Welcome to the 2012 NRL season preview and the second blog post for 2012. As with previous years, I will give you the team who I think will be the premiers, the team that will win the wooden spoon, the leading try scorer, the best signing, Gains and Losses for each team, the top 17 and how I predict the 2012 season for each club will go. If I remember how I wrote a review, I’ll write one at the end of the season and compare what I write now to then and what I think of their season.
Premiers: The Storm will go one game better in 2012 after falling short in the preliminary final last year. I thought they would have a poor 2011 after losing players due to the Salary Cap. However, Craig Bellamy has an excellent knack for turning average players into great players, and the club will cover the loss of Adam Blair.
Wooden Spoon: Unfortunately, I think it will be a second straight wooden spoon for the Titans. They will continue to struggle to find a quality five-eighth, hoping that Scott Prince bounces back and that Matt Srama will not fall to the second-year syndrome.
Biggest Movers: Lost plenty of critical men in 20111; however, the Raiders will bounce back and play deep into September. They will be sweating on key man Terry Campese, who had an atrocious run of injuries in 2011 and barely saw any game time.
Biggest Sliders: The Sea Eagles will end their streak of seven years of making consecutive playoff appearances, well short of the top eight. The club will suffer from a tough start to the season. They play on the road for the first six-round of the season and will struggle to play catch-up footy for the rest of the season.
Leading Try Scorer: The player who will top the try-scoring list is the most straightforward prediction I have to make. Akuila Uate will continue to find his way to the try line, with Kurt Gidley and Jarrod Mullen giving the Fijian flyer plenty of ball.
Buy of the Season: The Polar bear’s long-lost brother comes to the NRL for 2012 after a stellar career at St. Helens. He is highly regarded as one of the best props in the game. James Graham will prove his tag and be an excellent acquisition for the Bulldogs in 2012
Player of the Year: One of the best players in the world has been playing out of position since 2005 at halfback, and in 2012, Johnathan Thurston will return to his natural position of five-eighth and will have a mammoth season as he continues to perform at the peak of his powers
State Of Origin: The Maroons lost their inspiration captain and five-eighth Darren Lockyer, but with Johnathan Thurston sliding out one and Copper Cronk coming into the team at halfback, Queensland will win their seventh straight origin series.
Brisbane Broncos
Gains: Luke Capewell (Titans), Petero Civoniceva (Panthers), Nick Slyney (Redcliffe)
Losses: Rohan Ahern (Mackay), Nick Kenny (Retired), Kurtis Lingwoodock (Ipswich), Darren Lockyer and Shane Tronc (Retired)
Prediction: The Club has lost their inspirational skipper and five-eighth Darren Lockyer; however, his experience will be offset by the return home of Petero Civoniceva, who will return to the club as one of the best starting props in the game. Will be expecting Peter Wallace to step up and have a massive 2012 and return to the form that landed him the number seven jumper for the NSW Blues. Will initially struggle to find their new five-eighth, though they will sneak into the bottom of the eight.
Top 17
1. Josh Hoffman 2. Dale Copley 3. Jack Reed 4. Justin Hodges (c) 5. Jharal Yow Yeh 6. Corey Norman 7. Peter Wallace 8. Ben Hannant 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Petro Civoniceva 11. Sam Thaiday 12. Corey Parker 13. Matt Gillett 14. Ben Hunt 15.Scott Anderson 16. Josh McGuire 17. David Hala
Canberra Raiders
Gains: Michael Bani (Cowboys), Shaun Berrigan (Warriors), Malcolm Congo (Sunshine Coast), Dimitri Pelo (Montpellier Herault Rugby Club), Phillip Pouwels (Waicoa)
Losses: Danny Galea (Panthers), Josh Miller (Dragons), David Milne (Mackay), Matt Orford (Released), Nick Skinner (Sea Eagles), James Stuart (Burleigh), Alan Tounge (Retired), Daniel Vidot (Dragons)
Prediction: The Raiders be glad that Josh Dugan re-signed before the start of the season, so his mind can focus solely on the upcoming season. Lost inspirational skipper Alan Tounge, who retired at the end of last year. The club will be hoping their group of hookers will be able to fill the void left by the nuggety redhead. Will also be hoping Terry Campese puts an injury-prone 2011 behind him and is ready to lead the Raiders well into the top eight for 2012.
