The NRL off-season has been busy, with several people leaving NRL HQ, player indiscretions, talk of a rebellion against the NRL by clubs, the finalising of a TV rights deal and player movement, with a domino-like effect, all caused by a false signature. For not the first time in the history of the NRL, the game starts the season without a CEO. The 109th NRL season gets underway tonight, with all these issues that will take a back-seat to the on-field action as sixteen teams battle it out to see who will lift the 2016 Provan & Summons Trophy. In this first post of 2016, I will go through each club’s gains & losses and their top 17. As usual, I will pick who I think will be premiers, wooden spooners, biggest movers & sliders, State of Origin winners and my 2016 ladder at the bottom of the post. All this and more in the latest edition of the Blog of Cheese.
Premiers: Given I was about thirty seconds from picking the 2015 premiers, I will stick with the Broncos as my premiers as I think they can go one better in 2016.
Wooden Spoon: With off-field issues between the longest-serving player and the coach yet to be resolved. The club’s future is still in the air, which will not help matters. I think this will be a long year for the Tigers.
Biggest Movers: They have spent a lot of money in the off-season bringing in two Kiwi test regulars Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, and Isaac Luke, which will give the Warriors plenty of firepower. Giving the captaincy to Ryan Hoffman could be a masterstroke, given their natural leadership qualities, which will mean the Warriors will return to the finals for the first time since 2011.
Biggest Sliders: They have lost several quality backs in Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Michael Jennings and James Maloney. The club will also be without Jared Waerera-Hargraves, and Boyd Cordner will miss a large chunk of the season due to injury, not to mention time missed by Mitchell Pearce. That will mean the Roosters will be playing catch up for the 2016 season.
Leading Try Scorer: Last season saw Semi Radradra and Curtis Rona battling for the top try scorer before Semi pulled ahead in round 26. 2015 also saw two players top twenty tries for the first time since 2012. I expect the 2016 top try-scorer to be Raiders flyer Edrick Lee who will benefit from having Aiden Seazer & Blake Austin in the halves.
State of Origin: Leading into game three of the 2015 State of Origin Series, many in New South Wales were confident after their sides’ dominating win over Queensland in Melbourne, with many believing that a new era of dominance had begun. History shows that Queensland dominated New South Wales showing the age of domination was far from over. Even though the Maroons have two games in NSW, they have too much class across the park to win this year’s series.
Brisbane Broncos
Gains: Carlin Anderson (Ipswich), Herman Ese’ese (Bulldogs), Salesi Funaki (Tigers), Billy McConnachie (Tigers), Tevati Pangai Junior (Raiders), James Roberts (Titans), Marion Seve (Tigers), Caleb Timu (Morman mission)
Losses: Dale Copley (Roosters), Mitchell Dodds (Warrington), Jordan Drew (Sharks), Mitchell Frei (Roosters), Mitch Garbutt (Leeds), James Gavett (Released), Jon Green, Justin Hodges & Todd Lowrie (all retired), Daren Nicholls (Released), Jayden Nikorima (Roosters), Matt Parcell (Sea Eagles), David Stagg (Retired), Ashley Taylor (Titans), Daniel Vidot (Salford)
The Broncos have only added a couple of players who will be contesting for first grade in 2016, with the rest of their additions likely to be running around in the Intrust Super Cup Competition. The Broncos will be hoping Wayne Bennett can help James Roberts take the next step in his career and replace Justin Hodges, a permanent fixture of the Broncos over the last ten years. Will still be alive & pushing for premiership glory deep into September
Top 17
1. Darrius Boyd 2. Corey Oates 3. Jack Reed 4. James Roberts 5. Jordan Kahu 6. Anthony Milford 7. Ben Hunt 8. Adam Blair 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Sam Thaiday 11. Alex Glenn 12. Matt Gillett 13. Corey Parker (c) 14. Jarrod Wallace 15. Josh McGuire 16. Joe Ofahengaue 17. Kodi Nikorima
Canberra Raiders
Gains: Adam Clydsdale (Knights), Joey Leilua (Knights), Jeff Lima (Catalans), Kato Ottio (PNG Hunters), Zac Santo (Cowboys), Aiden Sezer (Titans), Joseph Tapine (Knights), Elliott Whitehead (Catalans),
Losses: Jack Ahearn (Redcliffe), Glen Buttriss (Mounties), Mitch Cornish (Eels), Mitch Cronin (Wynnum Manly), Joel Edwards (Tigers), Jeremy Hawkins (Storm), Andrew Heffernan (Panthers), Jeff Lynch (Titans), Josh McCrone (Dragons), Patrick Mago (Mackay), Mark Nicholls (Storm), Kyle O’Donnell (Retired), Luke Page (Dragons), Tevati Pangai Junior (Broncos), David Shillington (Titans)
The Raiders have been busy in the recruitment market trying to attract players to the national capital to help return the club to finals football. Aiden Sezer was the Titans’ best player in 2015; the critical question will be how he can combine with Blake Austin. How the halves combine will be the key to the Raiders’ success, with Sam Williams willing to step in if Aiden fails to fire. Have spent big money to recruit Joseph Tapine, who the club is hoping will turn from a young sensation to a first-grade regular. The Raiders should make a return to finals football after a two-year absence.
