gains: Lui Toimoana (Warriors), Heath L’Strange (Roosters, 2009), Josh Perry (Knights, 2010), David Vaeiliki (Wigan, 2009)
Losses: Michael Monaghan (Warrington), Travis Burns (Cowboys), Chris Hicks (Warrington), Aaron Groom (Bulldogs)
The loss of hooker Michael Monaghan is a Huge one for the Sea Eagles, the side only reached the heights of last year because of the leadership he provided. Again the Sea Eagles will use a scrap heap in Brookvale oval as a home Ground for 2008. After not gaining government funding, some officials considered pulling an insurance job on Brookvale oval to gain the funds, unfortunately for them the place is only Value at $48.70. A Roman Abramovich style investor is needed to fix up a ground which couldn’t pass the criteria to host Hungarian Division 5 Lacrosse.
Barge Arse Lyon will again partner Matt Orford in the halves, and insiders have informed me that he is trying to improve on last years stellar performance by attempting to break the line before round 19. Brett Stewert on the other hand will continue to tear teams apart with sheer pace, Matt Orford will again miss out on Origin selection ( good)
7th: Brisbane ’Our Coach saw out the Ice Age’ Broncos
Gains: Craig “my finger hurts” Frawley, Andrew Lomu (Raiders), Peter Wallace, Joel Clinton (Panthers), Tom Hewitt (Dragons), PJ Marsh (Eels)
Losses: Tame Tupou (Bradford), Brent Tate (Warriors), Petero Civoniceva (Panthers), Brad Thorn (NZ Rugby Union) Dane Carlaw (Les Catalans RLFC), Ian Lacey & John Te Reo (Fired),
Senile old Fart Wayne Bennett takes his Broncos into 2008 minus his big prop Petero Civoniceva. A bargain basement buy in Peter Wallace may finally be the solution to the clubs 7 problems. The side will again boast around half the QLD origin team, and the post origin period will determine how the team goes. An injury or two could cause problems in the camp,, specially if anything happens to star 5/8 Darren Lockyer. PJ Marsh move into Hooker sees the Broncos with a very strong spine. However Bennett seems to have run out of ideas, the side should however win enough games to scrape into the top 8.
8th: South Sydney Crowe Holmes Acourt Rabbitohs
Gains: Craig Wing (Roosters 2011), Michael Greenfield (Sharks, 2008), Ben Lowe (Cowboys, 2007)
Losses: Joe Williams (Panthers) Joe Galuvao (Parramatta), Peter Cusack (UK)
Pretty much traded Joe Williams for Craig wing, which is a dream trade. Much of South Sydney’s Success in 2008 will depend on how the team go offensively. While the side defended with great heart and determination last year, their attacking efforts were so poor that people switched over to Epic Movie in an attempt to decrease boredom.
The sheer fear of Russel Crowe should see the side scrape into the 8 providing there are no more “love in’s”
Everyone will be looking forward to seeing 10,000 people in the 80,000 venue at Telstra Stadium, and that figure includes the extras brought in by Rusty to try establish some sort of crowd.
9th: Parramatta ’What did Tim Smith do this time’ Eels
Gains: Joe Galuvao (Souths)
Losses: Timana Tahu (NSW Rugby Union), Aaron Cannings (Titans), Blake Green (Sharks), Michael Lett (Dragons), Zeb Taia (Knights), Justin Tsoulos, Nathan Tannous (Bulldogs), PJ Marsh (Broncos)
No Gains, but when your side boasts Krisian Inu and Jarryd ‘ Fabio Grosso’ Hayne why do you need any? Originally I had the Eels in the 8. But then Tim Smith decided to celebrate his new year long alcohol ban, by getting totally plastered. The 7 now finds himself suspended indefinitely and the side will have to be led by Brett ” I played origin because 6 blokes got injured” Finch., This spells disaster for Hagan’s men as Brett Finch couldn’t lead a Horse to Water, let alone an NRL side. Judging by that you would wonder why I have them as high as 9th, well super stars win matches, and Inu is the type of player you’d give any money for just for the pure fact he can win matches on his own. However the loss of P.J Marsh is a massive loss for the eels, as 22 minute man Mark Riddell might now have to play more minutes with less interchanges, the reduction to 10 interchanges per a match means Riddell will only get 6-7 breathers, hence not having as much energy for his 2 metres runs at the try line.
10th: Gold Coast ‘Our home ground is a Giant Pillow’ Titans
Gains: Josh Lewis (2007), Ian Donnelly (2007), Aaron Cannings (2008), Brenton Bowen, Ben Jeffery, Matthew Cross, Esi Tonga (2009), Ashley Harrison (2011)
Losses: Matt Hilder (Newcastle), Jake Webster (Hull KR-ESL), Richie Mathers (Wigan)
The new boys have a few solid signings, but again depth will be their biggest problem in 2008.The club also have to shake off its “Canberra Syndrome” which causes them to play like Donkeys away from home.
A new stadium will provide the club with a huge boost, after all you can only be so enthusiastic running out each week onto a ground which looks like it is set to be demolished for a new venue.