Top 17
1. Josh Dugan 2. Blake Ferguson 3. Jarrod Crocker 4. Drury Low 5. Reece Robinson 6. Terry Campese (c) 7. Josh McCrone 8. Dave Shillington 9. Travis Waddell 10. Brett White 11. Josh Papalii 12. Tom Learoyd-Lahrs 13. Shaun Fensom 14. Shaun Berrigan 15. Bronson Harrison 16. Joe Picker 17. Joel Thompson
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Gains: James Graham (St. Helens), James Gavat (Vulcans), Luke MacDougall (Rugby Union)
Losses: Chris Armit (Panthers), Jarred Hickey (Wakefield), Gary Warburton (Retired), Michael Hodgson (Retired), Jamal Idris (Titans), Lorenzo Ma’afu (Sea Eagles), Brad Morrin (Retired), Mickey Paea (Hull KR), Ben Roberts (Eels) Andrew Ryan (Retired, Aiden Sezar (Titans), Junior Tia-Kilifi (Panthers)
Prediction: Another club lost their skipper, this time Andrew Ryan. However, they pick up what could be the buy of the year in James Graham. Seamed to struggle mid-season with Kevin Moore at the helm. Will be hoping new coach Des Hasler will bring his magic touch across from the Northern Beaches to Bankstown. Will return to finals football in 2012 after a tough few years
Top 17
1. Ben Barba 2. Steve Turner 3. Josh Morris 4. Tim Lafai 5. Bryson Goodwin 6. Josh Reynolds 7. Trent Hodkinson 8. James Graham 9. Michael Ennis (c) 10. Aiden Tolman 11. Frank Pritchard 12. David Stagg 13. Greg Eastwood 14. Martin Taupau 15. Sam Kasiano 16. Kris Keating 17. Dene Halatau
Cronulla Sharks
Gains: Todd Carney (Roosters), Isaac De Gois (Knights), Sosaia Feki (Warriors), Andrew Fifita, Bryce Gibbs (Tigers), Jon Green (Dragons), Jeff Robson (Eels), Ben Ross (Rabbitohs), Mark Tafua (Knights)
Losses: Paul Aiton (Released), Dean Collis (Wakefield), Luke Douglas (Titans), Luke Harlen (Cowboys), Jon Mannah (Eels), Scott Porter (Released), Tim Smith (Wakefield), Kade Snowden (Knights), Taulima Tautai (Eels), Ryan Tongia (Wakefield), Soisaia Vave (Storm), Broderic Wright (Released)
Prediction: One of the clubs who were very active in the offseason, with a cleanout from last year’s roster. The Club will be sweating on Todd Carney and hoping Todd has left his problems behind him. They will go close to making the eight but fall short for 2012.
Top 17
1. Nathan Gardner 2. Isaac Gordon 3. Ben Pomeroy 4. Nathan Stapelton 5. John Williams 6. Todd Carney 7. Chad Townsend 8. Ben Ross 9. Isaac De Gois 10. Andrew Fifita 11. Jeremy Smith 12. Anthony Tupou 13. Paul Gallen (c) 14. John Morris 15. Bryce Gibbs 16. Josh Cordoba 17. Tyrone Peachey
Gold Coast Titans
Gains: Beau Champion (Storm), Luke Douglas (Sharks), Beau Falloon (Rabbitohs), Phil Graham (Roosters), Jamal Idris (Bulldogs), Nate Myles (Roosters), Aiden Sezar (Bulldogs)
Losses: Riley Brown (Released), Preston Campbell (Retired), Luke Capewell (Broncos), Nathan Friend (Warriors), Anthony Laffranchi (St. Helens), Will Mathews (St George Illawarra), Brad Myers and Matt Rogers (Retired), Esi Tonga (Eels), Clinton Toopi (Retired)
Prediction: They have lost several key players from the club in; Preston Campbell, Anthony Laffranchi and Brad Myers. Have signed a few big-name players, Jamal Idris, Luke Douglas and Nate Myles, as they look to offset the losses. However, they will continue to struggle again, with an ageing Scott Prince at halfback and still struggling to fill the void of Matt Rogers. Will win the wooden spoon for the second straight year.
