In this blog, I will go through the Gains and Losses for each side through 2009 and assess how each squad will go. At this stage, players denied their visa are listed as released from their old clubs. Also, players whose clubs are planning to release certain players are listed as released (correct as of 5.3.09)
Note from 2011 When this blog was transferred to WordPress: I either did not write a season preview about the Wests Tigers, or I did not save it.
Brisbane Broncos
Gains: Michael De Vere (Retirement), Israel Folau (Storm), Aaron Gorrell (Catalans), Lagi Setu (Dragons), Ben Te’o (Tigers),
Losses: Darius Boyd (Dragons), Tonie Caroll (Retired), Greg Eastwood (Released), Nick Emmett (Dragons), Michael Ennis (Bulldogs), Ben Hannant (Bulldogs), Denan Kemp (Warriors), Joel Moon (Warriors), Shane Perry (Catalans), David Stagg (Bulldogs), Reece Robinson (Released)
The Broncos have one of the most exciting backlines in the competition with the addition of Israel Folau; however, they have lost a lot of experience in the forward pack, which they will hopefully offset with a few younger forwards.
Top 17
1. Karmichael Hunt 2. Steve Michaels 3. Israel Folau 4. Justin Hodges 5. Josh Hoffman 6. Darren Lockyer (c) 7. Peter Wallace 8. Sam Thaiday 9. Aaron Gorrell 10. Ashton Sims 11. Corey Parker 12. Ben Te’o 13. Lagi Seu 14. Dave Taylor 15. PJ Marsh 16. Joel Clinton 17. Will Tupou
Bulldogs
Gains: Michael Ennis (Broncos), Bryson Goodwin (Sharks), Yileen Gordon (Rabbitohs), Ben Hannant (Broncos), Michael Hodgson (Titans), Brett Kimmorley (Sharks), Josh Morris (Dragons), David Staggs (Broncos)
Losses: Leon Bott (Released), Kane Cleal (Rabbitohs), Andre Emilio (Released), Corey Hughes (Sharks), Reni Matuia (Sharks), Willie Tonga (Cowboys), Justin Tsolous (Retired), Sonny Bill Williams (Rugby Union), Joe Williams (Released), Nick Youngquest (Rugby Union)
The Bulldogs have had a massive upheaval with a mass change of personnel to change a supposed bad culture at the club. The mid-season loss of Sonny Bill Williams means a lot of money had been made available, and the club has used it to the maximum.
Top 17
1. Luke Pattern 2. Hazem El Masri 3. Josh Morris 4. Jamal Idris 5. Matt Utai 6. Ben Roberts 7. Brett Kimmorley 8. Ben Hannant 9. Michael Ennis 10. Chris Armit 11. Lee Ta Marri 12. Andrew Ryan (c) 13. David Stagg 14. Michael Sullivan 15. Jarrard Hickey 16. Michael Hodgson 17. Danny Williams
Canberra Raiders
Gains: Stuart Flanagan (Tigers), Bronson Harrison (Tigers), Sam Huihahau (Rabbitohs), Josh McCrone (Panthers), David Shillington (Roosters)
Losses: Colin Best (Rabbitohs), Todd Carney (Released), Marshall Chalk (Celtic), Neville Costigan (Dragons), Michael Dobson (Hull KR), Ryan Hinchcliffe (Storm), Ben Jones (Retired), Lincon Withers (Celtic), Michael Weyman (Dragons), William Zillman (Titans)
The Raiders are another one of the clubs to lose a fair few players but have offset it well with some good signing of some young players, who they hope with their juniors will help them for years to come.
Top 17
1. David Milne 2. Phil Graham 3. Joel Monaghan 4. Adrian Purtell 5. Justin Carney 6. Terry Campese 7. Marc Herbert 8. Troy Thompson 9. Glenn Buttriss 10. David Shillington 11. Tom Learoyd-Lahrs 12. Bronson Harrison 13. Alan Tounge (c) 14. Scott Logan 15. Dane Tilse 16. Nigel Plum 17. Stuart Flanagan
Cronulla Sharks
Gains: Jack Afamasaga (Sea Eagles), Trent Barrett (Wigan), Corey Hughes (Bulldogs), Reni Maitua (Bulldogs), Anthony Tupou (Roosters)
Losses: Fraser Anderson (Rugby Union), Greg Bird (Catalans), Dustin Cooper (Rugby Union), Isaac De Gois (Knights), Bryson Goodwin (Bulldogs), Brett Kimmorley (Bulldogs), Kevin Kington (Eels), Danny Nutley (Retired), Adam Peek (Celtic), Paul Stephenson (Ipswich Jets)
Have had a disruptive offseason with the Greg Bird saga and the late loss of Fraser Anderson; however, they will still have one of the best back rows in the competition; with rumours of Michael Crocker joining the club, it could only get better. The big question will be how Trent Barrett adjusts to the NRL again.
