Welcome to the first edition for 2011 for the blog of cheese in its new home, http://1895blog.wordpress.com/. Hopefully, this will be the permanent home of the blog, and the site will grow along with the blog. I usually do a season review to look at my predictions at the beginning of the year; however, all of my predictions got thrown out the window due to the Melbourne Storm salary cap saga. So without further ado, I bring you the 2011 NRL season preview featuring all the ins and outs your club has made since the 2010 season ended and the top 17. I will give some fearless predictions for the year ahead in this issue.
Premiers: The Dragons may have lost several players, but the players are not the reason they have been so successful over the past two seasons. It is the methodical style of play that wins them games. Under Wayne Bennett, the Dragons have not lost when leading after the sixty-minute mark.
Wooden Spoon: I hate picking a team to finish last, but I can’t go past the Sharks. They have improved the pack with the addition of Jeremy Smith, but their halves are the problem for me; Wade Graham, while dominant in the NYC, he failed to perform in first grade, and Albert Kelly is yet to cement himself as a regular first-grader
Biggest Movers from 2010: The Bulldogs had a poor season in 2010 and have bought well and will be there when the whips are cracking in 2011.
Biggest Sliders from 2010: The Titans are a club not getting any younger. With the retirement of Matt Rogers, they will have a massive void in the number six jersey that may be a bit hard for the club to fill.
Leading Try scorer Akuila Uate. Akuila, the thriller, will continue to dazzle and lighten up the NRL this year.
Player of the Year: Benji Marshall will bounce back from his latest off-field indiscretion and will continue the form of 2010, which crowned him the best player in the world
Best Signing: Without a doubt, the best signing has to be Dallas Johnson. Playing for Queensland, he was part of the core group that helped them win series after series. He will no doubt be an excellent replacement for Luke O’Donnell.
Brisbane Broncos
Gains: Ben Hannant (Bulldogs), Dane Carlaw (Catalans)
Losses: Andrew Clayton (Sharks), Israel Folau (AFL), Lagi Setu (Mission Work), Ashton Sims (Cowboys), Corbin Sims (Knights), Tariq Sims, Antonio Winterstein (Cowboys)
Prediction: The Broncos had a tough 2010 that ended with Ivan Henjak getting the sack weeks before the start of the 2011 season. A positive outcome of 2010 was the emergence of younger players forced into NRL football. They will be better for the run. Should just miss out on the top eight
1. Denan Kemp 2. Jharal Yoh Yeh 3. Alex Glenn 4. Justin Hodges 5. Josh Hoffman 6. Darren Lockyer (c) 7. Peter Wallace 8. Ben Hannant 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Shane Tronc 11. Matt Gillett 12. Sam Thaiday 13. Corey Parker 14. Ben Te’o 15. Dane Carlaw 16. Gerard Beale 17. Mitchell Dodds
Canberra Raiders
Gains: Blake Ferguson (Sharks), Mark Ionane (Warriors), Nathan Massey (Bulldogs), Matt Orford (Bradford), Brett White (Melbourne)
Losses: Justin Carney (Roosters), Marc Herbert (Bradford), Brett Kelley (Avignon), Scott Logan (Retired), Adam Mogg (Retired), Joel Monaghan (Warrington), Troy Thompson (Storm)
Prediction: The Raiders season ended terribly when Terry Campese did his ACL, which ended the club’s 2010 campaign. It also threatens to tear their 2011 campaign apart before it even begins. The club signed Matt Orford, who they hope will help steer the club until the return of Terry. The club hopes their run to the finals last season continues into this one.
1. Josh Dugan 2. Daniel Vidot 3. Jarrod Crocker 4. Joel Thompson 5. Blake Ferguson 6. Terry Campese 7. Matt Orford 8. Dave Shillington 9. Travis Waddell 10. Brett White 11. Tom Learoyd-Lahrs 12. Bronson Harrison 13. Alan Tounge (c) 14. Dane Tilse 15. Joe Picker 16. Trevor Thurling 17. Shaun Fensom
Canterbury Bulldogs
Gains: Greg Eastwood (Leeds), Trent Hodgkinson (Sea Eagles), Kris Keating (Eels), Michael Lett (Dragons), Grant Millington (Sharks), Frank Pritchard (Panthers), Jonathon Wright (Eels)
Losses: Paki Afu (Eels), Yileen Gordan (Panthers), Blake Green (Hull K.R.), Ben Hannant (Broncos), Daniel Harrison (Sea Eagles), Jarrod Hickey (Wakefield), Brett Kimmorley (Retired), Kane Lelei (Sharks), Nathan Masey (Raiders), Luke Pattern (Salford), Ryan Tagive (Tigers), Danny Williams (Released), Tim Winitana (Panthers)
Prediction: The club has had a significant turnover of players with experience, losing; Pattern, Kimmorley and Hannatt. However, welcome back Greg Eastwood after a season in the U.K. The club has also signed Frank Pritchard to give them depth in the back row. Could struggle if Trent Hodkinson doesn’t repeat the form of last season and should finish the bottom half of the top eight.