Top 17
1. William Zillman 2. Kevin Gordon 3. Jamal Idris 4. Beau Champion 5. David Mead 6. Beau Henry 7. Scott Prince (c) 8. Luke Bailey 9. Matt Srama 10. Luke Douglas 11. Nate Myles 12. Mark Minichello 13. Ashley Harrison 14. Ryan James 15. Bodene Thompson 16. Matthew White 17. Jordan Rankin
Manly Sea Eagles
Gains: Ben Farrar (Catalans), Lorenzo Ma’afu (Bulldogs). Liam Roach (Rugby Union), Nick Skinner (Raiders)
Losses: Matthew Cross (Retired), Will Hopoate (Mission Work), Michael Robertson, Shane Rodney (London), Terence Seu Seu (Released)
Prediction: They are lucky to have kept most of their premiership-winning squad intact; however, they will struggle after a tough start to the season. On top of playing finals football every year since 2005. They will be playing catch-up for the rest of the year; the club will miss the top eight this year
Top 17
1. Brett Stewart 2. David Williams 3. Jamie Lyon (c) 4. Steve Matai 5. Michael Oldfield 6. Kieran Foran 7. Dale Cherry-Evans 8. Jason King (c) 9. Matt Ballin 10. Brent Kite 11. Anthony Watmough 12. Tony Williams 13. Glenn Stewart 14. Jamie Buhrer 15. Darcy Lussick 16. George Rose 17. Joe Galuvao
Melbourne Storm
Gains: Will Chambers (Rugby Union), Ryan Hoffman (Wigan), Michael Greenfield (Dragons), Jason Ryles (Roosters), Soisaia Vave (Sharks)
Losses: Adam Blair (Tigers), Beau Champion (Titans), Dane Chisholm (Tigers), Sione Kite (Widnes), Robbie Rochow (Knights), Chase Stanley (Dragons), Troy Thompson (Retired), Atelea Vea (Dragons), Adam Wolnough (Retired)
Prediction: Loose key players in Adam Blair and Chase Stanley, though welcome back former players in Ryan Hoffman and Will Chambers. Will be hoping Cooper Cronk’s contract negotiations are not a distraction, as this is the only thing that could stop the Strom from winning their first premiership since 1999. The club continues on their redemption quest.
Top 17
1. Billy Slater 2. Matt Duffie 3. Sisa Waqa 4. Will Chambers 5. Anthony Quinn 6. Gareth Widdop 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Jaiman Lowe 9. Cameron Smith (c) 10. Bryan Norrie 11. Kevin Proctor 12. Ryan Hoffman 13. Ryan Hinchcliffe 14. Sika Manu 15. Todd Lowrie 16. Jesse Bromwich 17. Rory Kostjaysyn
Newcastle Knights
Gains: Darius Boyd (Dragons), Danny Buderus (Leeds), Adam Cuthbertson (Dragons), Daine Laurie (Macquarie Scorpians), Alex McKinnon (Dragons), Robbie Rochow (Storm), Simione Sawene (Rugby Union), Kade Snowden (Sharks), Timana Tahu (Panthers), Mark Wade (Rugby Union)
Losses: Josh Aiaomai (Roosters), Cameron Ciraldo (Panthers), Issac De Gois (Sharks), Beau Henry (Titans), Marvin Karawana (Rugby Union), Antonio Kaufusi (London), Keith Lulia (Bradford), Adam MacDougall (Retired), Shannon McDonnell, Constatine Mika (Hull KR), Cory Patterson (Cowboys), Ben Rogers (Retired), Steve Southern (Wakefield), Mark Tafua (Sharks), Daniel Tolar (Retired), Simon Williams (Western Suburbs Rosellas)
Prediction: New owner Nathan Tinkler scored his first win with new coach Wayne Bennett. The master coach has wasted no time putting the broom through with a mass turnover of talent, losing many fringe first graders. The club has gained the return of local favourite son Danny Buderus and the acquisition of Wane Bennett follower in Darius Boyd, who will add much-needed quality to the team. However, the club will fall just agonisingly short of making the finals in 2012.
