The NRL season is just around the corner, and the game has many questions hanging over its head. Will the game expand past 16 teams? Is the NRL going for big stadiums or small stadiums? What is the future of the five Gold Coast Titans players? All those questions will take a temporary back seat as the NRL returns for its one-hundred-and-eighth season this Thursday night. In this first post of 2015, I will preview each NRL club’s gains & losses, giving you my ladder for the 2015 season, my predictions for the 2015 season and a look at the top 17 for each club. All this and more in the latest edition of the Blog of Cheese.
Premiers: The Panthers, the Rabbitohs and the Cowboys are favourites to win the premiership among experts. I personally think the Broncos will win the 2015 title. The club let go of several high-quality players but replaced them with equal, if not higher-quality, players. Plus, the return of Wayne Bennett will ensure the Broncos win their first title since 2006.
Wooden Spoon: With the cocaine scandal surrounding the club has no clear end in sight, it is hard to go past the Titans to collect the club’s second spoon.
Biggest Movers: The Tigers looked to be pushing for a finals spot last year until injuries curtailed the club’s season. With most of the 2014 squad returning and a season experience more for the young cubs, the Tigers will knock on the top eight’s door at the end of the season.
Biggest Sliders: With both halves’ futures undecided and the loss of experienced players in Glenn Stewart and Anthony Watmough, the Sea Eagles will be the biggest sliders for 2015 in what might be a sign of the future for fans of the peninsula.
Leading Try Scorer: The days of the top try scorer finishing with over twenty tries seem to be behind us. I believe South Sydney flyer Alex Johnston will finish the season with the most tries for 2015. Alex went close last year, which is a remarkable effort considering he didn’t make his first-grade debut until round 8.
Player of the Year: With an extended off-season, the Dally-M medal will see the likes of Billy Slater, Johnathan Thurston, Copper Cronk and Cameron Smith all pushing for the top gong. I think Johnathan Thurston will create history and win his fourth Dally-M medal as he tries to win the Cowboys their first title before his window closes.
State of Origin. The Maroons will be out for revenge after losing their first series since 2005. Key players Slater, Thurston, Cronk & Smith will be driven, knowing that if they fail to perform in this series, they could lose their Australian jerseys as they enter the twilight of their careers.
Brisbane Broncos
Gains: Adam Blair (Tigers), Darius Boyd (Knights), Greg Eden (Hull KR), Mitch Garbutt (Storm), James Gavet (Tigers), Anthony Milford (Raiders), Matt Parcell (Ipswich), Travis Waddell (Knights)
Losses: Ben Barba (Sharks), Jake Granville (Cowboys), David Hala (Titans), Ben Hannant (Cowboys), Josh Hoffman (Titans), Martin Kennedy (Roosters), Jharal Yow Yeh (Retired)
Wayne Bennett has already stamped his authority on the Broncos, with the club releasing some of the Broncos’ top players from the 2014 season. The master coach hopes he has the magic touch to turn around the form of Adam Blair, who was poor at the Tigers. The club will start the season without Darius Boyd at fullback, so it wouldn’t surprise me if it starts slowly and comes home with a wet sail.
1. Darius Boyd 2. Lachlan Maranta 3. Jack Reed 4. Justin Hodges (c) 5. Dale Copley 6. Anthony Milford 7. Ben Hunt 8. Adam Blair 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Josh McGuire 11. Sam Thaiday 12. Alex Glenn 13. Corey Parker 14. Travis Wadell 15. Matt Gillett 16. Mitchell Dodds 17. James Gavet
Canberra Raiders
Gains: Blake Austin (Tigers), Josh Hodgson (Hull KR), Rhys Kennedy (Storm), Frank-Paul Nu’uausala (Roosters), Iosia Soliola (St. Helens), Sisa Waqa (Storm), Sam Williams (Catalans)
Losses: Matt Allwood (Warriors), Terry Campese (Hull KR), Jake Forster (Easts Tigers), Tom Learoyd-Lahrs (Storm), Sam Mataora (Knights), Matt McIllwrick (Roosters), Anthony Milford (Broncos), Moses Pangai (Released), Reece Robinson (Eels), Sami Sauiluma (Sharks), Lagi Setu (Roosters), Brett White (Retired)
Ricky Stuart has begun his clear-out of the club with regular first-graders Terry Campese, Tom Learoyd-Lahrs and Reece Robinson all finding a new home for 2015. The club has brought in veterans Frank-Paul Nu’aussala and Iosia Soliola to add experience to a young squad. They have also brought in Josh Hodgson from the Super League. to try and fill the hooking position, which has been a problem for the club since Simon Woolford left at the end of 2006. The club will continue to struggle in 2015 as new combinations in key positions will take time to gel.
