The 113th NRL season begins tonight, with off-field issues grabbing the headlines. On-field, the Sydney Roosters look to become the first team to win three straight titles since the Parramatta Eels in 1983 or the Fortitude Valley Diehards in 1990.
I bring you the 10th NRL season preview on this site. The usual goodies are here; in-depth gains and losses for each club and the top 17 of each club. The premiers, wooden spooners, biggest movers & sliders, top try scorer, Dally M Medalist, State of Origin winners, and my 2020 ladder at the bottom of the post. One to Watch returns for 2020. All this and more, in the latest Blog of Cheese.
Premiers: I think Cameron Smith has already decided if he will play on in 2021. As much as I believe he could do it again next year, I think this will be his final year. Cameron will guide the Storm to their second battle with the Roosters, though this time, the Storm will be on the winners’ stage.
Wooden Spoon: The Titans had one of the worst seasons in recent memory of any NRL team. New coach Justin Holbrook will need to put a massive broom through what was happening on the Gold Coast in 2019. I think the Titans will just fall short of 15th, though they will show signs of promise for 2021.
Biggest Movers: Depending on how long it takes Valentine Holmes to return to his best, the Cowboys could be a real danger side in 2020
Biggest Sliders: The Sharks will struggle in 2020. Playing out of Netstrata Jubilee Stadium will be a strange experience. Whilst Parramatta and Canterbury have both won premierships playing out of their rivals’ home ground, the Sharks will miss the advantage of PointsBet Stadium.
Top Try Scorer: In all the years I have done a season preview, I have never picked anyone who finished close to the top try-scorer, so take this with a grain of salt. I think Suli Vunivalu will be one of the wingers to benefit from the new mid-air tackle rules. It will just depend on if he or Josh Addo-Carr get more ball to score tries in 2020
Dally M: Until the extent of his injury was revealed, I had John Bateman as my Dally M winner. As I state below when I write about the Raiders, John has a phenomenal win percentage with the Raiders, compared to when he is missing. Missing the first 5-6 weeks will cost John in the end. Mitchell Moses will pick up many points in Parramatta Eels victories, with Clint Gutherson, the only other teammate who could regularly steal votes.
State Of Origin: It is going to be a challenging year for Queensland. They are yet to win a game outside of Queensland since 2017. With Queensland not hosting a game until game 3, it is possible the series could be over after Game 2. I think Queensland will win Game 1 in Adelaide, New South Wales will win game 2 in NSW, and Queensland will win game 3 on the 40th anniversary of the first-ever Origin game.
One to Watch: Introduced last year, this is for players yet to play in the NRL. One of the previous year’s One’s to Watch players, Thomas Fleggler, had a great year, while the other, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, played very little NRL. This may be cheating, though I think George Williams will have a great first year in the NRL. While several English backs have struggled in the NRL in recent years, I think George will improve Aidan Sezer.
Brisbane Broncos
Gains: Jesse Arthas (Titans), Brodie Croft (Storm), Jordan Kahu (Cowboys),
Losses: Tanah Boyd (Titans), Troy Dargan (Rabbitohs), George Fai (Rugby Union), Shaun Fensom and Matt Gillett (Retired), Patrick Mago (Rabbitohs), Kodi Nikorima (Warriors), James Segeyaro (Released), Gehmat Shibasaki (Knights), Sam Tagataese (Retired)
The Broncos had an indifferent 2019, with their final spot confirmed during the season’s last weekend. They fell out of the finals with what could be regarded as the worst performance of the season. The Broncos have recruited Brodie Croft, a halfback who has been called a Cooper Cronk clone, though, like the club he joins, he had an indifferent 2019. The pack remains the big question. While they have several talented forwards, they lack the experience to match it with the best packs in the game. The pressure will also be on Anthony Seibold after Broncos chairman Karl Morris commented on the premiership drought, which is at 14 years, well over the previous longest of 6 years. Should make the finals, though maybe a year or two away from breaking the premiership drought.