Top 17
1. Jack Wighton 2. Sisa Waqa 3. Joey Leilua 4. Jarrod Croker (c) 5. Edrick Lee 6. Aidan Sezer 7. Sam Williams 8. Paul Vaughan 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Frank-Paul Nu’uausala 11. Blake Austin 12. Josh Papali 13. Shaun Fensom 14. Joseph Tapine 15. Jeff Lima 16. Elliot Whitehead 17. Shannon Boyd
Canterbury Bulldogs
Gains: Brad Abbey (Warriors), Graham Clark (Northern Pride), Craig Garvey (Dragons), Kerrod Holland (Knights), Will Hopoate (Eels)
Losses: Damien Cook (Rabbitohs), Herman Ese’ese (Broncos), Jaline Graham (Newtown), Trent Hodkinson (Knights), Antonio Kaufusi (Retired), Tim Lafai (Dragons), Jacob Loko (Released), Frank Pritchard (Hull FC), Corey Thompson (Widnes), Tautaltasi Tasi (Released)
The Bulldogs have been very quiet on the recruitment front, though they will be pleased they recruited Will Hopoate, especially given the injury news about Brett Morris. Halves Josh Reynolds and Moses Mbye failed to click towards the back end of last season, which will be the only worry for Bulldogs fans heading into the new season. Should have enough class across the park to make another finals appearance
Top 17
1. Brett Morris 2. Curtis Rona 3. Josh Morris 4. Will Hopoate 5. Sam Perrett 6. Josh Reynolds 7. Moses Mbye 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Michael Lichaa 10. James Graham (c) 11. Josh Jackson 12. Tony Williams 13. Greg Eastwood 14. Sam Kasiano 15. Tim Brown 16. Shaun Lane 17. David Klemmer
Cronulla Sharks
Gains: Kurt Capewell, Josh Cleeland (Ipswich), Jordan Drew (Broncos), James Maloney, Matt McIlwrick (Roosters), Joseph Paulo (Eels), Jesse Sene-Lefao (Sea Eagles), Chad Townsend (Warriors)
Losses: Josh Aldo-Carr (Tigers), Tinirau Arona (Wakefield), Blake Ayshford (Warriors), Nathan Gardner (Released), Michael Gordon (Eels), Saulala Houma (Released), Todd Murphy (Norths Devils), Pat Politoni (Released), Jeff Robson (Warriors), Sami Sauiluma (Burleigh), Curtis Scott (Storm), Kyle Stanley (Retired), Anthony Tupou (Wakefield), Dallas Wells (Norths Devils)
The Sharks could be in for a long season with an aging forward pack. It will be interesting to see how new halves pairing James Maloney & Chad Townsend combine with both players used to playing the similar role of guiding a club around the park. The Sharks will need one of them to step up to be the alpha dog and take control of the side. Young superstars Jackson Bird & Valentine Holmes will be under a lot of pressure to produce again. The pressure may be too much for the young players, with the club to just miss out on the eight.