1. Jack Wighton 2. Jordan Rapana 3. Sisa Waqa 4. Jarrod Crocker 5. Edrick Lee 6. Josh McCrone 7. Mitch Cornish 8. Shannon Boyd 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Frank-Paul Nu’uausala 11 Iosia Soliola . 12. Josh Papalii 13. Shaun Fensom 14. Blake Austin 15. Dane Tilse 16. Sam Williams 17. Dave Shillington
Canterbury Bulldogs
Gains: Antonio Kaufusi (Huddersfield), Michael Lichaa (Sharks), Jacob Loko (Eels), Jarrod McInally (Easts Tigers), Brett Morris (Dragons), Curtis Rona (Cowboys)
Losses: Mitch Brown (Sharks), Lachlan Burr (Titans), Michael Ennis (Sharks), Dale Finucane (Storm), Krisnan Inu (Rugby Union), Reni Maitua (Featherstone), Tom Murphy (Sunshine Coast), John Sila (Tigers), Patrick Templeman (Wynnum-Manly)
The big question for the Bulldogs will be how young gun Michael Lichaa handles being a starting hooker week in and week out at the NRL level. New signing Brett Morris will likely shift to fullback, allowing Sam Perrett to return to his familiar wing position. The club lost experienced hooker and captain Michael Ennis, who could be a massive loss. The Bulldogs will be in the top eight, and how deep they go into September remains to be seen.
1. Brett Morris 2. Curtis Rona 3. Josh Morris 4. Tim Lafai 5. Sam Perrett 6. Josh Reynolds 7. Trent Hodkinson 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Michael Lichaa 10. James Graham (c) 11. Josh Jackson 12. Tony Williams 13. Greg Eastwood 14. Moses Mbye 15. Sam Kasiano 16. Frank Pritchard 17. David Klemmer
Cronulla Sharks
Gains: Ben Barba (Broncos), Gerard Beale (Dragons), Jack Bird (Dragons), Mitch Brown (Bulldogs), Jason Bukuya (Warriors), Michael Ennis (Bulldogs), Saulala Houma (Roosters), Todd Murphy (Norths Devils), Sami Sauiluma (Raiders), Kyle Stanley (Dragons)
Losses: Todd Carney (Catalans), Isaac De Gois (Eels), Bryce Gibbs (Retired), Michal Lichaa (Bulldogs), Mark Mexico (Gateshead), Sione Masima (Rabbitohs), John Morris, Beau Ryan (Retired), Tupou Sopoaga (Panthers), Nathan Stapleton (Roosters), Sosaia Vave (Sea Eagles), Jonathan Wright (Warriors)
The Sharks have replaced one five-eighth with a history of off-field troubles for another five-eighth with a history of off-field problems. Ben Barba has struggled to recapture his blistering form of the 2012 season. If Shane Flannagan can transform Ben into a quality five-eighth, then the Sharks will be a danger and could well and truly secure a position in the top eight. If Ben struggles at five-eighth, the Sharks could be in for a long season, with not many other options for five-eighth.
1. Michael Gordon 2. Sosaia Feki 3. Ricky Leutele 4. Gerrard Beale 5. Valentine Holmes 6. Ben Barba 7. Jeff Robson 8. Andrew Fifita 9. Michael Ennis 10. Sam Tagatese 11. Wade Graham 12. Luke Lewis 13. Paul Gallen (c) 14. Jackson Bird 15. Junior Roqica 16. David Fifita 17. Matt Prior
Gold Coast Titans
Gains: Lachlan Burr (Bulldogs), David Crampton (Northern Pride), David Hala (Broncos), Josh Hoffman (Broncos), Jai Ingram (Norths Devils), Daniel Mortimer (Roosters), Kierran Mosley (Panthers), Eddy Pettybourne (Wigan), James Roberts, Matt Robinson & Ryan Simpkins (Panthers)
Losses: Luke Bailey (Retired), Maurice Blair (Hull KR), Paul Carter (Released), Ashley Harrison (Retired), Beau Henry (Dragons), Sam Irwin (Featherstone), Albert Kelly (Hull KR), Tom Kingston (Released), Steve Michaels (Hull FC), Mark Minichello (Hull FC), Cody Nelson, Brad Takairangi (Eels)
I am unsure how to begin writing a season preview for the Gold Coast Titans. How the Titans can be competitive for the 2015 season with Greg Bird, Beau Fallon, and Dave Taylor’s future up in the air remains to be seen. It will be a very long year for the NRL’s newest club. This doesn’t even bring into conversation the fact Paul Carter could be back playing first grade for the club that released him last year due to off-field behaviour. Yet he is playing for a feeder of the Titans and could be back in the NRL sooner rather than later.