Top 17
1. Darius Boyd 2. James McManus 3. Junior Sau 4. Wes Naiqama 5. Akuila Uate 6. Kurt Gidley (c) 7. Jarrod Mullen 8. Kade Snowdon 9. Danny Buderus 10. Richard Faáoso 11. Neville Costigan 12. Zeb Taia 13. Matt Hilder 14. Chris Houston 15. Joel Edwards 16. Adam Cuthbertson 17. Evarn Tuimavave
North Queensland Cowboys
Gains: Luke Harlen (Sharks), Kane Linett (Roosters), Robert Lui (Tigers), Cory Patterson (Knights)
Losses: Clint Amos (Retired), Issak Ah Mau (Released), Leeson Ah Mau (Dragons), Michael Bani (Raiders), Jack Cooper (Wynnum Manly Seagulls), Shannon Gallant (Berkley Eagles), Dylan Smith (Released), Willie Tonga (Eels), Will Tupou (Rugby Union)
Prediction: Lost Willie Tonga, who found a new lease on life in Townsville. Will be hoping Kane Linett fills his shoes. The only worries for this club will be the aging Aaron Payne at hooker and the off-field antics of new halfback Robert Lui.
Top 17
1. Matt Bowen 2. Kalifa Faifai Loa 3. Brent Tate 4. Kane Linnett 5. Ashley Grham 6. Jonathan Thurston (c) 7. Robert Lui 8. James Tamou 9. Aaron Payne 10. Matthew Scott (c) 11. Glenn Hall 12. Tariq Sims 13. Dallas Johnson 14. Jason Taumalolo 15. James Segeyaro 16. Ashton Sims 17. Scott Bolton
Parramatta Eels
Gains: Cheyse Blair (Eels), Jon Mannah (Sharks), Willie Mataka (Roosters), Ben Roberts (Bulldogs), Joseph Paulo (Panthers), Daniel Penese (Dragons), Semi Radradra (Rugby Union), Chris Sandow (Rabbitohs), Taulima Tautai (Sharks), Esi Tonga (Titans), Willie Tonga (Cowboys)
Losses: Chris Hicks (Retired), Tom Humble (Tigers), Manase Manuokafoa (Bradford), Anthony Mitchell Daniel Mortimer (Roosters), Joel Reddy (Tigers), Jeff Robson (Sharks), Daniel Tupou (Roosters), Etu Uaisele (Panthers), Chris Walker (Released), Paul Whatuira (Retired)
Prediction Stephen Kearney has shown he was not happy with the 2011 stock, with the club bringing in a new haves combo of Chris Sandow and Ben Roberts. Many former players return home, among them brothers Willie and Esi Tonga as well as Jon Mannah to join brother Tim. Stephen Kearney will be hoping the new clubs’ recruits will return the club to the finals run of 2010; however, they will fall short as the halves will have problems gelling.