Top 17
1. Jack Bird 2. Sosaia Feki 3. Gerrard Beale 4. Ricky Leutele 5. Valentine Holmes 6. James Maloney 7. Chad Townsend 8. Andrew Fifita 9. Michael Ennis 10. Chris Heighington 11.Wade Graham 12. Luke Lewis 13. Paul Gallen (c) 14. Jason Bukya 15. Jesse Sene-Lefao 16. Sam Tagataese 17. Joseph Paulo
Gold Coast Titans
Gains: Nathan Friend (Warriors), Jeff Lynch (Raiders), Nene McDonald (Roosters), Chris McQueen (Rabbitohs), John Olive (Rabbitohs), Nathaniel Peteru (Warriors), Leivaha Pulu (Wyong), Tyrone Roberts (Knights), David Shillington (Raiders), Zeb Taia (Catalans), Ashley Taylor (Broncos)
Losses: Caleb Binge (Wynnum Manly), Davin Crampton (Redcliffe), Jamie Dowling Burleigh), Kalifa Faifai Loa (Dragons), Beau Falloon (Leeds), Jamal Fogarty (Burleigh), Kevin Gordon (Retired), Christian Hazard (Redcliffe), Shaun Hudson (Cowboys), Jai Ingram (Released), Mark Ioane (Dragons), Nate Myles (Sea Eagles), Chad Redman (Burleigh), Ben Ridge (Released), James Roberts (Broncos), Aiden Sezer (Raiders), Dave Taylor (Catalans), Brad Tighe (Retired), Matt White (Storm)
The club has been very busy in the market, with many players leaving as coach Neil Henry looks for improved performance. The club will rely on experienced campaigners David Shillington and Chris McQueen to help the young brigade. The clubs’ future could be a distraction if it is not sorted out quickly. Titans’ fans will be left ruing the loss of James Roberts and Aiden Sezer, who would have been the missing pieces that helped the club make the top eight. Will have an improved season; however, it will not be enough as they miss the eight.
Top 17
1. William Zillman (c) 2. Anthony Don 3. Josh Hoffman 4. Nene MacDonald 5. David Mead 6. Tyrone Roberts 7. Ashley Taylor 8. Luke Douglas 9. Nathan Friend 10. David Shillington 11. Ryan James 12. Chris McQueen 13. Greg Bird 14. Daniel Mortimer 15. Eddy Pettybourne 16. Zeb Taia 17. Agnatius Passi
Manly Sea Eagles
Gains: Lewis Brown (Panthers), Fabian Goodall (Eels), Nathan Green (Dragons), Isaac John (Panthers), Api Koroisau (Rabbitohs), Halauafu Lavaka and Darcy Lussick (Eels), Tim Moltzen (Tigers), Nate Myles (Titans), Matt Parcell (Broncos), Martin Taupau (Tigers), Dylan Walker (Rabbitohs), John Walker & Tom Wright (Rugby Union)
Losses: Tyson Andrews (Redcliffe), Matt Balin (Tigers), Cheyse Blair (Storm), Michael Chee-Kam (Tigers), Kieran Foran, Clinton Gutherson and James Hasson (Eels), Peter Hiku (Panthers), Justin Horo (Catalans), Jack Littlejohn (Tigers), Dunamis Lui (Dragons), Willie Mason (Catalans), Will Pearsall (Knights), Ligi Sao (Warriors), Jesse Sene-Lefao (Sharks), David Williams (Released)
Sea Eagles fans will be pleased with the purchase of Dylan Walker and Martin Taupau, how Dylan adapts to playing in the number six remains to be seen, following limited success in that position at South Sydney. Plenty of pressure will be on new coach Trent Barrett, who replaced favourite son Geoff Toovey. Another man under pressure will be Daly Cherry-Evans, who back-flipped on the Titans to remain at the Sea Eagles thanks to a massive offer. The club could take time to become used to Trent Barrett’s style, which will differ from what the club has played under for the previous twelve seasons. Will just miss the eight
Top 17
1. Brett Stewart 2. Jorge Tafua 3. Jamie Lyon (c) 4 . Steve Matai 5. Tom Trbojevic 6. Dylan Walker 7. Daly Chery Evans (c) 8. Nate Myles 9. Matt Parcell 10. Brenton Lawrence 11. Feleti Mateo 12. Lewis Brown 13. Martin Taupau 14. Darcy Lussick 15. Tom Symonds 16. Jake Trbojevic 17. Api Koroisau
Melbourne Storm
Gains: Cheyse Blair (Sea Eagles), Jeremy Hawkins (Raiders), Mark Nicholls (Raiders), Curtis Scott (Sharks), Matt White (Titans)
Losses: Matt Duffie (Rugby Union), Mahe Fonua (Hull FC), Ryan Hinchcliffe (Huddersfield), Hymel Hunt (Rabbitohs), Tom Learoyd-Lahrs (Retired), Kurt Mann (Dragons), Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (Warriors), Shaun Nona (Dragons), Dayne Weston (Leigh)
The biggest question for the Melbourne Storm will be how Billy Slater will recover following his shoulder injury last year. The loss of Ryan Hinchcliffe could be a big one, with Ryan being able to be a utility player if needed. The club is hoping the futures of Craig Bellamy & Cooper Cronk are sorted sooner rather than later so the club has no off-field distractions. Have enough class across the paddock to be alive again deep into September.