Top 17
1. Jamayne Isakko 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Darius Boyd 5. Jordan Kahu 6. Anthony Milford 7. Brodie Croft 8. Matt Lodge 9. Jake Turpin 10. Payne Hass 11. Alex Glenn (c) 12. David Fifita 13. Tevita Pangai Jr 14. Andrew McCullough 15. Patrick Carrigan 16. Thomas Flegler 17. Joe Ofahengaue
Canberra Raiders
Gains: Curtis Scott (Raiders), George Williams (Wigan),
Losses: Brad Abbey (Released), Ata Hingano (Mackay). Royce Hunt (Sharks), Joey Leilua (Tigers), Jordan Rapana (Japanese rugby union), Reuben Porter (Mounties), Aidan Sezer (Huddersfield),
The Raiders made the Grand Final, which surprised some people, though considering they were rarely outside the top four, it may not have been that much of a shock. The Raiders recruited Curtis Scott and George Williams, who will both have pressure to perform in 2020, given their high status and the status of the players they replaced. The players will have been burning all off-season, knowing how close they were to being premiers. The last time the club finished in the top four, they missed the finals the following season, which the club hoped to avoid in 2020. May start the season slowly without John Bateman, who was a pivotal component of the 2019 season. Without John in the side, the Raiders lost all 3 games; with John, they won 73.91% of games. Should have enough talent to finish near the top of the ladder.
Top 17
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Nick Cotric 3. Jarrod Croker (c) 4. Curtis Scott 5. Michael Oldfield 6. Jack Wighton 7. George Williams 8. Sia Soliola 9. Josh Hodgson (c) 10. Josh Papalii 11. John Bateman 12. Elliot Whitehead 13. Joseph Tapine 14. Ryan Sutton 15. Corey Horsburgh 16. Dunamis Lui 17. Emre Guler
Canterbury Bulldogs
Gains: Dean Britt (Rabbitohs), Sione Katoa (Panthers), Joe Stimson (Storm)
Losses: Connelly Lemuelu (Cowboys), Danny Fualalo, Kaiyne-Lee Kalache and Michael Lichaa and Nu Brown (Released), John Olive (Newtown)
A disappointing 2019 for the Bulldogs; the side was a definite possibility to finish with the wooden spoon at the end of July. They would then turn the ship around and lose one game for the rest of the season. The club will be hoping Dean Pay has found what works. The club is still hampered by the salary cap movements of former coach Des Hasler, so have only recruited several mid-level players. The pressure will be on Josh Jackson to lead from the front. The club will hope they are in a decent position to attack when Keiran Foran returns during the representative period. They will miss the eight, though they won’t be taken lightly by any team.
Top 17
1. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 2. Nick Meaney 3. Kerrord Holland 4. Will Hopoate 5. Jayden Okunbor 6. Jack Cogger 7. Lachlan Lewis 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10.Dylan Napa 11. Josh Jackson (c) 12. Corey Harawira-Naera 13. Adam Elliott 14. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 15. Joe Stimson 16. Renouf To’omaga 17. Sione Katoa
Cronulla Sharks
Gains: Mawene Hiroti (Rabbitohs), Royce Hunt (Raiders), Jesse Ramien (Knights), Connor Tracey (Rabbitohs),
Losses: Jayden Brailey (Knights), Kurt Capewell (Panthers), Sosaia Feki (Castleford), Kyle Flanagan (Roosters), Paul Gallen (retired), Aaron Gray (Released), Brett Morris (Roosters), Matt Prior (Leeds)
The Sharks will look back at the 2019 season and wonder what might have been. Despite scoring more tries than the opposition, they lost some games, with goal-kicking letting them down. Supporters will be hoping one of the many goal-kicking coaches will have been working overtime at Sharks training during the off-season. The 2020 season will be a strange one for the club. Not only will they be playing home games at the home of arch-rivals the St George Illawarra Dragons, but they will also do so without inspirational leader Paul Gallen, something the Sharks haven’t done since 2000. Massive questions remain over the fitness of Josh Dugan; the club will also hope Matt Moylan is back to full fitness. Remondis Stadium could always provide a few wins, with Rugby League analyst Phil Gould calling it the Bermuda Triangle. Missing those few wins may be the difference between making the top eight and missing out.
Top 17
1. Matt Moylan 2. Josh Dugan 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Bronson Xerri 5. Josh Morris 6. Shaun Johnson 7. Chad Townsend 8. Andrew Fifita 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Aaron Woods 11. Wade Graham (c) 12. Britton Nikora 13. Jack Williams 14. Braden Hamlin-Uele 15. Jason Bukuya 16. Billy Magoulias 17. Connor Tracey
Gold Coast Titans
Gains: Tanah Boyd (Broncos), Greg Leleisiuao (Eels), Beau Fermor (Knights), Sam Lisone (Warriors), Jonus Pearson (Dragons), Sam Stone (Knights)
Losses: Jesse Arthars (Broncos), Michael Gordon (Retired), Ryley Jacks (Storm), Leilani Latu (Warrington), Brenko Lee (Storm), Will Matthews (retired), Jack Stockwell (Burleigh)
The Titans had a terrible 2019 season, with the club winning just 4 games, the last coming back in June. Coach Garth Brennan was shown the door in July, possibly having his card marked never coach in the NRL again. The Titans enter the new year with a young coach who is untested at the NRL level, though big things are expected. It is almost a sense of Deja Vu for the club, as they went through the same thing in 2018. A point of difference this time is Justin Holbrook has had success at the top level, guiding St Helens to the 2019 Super League title. The finals look a couple of years away for the club; a more realistic goal would be to be competitive week in, week out.
Top 17
1. AJ Brimson 2. Anthony Don 3. Brian Kelly 4. Kallum Watkins 5. Phillip Sami 6. Tyrone Roberts 7. Ashley Taylor 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Nathan Peats 10. Jarrod Wallace 11. Kevin Proctor (c) 12. Keegan Hipgrave 13. Jai Arrow 14. Jai Whitbread 15. Shannon Boyd 16. Bryce Cartwright 17. Tyrone Peachey
Manly Sea Eagles
Gains: Danny Levi (Knights), Brayden Musgrove (Knights)
Losses: Kane Elgey and Trent Hodkinson (retired), Apisai Koroisau (Panthers), Lloyd Perrett (Wynnum-Manly)
Des Hasler weaved his magic in 2019, with the Sea Eagles returning to the finals and surprising many along the way. One of many clubs that have been quiet on the recruitment front, with most of the top team returning for season 2020. Will be hoping star Tom Trbojevic is fit, given he only managed 12 games in 2019. With Tom on board, they could be pushing for the top four.
Top 17
1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jorge Tafua 3. Brad Parker 4. Moses Suli 5. Reuben Garrick 6. Dylan Walker 7. Daly Chery Evans (c) 8. Martin Taupau 9. Danny Levi 10. Addin Fonua-Blake 11. Curtis Sironen 12. Joel Thompson 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Taniela Paseka 15. Cade Cust 16. Corey Wadell 17. Jock Gosiewski
Melbourne Storm
Gains: Nico Hynes (Falcons), Brenko Lee (Titans), Ryley Jacks (Titans), Chris Lewis (Falcons), Isaac Lumelume (Sharks), Aaron Pene (CQ Capras), Darryn Schonig (Falcons)
Losses: Brodie Croft (Broncos), Will Chambers (Rugby Union), Scott Drinkwater (Cowboys), Solomone Kata (Ryby Union), Curtis Scott (Raiders), Joe Stimson (Bulldogs), Billy Walters (Tigers)
The Storm led from the front pretty much all season and never fell from equal first from round 12. A loss in week one of the finals saw the club face the Roosters in week 3 of the finals instead of in the Grand Final. An interesting off-season for the club, as they let Curtis Scott leave after Will Chambers had already left. The club also discovered that Suli Vunivalu and Josh Addo-Carr won’t be there in 2021. The biggest surprise was letting Brodie Croft leave the club. The club faced a jigsaw puzzle in 2019, trying to fit Ryan Papenhauzen, Jerome Hughes and Brodie Croft into two starting positions. The upgrade to Ryan Papenhauzen’s contract after a strong 2019 forced the Storm’s hand. The question for the Storm is regarding evergreen hooker Cameron Smith. If Cameron decides to extend his career for a 20th season, the club may lose Harry Grant. With Smith and Craig Bellamy in charge of the side, they should still finish near the top of the table. It will be up to the supporting cast to help the Storm return to the big stage.
Top 17
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Josh Addo-Carr 3. Marion Seve 4. Justin Olam 5. Suliasi Vunivalu 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith (c) 10. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenny Bromwich 13. Dale Finucane 14. Tui Kamikamica 15. Tino Faasuamaleaui 16. Harry Grant 17. Brandon Smith
Newcastle Knights
Gains: Jayden Brailey (Sharks), Tyronne Roberts-Davis (Burleigh), Gehamat Shibasaki (Broncos), Enari Tuala (Cowboys)
Losses: Jamie Buhrer (Retired), Beau Fermor (Titans), James Gavet (Huddersfield), Slade Griffin (Retired), Shaun Kenny-Dowall (Hull KR), Danny Levi (Sea Eagles, Jesse Ramien (Sharks), Nathan Ross (Retired) Zac Woolford (Newtown)
The Knights were in a prime position to return to the finals until the calendar turned to July. The start of July sparked a 6 game losing streak for the club that followed an earlier 5 game-losing streak. All of which was too much for the board members, and Nathan Brown was shown the door. Another club with a new coach and, like the Titans, a former assistant of Trent Robinson. With the Kalyn Ponga to five-eighth experiment seemingly over, Adam O’Brien’s big question is who fills the number 6 jersey, with several candidates putting their hand up. If the new five-eighth can combine with Mitchell Pearce and Kalyn Ponga, the Knights may end their 6 season finals drought.
Top 17
1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Edrick Lee 3. Bradman Best 4. Tautau Moga 5. Hymel Hunt 6. Kurt Mann 7. Mitchell Pearce (c) 8. David Klemmer 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Daniel Saifiti 11. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 12. Mitch Barnett 13. Tim Glasby 14. Jacob Saifiti 15. Aidan Guerra 16. Sione Mata’utia 17. Connor Watson
North Queensland Cowboys
Gains: Scott Drinkwater (Storm), Valentine Holmes (NFL), Connelly Lemuelu (Bulldogs), Esan Marsters (Wests Tigers), Reece Robson (Dragons)
Losses: Carlin Anderson (Townsville Blackhawks), Kurt Baptiste (Easts Tigers), Javid Bowen (Northern Pride), Scott Bolton (Retired), Gideon Gela-Mosby (Pride), Jordan Kahu (Broncos), Te Maire Martin (Retired), Matt Scott (Retired), Enari Tuala (Knights)
The Cowboys had a tough 2019, and after two years of missing the eight, the glory days of 2 grand finals in 3 years must seem like an eternity ago. The Cowboys enter the 2020 season in a new stadium much closer to the city, hopefully making it easier to fill the stadium regularly. With Valentine Holmes returning to the NRL and wanting to play fullback, the Cowboys are as clear as last year on who should be in the halves. After losing many outside backs to injury and/or discipline early in 2019, the club was fortunate enough to pick up Scott Drinkwater before the June 30 deadline. Who partners Michael Morgan in the halves is the big question, though I think I have come up with a solution which you can see in the Cowboys’ top 17.
Top 17
1. Valentine Holmes 2. Justin O’Neill 3. Esan Marsters 4. Michael Morgan (c) 5. Kyle Feldt 6. Scott Drinkwater 7. Jake Clifford 8. Jordan McLean 9. Jake Granville 10. Josh McGuire 11. Gavin Cooper 12. Cohen Hess 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Shane Wright 15. Francis Molo 16. John Asiata 17. Reece Robson
Parramatta Eels
Gains: Reagan Campbell-Gillard (Panthers), Ryan Matterson (Tigers)
Losses: Josh Hoffman (Townsville), Greg Leleisiuao (Titans), Tim Mannah (Retired), Manu Ma’u (Hull FC), Matt McIlwrick (retired), Tepai Moeroa (Rugby Union)
The Eels surprised many to finish 5th in 2019, with their new home of Bankwest Stadium turning into a fortress from game 1. In 2019, the club was forced to play two early-season home games at ANZ before winning 9 of their 10 home games at Bankwest Stadium. In 2020 the Eels had 11 games at home, with Darwin the only home game on the road. If the Eels pick up a few wins on the road, they could finish near the top of the ladder.
Top 17
1. Clint Gutherson (c) 2. Maika Sivo 3. Michael Jennings 4. Waqa Blake 5. Blake Ferguson 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Ryan Matterson 13. Nathan Brown 14. Brad Takairangi 15. Kane Evans 16. Daniel Alvaro 17. Oregon Kaufusi
Penrith Panthers
Gains: Kurt Capewell (Sharks), Apisai Koroisau (Sea Eagles), Zane Tetevano (Roosters)
Losses: Reagan Campbell-Gillard (Eels), Wayde Egan (Warriors), Tyrell Fuimaono (Dragons), Tim Grant (Retired), Sione Katoa (Bulldogs), Sam McKendry (retired), James Maloney (Catalans), Paea Pua (Mounties), Hame Sele (Released), Frank Winterstein (Toulouse), Nick Lui-Toso (unsigned)
The Panthers struggled out of the gates in 2019, losing six straight early in the season. The club then turned it around, winning seven straight and becoming the only team to defeat the Eels at Bankwest. The club would then go on another losing streak, winning only two games from late July. With James Maloney heading to the south of France, the Panthers officially become Nathan Cleary’s team. Even though Nathan is only 22, the pressure is on him to deliver as he enters his 5th NRL season. It is a situation that draws parallels to a former halves partner of James Maloney in Mitchell Pearce. The club has lost many players from 2019 and only brought in 3 players, preferring to promote from within. It might be a long year for the mountain men, with the club looking light on in the front row.
Top 17
1. Dylan Edwards 2. Josh Mansour 3. Dean Whare 4. Brent Naden 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. James Tamou (c) 9. Api Koroisau 10. Zane Tetevano 11. Issah Yao 12.Viliame Kikau 13. James Fisher-Harris 14. Kurt Capewell 15. Moses Leota 16. Mitch Kenny 17. Spencer Leniu
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Gains: Troy Dargan (Broncos), Bryson Goodwin (Warrington), Patrick Mago (Broncos), Steven Marsters (Dragons), Latrell Mitchell (Roosters)
Losses: Billy Brittain (Dragons), Sam Burgess (Retired), George Burgess (Wigan), Dean Britt (Bulldogs), Adam Doueihi (Tigers), Jacob Gagan (Norths Devils), Mawene Hiroti (Sharks), Greg Inglis and John Sutton (Retired), Connor Tracey (Sharks), Kyle Turner (Retired)
The Rabbitohs did well to make it to the preliminary final, given they lost Greg Inglis, who retired after just 2 games, and Sam Burgess only managed 19 games due to injury. The Rabbitohs of 2020 is a very different-looking side with Greg, Sam, John Sutton and Kyle Turner riding off into the sunset with 872 NRL games between them (though John and Greg will still be involved with the club). South Sydney also enter 2020 with only one Burgess brother (Tom), a feat not seen since 2010 (Sam). The Rabbitohs, like the Cowboys, enter the season with a new high-quality player wanting to play fullback, forcing reshuffling and, in the Rabbitohs’ case, the loss of Adam Doueihi. With Greg Inglis around the club, I have no doubt Latrell Mitchell will be a successful fullback and will challenge as the best fullback in the game. Latrell looks happy at the Rabbitohs; a happy Latrell can only help the Rabbitohs. It will be interesting to see how Wayne handles his final season at the Rabbitohs with Jason Demetriou ready to take over in 2021. They should be a top-four side.
Top 17
1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Campbell Graham 4. James Roberts 5. Dane Gagai 6. Cody Walker 7. Adam Reynolds (c) 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Tom Burgess 11. Jaydin Su’a 12. Cameron Murray 13. Liam Knight 14. Corey Allan 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Tom Amone 17. Ethan Lowe
St George Illawarra Dragons
Gains: Tyrell Fuimaono (Panthers), Issac Luke (Warriors), Trent Merrin (Leeds), Brayden Wiliame (Catalans)
Losses: Mitchell Allgood (Released), Jai Field (Eels), Patrick Kaufusi (Townsville), Jeremy Latimore (retired), Lachlan Maranta (Wynnum-Manly), Steven Marsters (Rabbitohs), Darren Nicholls (Souths Logan), Jonus Pearson (Titans), Reece Robson (Cowboys), Lachlan Timm (Redcliffe), Gareth Widdop (Warrington)
It was a disappointing season for the Dragons, with Paul McGregor lucky to keep his job. Paul will enter the season with the help of Shane Flannagan, who will know a strong performance at the Dragons will help his case to return to the NRL in 2022. The Dragons could be in for another long year, though they will be buoyed by the return of Trent Merrin.
Top 17
1. Matt Dufty 2.. Tristan Sailor 3. Euan Aitken 4. Tim Lafai 5. Zac Lomax 6. Corey Norman 7. Ben Hunt 8. Paul Vaughan 9. Cameron McInnes (c) 10. James Graham 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Tariq Sims 13. Trent Merrin 14. Korbin Sims 15. Blake Lawrie 16. Isaac Luke 17. Jackson Ford
Sydney Roosters
Gains: Kyle Flanagan (Sharks), Josh Morris (Sharks)
Losses: Cooper Cronk (Retired), Bernard Lewis (Northern Pride), Latrell Mitchell (Rabbitohs), Zane Tetevano (Panthers)
The Roosters achieved what no other club had done in a long time, winning back-to-back titles. Trent Robinson was criticized throughout the season for resting players due to player workload. Trent has the trophy at Roosters HQ and the premiership ring to prove he was on the right track. Losing the experienced Cooper Cronk is a massive loss for the club. New signing Kyle Flanagan will play a backseat role to Luke Keary. The handy pickup of Josh Morris will help cover the loss of Latrell Mitchell. With 3 premierships already under his belt, many think Trent Robinson can guide the Roosters to their 3rd straight premiership, which would put the club and coach with the game’s greats. They will finish near the top, though I have questions about whether they can win three straight.
Top 17
1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph Manu 4. Brett Morris 5. Ryan Hall 6. Luke Keary 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Jake Friend 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Boyd Cordner (c) 12 .Angus Crichton 13.Victor Radley 14. Lindsay Collins 15. Mitchell Aubusson 16. Nat Butcher 17. Issac Liu
Warriors
Gains: Wayde Egan (Panthers), Kodi Nikorima (Broncos), Jamayne Taunoa-Brown (Norths Devils)
Losses: Blayke Ayshford (Retired), Sam Lisone (Titans), Issac Luke (Dragons), Tevita Satae and Ligi Sao (Hull FC)
The Warriors had an inconsistent 2019, only winning back-to-back games in rounds 9 and 10. The club picked up Kodi Nikorima mid-season to replace Shaun Johnson, who left late in 2018, though Kodi failed to fill Shaun Johnson’s shoes. Kodi was shifted to the bench at the back end of the season. If Steven Kearney is to survive into 2021, he needs to avoid chopping and changing between Kodi and Chanel Harris-Tavita. If Chanel is the Warriors’ five-eighth, he must be given an extended period at the position. The loss of Isaac Luke is an interesting one, as Isaac seemed to discover some of his old form in 2019. Young gun Wayde Egan has big shoes to fill. Another position Steven can’t chop and change with. The other surprising move is shifting noted finisher David Fusitu’a into the centres. Hopefully, a more consistent Warriors in 2020 will miss the finals.
Top 17
1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (c) 2. Patrick Herbert 3. David Fusitua 4. Peter Hiku 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Blake Green 8. Agnatius Paasi 9. Wayde Egan 10. Leeson Ah Mau 11. Tohu Harris 12. Adam Blair 13. Jazz Tevaga 14. Lachlan Burr 15. Leivaha Pulu 16. Kodi Nikorima 17. Josh Curran
Wests Tigers
Gains: Adam Doueihi (Rabbitohs), Luciano Leilua (Dragons), Joey Leilua (Raiders), Zane Musgrove (Rabbitohs), Billy Walters (Storm),
Losses: Robbie Farah (Retired), Mahe Fonua (Hull FC), Ryan Matterson (Eels), Esan Marsters (Cowboys), Ben Matulino and Robbie Rochow (Retired)
Another frustrating year for the Tigers, again finishing one game outside the eight. The most disappointing part of the Wests Tigers season was in late August, on a Thursday night at Lottoland, when Jacob Liddle suffered an ACL injury. The club resisted signing an experienced hooker who could help the club while Jacob recovers. At the moment, Billy Walters has won a three-horse race to start the season at hooker, though Harry Grant still may call Concord home in 2020. Another club will have to juggle players for positions, with Adam Doueihi, Josh Reynolds and Moses Mbye all able to fill several positions in the top 17. The Adam Doueihi conundrum remains a great question. Think the Tigers will miss the top eight.
Top 17
1. Adam Doueihi 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Moses Mbye (c) 4. Joey Leilua 5. Corey Thompson 6. Benji Marshall (c) 7. Luke Brooks 8. Alex Twal 9. Billy Walters 10. Thomas Mikaele 11. Chris Lawrence 12. Michael Chee Kam 13. Elijah Taylor 14. Luke Garner 15. Luciano Leilua 16. Josh Aloiai 17. Josh Reynolds
And Another Thing: It would be great for the NRL to announce that female Rugby League players will be inducted into the Hall of Fame. How great would it be to see pioneers and greats like Nellie Doherty, Molly Cane, Tasha Gale and Karyn Murphy in the Hall of Fame
Ladder
1. Melbourne Storm
2. Sydney Roosters
3. Canberra Raiders
4. Parramatta Eels
5. South Sydney Rabbitohs
6. Manly Sea Eagles
7. Brisbane Broncos
8. Newcastle Knights
9. North Queensland Cowboys
10. Cronulla Sharks
11. Wests Tigers
12. Warriors
13. Penrith Panthers
14. Canterbury Bulldogs
15. St George Illawarra Dragons
16. Gold Coast Titans
If you want to contact me, you can email me. Remember to like the page on Facebook to find out when new blog posts are available. Also, to find out the latest news, views and opinions from the world of Rugby League. Follow me on Twitter to get all this, plus live and full-time scores from every game in the NRL. As well as full-time scores from the; Super League, Canterbury Cup NSW, Intrust Super Cup, Kingstone Press Championship, Kingstone Press League 1, Ron Massey Cup, Sydney Shield, Brisbane Rugby League, Jersey Flegg, Hastings Deering Colts, Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership, BHP Premiership, National Rugby League W anWomen’s’s Super League.
Till next time,
Cheese