The 115th NSWRL/ARL/Super League/NRL season begins tonight with hopefully some normality to the season after two seasons of disruption thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. Tonight the Panthers play at home for the first time in 251 days after all the clubs relocated to Queensland to finish the season. 2022 will be a big one for the players, with a postponed World Cup at the end of the year. For the first time in the history of this blog, no post has been made between last year’s season preview and this year’s season preview. Though no posts have been made, several blog posts are in work. In this the 12th season preview, all the usual features are here; in-depth gains and losses for each club as well as each club’s top 17, the premiers, wooden spooners, biggest movers and sliders, top try scorer, Dally M Medalist, State of Origin winners, World Cup winners, one to watch and my 2022 ladder which you will find after And Another Thing. All this and more, in the latest Blog of Cheese.
Premiers: They will lose a number of their pack for the 2023 season. though I expect the Storm can see the end coming and know this is the last chance for many of them to win the comp in their last year together.
Wooden Spoon: Despite winning 4 more games than the team that finished last, the Cowboys had the worst defence in the NRL conceding 38 more points than the Bulldogs. The only new starter for the Cowboys is Chad Townsend and whilst Chad is a premiership winner, the task in front of him is too big.
Biggest Movers: Despite spending their third year away from home I like the squad the Warriors have put together with depth across the whole team. The return of Shaun Johnson is a massive boost; I think the Warriors will see a different Shaun, that left the club at the end of 2018, and the Warriors will return to the finals in 2022.
Biggest Sliders: Despite making the top 8 in 2021, I think the Knights will have a massive slide in 2022. The club still has several rep players in Kalyn Ponga, Dane Gagai and Daniel Saifiti, though I have concerns about the halves and hooker
Top Try Scorer: He has led the try-scoring for the last two years and is fast rocketing up the list of most tries in NRL history list with the possibility of topping Ken Irvine’s impossible 212. Once again, I think Alex Johnston will win the Ken Irvine medal
Dally M: I picked him to win the Dally M last year. Whilst he didn’t have the greatest 2021, I’m sticking with him for 2022. I think Cameron Munster has had a big off-season and is looking hungry as he knows he is on his last chance at the club following an off-field incident late last year. Becoming a new dad will hopefully settle him down.
State Of Origin: New South Wales fans were cheering about new eras of dominance and a series whitewash after a 50-point shellacking of Queensland in game 1, then holding Queensland to nil in game 2. The Whitewash would fail to materialise as Queensland won game 3. The golden era of New South Wales won’t happen, Queensland has plenty of talented youngsters already among the best young talent in the game. While New South Wales will go in as heavy favourites, I can’t go past Queensland.
One to Watch: Last year, I picked an Englishman from the Huddersfield Giants who was playing for the Knights, I just picked the wrong one with Bailey Hodgson having an injury-plagued season. This season a couple of former Queensland Cup players in, Jack Campagnolo and Jon Reuben, will get honourable mentions, though I am going with hooker Jayden Berrell. Jayden was a key component of Wynnum’s run to the 2021 QLD Cup Grand final and was the winner of the Petro Civoniceva Medal as the player of the year.
World Cup: After a postponed World Cup due to the global pandemic, the World Cup will be held at the end of 2022. Given many nations haven’t played a test match since 2019, it is hard to find a form guide for the big teams with England the only big nation to play last year. Given England lost to the Combined Nations All-Stars last year it has hard to imagine the host nation winning. I think New Zealand will win the World Cup in a tight clash with the Aussies.