Top 17
1. Billy Slater 2. Cheyse Blair 3. Will Chambers 4. Cameron Munster 5. Marika Korobete 6. Blake Green 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith (c) 10. Jordan McLean 11. Kevin Proctor 12. Tohu Harris 13. Dale Finucane 14. Kenny Bromwich 15. Tim Glasby 16. Christian Welch 17. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
Newcastle Knights
Gains: David Bhana (Warriors), Krys Freeman (Norths Devils), Trent Hodkinson (Bulldogs), Mickey Paea (Hull FC), Pauli Pauli (Eels), Will Pearsall (Sea Eagles)
Losses: Adam Clydsdale (Raiders), David Fa’alo, Kurt Gidley (Retired), Kerrod Holland (Bulldogs), Chris Houston (Widnes), Joey Leilua (Raiders), Clint Newton (Retired), Chad Redman (Burleigh), Tyrone Roberts (Titans), Beau Scott (Eels), Joseph Tapine (Raiders), Carlos Tuimavave (Hull FC)
The Knights have lost several veterans, so it will be up to the three new captains to step up and lead the club as they look to rebuild from a disappointing season. New coach Nathan Brown returns to a head coaching job in the NRL after six years coaching in England. Nathan successfully turned around the fortunes of Huddersfield and took St. Helens to a Grand Final win (although at St. Helens, that is not that hard, unless you are Royce Simmons). Nathan will be under pressure from Knights fans to help turn round the club. This will be a rebuilding year for the Knights, with the finals a few years off.
Top 17
1. Jacob Mamo 2. Nathan Ross 3. Sione Mata’utia 4. Dane Gagai 5. Akuila Uate 6. Jarrod Mullen 7. Trent Hodkinson (c) 8. Kade Snowden 9. Tyler Randell 10. Korbin Sims 11. Robbie Rochow 12. Tariq Sims (c) 13. Jeremy Smith (c) 14. Mickey Paea 15. Danny Levi 16. Jack Stockwell 17. Sam Mataora
North Queensland Cowboys
Gains: Shaun Hudson (Titans), Jarome Hughes (Townsville)
Losses: Glenn Hall (Retired), Viliame Kikau (Panthers), Cameron King (Eels), Robert Lui (Salford), Zac Santo (Raiders), Scott Schulte, Kelepi Tanginoa (Eels)
Most of the Cowboys’ players have lost, spent 2015 playing Queensland Cup, which is a plus for the club. The club has been quiet on the recruitment front; instead, they will be hoping players from the Townsville Blackhawks (in particular) can step up in 2016. The club started slowly last year, losing three straight, before pulling a rabbit out of their hat in round four to go on a run that proved they could win the tight games. How the club deals with being the defending champions could tell how the club fairs in 2016. Although with Johnathan Thurston in the form of his career, anything is possible for the boys from up north.
Top 17
1. Lachlan Coote 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Kane Linnett 4. Justin O’NeiO’Neilntonio Winterstein 6. Michael Morgan 7. Johnathan Thurston (c) 8. Matt Scott (c) 9. Jake Granville 10. James Tamou 11. Gavin Cooper 12 .Ethan Lowe 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Ben Hannant 15. Scott Bolton 16. John Asiata 17. Rory Kostjasyn
Parramatta Eels
Gains: Mitch Cornish (Raiders), Kieran Foran (Sea Eagles), Michael Gordon (Sharks), Clinton Gutherson, James Hasson (Sea Eagles), Michael Jennings (Roosters), Cameron King (Cowboys), Kieran Moss (PanthersO’Brien O’Brien (Dragons), Scott Schulte (Cowboys), Beau Scott (Knights) Kelepi Tanginoa (Cowboys), Matthew Woods (Tigers)
Losses: Pakisonasi Afu (Roosters), Josh Aloiai (Tigers), Beau Champion (Retired), Ben Crooks (Castleford), Zach Dockar-Clay (Panthers),Fa’aoso Fa’aoso (Retired), Fabian Goodall (Sea Eagles), Will Hopoate (Bulldogs), Tui Kamikamica (Rugby Union), Halauafu Lavaka, Darcy Lussick (Sea Eagles), Ryan Matterson (Roosters), Pauli Pauli (Knights), Joseph Paulo (Sharks), Adam Quinlan (Dragons), Reece Robinson (Rugby Union), Chris Sandow (Warrington)
The club was very busy in the off-season, picking up quality players in; Kieran Foran, Beau Scott, Michael Gordon and Michael Jennings late in the offseason to have a quality side across t e park. The two big questions will be how halves Kieran Foran and Corey Norman combine, more importantly, will the infighting end off-field, to give the players no distr ctions. This and how the players deal with the pressure to deliver the Eels their first premiership in thirty years and the finals for the first time sin e 2009. The Eels should do enough to make the top eight.