1. Josh Hoffman 2. Kevin Gordon 3. James Roberts 4. William Zillman 5. David Mead 6. Aiden Sezer 7. Daniel Mortimer 8. Luke Douglas 9. Beau Fallon 10. Ryan James 11. Nate Myles (c) 12. Dave Taylor 13. Greg Bird 14. Kierran Mosley 15. Eddy Pettybourne 16. Matthew White 17. Ben Ridge
Manly Sea Eagles
Gains: Uiti Baker (Mounties), Luke Burgess (Rabbitohs), Blake Leary (Cowboys), Willie Mason (Knights), Feleti Mateo (Warriors), Zane Tetavano (Knights), Sosaia Vave (Sharks), Brayden Wiliame (Knights)
Losses: Richard Fa’asso (Eels), Daniel Harrison (London Broncos), Jason King (Retired), Epalahme Laukai (Bradford), Glenn Stewart (Rabbitohs), Anthony Watmough (Eels)
The Sea-Eagles have lost three of their most seasoned campaigners and signed several NRL journeymen to help fill the gaps. If Daly Cherry-Evans and Kieran Foran can get their futures sorted soon, I would expect Manly again to go deep into September. If they drag on negotiations, Manly might struggle in 2015.
1. Brett Stewart 2. Jorge Taufua 3. Jamie Lyon (c) 4. Steve Matai 5. Peter Huku 6. Kieran Foran 7. Dale Cherry-Evans 8. Willie Mason 9. Matt Ballin 10. Brenton Lawrence 11. Tom Symonds 12. Jamie Buhrer 13. Feleti Mateo 14. Jayden Hodges 15. Justin Horo 16. Dunamis Lui 17. Jesse Sene-Lefao
Melbourne Storm
Gains: Dale Finucane (Bulldogs), Blake Green (Wigan), Marika Koroibete (Tigers), Tom Learoyd-Lahrs (Raiders), Shaun Nona (Northern Pride)
Losses: Mitch Garbutt (Broncos), Ryan Hoffman (Warriors), Rhys Kennedy (Raiders), Matt Lodge (Tigers), Junior Moors (Castleford), Brian Norrie (Retired), Justin O’Neil (Cowboys), Ben Roberts (Castleford), Joel Romelo (Easts), George Rose (Dragons), Cody Walker (Rabbitohs), Sisa Wqaq (Raiders)
The biggest question around the Storm’s 2015 chances will be around the five-eighth position. The club has brought in Blake Green, who they will be hoping is a better player than the one who last played in the NRL in 2010. Blake has become one of the best players in the Super League in those five years, winning the Man of the Match in the 2013 Super League grand final. Thankfully for Blake and the Storm, he will have the best halfback in the game inside him, who should help make sure the club will be alive at the pointy end of the season.
1. Billy Slater 2. Matt Duffie 3. Will Chambers 4. Mahe Fonua 5. Marika Koroibete 6. Blake Green 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith (c) 10. Jordan McLean 11. Kevin Proctor 12. Tohu Harris 13. Ryan Hinchcliffe 14. Ben Hampton 15. Tim Glasby 16. Tom Learoyd-Lahrs 17. Dale Finucane
Newcastle Knights
Gains: Sam Mataora (Raiders), Tariq Sims (Cowboys), Jack Stockwell (Dragons), James Taylor, Carlos Tuimavave (Warriors)
Losses: Darius Boyd (Broncos), Adam Cuthbertson (Leeds), Michael Dobson (Salford), Matt Hilder (Retired), Josh Mantellato (Hull KR), Willie Mason (Sea Eagles), Matt Minto (Central Queensland), Zane Tetavano (Sea Eagles), Travis Wadell (Broncos) Brayden Wiliame (Sea Eagles)
The club begins their first season since the end of the Tinkler era without Wayne Bennett and the return of Rick Stone as head coach. Rick’s biggest challenge will be fitting in all the quality outside backs in his side while keeping balance across the park. The outside backs will only be as good as the forwards allow them to be, and the Knights forwards of 2015 may let down the outside backs by not giving them the space they need to move.