Top 17
1. Jarryd Hayne 2. Luke Burt 3. Willie Tonga 4. Ben Smith 5. Jordan Atkins 6. Ben Roberts 7. Chris Sandow 8. Fui Fui Moi Moi 9. Matt Keating 10. Shane Shackleton 11. Nathan Hindmarsh (c) 12. Justin Horo 13. Reni Matuia 14. Justin Poore 15. Jacob Loko 16. Mitchel Allgood 17. Casey McGuire
Penrith Panthers
Gains: Chris Armit (Bulldogs), Cameron Ciraldo (Knights), Geoff Daniella (Tigers), Danny Galea (Raiders), Clint Newton (Hull KR), Ryan Simpkins (Tweed Heads), Junior Tia-Kilifi (Bulldogs), Junior Vaivai (Rabbitohs), Etu Uaisele (Eels)
Losses: Matthew Bell (Tigers, Petero Civoniceva (Broncos), Shane Elford (Retired), Joseph Paulo (Eels), Adrian Purtell (Bradford), Timana Tahu (Knights), Trent Waterhouse (Warrington)
Prediction: The club will be hoping new coach Ivan Cleary will be able to bring the club back to the eight after a dreadful 2011. Lost Petero Civoniceva at the end of last year. A significant loss that fans will be hoping the void will be filled by players already in the Panther’s system. Ivan Cleary had success as the Warriors, though this took years. The Panthers are rebuilding and won’t be reaping their rewards in 2012.
Top 17
1. Lachlan Coote 2. Michael Gordon 3. Michael Jennings 4. Geoff Daniella 5. David Simmons 6. Travis Burns 7. Luke Walsh 8. Tim Grant 9. Kevin Kingston 10. Sam McKendry 11. Nigel Plum 12. Luke Lewis (c) 13. Nathan Smith 14. Clint Newton 15. Chris Armit 16. Danny Garica 17. Harry Siejka
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Gains: Luke Burgess (Leeds), Ryan Carr, Justin Hunt (Redcliffe), Matt King (Warrington),
Losses: Beau Falloon (Titans), Shannon McPherson (Salford), Ben Ross (Sharks), Luke Stuart (Retired), Chris Sandow (Eels), Junior Vaivai (Panthers), Rhys Wesser (Retired)
Prediction: Two big hopes of South Sydney fans in 2012; Michael Maguire brings his success from Wigan to Souths and new halfback Adam Reynolds returns the club to the glory days, which have been few & far between in recent years. The return of veteran NRL player Matt King is questionable. Unfortunately, Adam Reynolds might not be up to the task of NRL football in 2012, and the club will miss the eight.
Top 17
1. Nathan Merritt 2. Dylan Farrell 3. Matt King (c) 4. Greg Inglis 5. Kane Morgan 6. John Sutton (c) 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Roy Asotasi (c) 9. Issac Luke 10. Scott Geddes 11. Sam Burges (c) 12. Dave Taylor 13. Michael Crocker (c) 14. Blake Judd 15. Ben Lowe 16. George Burgess 17. Luke Burgess
St George Illawarra Dragons
Gains: Leeson Ah Mau (Cowboys), Jon Green (Sharks), Denan Kemp (Rugby Union), Jeremy Latimore (Warriors), Will Mathews (Titans), Josh Miller (Raiders), Chase Stanley (Storm), Atelea Vea (Storm), Daniel Vidot (Raiders),
Losses: Jack Bosden (Roosters), Darius Boyd (Knights), Adam Cuthbertson (Knights), Mark Gasnier (Retired), Jon Green (Sharks), Michael Greenfield (Storm), Alex McKinnon (Knights), Daniel Penese (Eels), Reece Simmonds (Retired), Peni Tagive (Roosters)
Prediction: Lost the master coach and Wayne Bennet follower Darius Boyd. New coach Steve Price will be hoping that after one or two key moves, the Dragons will continue their dominance of the NRL competition. They could slide down the eight; however, they will play finals Rugby League again.
Top 17
1. Kyle Stanley 2. Brett Morris 3. Matt Cooper 4. Chase Stanley 5. Jason Nightingale 6. Jamie Soward 7. Ben Hornby (c) 8. Michael Weyman 9. Nathan Fien 10. Dan Hunt 11. Bren Creagh 12. Beau Scott 13. Dean Young 14. David Gower 15. Jack de Bellin 16. Trent Merrin 17. Jake Marketo
Sydney Roosters
Gains: Josh Aiaomai (Knights), Jack Bosden (Dragons), Adam Henry (Warriors), Anthony Mitchell, Daniel Mortimer (Eels), Peni Tagive (Dragons), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (New Zealand Schoolboy Rugby League), Daniel Tupou (Eels)
Losses: Cheyse Blair (Eels), Todd Carney (Sharks), Daniel Conn (Retired), Phil Graham (Titans), Kane Linett (Cowboys), Willie Mataka (Eels), Nate Myles (Titans), Mark Riddell (Retired), Jason Ryles (Storm), Anthony Watts (Widnes)
Prediction: Another club hoping they and their new five-eighth put a terrible 2011 behind them and return to finals football. Have a very similar squad to 2011 and will continue to struggle.