Top 17
1. Michael Gordon 2. Semi Radradra 3. Michael Jennings 4. Ryan Morgan 5. Clint Gutherson 6. Corey Norman 7. Kieran Foran (c) 8. Tim Mannah 9. Nathan Peats 10. JunMa’uPaulo 11. Manu Ma’u 12. Anthony Watmough 13. Beau Scott 14. David Gower 15. Pauli Pauli 16. Tepai Moreoa 17. Isaac De Gois
Penrith Panthers
Gains: Sitaleki Akauola (Tigers), Zach Dockar- Clay (Eels), Ben Garcia (Catalans), Andrew Heffernan (Raiders), Josh Hall (AFL), Peter Hiku (Sea Eagles), Viliame Kikau (Cowboys), Te Marie Martin (Tigers), Suaia Matagi (Roosters), Trent Merrin (Dragons)
Losses: Lewis Brown (Sea Eagles), Adam Docker (Retired), Jamal Idris (Released), Isaac John (Sea Eagles), Brent Kite (Retired), Apisai Koroisau (Sea Eagles), Sika Manu (Hull FC), Kieran Moss (Eels), Ben Murdoch-Masila (Salford) Nigel Plum, Dave Simmons and Shaun Spence (Retired)
Injuries curtailed the Panthers’ chances in 2015, with many considering Ivan Cleary o be unlucky to be let go. The only positive for the club was the injuries gave many youngsters a prolonged experience to first grade. Trent Merrin will offs t the loss of Lewis Brown. The club will be disapp inted to lose Jamal Idris. Pressure will be on halves Peter Wallace & Jamie Soward, with Peter leaving the Broncos when Ivan Henja k coached him in Brisbane. Pressure will be on Jamie to retain his spot with Matt Moylan & Bryce Cartwright, two opt ons to fill in the halves. The top eight is still a year or two away for the Panthers.
Top 17
1. Matt Moylan (c) 2. Josh Mansour 3. Dean Whare 4. Peter Hiku 5. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 6. Jamie Soward 7. Peter Wallace 8. Sam McKendry 9. James Segeyaro 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11. Elijah Taylor 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. Trent Merrin 14. Tyrone Peachey 15. Jeremy Latimore 16. Suaia Matagi 17. Leilani Latu
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Gains: Sam Burgess (Rugby Union), Damien Cook (Bulldogs), Zach Dockar-Clay (Eels), Hymel Hunt (Storm), Dane Nielsen (Dragons), Michael Oldfield (Catalans)
Losses: Tim Grant (Tigers), Ben Lowe (Retired), Issac Luke (Warriors), Chris McQueen (Titans), Darren Nicholls (Broncos), John Olive (Titans), Dylan Walker (Sea Eagles)
The club will be looking forward to the return of of Sam Burgess, one of the best back-rowers in the world, he will be fresh after playing Rugby Union in England. Pressure will be on Sam, given the Rabbitohs were forced to offload some players to fit under the salary cap. Issac Luke is a massive loss; how the Rabbitohs fill t at role could be the key to their season. Another question remains over the halves, with rumours circu ating about Luke Keary and Adam Reynolds. The Rabbitohs should have enough quality and class across the park to go deep into September.