1. Ben Barba 2. Steve Turner 3. Josh Morris 4. Jamal Idris 5. Bryson Goodwin 6. Ben Roberts 7. Trent Hodkinson 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Michael Ennis 10. Michael Hodgson 11. Greg Eastwood 12. Andrew Ryan (c) 13. David Stagg 14. Frank Pritchard 15. Chris Armit 16. Mickey Paea 17. Kris Keating
Cronulla Sharks
Gains: Colin Best (Rabbitohs), Andrew Clayton (Broncos), Wade Graham (Panthers), Kose Lelei (Bulldogs), Jeremy Smith (Dragons), Ryan Tongia (Titans), John Williams (Cowboys)
Losses: Trent Barrett (Retired), Adam Cuthbertson (Dragons), Blake Ferguson (Raiders), Luke Harlen (Tigers), Lancen Joudo (Northern Pride), Josh Lewis (Toulouse), Grant Millington (Bulldogs), Kyle O’Donnell (Knights), Reece Williams (Retired)
Prediction: Another club that cleared out their roster at the end of 2010 with the retirement of Trent Barrett leading the way. Have gained Jeremy Smith to add to one of the best packs in the game. The halves and the outside backs worry me, and I’m afraid they’ll finish with the wooden spoon.
Top 17
1. Nathan Gardner 2. Taulima Tautai 3. Dean Collis 4. Ben Pomeroy 5. Colin Best 6. Albert Kelly 7. Tim Smith 8. Kade Snowden 9. Paul Aiton 10. Luke Douglas 11. Anthony Tupou 12. Jeremy Smith 13. Paul Gallen (c) 14. Wade Graham 15. Jon Mannah 16. Matthew Wright 17. Josh Cordoba
Gold Coast Titans
Gains: Luke Capwell (Rabbitohs), Richie Willaims (Panthers)
Losses: Jordan Atkins (Eels), Aaron Cannings, Josh Graham (Released), Matt Rogers (Retired)
Prediction: The Titans have lost a lot of experience in Matt Rogers, who retired at the end of last season. Matt reinvigorated the team when Greg Bird moved to the forwards from five-eighth. This ageing squad has not had a mass turnover since they entered the competition and will miss the eight.
Top 17
1. Preston Campbell 2. Kevin Gordon 3. Clinton Toopi 4. Esi Tonga 5. David Mead 6. Jordan Rankin 7. Scott Prince (c) 8. Luke Bailey 9. Nathan Friend 10. Michael Henderson 11. Anthony Laffranchi 12. Greg Bird 13. Ashley Harrison 14. Willam Zillman 15. Brad Myers 16. Bodene Thompson 17. Matthew White
Manly Sea Eagles
Gains: Daniel Harrison (Bulldogs), Liam Foran (Newtown), Tim Robinson (Eels)
Losses: Chris Bailey (Harlequins), Ben Farrar (Catalans), Trent Hodkinson (Bulldogs), Josh Perry (St. Helens), Terence Seu Seu (Released), Lama Tasi (Roosters)
Prediction: The Sea Eagles have lost quality players in Ben Farrar, Trent Hodkinson and Josh Perry and have signed younger players to fill the void. I expected Daly Cherry-Evans to be the Sea Eagles’ number seven last year, and he has played with Kieran Foran in the NYC, so their partnership shouldn’t be a problem. They will struggle to make the finals for a seventh straight season.
Top 17
1. Brett Stewart 2. Michael Robertson 3. Jamie Lyon (c) 4. Steve Matai 5. David Williams 6. Kieran Foran 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Brent Kite 9. Matt Ballin 10. Jason King (c) 11. Anthony Watmough 12. Joe Galuvao 13. Glenn Stewart 14. Matt Cross 15. George Rose 16. Shane Rodney 17. Terence Seuseu
Melbourne Storm
Gains: Maurice Blair (Panthers), Beau Champion (Rabbitohs), Jamian Lowe (Rabbitohs), Tu’u Maori (Newtown), Elijah Niko (Warriors), Troy Thompson (Raiders), Adam Woolnough (Retired)
Losses: Jamie Barker, Hep Cahill (Released), Brett Finch (Wigan), Ryan Hoffman (Wigan), Greg Inglis (Rabbitohs), Willie Isa (Castleford), Sinbad Kali (Released), Blake Leary (Cowboys), Jeff Lima (Wigan), Luke MacDougall (Released), Sam Martin (Titans), Maipele Morseau ( Knights), Billy Rogers (Eels), Aiden Tolman (Bulldogs), Brett White (Raiders)
Prediction: The Storm lost a lot of players to get back under the salary cap for 2011. They will be out to prove they were the same side that was stripped of all their trophies. Even though they were able to keep Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk and Cameron Smith, they will struggle to make meters with the new forward pack. Will miss the eight and will struggle throughout the season.
Top 17
1. Billy Slater 2. Dane Nielsen 3. Chase Stanley 4. Beau Champion 5. Anthony Quinn 6. Gareth Widdop 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Adam Blair 9. Cameron Smith (c) 10. Bryan Norrie 11. Kevin Proctor 12. Sika Manu 13. Todd Lowrie 14. Troy Thompson 15. Jesse Bromwich 16. Adam Woolnough 17. Ryan Hinchcliffe
Newcastle Knights
Gains: Neville Costigan (Dragons), Beau Henry (Dragons), Chris Houston (Free Agent), Siuatonga Likiliki (Warriors), Maipele Morseau (Storm), Kyle O’Donnell (Sharks), Korbin Sims (Broncos), Steve Southern (Cowboys),
Losses: Ben Cross (Leeds), Scott Dureau (Catalans), Cooper Vuna (Rugby Union)
Prediction: The Knight has bought several back rowers, though they could struggle in the front row. If Kurt Gidley switches to the halves, the Knights should make the eight. However, Kurt prefers to play fullback, so the club will struggle to make the eight.
Top 17
1. Shannon McDonnell 2. Wes Naiqama 3. Junior Sau 4. Adam Macdougall 5. Akuila Uate 6. Jarrod Mullen 7. Kurt Gidley (c) 8. Daniel Tolar 9. Isaac De Gois 10. Evan Tuimavave 11. Neville Costigan 12. Cory Paterson 13. Matt Hilder 14. Mark Taufua 15. Richard Faáoso 16. Steve Southern 17. Beau Henry
North Queensland Cowboys
Gains: Gavin Cooper (Panthers), Kalifa Fai-Fai Loa (Dragons), Glenn Hall (Bradford), Dallas Johnson (Catalans), Ben Jones (Dragons), Ashton Sims, Tariq Sims (Broncos), Brent Tate (Warriors), Ricky Thorby (Dragons), Antonio Winterstein (Broncos)
Losses: Clint Amos (Retired), Willie Mason (Hull K.R.) Luke O’Donnell (Huddersfield), Steve Rapira (Warriors), Grant Rovelli, Nick Slyney (Released), Steve Southern (Knights), Arana Taumata (Panthers), Antony Watts (Roosters), Carl Webb (Eels), John Williams (Sharks), Ty Williams (Retired)
Prediction: Another club who has had a massive clean-out as they attempt to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2007. Seemed to have the best centre combination with Brent Tate and Willie Tonga until an injury in the four nations final seemed to put Brett out for most of the season. With Matt Bowen and Johnathan Thurston ready to go from round one, they look the goods to slip into the eight.
Top 17
1. Matt Bowen 2. Michael Bani 3. Brent Tate 4. Willie Tonga 5. Antonio Winterstein 6. Ben Jones 7. Jonathan Thurston (c) 8. Ashton Sims 9. Aaron Payne 10. Matthew Scott (c) 11. Gavin Copper 12. Glenn Hall 13. Dallas Johnson 14. Issac Ah Mau 15. James Tamou 16. Dane Hogan 17. Ray Thompson
Parramatta Eels
Gains: Paki Afu (Bulldogs), Jordan Atkins (Titans), Cameron Bruest (Raiders), Eni Folau (Easts Tigers), Chris Hicks (Warrington), Reni Maitua (Free Agent), Casey McGuire (Catalans), Brad Murray (Roosters), Billy Rodgers (Storm), Chris Walker (Catalans), Carl Webb (Cowboys), Paul Whatuira (Huddersfield),
Losses: Nathan Cayless, Eric Grothe (Retired), Krisnan Inu (Warriors), Feleti Mateo (Warriors), Tim Robinson (Sea Eagles), Timana Tahu (Released), Jonathan Wright (Bulldogs)
Prediction: With club stalwarts retiring, the club decided to sign a few new players for the new season. Unfortunately, that season isn’t 2004. In 2011 Chris Walker, Chris Hicks, Paul Whaturira, Casey McGuire, Carl Webb and Reni Matiua are all past their prime. The club will hope Daniel Mortimer finds his form from 2009 and Jarryd Hayne decides to play an entire season. Unfortunately, the club will continue its slide down the ladder.
Top 17
1. Jarryd Hayne 2. Luke Burt 3. Ben Smith 4. Joel Reddy 5. Chris Walker 6. Daniel Mortimer 7. Jeff Robson 8. Tim Mannah 9. Casey McGuire 10. Justin Poore 11. Shane Shackleton 12. Nathan Hindmarsh (c) 13. Reni Matuia 14. Fui Fui Moi Moi 15. Justin Horo 16. Carl Webb 17. Matt Keating
Penrith Panthers
Gains: Yileen Gordan (Bulldogs), Junior Paulo (Dragons), Nafe Seluini (Warriors), Arana Taumata (Cowboys), Dane Watson (Titans), Tim Winitana (Bulldogs), Michael Worricy (Bradford)
Losses: Josh Bateman (Cowboys), Maurice Blair (Storm), Gavin Cooper (Cowboys), Wade Graham (Sharks), Daniel Penese (Dragons), Frank Pritchard (Bulldogs)
Prediction: As long as Luke Walsh and Travis Burns continue their form in the back half of 2010, the Panthers should continue as one of the top sides of 2011. Have kept most of their squad from 2010, and the only significant loss is the inconsistent Frank Pritchard.
Top 17
1. Lachlan Coote 2. Michael Gordon 3. Michael Jennings 4. Adrian Purtell 5. Sandor Earl 6. Travis Burns 7. Luke Walsh 8. Tim Grant 9. Kevin Kingston 10. Petro Civoniceva (c) 11. Trent Waterhouse 12. Nathan Smith 13. Luke Lewis 14. Sam McKendry 15.Massada Iosefa 16. Michael Worrincy 17. Frank Puletua
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Gains: George Burgess (Bradford), Greg Inglis (Storm)
Losses: Colin Best (Sharks), Luke Capewell (Titans), Beau Champion (Storm), Garret Crossman (Released), Jaiman Lowe (Storm), Jeremey Simpson (Huddersfield)
Prediction: Greg Inglis finally has a club for 2011 after months of negotiations with Brisbane and Souths. The Rabbitohs will take the field with one of the game’s best packs and Greg Inglis as one of the best backs. However, the halves are a worry for me. Will struggle to make the eight.
Top 17
1. Greg Inglis 2. Nathan Merritt 3. Dylan Farrell 4. Shane Corrigan 5. Fetuli Talanoa 6. John Sutton 7. Chris Sandow 8. Ben Ross 9. Isaac Luke 10. Roy Asotasi (c) 11. Sam Burges 12. Dave Taylor 13. Michael Crocker (c) 14. Scott Geddes 15. Eddy Pettybourne 16. Luke Stuart 17. Shannan Mcpherson
St George Illawarra Dragons
Gains: Adam Cuthbertson (Sharks), David Gower (Tigers), David Penese (Panthers)
Losses: Neville Costigan (Knights), Kalifa Fai-Fai Loa (Cowboys), Beau Henry (Knights), Michael Lett (Bulldogs), Junior Paulo (Panthers), Luke Priddis (Retired), Jeremy Smith (Sharks), Jarrod Saffy (Rugby Union), Ricky Thorby (Cowboys)
Prediction: They have lost several players from last year, which is standard when a club wins a premiership; however, they have kept the core squad together from last year. Rugby League is a simple game, and the Dragons do the basics well. That’s why they have been on top for the previous two years, and I don’t see that changing for 2011.
Top 17
1. Darius Boyd 2. Brett Morris 3. Matt Cooper 4. Mark Gasnier 5. Jason Nightingale 6. Jamie Soward 7. Ben Hornby (c) 8. Michael Weyman 9. Dean Young 10. Dan Hunt 11. Beau Scott 12. Matt Prior 13. Bren Creagh 14. Trent Merrin 15. David Gower 16. Nathan Fien 17. Michael Greenfield
Sydney Roosters
Gains: Justin Carney (Raiders), Mark Riddell (Warriors), Lana Tasi (Sea Eagles), Anthony Watts (Cowboys)
Losses: James Aubusson (Goulburn Bulldogs), Jason Bateri (Catalans), Sam Brunton (Released), Ben Jones (Cowboys), Nick Kouparitsas (Harlequins), Jacob Miller (Tigers), Brad Murray (Eels), Lopini Paea (Catalans)
Prediction: The Roosters were one win away from completing a fantastic season, where they almost went from last to first in twelve months. Have lost some depth. However, with Todd Carney and Mitchell Pearce still in the team, they can go one better in 2011.
Top 17
1. Anthony Minichello 2. Sam Perrett 3. Shaun Kenny-Dowall 4. Phil Graham 5. Kane Linett 6. Todd Carney 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. Jason Ryles 9. Jake Friend 10. Jarred Waerea-Hargreaves 11. Nate Myles 12. Mitch Aubusson 13. Braith Anasta (c) 14. Mark Ridell 15. Daniel Conn 16. Mose Masoe 17. Frank-Paul Nuuausla
Warriors
Gains: Shaun Berrigan (Hull F.C.), Krisnan Inu (Eels), Feleti Mateo (Eels), Steve Rapira (Cowboys)
Losses: Patrick Ah Van (Bradford), Ian Henderson (Catalans), Mark Ioane (Raiders), Siuatonga Likiliki (Knights), Elijah Niko (Storm), Steve Price, Jesse Royal (Retired), Nafe Seluini (Panthers), Brent Tate (Cowboys)
Prediction: The Warriors have lost brothers-in-law Steve Price and Brent Tate, a massive blow for the club in the experience stakes. The club gained attacking players Krisnan Inu and Feleti Mateo. With Brett Seymour playing consistent football, the club has a quality halfback since Stacey Jones left the first time. Should make the top eight and be there deep into September
Top 17
1. Lance Hohaia 2. Manu Vatuvei 3. Jerome Ropati 4. Krisnan Inu 5. Kevin Locke 6. James Maloney 7. Brett Seymour 8. Sam Rapira 9. Aaron Heremaia 10. Russell Packer 11. Simon Mannering (c) 12. Ben Matulino 13. Feleti Mateo 14. Michael Luck 15. Shaun Berrigan 16. Steve Rapira 17. Jeremy Latimore
Wests Tigers
Gains: Mosese Fotuaika (Keebra Park High School), Marika Koroibete (Nasinu Panthers ), Jacob Miller (Roosters), Teqele Nayarvovo (Otahuhu Leopards), Ratu Tagive (Bulldogs), Matt Utai (Auburn), Evander Waitoa (Wellington),
Losses: Daniel Fitzhenry (released), David Gower (Dragons), Taniela Tuiaki (Retired), Tame Tupou (Redcliffe)
Prediction: The Tigers had a strong 2010 season, falling short of the grand final in a tough contest against the eventual premiers. Have lost a few players but keep the core of their squad intact. With the game’s best player in Benji Marshall, the Tigers will do well and have another strong season.
Top 17
1. Wade McKinnon 2. Matt Utai 3. Blake Ayshford 4. Chris Lawrence 5. Lote Tuqiri 6. Benji Marshall 7. Tim Moltzen 8. Todd Payten 9. Robbie Farrah (c) 10. Keith Galloway 11. Liam Fulton 12. Gareth Ellis 13. Chris Heighington 14. Andrew Fifita 15. Mitch Brown 16. Bryce Gibbs 17. Mark Flanagan
And Another Thing: Todd Carney should have been fined more than $10,000. Todd should also have been immediately placed in Alcoholics Anonymous or a similar program to help him treat his disease.
Quote of the Week: Dennis Cometti: “He lines up the kick at goal, and he has been spraying them everywhere today. Let’s hope he doesn’t have to take a drug test after the game.”
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Till next time,
Cheese