The surfer boys from the coast do have the ability to make the 8, and Scott Prince will be the key. Matt Rodgers could start the year at 5/8 which will push Preston Campbell to fullback. I don’t like to be harsh on the bloke but he won the Dally M playing in the halves for a reason.
Some of Preston’s performances at fullback in 2007 even left Hilary Duff thinking she could do better.
But there seems to be too much reliance on Scott Prince and still being a new club means depth problems will still occur. Could make the 8, but I see them falling just short.
11th: Sydney ‘What’s a Salary Cap’ Roosters
Gains: Mark O’Meley (Bulldogs, 2010), Michael Bond (Storm, 2007), James Aubusson (2010), Willie Mason (Bulldogs, 2011), Brett Grose (Warrington, 2008)
Losses: Jamie Soward (Dragons), Josh Lewis (Titans), Craig Wing (2008- Souths), Heath L’Strange (Sea Eagles), Danny Williams (Bulldogs), Ashley Harrison (Titans)
Despite having to let go Utility Ashley Harrison, the Roosters still managed to count enough pennies to sign Willie Mason… hmm Nothing suss there.. Forward Mason (who has a Bulldogs tat on his arm) joined fellow players Braith Anasta and Mark O”Mealey who also went to through the same Roosters Development system which is otherwise known the Canterbury Bulldogs. .
The Roosters just never seem to learn that buying up big doesn’t success, especially when you have to play on an (officially) ‘level’ playing field in terms of the salary cap. Brad Fitler stepped into the coaching role mid season and continued the trend of New Coaches winning matches. But as shown the enthusiasm of having a new boss can only last so long, and the Roosters charge came to an end. When Fittler came into the job in 07 he knew he had no pressure on him as no one expected anything from him. Now that he has shown something and been given a contract Nick Politis will demand results, as shown with the Anderson affair the Roosters board has no problems in sacking a coach in his first year.
The side will win it’s shares of matches, but Willie Mason misplacing his brain midseason will disrupt the club.
12th: Wests ’We have Three Home Grounds’ Tigers
Gains: Nick Youngquest (Panthers), Mathew Head (Hull FC, 2008), Trent Cutler (Dogs)
Losses: Ben Jeffery (Titans), Daniel Fitzhenry (Hull KR), Ben Galea (Hull KR).Jason Moodie (Retired), Paul Whaturia (Huddersfield)
The sides entire hopes rest the injured prone halves Matthew Head and Benji Marshall. The side seemed to lose it’s way in the back half of 07 and it will be interesting to see if they can turn it around in 08.It will be interesting to see. The side will win some games simply off the back of Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah, but there are some serious questions in their backs and forwards department,
The most interesting aspect of 208 for the Tigers will be if their Bogan fans insist on a ground that looks like a bomb testing site in Leichhardt oval, or whether they finally let the club play more games at a venue that has new age facilities such as more then 6 toilets and seats in (the now) ANZ stadium. If you hold hope of seeing them move to a modern venue, don’t hold your breath, these bogans are as stubborn as a French Head Chef and will ram the tradition card down your throat. So if we follow with their thinking we may as well cut the 10metre rule, have no interchanges and ditch the video review (hey if no one saw you smash the bloke over the head on the field, you should be able to get away with it right?)
13th: Newcastle ’OMG Joey is gone OMG what do we do????’ Knights
Gains: Luke MacDougall (2007), Cooper Vuna (2007), Wes Naiqama, Chris Houston, Matt Hilder, Keith Lulia (2009), Ben Cross, Danny Wicks, Zeb Taia (2010)
Losses: Clint Newton (Melbourne), Andrew Johns, Luke Davico (retired), Adam Woolnough (Panthers), Brad Tighe (Panthers), Josh Perry (Sea Eagles), Kade Snowden (Sharks), George Carmont (Wigan)
Brian Smith copped a torrent of unwarranted abuse last season after he was handed a side that had not prepared for the loss of Andrew Jones which was exposed further when Johns retired in round 3 after his side got mauled by Canberra, Smith then saw his 2nd and 3rd choice halfback spend time on the sidelines, but never the less he battled on and thanks to some incompetence from Matt Elliott he helped his side avoid the dreaded Wooden spoon.
Smith now has a squad that he assembled, last season was a write off the calls from his head was just a quick fired way to find a scape goat, as Jason Taylor told Parramatta Coach Michael Hagan ” Brian is only trying to fix what you F*cked up” . Truer words have never been spoken.
However the Knights ace a tough battle to make the 8 in what will be a very congested lower half of the table, if a few things go their way they might make it, but I see the side losing a few close games as they attempt to establish the post Andrew Johns Era. Wes Naqiama will be a big boost to the side provided he doesn’t end up in lock up.