Top 17
1. Auva’anglis (c) 2. Alex Johnston 3. Kirisome Auva’a 4. Bryson Goodwin 5. Aaron Gray 6. Luke Keary 7. Adam Reynolds 8. George Burgess 9. Damien Cook 10. Dave Tyrrell 11. Kyle Turner 12. John Sutton 13. Sam Burgess 14. Jason Clark 15. Tom Burgess 16. Chris Grevsmuhl 17. Cameron McInness
St. George Illawarra Dragons
Gains: Kalifa Faifai Loa (Titans), Siliva Havil, Sebastian Ikahihifo (Warriors), Tim Lafai (Bulldogs), Dunamis Lui (Sea Eagles), Kurt Mann (Storm), Mose Masoe (St Helens), Tyrone McCarthy (Hull KR), Josh McCrone (Raiders), Taane Milne (Roosters), Shaun Nona (Storm), Russel Packer (Free Agent), Luke Page (Raiders), Adam Quinlan (Eels)
Losses: Shannon Cook (Released), Addin Fonua-Blake (Released), Craig Garvey (Bulldogs), Nathan Green (Sea Eagles), Dan Hunt (Retired), Justin Hunt (Tigers), Mark Ioane (LondoL’Estrange, Jack Kavanagh, Kris Keating (Released), Heath L’Estrange (Retired), Trent Merrin (Panthers),O’Brienbuli (Rugby Union), Dane Nielsen (Rabbitohs), Rory O’Brien (Eels), Luke Page (Burleigh), Charly Runciman (Widnes), Adam Tuimavave-Gerrard, Shannon Wakeman (Released)
The Dragons have had a high turnover of play rs, especially for a side that made the finals last year. The club has mad no big-name signing due to salary cap pressure. The club will rely on Garreth Widdop, Benji Marshall, and Josh Dugan t help the club win the close games. The loss of Mose Masoe to i jury in the off-season is massive. The club could struggle to make the eight, with depth a problem forMata’utiaons in 2016.
Top 17
1. Pat Mata’utia 2. Kurt Mann 3. Tim Lafai 4. Josh Dugan 5. Jason Nightingale 6. Garreth Widdop 7. Benji Marshall 8. Leeson Ah Mau 9. Mitch Rein 10. Mike Cooper 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Ben Creagh (c) 13. Jack de Bellin 14. Joel Thompson 15. Josh McCrone 16. Dunamis Lui 17. Mose Masone
Sydney Roosters
Gains: Pakisonasi Afu (Eels), Joe Burgess (Wigan), Dale Copley, Mitchell Frei (Broncos), Ian Henderson (Catalans), Ryan Matterson (Eels)
Losses: Michael Jennings (Eels), Nene Macdonald (Titans), James Maloney (Sharks), Suaia Matagi (Panthers), Matt McIlwrick (Sharks), Willis Meehan (Released), Taane Milne (Dragons), Lagi Setu (Rugby Union), Nathan Stapleton (London), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Warriors)
The Roosters have suffered massive losses, with Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Michael Jennings and James Maloney all moving on to new clubs in 2016. This is compounded by the loss of Jared Waerera-Hargraves & Boyd Cordner, who will both miss th first couple Pearce’ss of the season through injury. With Mitchell Pearce’s suspension yet to be resolved, it will be up to young halves Jayden Nikorima and Jacks n Hastings to guide the side around the park in 2016. The club has also been the minor premiers for the last three years, which will take its toll as the Roosters miss the top eight.
Top 17
1. Blake Ferguson 2. Joe Burgess 3. Dale Copley 4. Shaun Kenny-Dowall 5. Daniel Tupou 6. Jayden Nikorima 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Jarred Waerea-Hargrages 9. Jake Friend (c) 10. Sam Moa 11. Mitchell Aubusson 12. Boyd Cordner 13. Aidan Guerra 14. Dylan Napa 15. Kane Evans 16. Sio Siua Taukeiaho 17. Isaac Liu
Warriors
Gains: Blake Ayshford (Sharks), Ali Lauitiiti (Wakefield), Issac Luke (Rabbitohs), Chance Nicoll-Klokstad (Storm), Ligi Sao (Sea Eagles), Jeff Robson (Sharks), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Roosters), Henare Wells (Burleigh)
Losses: Brad Abbey (Bulldogs), David Bhana (Knights), Glen Fisiiahi (Rugby Union), Nathan Friend (Titans), Siliva Havili, Sebastian Ikahihifo (Dragons), Nigel Lamapae (Released), Suaia Matagi (Panthers), Nathaniel Peteru (Titans), Api Pewhairangi (Rugby Union), Dominique Peyroux (St Helens), Sam Rapira (Huddersfield), Sam Tomkins (Wigan), Chad Townsend (Cronulla)
The Warriors have spent big in the transfer m rket, bringing home New Zealanders Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Issac Luke. The club looked destined to make the eight in 2015 until an ankle injury forced Shaun Johnson to miss the rest of the season; as a result, the club failed to win a game for the rest of the season. A lot of pressure will be on Warriors coach Andrew McFadden and if the c ub stars slow McFadden, maybe the first coach to face the axe in 2016. With Ryan Hoffman installed as club captain and the pick-up of Jeff Robson, who will allow Shaun Johnson to play his natural game, the Warriors should return to the top eight in 2016.