1. Kurt Gidley (c) 2. James McManus 3. Dane Gagai 4. Joey Leilua 5. Akuila Uate 6. Jarrod Mullen 7. Tyrone Roberts 8. Kade Snowdon 9. Adam Clydsdale 10. David Fa’alogo 11. Beau Scott 12. Tariq Sims 13. Jeremy Smith 14. Tyler Randall 15. Chris Houston 16. Robie Rochow 17. Korbin Sims
North Queensland Cowboys
Gains: Jake Granville, Ben Hannant (Broncos), Kyle McConnell (Burleigh), Tautau Moga (Roosters), Justin O’Neil (Storm), Ben Spina (Northern Pride), Kelepi Tanginoa (Eels)
Losses: Anthony Mitchell (Townsville), Curtis Rona (Bulldogs), Joel Riethmuller (Released), Ashton Sims (Warrington), Tariq Sims (Knights), Brent Tate (Retired), Ricky Thorby (Townsville)
The club lost the talented Sims brothers in the offseason. However, the club offset those losses somewhat with the signing of Eels’ young gun Kelepi Tanginoa and experienced campaigner Ben Hannant, who hasn’t been at his best in recent seasons. Johnathan Thurston looked sensational in the All-Stars game, and the club will be hoping he can deliver the club’s first title. Johnathan knows his window for premiership glory is closing, so he will push hard all season, and the Cowboys will go deep into September.
1. Michael Morgan 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Kane Linnett 4. Tautau Moga 5. Antonio Winterstein 6. Robert Lui 7. Johnathan Thurston (c) 8. Matthew Scott (c) 9. Rory Kostjaysin 10. James Tamou 11. Gavin Gooper 12. Jason Taumalolo 13. Glenn Hall 14. Cameron King 15. Ben Hannant 16. Scott Bolton 17. Kelepi Tanginoa
Parramatta Eels
Gains: Beau Champion (Rabbitohs), Ben Crooks (Hull FC), Issac De Gois (Sharks), Richie Fa’aoso (Sea Eagles), Shannan McPherson (Salford), Cody Nelson (Titans), Adam Quinlan (Dragons), Reece Robinson (Raiders), Brad Takairangi (Titans), Anthony Wamough (Sea Eagles), Danny Wicks (Free Agent)
Losses: Mitchell Allgood (Hull KR), Evander Cummins (Redcliffe), Liam Foran, Daniel Harrison (London Broncos), Jarryd Hayne (Released), Jacob Loko (Bulldogs), Lorenzo Ma’afu (Townsville), Lee Mossop (Wigan), Api Pewhairangi (Warriors), Brendon Santi (Tigers) Ken Sio (Hull KR), Ben Smith (Retired), Kelepi Tanginoa (Cowboys) Willie Tonga (Catalans)
The signing of Anthony Watmough will add some much-needed experience to a young group of forwards. Losing Jarryd Hayne is a massive loss, and it remains to be seen who will step up and lead the side as Jarryd did several times in 2014. Could sneak into the eight, though more likely to just miss out.
1. Will Hopoate 2. Semi Radradra 3. Beau Champion 4. Ryan Morgan 5. Reece Robinson 6. Corey Norman 7. Chris Sandow 8. Tim Mannah (c) 9. Nathan Peats 10. Junior Paulo 11. Anthony Watmough 12. Manu Ma’u 13. Joseph Paulo 14. Issac De Gois 15. David Gower 16. Pauli Pauli. 17. Tepai Moeroa
Penrith Panthers
Gains: Rodney Coates (Sharks), Adrian Davis (Redcliffe), Apisai Koroisau (Rabbitohs), Ben Murdoch-Masila (Tigers), Tupou Sopoaga (Sharks)
Losses: Anthony Cherrington (Redcliffe), Ethan Cook (Central-Newcastle), Tim Grant (Rabbitohs), Tom Humble (Townsville), Kevin Kingston (Retired), Kierran Mosley (Titans), Kevin Naiqama (Tigers), Wes Naiqama (London Broncos), Etu Nabuli (Dragons), Matt Robinson, Ryan Simpkins (Titans), Vaipuna Tia Kilifi (Northern Pride)
The Panthers were the side that didn’t know how to die in 2014 and kept on winning, despite the growing injury toll towards the back end of the season. The club has only added a couple of names in the off-season; they instead will be hoping the players who were at the club in 2014 can deliver in 2015. The club has lost several players experienced at the NRL level, so depth may be tested in 2015. It will be interesting to see how the club fairs as a top-ranked side instead of the under-the-radar side of 2014. The Panthers will make the eight, and how deep they go remains to be seen.