Top 17
1. Anthony Minichello 2. Shaun Kenny-Dowall 3. Sam Perrett 4. Tinarau Arona 5. Justin Carney 6. Daniel Mortimer 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. Martin Kennedy 9. Jake Friend 10. Lama Tasi 11. Mitch Aubusson 12. Jarred Waerea-Hargreaves 13. Braith Anasta (c) 14. Frank-Paul Nuuausla 15. Anthony Cherrington 16. Tom Symonds 17. Mose Masoe
Warriors
Gains: Nathan Friend (Titans)
Losses: Shaun Berrigan (Raiders), Sosaia Feki (Sharks), James Gavet (Bulldogs), Anthony Gelling (Wigan), Adam Henry (Roosters), Aaron Heremaia (Hull FC), Lance Hohaia (St Helens), Issac John (Wakefield), Jeremy Latimore (Dragons), Joel Moon (Salford), Brett Seymour (Hull FC)
Prediction: They lose several players as they try to sign a number of their younger players to long-term deals. Will be hoping new coach Brian McClennan can sprinkle his own style of magic in the team from across the ditch. Will be a top-four finisher again in 2012.
Top 17
1. Kevin Locke 2. Bill Tupou 3. Konrad Hurrell 4. Jerome Ropati 5. Manu Vatuvei 6. James Maloney 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Sam Rapira 9. Nathan Friend 10. Jacob Lillyman 11. Feleti Mateo 12. Simon Mannering (c) 13 .Michael Luck 14. Russell Packer 15. Ben Matulino 16. Elijah Taylor 17. Lewis Brown
Wests Tigers
Gains: Matthew Bell (Panthers), Adam Blair, Dane Chisholm (Storm), John Grant (Ruby Union), Tom Humble, Joel Reddy (Eels), Jack Spencer (Salford)
Losses: Jason Cayless (Retired), Geoff Daniella (Panthers), Andrew Fifita (Sharks), Mark Flanagan (St. Helens), Bryce Gibbs (Sharks). Robert Lui (Cowboys), Jason Shirnack (Mackay), Taniela Tuiaki (Retired)
Prediction: The Wests Tigers have been named favourites as Benji Mashall becomes another star player who enters the prime of their career. Lost a couple of players to secure Adam Blair, who big things will be expected of. With Benji & Robbie guiding the team around the paddock and veteran coach Tim Sheens guiding the team from off the field, expect the Tigers to be there at the business end of the season.
Top 17
1. James Tedesco 2. Matt Utai 3. Chris Lawrence 4. Joel Reddy 5. Lote Tuqiri 6. Benji Marshall 7.Tim Moltzen 8. Keith Galloway 9. Robbie Farrah (c) 10. Aaron Woods 11. Adam Blair 12. Gareth Ellis 13. Chris Heighnington 14. Liam Fulton 15. Mat Gavet 16. Matthew Bell 17. Tom Humble
And Another Thing: I hope the English Super League and the Australian TV networks collectively pull their fingers out of their butts and get a new TV deal done for the Super League, which is already underway.
Quote of the Week: “I guess [it’s] persistence, just knowing the best thing about a low is that it’s low,” he said. “It’s like fishing. If there’s low tide, guess what’s coming? You’re going to move forward. You just don’t know how long someone will hold the pause button for, but you just know that if you have the belief, the belief becomes the reason. The reason you turn things around.” Stuart Appleby, on winning the Australian Masters
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Till next time,
Cheese