Top 17
1. Brett Karney 2. David Simmons 3. Karl Filiga 4. Ben Pomeroy 5. Luke Covell 6. Trent Barrett 7. Blake Green 8. Ben Ross 9. Corey Hughes 10. Luke Douglas 11. Anthony Tupou 12. Paul Gallen (c) 13. Reni Maitua 14. Jack Afamasaga 15. Bryan Norrie 16. Terence Seu Seu 17. Recce Williams
Gold Coast Titans
Gains: Sam Tagatese (Storm), Matt White (Knights), William Zillman (Raiders)
Losses: Clint Amos (Cowboys), Gavin Cooper (Panthers), Matt Cross (Storm), Michael Hodgson (Bulldogs), Kris Kahler (Pia Donkeys), Josh Lewis (Tigers), Luke Swain (Salford), James Tosic (Wakefield)
The Titans have lost a few mid-range players and have replaced them with more skilled players, which the club will hopefully guide them to their first final series.
Top 17
1. Preston Campbell 2. Chris Walker 3. William Zillman 4. Brett Delaney 5. Brenton Bowen 6. Matt Rogers 7. Scott Prince (c) 8. Luke Bailey (c) 9. Nathan Friend 10. Ian Donnelly 11. Anthony Laffranchi 12. Mark Minichello 13. Ashley Harrison 14. Sam Tagataese 15. Aaron Cannings 16. Michael Henderson 17. Brad Myers
Manly Sea Eagles
Gains: Chris Bailey (Knights), Shane Rodney (Panthers), Tony Williams (Eels)
Losses: Jack Afamasaga (Sharks), Steven Bell (Catalans), Mark Bryant (Celtic), Steve Menzies (Bradford), Jeff Robson (Parramatta), Luke Williamson (Harlequins)
Manly lost a few star players from their grand final team, though with the addition of Chris Bailey, it looks like Manly has ended the Jamie Lyon as a five-eighth experiment, and the addition of a few good back-rowers means the premiers have lost little.
Top 17
1. Brett Stewart 2. Michael Robertson 3. Jamie Lyon 4. Steve Matai 5. David Williams 6. Chris Bailey 7. Matt Orford (c) 8. Brent Kite 9. Matt Ballin 10. Josh Perry 11. Anthony Watmough 12. Glenn Hall 13. Glenn Stewart 14. Adam Cuthbertson 15. Heath L’Estrange 16. Shane Rodney 17. George Rose
Melbourne Storm
Gains: Matt Cross (Titans), Ryan Hinchcliffe (Raiders), William Isa (Panthers), Wairangi Koopu (Warriors)
Losses: Michael Crocker (Released), Israel Folau (Broncos), Matt Geyer (Retired), Antonio Kaufusi (Cowboys), Jeremy Smith (Dragons), Sam Tagatese (Titans)
The loss of Arana Taumata is a massive loss to the club. The club had hoped that Greg Inglis would be back in his best position at centre. Have lost a fair bit of talented players and will do well to make the Grand Final for the fourth straight year.
Top 17
1. Billy Slater 2. Steve Turner 3. Anthony Quinn 4. Will Chambers 5. William Isa 6. Greg Inglis 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Adam Blair 9. Cameron Smith (c) 10. Brett White 11. Ryan Hoffman 12. Wairangi Koopu 13. Dallas Johnson 14. Sika Manu 15. Matthew Cross 16. Jeff Lima 17. Ryan Hinchcliffe
Newcastle Knights
Gains: Isaac De Gois (Sharks), George Nadira (Rabbitohs). Ben Rogers (Dragons)
Losses: Chris Bailey (Sea Eagles), Danny Buderus (Leeds), Jesse Royal (Warriors), Matt White (Titans)
The Knights will be relying on their younger players to step up. The cub has bought two hookers to cover the massive shoes of Danny Buderus, and maybe Ben Rogers is the answer to the long-standing five-eighth problem for the club.
Top 17
1. Kurt Gidley (c) 2. James McManus 3. Wes Naiqama 4. Adam MacDougall 5. Luke MacDougall 6. Ben Rogers 7. Jarrod Mullen 8. Ben Cross 9. Issac De Gois 10. Danny Wicks 11. Steve Simpson 12. Cory Paterson 13. Richard Faáoso 14. Zeb Taia 15. Matt Hilder 16. Chris Houston 17. Daniel Tolar
North Queensland Cowboys
Gains: Clint Amos (Titans), Shannon Hegarty (Rabbitohs), Antonio Kaufusi (Storm), Manase Manuokafoa (Rabbitohs), Germaine Paulson (Rabbitohs), Willie Tonga (Bulldogs)
Losses: Ray Cashmere (Salford), Sione Fammuina (Castleford), Jacob Lillyman (Warriors), Justin Smith (Retired)
The Cowboys will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2008. Have bought really well, and the club seems to have strength all over the park. The key will be the fitness of their key players.
Top 17
1. Matt Bowen 2. Ty Williams 3. Ashley Graham 4. Willie Tonga 5. John Williams 6. Travis Burns 7. Jonathan Thurston (c) 8. Antonio Kaufusi 9. Aaron Payne 10. Carl Webb 11. Ben Harris 12. Steve Southern 13. Luke O’Donnell 14. Shane Tronc 15. Manase Manuokafoa 16. Clint Amos 17. Matthew Bartlett
Parramatta Eels
Gains: Kevin Kington (Sharks)
Losses: Mark Riddell (Wigan), Chad Robinson (Harlequins), Tim Smith (Wigan), Daniel Wagon (Limoux Grizzlies), Tony Williams (Sea Eagles)
The biggest signing for the Eels comes off the field with coach Daniel Anderson. The squad has the talent, but how will Daniel transform their potential into game-winners.
Top 17
1. Luke Burt 2. Joel Reddy 3. Kirinsan Inu 4. Ben Smith 5. Eric Grothe 6. Jarryd Hayne 7. Brett Finch 8. Nathan Cayless (c) 9. Kevin Kingston 10. Fui Fui Moi Moi 11. Weller Hauraki 12. Nathan Hindmarsh 13. Feleti Mateo 14. Kris Keating 15. Josh Cordoba 16. Todd Lowrie 17. Junior Paulo
Penrith Panthers:
Gains: Gavin Cooper (Titans), Shane Elford (Huddersfield)
Losses: Garett Crossman (Rabbitohs), William Isa (Storm), Josh McCrone (Raiders), Luke Priddis (Dragons), Tony Puletua (St Helens), Shane Rodney (Sea Eagles), Luke Rooney (Rugby Union), Rhys Wesser (South Sydney)
The Panthers have lost a lot of experience and will rely on their junior base to fill that gap. The pressure will be on coach Matt Elliot to quickly transform last year’s boom youngsters into seasoned NRL players. Otherwise, his head will be on the chopping block
Top 17
1. Lachlan Coote 2. Michael Gordon 3. Michael Jennings 4. Luke Lewis 5. Maurice Blair 6. Wade Graham 7. Jarrod Sammut 8. Adam Woolnough 9. Paul Aiton 10. Petro Civoniceva (c) 11. Frank Pritchard 12. Nathan Smith 13. Trent Waterhouse 14. Joseph Paulo 15. Tim Grant 16. Keith Peters 17. Frank Puletua
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Gains: Colin Best (Raiders), Kane Cleal (Bulldogs), Garett Crossman (Panthers), Rhys Wesser (Panthers)
Losses: Yileen Gordon (Bulldogs), Shannon Hegarty (Cowboys), Sam Huihahau (Raiders), Manase Manuokafoa (Cowboys), George Nadira (Knights), Jeremy Smith (Salford), Dean Widders (Castleford)
Souths will be hoping that last year was a one-off as they look to return to old glory days. The club has bought well with a few experienced backs to add to an inexperienced backline and to replace the experience of last year
Top 17
1. Rhys Wesser 2. Nathan Merritt 3. Beau Champion 4. Colin Best 5. Fetuli Talanoa 6. Craig Wing 7. Chris Sandow 8. Ben Lowe 9. Issac Luke 10. Roy Asotasi (c) 11. David Kidwell 12. David Fa’alogo 13. John Sutton 14. Scott Geddes 15. Kane Cleal 16. Luke Stuart 17. Shannan McPherson
St George Illawarra Dragons
Gains: Darius Boyd (Broncos), Neville Costigan (Raiders), Nick Emmett (Broncos), Matthew Head (Tigers), Mickey Paea (Roosters), Luke Priddis (Panthers), Jeremy Smith (Storm), Michael Weyman (Raiders)
Losses: Rangi Chase (Castleford), Mark Gasnier (Rugby Union), Josh Morris (Bulldogs), Kirk Reynoldson (Retired), Ben Rogers (Knights), Jason Ryles (Catalans), Lagi Setu (Broncos), Simon Woolford (Retired)
The Dragons have been one of the most aggressive teams regarding player movement. In past years depth has been a problem with a club, but with the NYC players performing well last year and a team in the NSW Cup, this will no longer be a problem
Top 17
1. Darius Boyd 2. Brett Morris 3. Chase Stanley 4. Matt Cooper 5. Jason Nightingale 6. Jamie Soward 7. Ben Hornby (c) 8. Michael Weyman 9. Luke Priddis 10. Justin Poore 11. Jeremy Smith 12. Neville Costigan 13. Bren Creagh 14. Wendell Sailor 15. Dan Hunt 16. Mickey Paea 17. Dean Young
Sydney Roosters
Gains: Jordan Tansey (Leeds)
Losses: Brent Grose (Released), Mickey Paea (Dragons), Amos Roberts (Wigan), David Shillington (Raiders), Anthony Tupou (Sharks)
The Roosters had a strong 2008 season except for their fall in the finals. They have lost a few experienced players but still have a great forward pack who they hope will lead to a better 2009 season
Top 17
1. Anthony Minichello 2. Sam Perrett 3. Iosia Soliola 4. Mitch Aubusson 5. Shaun Kenny-Dowall 6. Braith Anasta (c) 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. Mark O’Meley 9. James Aubusson 10. Nate Myles 11. Willie Mason 12. Setimata Sa 13. Craig Fitzgibbon 14. Lopini Paea 15. Riley Brown 16. Shane Shackelton 17. Frank-Paul Nuuausla
Warriors
Gains: Stacey Jones (Retirement), Denan Kemp (Broncos), Jacob Lillyman (Cowboys), Joel Moon (Broncos), Jesse Royal (Knights)
Losses: Michael Crockett (Released), Wairangi Koopu (Storm), Epalame Lauaki (Hull FC), Logan Swann (Released), Ruben Wiki (Retired), Michael Witt (Released)
The practice of Queenslanders heading across the Tasman continues this year, with three signings coming from the sunshine state. The addition of Stacey Jones will add some stability to their halves and add a lot of experience, which was lost when Ruben Wiki left the club
Top 17
1. Wade McKinnon 2. Manu Vatuvei 3. Patrick Ah Van 4. Brent Tate 5. Denan Kemp 6. Nathan Fien 7. Stacey Jones 8. Sam Rapira 9. Lance Hohaia 10. Steve Price (c) 11. Simon Mannering 12. Jacob Lillyman 13. Michael Luck 14. Ben Matulino 15. Evarn Tuimavave 16. Russell Packer 17. Ian Henderson
Wests Tigers
Gains: Gareth Ellis (Leeds), Liam Roach (Bulldogs)
Losses: Stuart Flanagan (Raiders), Liam Fulton (Released), Bronson Harrison (Raiders), Matthew Head (Dragons), Brett Hodgson (Huddersfield), Ryan O’Hara (Celtic), Ben Te’o (Broncos)
Top 17
1. Shannon McDonnell 2. Peni Tagive 3. Dean Collis 4. Chris Lawrence 5. Taniela Tuiaki 6. John Morris 7. Benji Marshall 8. Todd Payten 9. Robbie Farah (c) 10. Keith Galloway 11. Garreth Ellis 12. Chris Heighnnington 13. Dene Halatau 14.Danny Galea 15. Bryce Gibbs 16. Corey Paine 17. Daine Laurie
Quote of the Week: “I rang my dad and said, ‘Get your stuff ready. Me and you are going to Madison Square Garden to play chess against President Bush and Clinton.’ God know what I was going on about – I didn’t even have a chessboard. I rang Dad back and said Bush is busy, but Clinton is getting back to me”. Former English soccer player Paul Gascoigne, who is now undergoing treatment for alcoholism, recalls just how deluded he had become. Till next time, Cheese