Top 17
1.Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2. David Fusitua 3. Konrad Hurrell 4. Solomone Kata 5. Manu Vatuvei 6. Jeff Robson 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Jacob Lillyman 9. Isaac Luke 10. Ben Matulino 11. Ryan Hoffman (c) 12 .Bodene Thompson 13. Simon Mannering 14. Sam Lisone 15. Albert Vete 16. Sione Lousi 17. Ben Henry
Wests Tigers
Gains: Sitaleki Akauola Panthers), Josh Aldo-Carr (Sharks), Josh Aloiai (Eels), Matt Balin (Sea Eagles), Michael Chee-Kam (Sea Eagles), Joel Edwards (Raiders), Tim Grant (Rabbitohs), Rod Griffin (Ipswich), Justin Hunt (Dragons), Jack Littlejohn (Sea Eagles), Billy McConnachie (Ipswich), Jesse Parahi (Rugby Union), Jordan Rankin (Hull FC)
Losses: Sitaleki Akauola (Panthers), Salesi Funaki (Broncos), Keith Galloway (Leeds), Matthew Lodge (released), Te Marie Martin (Panthers), Billy McConnachie (Broncos), Shannon McDonnell (St Helens), Tim Moltzen (Sea Eagles), Pat Richards (Catalans), Kurtis Rowe (Burleigh), Marion Seve (Broncos), Martin Taupau (Sea Eagles) Matthew Woods (Eels)
The Tigers had an interesting back end to the season & offseason, where it looked like Robbi Farah looked to be leaving the Tigers, which seemed more likely when the club signed Matt Ballin. Robbie stayed when no other club could accommodate him, so he will at least spend 2016 in Tigers’ colours. With an apparent clash between Robbie a d coach Jason Taylor still yet to be resolved, it remains to be seen how the club will ge in 2016. The loss of Martin Taupau will be a massive one, as he was one of the Tigers’ bes in 2015. Mitchell Moses and Luke Brooks will need a more significant season after both failed to fire in 2015. aron Woods will do his best to lead from the front, although how many will follow remains to be seen. Top eight football is a bridge too far for the Tigers, who will be battling for the wooden spoon instead.
Top 17
1. James Tedesco 2. Justin Hunt 3. Kevin Naiqama 4. Tim Simona 5. David Nofoaluma 6. Mitchell Moses 7. Luke Brooks 8. Aaron Woods 9. Robbie Farrah (c) 10. Tim Grant 11. Curtis Sironen 12. Chris Lawerence 13. Dene Halatau 14. Joel Edwards 15. Sauaso Sue 16. Kyle Lovett 17. Afa Seumaufagai
And Another Thing: I am delighted with the ne TV rights deal, and I am glad Foxtel took my advice from a previous post, and is adding a Rugby League channel. I will wait unti next year, so when the Rugby League channel is launched, before I write a post about the new TV rights deal.
PS. I ave decided to eliminate the Quote of the Week from all future posts
If you want to c ntact me, you can email me. Remember to like the page on Facebook to find out when n w blog posts are available. Also, to find out the latest news, views and opinions from the world of ugby League. Follow me on Twitter to get all of this, plus live and full-time scores from every game in the NRL. As well as full-time scores from; Super League, Intrust Super Premiership Cup, Intrust Super Cup, Kingstone Press Champio ship, Kingstone Pre s League 1, Ron Ma sey Cup and Brisbane Rugby League.
Till next time,
C eese
2016 L dder
1. Brisbane Br ncos
2. Mel ourne Storm
3. Nort Queensland Cowboys
4. South Sydney Rabb tohs
5. Bulldogs
6. Canberra Raiders
7. Warriors
8. Parramatta Eels.
9. nly Sea Eagles
10. Penrith Panthers
11. Sy ney Roosters
12. Cronulla Sharks
13. St. George Illawarra Dragons
14. Gold Coast Titans
15. Newcastle Knights
16. Wests Tigers