The 116th NSWRL/ARL/Super League/NRL season begins tonight in a new era with 17 teams for the first time in 24 years, though back then, the NRL was on its way down to 14. This time the NRL expands for the first time in 16 years as the Dolphins join the competition. The Salary Cap then the CBA dominated the off-season, with the possibility of a strike still hanging over the season. On-field, the Penrith Panthers look to become the first team to win three straight titles since the Parramatta Eels in 1983 or the Fortitude Valley Diehards in 1990. It is also a new era, as we begin the first under new T.V. and Radio rights deals. In this 13th 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, one to watch and my 2023 ladder which you will find after And Another Thing. All this and more, in the latest Blog of Cheese.
Premiers: They surprised many (myself included) in 2023 to finish second before bowing out in a home preliminary final. The Cowboys can go one better and win their second premiership in 8 years.
Wooden Spoon: The club goes from one off-field saga to another, and on-field field, not much seems to be going well following a poor pre-season, and Anthony Griffin is still coach for round 2 (they have the bye in round 1). It will be a long year for the Dragons,
Biggest Movers: With Keiran Foran heading north 8 years after his former halves partner Daly Cherry-Evans backflipped on the club, the Titans could go from near the bottom of the ladder to pushing for the 8.
Biggest Sliders: They finished a respectable 10th in 2022, though they will pick up the spoon in 2023; it will be a long year for the Dragons.
Top Try Scorer: It is impossible to surpass Alex Johnston, who has topped the try-scoring list for the last 3 seasons (4 overall). Alex plays on the end of arguably the best left-hand side attack in the game and is a quality finisher in his own right. Another 20-try season for Alex will see him jump to 3rd for most tries of all time and within striking distance of one of Rugby League’s untouchable records.
Dally M: The Dally M is always one hard to pick. You either go for a good player in a lousy team who will get votes most weeks (Ben Hunt, who finished 3rd last year) or a good player and hope he is consistent enough to pick up votes every week. I know I will get this prediction wrong, though I think Nathan Cleary will be the 2023 winner.
State of Origin: The pressure will be on Brad Fittler. Losing two series that New South Wales were overwhelming favourites, Brad has admitted he will pick Josh Addo-Carr after his standout performance for Australia at the World Cup. However, Origin is a different beast to International Rugby League and could play right into Queensland’s hands. Origin kicks off in Adelaide, where the Maroons won in 2020 before heading to Suncorp, and the series could be over by game 2.
One to Watch: I will slightly cheat here and pick two players. Taine Tuaupiki stood out in the Queensland Cup, picking up Rookie of the Year and Queensland Cup player of the year. Taine was recently upgraded to a full-time contract by the Warriors. Valynce Te Whare only began playing Rugby League last year. He made his Queensland Cup debut in round 10 and has already picked up an NRL contract with the Dolphins. Valynce already has comparisons with Mal Meninga, given his size and strength.
Brisbane Broncos
Gains: Jesse Arthas (Warriors -End of Loan), Brendan Frei (Cowboys), Jock Madden (Tigers), Josh Rogers (Burleigh), Tyson Smoothy (Sunshine Coast), Martin Taupau (Sea Eagles), Reece Walsh (Warriors)
Losses: Tyson Gamble (Knights), Zac Hosking (Panthers), Albert Kelly (Redcliffe), Jamayne Isaako (Titans), Ryan James (Retired), Rhys Kennedy (Hull K.R.), Brenko Lee (Dolphins), Te Maire Martin (Warriors), David Mead (Retired), Tesi Niu (Dolphins), Karl Oloapu (Bulldogs), Teui Robati (Released), Tyrone Roberts (Burleigh), Jake Turpin (Roosters)
The Broncos started the season with an upset win over the Rabbitohs before defeating the Bulldogs to sit undefeated after the first two games. The club would then lose 4 straight, with many wondering if it was the same old for the Broncos. The club would turn it around to go on a 7-game winning streak, with fans believing they were finals bound for the first time since 2019. The club would finish the season losing five out of their last six to let their finals chances slip through their fingers. The club managed to get Reece Walsh back at Red Hill after almost 2 years at the Warriors. The return of Reece is interesting, with Selwyn Cobbo, Herbie Farnworth and Kotoni Staggs also eyeing the number 1 jersey. Adding Martin Taupau to a robust forward pack could make them a fierce rival. The Broncos will be expected to make the finals, and if they don’t, maybe Selwyn Cobbo was right.
1. Reece Walsh 2.Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds (c) 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Hass 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jordan Riki 13. Pat Carrigan, 14. Keenan Palasia, 15. Martin Taupau 16. Cory Paix 17. Corey Jensen
Canberra Raiders
Gains: Danny Levi (Huddersfield), Pasami Saulo (Knights), Ethan Strange (Roosters)
Losses: Adam Elliott (Knights), Josh Hodgson (Eels), Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (Warriors), Ryan Sutton (Bulldogs), Sam Williams (Queanbeyan)
The Raiders would start 2022 slowly, losing 6 of the first 8, with many wondering if they were heading for the wooden spoon. The club would then win 3 in a row before going win-loss, before another 3 game-winning streaks from round 18, before finishing with 4 wins in a row to make the eight, thanks in part to the free-falling Broncos. The club would defeat the Storm in week one of the finals before falling to the Eels in week 2. The club has been quiet on the recruitment front, only adding depth and preferring to promote from within. The club just Josh Hodgson, a key to the Raiders, though Josh has had knee injuries for the last 5 years. A big question mark will be on co-captain and veteran Jarrod Croker, who only managed one game last year and 11 in 2021. Will miss the eight.
1. Xavier Savage 2. Nick Cotric 3. Jarrod Croker (c) 4. Matt Timoko 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Jack Wighton 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papalii 9. Danny Levi 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Corey Horsburgh 12. Elliot Whitehead (c) 13. Corey Harawira-Naera 14. Tom Starling 15. Hudson Young 16. Pasmai Saulo 17 Emre Guler.
Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs
Gains: Fa’amanu Brown (Tigers), Andrew Davey (Sea Eagles), Viliame Kikau (Panthers), Isaac Matalavea-Booth (Burleigh), Reed Mahoney (Eels), Karl Oloapu (Broncos), Franklin Pele (Sharks), Hayze Perham (Eels), Josh Reynolds (Hull F.C.), Jordan Samrani (Sharks), Ryan Sutton (Raiders)
Losses: Corey Allan (Roosters), Josh Cook (Released), Matt Doorey (Eels), Matt Dufty (Warrington), Jack Hetherington (Knights), Reece Hoffman (Released), Josh Jackson (Retired), Tuipulotu Katoa (Roosters), Isaac Lumelume (Eels), Jeremey Marshall-King (Dolphins), Brent Naden (Tigers), Aaron Schoupp (Titans), Ava Seumanufagai (Leigh), Joe Stimson (Titans), Paul Vaughan (Warrington), Brandon Wakeham (Tigers)
The Bulldogs would lose 8 out of their first 10 before Trent Barrett was shown the door. The club would continue their form, losing the next 3 before many Bulldogs fans’ highlight of the season, an upset dominant win over arch-rivals Parramatta. The club would lose six out of their next nine to finish 12th. The club has been on a spending spree to turn around the club’s fortunes, signing Viliame Kikau and Reed Mahoney and reportedly the best assistant coach Cameron Ciraldo. The club has let go of 15 players since the start of 2022 as General Manager Phil Gould tries to restore the pride at Belmore. 2023 will be a big one for Kyle Flanagan, who hasn’t locked down the halfback position since joining from the Roosters; 2023 is Kyle’s last chance to deliver. Cameron has many saying he will be a great coach, though the last time a former Panther coach was hyped up was Garth Brennan, and we all know how that ended. Still, a few pieces missing from the Bulldogs puzzle.
1. Hayze Perham 2. Jacob Kiraz, Carr 3. Jake Averillo 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Luke Thompson 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Max King 11. Raymond Faitala-Mariner (c) 12. Viliame Kikau 13. