After 20 rounds of this year’s NRL draw, here’s a snapshot of the premiership, detailing the movers and shakers, striving to make sense of a topsy-turvy season.
Big Guns
MELBOURNE STORM. Last year’s premiers have the best playing roster in the league. Exclusive of the State of Origin period, Melbourne have displayed the most class, steadily directed by Australian captain Cameron Smith. Their backline including Billy Slater, Greg Inglis and Israel Folau have been in scintillating form, hotter than a curry at the local Indian. They are the favourites, and have demonstrated nothing to prove otherwise.
MANLY SEA EAGLES. They’ve impressed also, however must rid themselves of their inferiority complex by defeating Melbourne in round 22 at Brookvale. Should the beachside outfit lose this game, it may just confirm Manly as big game “chokers”.
SYDNEY ROOSTERS. They have played well, on the back of Braith Anasta’s accurate kicking game. However, the dominant school of thought is that teams, who rely heavily on kicks for tries, tend to fall by the wayside during the finals series. Lack of creativity and variety may cost them.
Biggest Improvers
ENRITH PANTHERS. Since Luke Lewis was moved to halfback by coach Mathew Elliot, 2008’s most improved team have displayed an exciting attacking arsenal through their speedy outside backs which has lifted them into finals contention. Considering they picked up the wooden spoon for last place in 2007, Coach Elliot has done a marvellous job.
CANBERRA RAIDERS. At the beginning of each season they are favourites for the wooden spoon, yet play well above their unheralded player roster. An expansive attacking game has excited “Green Machine” fans and may just get them into the finals.
ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS. Shot into serious finals contention after a disappointing 2007, with Wendell Sailor joining the team mid-season and the exceptional form of twins Josh and Brett Morris, coach Nathan Brown has a plethora of quality centres and wingers to select from.
Biggest Disappointments
NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS. They have arguably the NRL’s two most exciting players in Johnathan Thurston and Matt Bowen who have both been out of action with injuries. The mid-season sacking of coach Graham Murray has also taken its toll with the theoretical NRL heavyweights languishing at the bottom of the ladder.
PARRAMATTA EELS. Although they ignite stadiums with their attacking flair, through Feleti Mateo and Krisnan Inu, they have not been able to play consistent football for long periods. The Eels were expected to be in first or second position at this stage, but after a mid season slump will struggle to play September footy.
Question marks
GOLD COAST TITANS. The crux of the team, Scott Prince is out injured. Can the men from Surfers Paradise overcome his absence?
CRONULLA SHARKS. Coach Ricky Stuarts’ team has the worst try scoring record in the NRL. Their ability to absorb opponents’ attack will define their finals campaign. Can they find new attacking options?
Dark Horses
BRISBANE BRONCOS. No pun intended. Any team with the likes of Darren Lockyer, Justin Hodges and Karmichael Hunt are a chance of upstaging the more fancied Melbourne. It must be remembered that in the grand final of 2006, Brisbane unexpectedly shocked the Storm and won the premiership with the aforementioned trio. Watch for the men from the Sunshine State to deliver again.
Maybe Next Year
NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS, CANTERBURY BULLDOGS, NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS, WESTS TIGERS and SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS. All have had their opportunities and failed to deliver. The final rounds will be a good chance to blood some of their up and coming Toyota Cup players. Each of these teams has an abundance of prospects who will keep fans optimistic. Some of these Toyota Cup stars to watch include: Sonny Fai, Russell Packer (Warriors), Kevin Naiqama (Knights), Peni Tagive (Tigers), Ben Barba, Jamal Idris (Bulldogs) and Chris Sandow (Rabbitohs).
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