1. Matt Moylan 2. Josh Mansour 3. Dean Whare 4. Jamal Idris 5. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 6. Jamie Soward 7. Peter Wallace (c) 8. Sam McKendry 9. James Segeyaro 10. Brent Kite 11. Sika Manu 12. Elijah Taylor 13. Nigel Plum 14. Apisai Koroisau 15. Jermey Lattimore 16. Tyrone Peachey 17. Adam Docker
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Gains: Nathan Brown (Tigers), Tim Grant (Panthers), Sione Masima (Sharks), Glenn Stewart (Sea Eagles), Cody Walker (Storm)
Losses: Luke Burgess (Sea Eagles), Sam Burgess (Rugby Union), Beau Champion (Eels), Apisai Koroisau (Panthers), Nathan Merritt, Joe Picker (Retired), Ben Te’o (Rugby Union)
Lose a few quality first graders, including Clive Churchill medalist Sam Burgess and Ben Te’o. They have offset this by buying well, adding representative players Tim Grant and Glenn Stewart. Depth will be a problem for the club if injuries hit, and they should still be alive deep into September.
1. Greg Inglis (c) 2. Alex Johnston 3. Dylan Walker 4. Bryson Goodwin 5. Joel Reddy 6. Luke Keary 7. Adam Reynolds 8. George Burgess 9. Issac Luke 10. Dave Tyrell 11. Kyle Turner 12. John Sutton 13. Glenn Stewart 14. Cameron McInness 15. Tim Grant 16. Tom Burgess 17. Chris McQueen
St. George Illawarra Dragons
Gains: Fraser Alcock (Rugby Union), Beau Henry (Titans), Kris Keating (Hull KR), Heath L’Estrange (Roosters), Jake Marketo (Redcliffe), Eto Nabuli (Panthers), Dane Nielsen (Warriors), Rulon Nutira (Gundagai), George Rose (Storm), Adam Tuimavave-Gerrard (Warriors),
Losses: Josh Ailaomai (Burleigh), Jack Bird (Sharks), Matt Groat (Salford), Brett Morris (Bulldogs), Adam Quinlan (Eels), Kyle Stanley (Sharks), Jack Stockwell (Knights), Sam Williams (Raiders), Michael Witt (Retired)
1. Josh Dugan 2. Peter Mata’utia 3. Dylan Farrell 4. Dane Nielsen 5. Jason Nightingale 6. Gareth Widdop 7. Benji Marshall 8. Trent Merrin 9. Mitch Rein 10. Dan Hunt 11. Jack de Bellin 12. Bren Creagh (c) 13. Tyson Frizell 14. Heath L’Estrange 15. Leeson Ah Mau 16. George Rose 17. Mike Cooper
The club has lost several quality NRL first-grade players, meaning depth will be problematic in 2015. Struggled up front last year, so the club brought in George Rose to try and add some muscle up front. Having Benji Marshall from the start of the season will help the club. They are still a few years away from making the eight as they go through a rebuilding phase.
Sydney Roosters
Gains: Blake Ferguson (Free Agent), Martin Kennedy (Broncos), Matt McIllwrick (Raiders), Willie Manu (St. Helens), Abraham Papalii (Warriors), Lagi Setu (Raiders), Nathan Stapleton (Sharks)
Losses: Remi Casty (Catalans), Saulala Houma. Kurt Kara (Sharks), Rhyse Martin (Townsville), Anthony Minichello (Retired), Tautau Moga (Cowboys), Daniel Mortimer (Titans), Curtis Naughton (Hull FC), Sonny Bill Williams (Rugby Union)
Have lost inspirational captain Anthony Minichello, although a few players’ positional movements and the addition of Blake Ferguson should mean the back-line remains one of the best in the NRL. The loss of Sonny Bill Williams is massive, with his work around the middle of the field to be sorely missed. Another club where depth could be a problem should have enough quality across the club to make the eight.
1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Michael Jennings 4. Blake Ferguson 5. Shaun Kenny-Dowall 6. James Maloney 7. Mitchell Pearce (c) 8 Jared Waerea-Hargreaves .9. Jake Friend (c) 10 Sam Moa. 11. Mitch Aubusson 12. Boyd Cordner 13. Aidan Guerra 14. Jackson Hastings 15 Martin Kennedy. 16. Dylan Napa 17. Kane Evans
Warriors
Gains: Matt Allwood (Raiders), Ryan Hoffman (Storm), Bodene Thompson (Tigers), Jonathan Wright (Warriors)
Losses: Jason Bukuya (Sharks), Kevin Locke (Salford), Sam Lousi (Rugby Union), Feleti Mateo (Sea Eagles), Dane Nielsen (Dragons), Abraham Papalii (Roosters), Jerome Ropati (Retired), Michael Sio (Mackay), Carlos Tuimavave (Knights), Adam Tuimavave–Gerrard (Dragons)
Once again, the question about the Warriors is whether they can deliver week in & week out. The club adds experienced back-rower Ryan Hoffman, who is being touted as the most significant signing since the club signed Steve Price. Have quality across the park to be a potent force. The critical position yet to be sorted is five-eighth; the club needs someone to help Shaun Johnson. The Warriors lost several NRL squad members; however, given the clubs’ ongoing success in NYC, the depth should not be a problem. They will be a side pushing for the bottom of the top eight.
1. Sam Tomkins 2. Glen Fisiiahi 3. Konrad Hurrell 4. David Fusit’a 5. Manu Vatuvei 6. Thomas Leuluai 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Jacob Lillyman 9. Nathan Friend 10. Ben Matulino 11. Ryan Hoffman 12. Simon Mannering (c) 13. Bodene Thompson 14. Chad Townsend 15. Sione Lousi 16. Susia Matagi 17. Ben Henry
Wests Tigers
Gains: Josh Drinkwater (London Broncos), Matt Lodge (Storm), Chance Peni (Knights), Kevin Naqiama (Panthers), Brendon Santi (Eels), John Sila (Bulldogs)
Losses: Braith Anasta (Retired), Blake Austin (Raiders), Adam Blair (Broncos), Nathan Brown (Rabbitohs), Jarred Farlow (Rugby Union), Liam Fulton (Retired), James Gavet (Broncos), Jy Hitchcox (Featherstone), Marika Koroibete (Storm), Ben Murdoch-Masila (Panthers), Cory Paterson (Salford), Bodene Thompson (Warriors), Andrew Vela (Burleigh)
The most significant addition for the Tigers could be off-field with the addition of Jason Taylor, who has spent the last few years with the Sydney Roosters. Very quiet on the recruitment front, only adding depth to the squad. Lost several NRL veterans from last year’s squad. Depth may be a question, though many young players were given a taste of first grade last year and should be better for the run. Another club will be pushing for a spot in the bottom half of the eight.
1. James Tedesco 2. Pat Richards 3. Tim Simona 4. Chris Lawrence 5. David Nofoaluma 6. Mitchel Moses 7. Luke Brooks 8. Aaron Woods 9. Robbie Farrah (c) 10. Keith Galloway 11. Curtis Sironen 12. Sitaleki Akauola 13. Sauaso Sue 14. Tim Moltzen 15. Dene Halatau 16. Martin Taupau 17. Ava Seumanufagi
And Another Thing: I think the NRL got it right when they said they would play more games in Sydney across Allianz Stadium, ANZ Stadium and Pirtek Stadium. The atmosphere at boutique stadiums is excellent, though if you are selling out those stadiums every home game, you need to move to bigger stadiums. Otherwise, you are turning away many fans. Play games against non-Sydney teams at those boutique grounds as they won’t sell out at the bigger grounds; all other games need to move to the bigger stadiums; it is stadium evolution.
Quote of the Week: “It was a very emotional day for Scottish people and the whole country and the whole of the UK – it was a big day. The way it was worded, the way I sent it, is not really in my character, and I don’t normally do stuff like that. So, yeah, I was a bit disappointed by that …” Andy Murray responding to his tweet about Scottish independence.
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Till next time,
Cheese
2015 Ladder
- Brisbane Broncos
- South Sydney Rabbitohs
- North Queensland Cowboys
- Melbourne Storm
- Sydney Roosters
- Canterbury Bulldogs
- Penrith Panthers
- Warriors
- Wests Tigers
- Manly Sea Eagles
- Parramatta Eels
- Cronulla Sharks
- Newcastle Knights
- Canberra Raiders
- George Illawarra Dragons
- Gold Coast Titans