Brisbane Broncos
Gains: Logan Bayliss (Souths Logan), Kurt Capewell (Panthers), Delouise Hoeter (Wynnum), Ryan James (Raiders), Corey Jensen (Cowboys), Brenko Lee (Storm), Dany Levi (Brisbane Norths), Te Marie Martin (Free Agent), Jordan Pereira (Dragons), Adam Reynolds (Rabbitohs), Tyrone Roberts (Brisbane Norths). Billy Walters (Tigers)
Losses: John Asiata (Bulldogs), Jesse Arthars (Warriors), Ethan Bullemor (Sea Eagles), Xavier Coates (Storm), Brodie Croft (Salford), Tom Dearden (Cowboys), Altex Glenn (Retired), Karmichael Hunt (Retired), Richard Kennar (Rabbitohs), Danny Levi (Huddersfield), Matt Lodge (Warriors), Anthony Milford (Released), Tevita Pangai Jnr (Panthers), Isaiah Tass (Rabbitohs), Ben Te’o (Retired), Reece Walsh (Warriors)
The Broncos improved on the wooden spoon of the 2020 season, though struggled in 2021 winning only 7 games and none back to back to finish 14th. Part of the problem was the inability of Kevin Walters to stick with the same halves pairing for the season, with Brodie Croft, Tom Dearden, Tyson Gamble, Karmichael Hunt, Albert Kelly, and Anthony Milford all playing in the halves. The club has added Adam Reynolds to bring some stability to the halves and lead the side around the park, though with Tyson Gamble, Albert Kelly, Billy Walters and possibly Te Marie Martin all pushing for the number six jersey, it remains to be seen if Kevin will pick and stick. The Broncos have also added Kurt Capewell and Ryan James, who will add some experience to a young pack. If the club doesn’t start the season strongly, Kevin Walters may be under pressure. The Broncos are on the way up the ladder, though they won’t be making the eight in 2022.
1. Tesi Niu 2. Jamayne Issako 3. Selwyn Cobbo 4. Kotoni Staggs 5. Herbie Farnworth 6. Albert Kelly 7. Adam Reynolds (c) 8. Pat Carrigan 9. Jake Turpin 10. Payne Hass 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jordan Riki 13. Kobe Hetherington 14. Thomas Flegler 15. Matt Lodge Jr 16. Cory Paix 17. Teui Robati
Canberra Raiders
Gains: Nick Cotric and Adam Elliott (Bulldogs), Jamal Fogarty (Titans), Brock Gardner (Rabbitohs), Peter Hola (Cowboys),
Losses: Caleb Aekins (Leigh), Sila Havili (Rabbitohs), Ryan James (Broncos), Dunamis Lui (Redcliffe), Darby Medlyn (Tuggeranong), Kai O’Donnell (Burleigh), Bailey Simonsson (Eels), Curtis Scott (Camden), Jeremiah Simbiken (Redcliffe), Sia Soliola (Retired), George Williams (Warrington)
The Raiders would start the season with three wins out of their first four games before losing six straight. The club would win three games in late July in an attempt to make the eight, though they would finish 10th. The club would struggle after Charnze Nicoll-Klockstad was ruled out for the season, as well as losing George Williams, who left the club in May and Curtis Scott, who was stood down. Nick Cotric returns to the club after a year at the Bulldogs and will fill one of the wing spots. Another poor year for the Raiders, and questions will be asked about Ricky Stuart, who has been at the club since 2014. Finished outside the eight in 2021, and I think they’ll miss the eight in back-to-back seasons.
1. Xavier Savage 2. Nick Cotric 3. Jarrod Croker (c) 4. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Jack Wighton 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papalii 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Ryan Sutton 11. Corey Horsburgh 12. Elliot Whitehead (c) 13. Joseph Tapine 14. Adam Elliott 15. Emre Guler 16. Corey Harawira-Naera 17. Tom Starling
Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs
Gains: Josh Addo-Carr (Storm), John Asiata (Broncos), Braidon Burns (Rabbitohs), Matt Burton (Panthers), Josh Cook (Rabbitohs), Matt Dufty (Dragons), Reece Hoffman (Tigers), Max King (Storm), Steven Marsters (Rabbitohs), Brent Naden (Panthers), Tevita Pangai Jnr (Panthers), Malachi Retchford (Wynnum), Judda Turahui (Storm), Paul Vaughan (Dragons)
Losses: John Asiata (Leigh), Renouf Atoni (Roosters), Dean Britt (Released), Nick Cotric (Raiders), Cristian Crichton (Panthers), Brad Deitz (Dragons), Adam Elliott (Raiders), Watson Heleta (Released), Will Hopoate (St Helens), Sione Katoa (Released), Lachlan Lewis (Released), Falakiko Manu (Wynnum) Nick Meaney (Storm), Dylan Napa (Catalans), Ofahiki Ogden (Eels), James Roumanos (Sea Eagles), Chris Smith (Panthers), Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (Warriors)
The Bulldogs struggled for wins in 2021, winning only 3 games, the first win in April, then June before winning their final game of the season. The club has put the broom through the club, with 18 players leaving the club since the start of last year. The club has splashed the cash as it looks to quickly bounce back, with Josh Addo-Carr, Matt Burton, and Matt Dufty all grabbing the headlines. Whilst Matt Burton was able to have a great 2021, it will remain to be seen how he goes as the main playmaker. Pressure could be on Trent Barrett if the club starts the seasons slowly. Big things are expected of the Bulldogs, though I’m not buying Bulldogs stock yet. It will be at least another year before they return to the finals.
1. Matt Dufty 2. Josh Addo-Carr 3. Brent Naden 4. Braidon Bruns 5. Corey Allan Zelezniak 6. Matt Burton 7. Jake Averillo 8. Luke Thompson 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Josh Jackson (c) 12. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 13. Tevita Pangai Jnr 14. Corey Waddell 15. Jack Hetherington 16. Ava Seumanufagai 17. Bailey Binodi-Odo
Cronulla Sutherland Sharks
Gains: Jayden Berrell (Wynnum), Will Chambers (Rugby Union), Zac Cini (Tigers), Dale Finucane (Storm), Nicho Hynes (Storm), Matt Ikuvalu (Roosters), Lachlan Miller (Rugby Union), Cameron McInness (Dragons),
Losses: Will Chambers (Rugby Union), Josh Dugan (Mittagong), Shaun Johnson (Warriors), Billy Magoulias (Warrington), Nene Macdonald (Brisbane Norths), Kyle Patterson (Redcliffe), Chad Townsend (Warriors), Aaron Woods (Dragons), Bronson Xerri (Released)
The Sharks would start the season winning two and losing two in the opening month of the season. The club would announce Craig Fitzgibbon after the round 5 loss, which resulted in John leaving the club; whether a coincidence or causation, the club would then lose their next 5 games. The club would do a 180 turn on their form, winning their next 4 games. The club then went on a three-game losing streak before winning back-to-back games, then lost in Round 25 to miss out on the finals on points differential. Several big-name players, some on big-money deals, left the club, allowing the club to sign Melbourne Storm pair Dale Finucane and Nicho Hynes. Nicho will get the first crack at the number 6, though question marks remain can Nicho can succeed post-Melbourne, where many have failed. Another club where big things are expected, though, like the Raiders, will finish in the same position they did this year that they did last year.
1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Connor Tacey 4. Jesse Ramien 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Nicho Hynes 7. Braydon Trindall 8. Braden Hamlin-Uele 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Toby Rudolf 11. Britton Nikora 12. Wade Graham (c) 13. Dale Finucane 14. Aiden Tolman 15. Siosifa Talaki 16. Jayden Berrell 17 .Jack Williams
Gold Coast Titans
Gains: Aaron Booth (St0rm), ShallIn Fuller (Burleigh), Isaac Liu (Roosters), Esan Marsters (Cowboys), Will Smith (Eels), Paul Turner (Warriors)
Losses: Anthony Don (Retired), Darius Farmer (Brisbane Tigers), Jamal Fogarty (Raiders), Tyrone Peachey (Tigers), Mitch Rein (Eels), Sam Stone (Leigh), Jonus Pearson (Central Queensland), Ash Taylor (Warriors), Jai Whitbread (Leigh)
Another club finished the first month of the season with two wins and two losses. The club then lost 3 in a row from round 6. Followed by a 4 game losing streak from round 12. The club would turn it around with a three-game winning streak from round 16, winning back-to-back games for the first time since round 3. Another three-game losing streak from Round 22 before a big round 25 win, which secured the Titans the first finals appearance in 5 years and just 2 years since they won the wooden spoon. A Sam Walker field goal ended the Titans’ season. Have mostly added depth. Questions remain on the halves after AJ Brimson, who has moved from fullback to partner with Toby Sexton. Pressure will also be on Tino Faasuamaleui, who was handed the captaincy at 22 years of age. The club still has close to the best pack in the game. A couple of young halves, a young fullback and a young hooker may lead some to doubt the Titans. Though Justin Hollbrook knows what he is doing, they will make the eight once again in 2022.
1. Jayden Campbell 2. Phillip Sami 3. Brian Kelly 4. Patrick Herbert 5. Corey Thompson 6. AJ Brimson 7. Toby Sexton 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Tanah Boyd 10.Isaac Liu 11. Kevin Proctor 12. David Fifita 13. Tino Faasuamaleui (c) 14. Jarrod Wallace 15. Will Smith 16. Sam Lisone 17. Jaimin Jolliffe
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
Gains: Ethan Bullemor (Broncos)
Losses: Case Cust (Wigan), Tevita Funa (Rugby Union), Jack Gosiewski (Dragons), Curtis Sironen (St Helens), Zac Saddler (Tuggeranong), Moses Suil (Dragons)
The Seas Eagles started the season losing their first 4 games, and pressure was beginning to mount on head coach Des Hasler; little did people know how quickly Manly’s fortunes would turn around. The club would have three straight from round 5 and another three straight from rounds 9, 14 and 18 before winning another 4 straight to finish the season. The club would fall to the Storm in the first week of the finals before a convincing win over the Roosters propelled the club to the preliminary final, where the club lost to the Rabbitohs A large part of Manly’s turnaround was the return of Tom Trabobjavic who won the Dally M Medal by 5 points despite only playing 15 games. Tom also topped Manly’s try-scoring effort by scoring 28 tries in 18 games (3 finals) compared to Jason Saab, who scored 26 tries in 27 games. Manly has been quiet on the recruitment front, only adding Ethan Bullemor. If Tom is fit, Manly could win the comp; if Tom is injured, Manly will miss the finals. Many teams will have spent the offseason learning from Melbourne and Souths, who effectively shut down Tom; they will make the eight, though they will scrape in compared to last year’s top 4.
1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Reuben Garrick 3. Brad Parker 4. Morgan Harper 5. Jason Saab 6. Kieran Foran 7. Daly Chery Evans (c) 8. Martin Taupau 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Josh Aloiai 11. Josh Schuster12. Haumole Olakau’atu 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Dylan Walker 15.Sean Keppie 16. Karl Lawton 17. Taniela Paskea
Melbourne Storm
Gains: Xavier Coates (Broncos), Josh King (Knights), Alec Macdonald (Wynnum), Nick Meaney (Bulldogs), Tepai Moeroa (Rugby Union), Jayden Nikorima (Redcliffe), Will Warbick (Rugby Union)
Losses: Josh Addo-Carr (Bulldogs), Dan Atkinson (Falcons), Aaron Booth (Titans), Dale Finucane, Nicho Hynes (Sharks), Ryley Jacks (Brisbane Tigers), Max King (Bulldogs), Brenko Lee (Bulldogs), Aaron Pene (Warriors), Darryn Schonig, Tyson Smoothy (Released), Judda Turahui (Bulldogs)
The Storm would start the season with a win before back-to-back losses, with many wondering if the Storm era was over. The club would then go on a record-equalling 19-game-winning streak to help secure their place as minor premiers, proving the Storm machine rolls on. Melbourne would put 40 points on Manly to secure the club’s 7th straight preliminary-final appearance. The Storm would miss out on back-to-back Grand Finals as they lost to the Penrith Panthers. The club has lost top 17 players Josh Addo-Carr, Dale Finucane and Nicho Hynes. The club has signed Xavier Coates for the vacant wing spot and mostly signed players to add depth to the squad. The Strom has proven they are larger than one individual and will go all the way in 2022.
1. Ryan Papenhuuyzen 2. Xavier Coates 3. Remis Smith 4. Justin Olam 5. George Jennings 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Jesse Bromwich (c) 9. Harry Grant 10. Christian Welch (c) 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenny Bromwich 13. Brandon Smith 14. Chris Lewis. 15. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Tom Eisenhuth
Newcastle Knights
Gains: Adam Clune (Dragons), Dane Gagai (Rabbitohs), Leo Thompson (Rugby Union)
Losses: Blake Green (Retired), Zac Hoskings (Wynnum), Josh King (Storm), Mitchell Pearce (Catalans), Gehmat Shibasaki (Rugby Union), Starford To’a (Tigers), Connor Watson (Roosters)
The Knights started the season win two straight wins before three straight losses. The club had several back-to-back wins and back-to-back losses before winning 5 of their last 6 to finish 7th before bowing out of the finals in week 1. Another club that has been quiet on the recruitment front with Dane Gagai, the big-name signing. Have lost the experienced Mitchell Pearce and Connor Watson. Losing Jayden Brailey for the season also hurts the club. A lot of pressure will be on new skipper KaylnyPonga. Will be hoping Bradman Best can remain injury-free. A long year in the Hunter, and pressure will be on Knights coach Adam O’Brien.
1. Kalyn Ponga (c) 2. Enari Tuala 3. Bradman Best 4. Dane Gagai 5. Hymel Hunt 6. Jake Clifford 7. Adam Clune 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Chris Randall 10. David Klemmer 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 13. Mitch Barnett 14. Jacob Saifiti 15. Brodie Jones 16. Kurt Mann 17. Sauaso Sue
North Queensland Cowboys
Gains: Javid Bowen (Northern Pride), Tom Dearden (Broncos), Brandon Elliott (Leigh), Peter Hiku, Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, Chad Townsend (Warriors),
Losses: Javid Bowen, Lachlan Burr (Retired), Peter Hola (Raiders), Corey Jensen (Broncos), Esan Marsters (Titans), Francis Molo (Dragons), Michael Morgan (Retired), Justin O’Neill (Retired), Shane Wright (Salford)
2021 was another long year for the Cowboys as the club struggled in the post-Johnathan Thurston era. The club would start with three straight losses before three straight wins. From round 14, the club went on a ten-game losing streak, which dropped the club to 15th; lucky for the club the Bulldogs won 3 games, so the club avoided collecting the Wooden Spoon by 4 games. The club lost the experienced Michael Morgan, who only played two games in 2021. The club has recruited Chad Towsned to lead the side, though who partners Chad remains to be seen, with Tom Dearden and Scott Drinkwater both putting up their hand for the number 6 jersey. Another long year for the Cowboys, and they will collect the spoon; Todd Payten might not last the season.
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2, Murray Talulagi 3. Peter Hiku 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Kyle Feldt 6. Scott Drinkwater 7. Chad Townend (c) 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Josh McGuire 11. Tom Gilbert 12. Cohen Hess 13. Jason Taumalolo (c) 14. Shane Wright 15. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 16. Mitch Dunn 17. Jake Granville
Parramatta Eels
Gains: Ofahiki Ogden (Bulldogs), Haze Perham (Warriors), Mitch Rein (Titans), Bailey Simonsson (Raiders)
Losses: Blake Ferguson (Rugby Union), Keegan Hipgrave (Retired), Sam Hughes (Released), Joey Lussick (St Helens), Michel Oldfield (Released), Nathaniel Roache (Released), Will Smith (Titans)
The club would start the season strongly, winning 10 of their first 11. A two-game losing streak would follow before winning three straight. A 4 game losing streak from round 19 before two wins and a loss to finish the regular season. The Eels would defeat the Knights in week 1 of the finals before falling to local rivals, the Panthers, in a low-scoring game. The club has added Bailey Simonsson to replace the vacant wing spot left by Blake Ferguson. The club is a little light on the other wing with Maika Sivo out until mid-season and Haze Dunster’s season over for 2022. They will be alive deep into September.
1. Clint Gutherson (c) 2. Maika Sivo 3. Will Penisini 4. Waqa Blake 5. Bailey Simonsson 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Regan Campbell-Gillard 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Junior Paulo (c) 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Ryan Matterson 13. Nathan Brown 14. Mitch Rein 15. Oregan Kaufusi 16. Marata Niukore 17. Shaun Lane
Penrith Panthers
Gains: Eddie Blacker (Dragons), Cristian Crichton (Bulldogs), Sean O’Sullivan (Warriors), Preston Riki (Redcliffe), Chris Smith (Bulldogs), Vito Tevaga (Brisbane Tigers)
Losses: Billy Burns (Dragons), Matt Burton (Bulldogs), Kurt Capewell (Broncos), Tyrone May (Catalans), Paul Momirovski (Roosters), Brent Naden, Tevtia Pangai Jnr (Bulldogs)
The club would start the season winning twelve straight to set the pace to start the season. A two-game losing streak from round 13 before a 4 game-winning streak from round 15. A loss in round 20 was the last for the Panthers in the regular season, as they finished in second place on points differential. The Panthers would lose a close game to the Rabbitohs in week one before defeating local rivals the Eels and then defeating the Storm to make the 2021 Grand Final. The Panthers would then get revenge on the Rabbitohs by turning the tables on their week 1 match-up and claiming their first premiership in 18 years. The Panthers have lost Grand Final winners Matt Burton, Kurt Capewell, Tyrone May and Paul Momirovski. Those losses will be covered by players at the new club, with most of the new players adding depth to the Panthers squad. It is different being the hunted than it is doing the hunting, they will do enough to make the semis, but how far they go remains to be seen.
1. Dylan Edwards 2. Charlie Staines 3. Stephen Crichton 4. Izack Tago 5. Brian To’o, 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary (c) 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Api Koroisau 10. Moses Leota 11. Liam Martin 12. Viliame Kikau 13. Issah Yao (c) 14. Mith Kenny 15. Matt Eisenhuth 16. Scott Sorensen 17. Spencer Leniu
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Gains: Jack Campagnolo (Wynnum), Richard Kennar (Broncos), Michel Chee Kam (Sea Eagles), Siliva Havili (Raiders), Isaiah Tass (Broncos)
Losses: Braidon Burns (Bulldogs), Joshua Cook (Bulldogs), Troy Dargan (Sea Eagles), Dane Gagai (Knights), Brock Gardner (Raiders), Patrick Mago (Wigan), Benji Marshall (Retired), Steven Marsters (Bulldogs), Tautau Moga (Dragons), Adam Reynolds (Broncos), Augustine Stowers (Wynnum), Jaydn Su’A (Dragons)
The Rabbitohs would start the season with a loss to the Storm before winning 7 straight, then losing to the Storm again. From round 12, the Rabbitohs would go on a 10-game winning streak. The club would finish the regular season with back-to-back wins. The club would defeat the Panthers in week 1 of the finals, then the Sea Eagles in the preliminary final to book the club’s first grand final spot since 2014. The Rabbitohs would lose to the Panthers in the 2021 Grand Final. A new era of sorts for the Rabbitohs after coach Wayne Bennett and Adam Reynolds left the club in the offseason. Adam had been the Rabbitohs’ halfback since 2012. Have added mostly depth to the squad, with the club turning within to find the man who will be the 7 in 2022. Andrew Demetriou is a quality coach, and with Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker still at Souths, they will be alive at the pointy end of the season.
1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Jaxson Paulo 4. Campbell Graham 5. Josh Mansour 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Tom Burgess 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Cameron Murray (c) 13. Jai Arrow 14. Tavita Tatola 15. Michael Chee Kam 16. Mark Nicholls 17. Hame Sele
St George Illawarra Dragons:
Gains: Gerard Beale (Brisbane Tigers), George Burgess (Wigan), Billy Burns (Panthers), Jack Gosiewski (Sea Eagles), Tautau Moga (Rabbitohs), Moses Mbye (Tigers), Michael Molo (Brisbane Norths), Francis Molo (Cowboys), Jonathon Reuben (Brisbane Norths), Jaydn Su’A (Rabbitohs), Moses Suli (Tigers), Aaron Woods (Sharks)
Losses: Blake Barbuto, Gerard Beale (Brisbane Tigers), Eddie Blacker (Panthers), Adam Clune (Knights), Matt Dufty (Bulldogs), Kaide Ellis (Wigan), Luke Gale (Wynnum), Hayden Lomax (Temora), Cameron McInness (Sharks), Trent Merrin (Retired), Corey Norman (Retired), Tony Pellow (Brisbane Tigers). Jordan Pereira (Broncos), Paul Vaughan (Bulldogs), Brayden Wiliame (Rugby Union)
The Dragons would start the season with a loss before winning 4 straight to be close to the leaders. The club would then lose three straight from round 6 and then again in round 10. A two-game winning streak in round 15 would be the final win of the season, as the club would finish the season with 8 straight losses to finish 11th. The club has been busy in the off-season bringing in George Burgess, Jack Gosiewski, Francis Molo, Moses Mbye, Moses Suli and Aaron Woods to improve the underperforming club. Another coach could be under pressure if the club fails to perform in 2022. They were the “favourites” for the Wooden Spoon until the Charity Shield. Now, apparently, they are making the eight? Will finish around the same position as last year.
1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Mikaele Ravalawa 3. Codey Ramsey 4. Zac Lomax 5. Jordan Pereira 6. Talatau Amone 7. Ben Hunt (c) 8. George Burgess 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Francis Molo 11. Jayden Su’A. 12. Jack Bird 13. Jack de Belin 14. Blake Lawrie 15. Tariq Sims 16. Moses Mbye 17. Aaron Woods
Sydney Roosters
Gains: Renouf Atoni (Bulld0gs), Paul Momirovski (Panthers), Connor Watson (Knights)
Losses: Dale Copley Boyd Cordner, Jake Friend (Retired), Matt Ikuvalu (Sharks), Isaac Liu (Titans), Brett Morris, Josh Morris (Retired)
It was a tough year for the Roosters in 2021, with skipper Boyd Cordner retiring without playing a game in 2021 and Jake Friend lasting one game before he, too, hung up the boots. The club would lose premiership-winning half Luke Keary after round 3 for the season and Brett Morris, who retired in early May after a season-ending injury. The club would start the season with back-to-back wins before more back-to-back wins starting in rounds; 4, 7 and 12. The club would lose back-to-back games in round 15 before going on a three-game winning streak starting in round 17. The club would again win back-to-back games from round 23. The club would then escape with a win over the Titans in week 1 of the finals before falling to the Sea Eagles in week 2 of the finals. Despite losing 5 players due to retirement, the club has mostly recruited from within though they have picked up Paul Momirovski and Connor Watson, who returns to the club and have both been coached by Trent Robinson. Paul has also won three grand finals in the last 4 years after being a member of the Roosters in 2018, the Storm in 2020, and the Panthers in 2021. Performed well above expectations after a large number of injuries, the return of Luke Keary to partner with the young Sam Walker will guide the Roosters to the top 4, and they will be hoping the Midas touch of Paul Momirovski continues.
1. James Tedesco (c) 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph Manu 4. Paul Momirovski 5. Joseph Suaalii 6. Luke Keary. 7 Sam Walker 8. Jarred Waerea-Hargrages 9. Sam Verills 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Sitili Tupouinua 12. Angus Crichton 13. Victor Radley 14. Lindsay Collins 15. Connor Watson 16. Nat Butcher 17. Renouf Atoni
Warriors:
Gains: Jesse Arthas (Broncos), Shaun Johnson (Sharks), Matt Lodge (Broncos), Aaron Pene (Storm), Ash Taylor (Titans), Chad Townsend (Sharks), Reece Walsh (Broncos), Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (Bulldogs)
Losses: Leeson Ah Mau (Retired), Kane Evans (Hull F.C.), David Fusitu’a (Leeds), Peter Hiku (Cowboys), Sean O’Sullivan (Panthers), Haze Perham (Eels), Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, Chad Townsend (Cowboys), Paul Turner (Titans), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Rugby Union)
The second straight year the Warriors have spent in Australia, with the club being based out of the Central Coast before the competition moved to Queensland. The club would lose back-to-back games in rounds; 4 and 9 before a 7-game losing streak from round 12. The club would turn around their fortunes by then winning three straight, then losing three straight to finish the season to finish in 12th. Have lost skipper and former Dally M Medalist Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is a big loss to the club. Have picked up favourite son Shaun Johnson who returns to the club after a 3-year absence, and the dynamic Reece Walsh, who joined the club in April. The club will start the year based at Redcliffe, and the club will be hoping to return home in the back half of 2022. Despite losing one of their best players and living in another country for the third straight year, the Warriors will return to the finals.
1. Reece Walsh 2. Dallin Watene-Zeleznaik 3. Roco Berry 4. Adam Pompey 5. Marcello Montoy 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fanoua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10.Matt Lodge 11. Euan Aitken 12. Tohu Harris (c) 13. Jazz Tevaga 14. Aaron Pene 15. Ben Murdoch-Masila 16. Bunty Afoa 17. Kodi Nikorima
Wests Tigers
Gains: Oliver Gildart, Jackson Hastings (Wigan), Tyrone Peachey (Titans), Junior Pauga (Wynnum), Starford To’a (Knights), Junior Tupou (Rugby Union)
Losses: Tom Amone (Leigh), Michael Chee Kam (Rabbitohs), Reece Hoffman (Bulldogs), Joey Leilua (Featherstone), Moses Mbye (Dragons), Russell Packer (Retired), Zac Sini (Sharks), Billy Walters (Broncos)
The Tigers would lose 2 straight the season, then lose 4 straight from round 4. The club would win back-to-back games in round 12 before losing 3 straight from round 14 The club would lose back-to-back games from 19, then win back-to-back games, then lose three straight to finish the season in 13th. Many rumours swirled around the club in the off-season, including that Michael Maguire was on his way out and that half-Luke Brooks was leaving the club to head to the Knights. Both remain in what is shaping up as a big year for both. Michael Chee Kam, Joey Leilua, Russel Packer and Billy Walters have all left the club. However, the club wouldn’t be concerned about losing any of those players. The club has looked to England for recruitment bringing in Englishmen Oliver Gildart and the return of Jackson Hastings to the NRL. The club has also bought in the versatile Tyrone Peachey. The club finished with the second worse defence in 2021. It would be a massive effort to turn that around. Will finish near the bottom of the ladder, which could result in Michael Maguire leaving the club.
1. Dane Laurie 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Oliver Gildart 4. Adam Doueihi (c) 5. Ken Maumalo (c), 6. Jackson Hastings 7. Luke Brooks (c) 8. James Tamou (c) 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Stefano Utoikamanu 11. Luke Garner 12. Luciano Leilua 13. Tyrone Peachey (c) 14. Shawn Blore 15. Joe Ofaengaue 16. Alex Twal 17. Thomas Mikaele
And Another Thing: Whilst it was great to see all the NRL trials on TV, why NRL trials are played at the club’s normal grounds is beyond me. Trials should be played in rural NSW, QLD and non-Rugby League states. The clubs would get into the city early in the week and run promotional activities, tying it in with the Community Blitz, which seemed to go missing in 2022.
Ladder
1. Storm
2. Roosters
3. Eels
4. Rabbitohs
5. Panthers
6. Titans
7. Warriors
8. Sea Eagles
9. Sharks
10. Raiders
11. Broncos
12. Dragons
13. Bulldogs
14. Tigers
15. Knights
16. Cowboys
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Till next time,
Cheese