14th: Canterbury ‘ what ever happened to that Oasis project?’ Bulldogs
Gains: Charlie Leaneo (Dragons, 2009), Conrad Ta’akimoeaka (North Sydney, 2009), Justin Tsoulos (Eels, 2009), Nathan Tannous (Eels, 2008), Michael Sullivan (Warrington, 2009), Aaron Groom (Sea Eagles, 2009), Leon Bott (Sharks, 2007-2008) Robert Worsley (Sharks, 2009), Chevvy Penehoe (Panthers, 2009), Danny Williams (Roosters, 2009)
Losses: Karl McNichol (Sharks), Mark O’Meley (Roosters), Esi Tonga (Titans), Jeremy Gordon (Released), Willie Mason (Released-Roosters), Brent Sherwin (England), Dallas McIlwaine (Retired)
An Error in the Accounting department sees the Bulldogs go into Season 2008 using up a grand total of $400,000 in their salary cap. This is a staggering $3.6 Million under the cap, which makes up for the shenanigans of 2002.
Poor old Steve Folkes had to put up with a pre season Whinge from ADD poster boy Willie Mason. A professional Rugby Player in Mason wanted a pre season boxing bout so he could sit on the sidelines while the club pays his $8000 a week Salary. An upset Mason threatened to walk from the club if CEO Malcolm Noad didn’t Resign. Noad stayed and the average IQ at Belmore rose an astonishing 600%.
But Sadly for the Dogs Brent Sherwin also walked out, but to his credit it was on good terms. This however leaves the dogs with a big hole in the cap with no players on the market to buy, thus seriously thinning their depth. Nick Kouparitsas was a massive improver in 2007 and will hopefully be rewarded with plenty of game time. Michael Sullivan is a solid signing but unfortunately the dogs will have a rebuilding year and struggle to make the 8. If things get real desperate Sonny Bill Williams may find him self improving his ball skills so he can slot into the halves instead of Candice Falzone,
15th: St George Illawarra ’Sack Coach Brown’ Dragons
Gains: Jamie Soward (Roosters 2007), Michael Lett (2008)
Losses: Luke MacDougall, Danny Wicks, Wes Naiqama, Chris Houston, Keith Lulia (Knights), Rory O’Brien (Sharks), Richie Williams (Panthers 2007), Charlie Leaneo (Bulldogs), Mathew Head (Hull FC 2007, Wests Tigers 2008), Tom Hewitt (Broncos)
Re-signed: Jason Ryles, Ben Hornby (2010), Ricky Thorby (2009), Jason Nightingale, Lagi Setu (2008), Chase Stanley (2010)
The Famous Mark Gasnier at 5/8 experiment lasted ½ a trial match before a torn tit saw him miss most of the season. If Nathan Brown was a smart man he would play the World’s best centre at I don’t know… Centre?
Unfortunately a lack of options (and the huge loss of Richie Williams) will see F.U.B start the year in the 6 Jersey standing next to Jamie “I have glue on my hands so can’t pass to outside backs” Soward in what is said to be the best Halves pairing since the Drew-Bulgarelli days. After all 1 half +1 Centre> Better then 1 Hooker + 1 umm imitation centre.
Coach Brown will have his token season of starting poorly, followed by a mid season revival when fans call his head, followed by a customary end of season slump. In positive news, CEO Peter Doust will spend considerably less time in court with the departure of goal and gaol cell kicking winger of Wes Naiqama. In other news the Dragons will play half their “home” games at Telstra.. Sorry ANZ stadium,. This deal them sees them join the dogs, tigers and souths as calling the 80,000 seat arena “home”. The dragons are confident they can attract 50,000 fans in the 80,000 venue. ….over their 6 games there…
16th BYE
17th Penrith ‘We got a super coach AND a spoon ‘ Panthers
Gains: Adam Woolnough (Knights 2010), Richie Williams (Dragons, 2008), Joe Williams (Rabbitohs, 2008), Brad Tighe (Knights, 2010), Josh McCrone (Raiders, 2009), Petero Civoniceva (Broncos, 2009)
Losses: Peter Wallace, Joel Clinton (Broncos), Craig Gower (Bayonne RUFC), Matthew Cross (Titans), Chevvy Penehoe (Bulldogs), Bryan Norrie (Sharks)
Is this a piss Take?
Super Coach Elliott has come in and signed a prop, a big mouth and an over rated hack, while at the same time letting go of a club legend, and a very talented five-eight who has come through the system at Penrith., One would be forgiven for thinking that Elliott is indeed a mole working for a rival Sydney Club.
Never the less the Panthers will go into the season with veteran prop Petero Civoniceva leading the way as captain. Self labelled super Star Richie Williams has been spending all season learning how to pick up a ball from the in goal area.
Mean While Joe “The next Andrew Johns, but played in the Reserve Grade Grand Final” Williams will be looking to enforce Elliott’s 1, out, 1 out, 1 out Kick game plan.
Keep an eye out for the Skipper to step into the role of worlds biggest half partner as he partners a currently retired Matt Adamson as Elliott looks to take advantage of the reduced interchange laws.. The Mid Season switch is set to benefit all rival clubs.
*Player movements thanks to ‘Darryl’s Rugby League’ ( http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/Field/8957/index.htm )
It shall be very interesting to see how season 2008 pans out, remember people there is nothing wrong with Dreaming.
Cya at the massive street party in Garema Place when Tonguey comes home with the Trophy.
- Marko
Stay tuned for more opinion pieces by Raiders Army members throughout the year.
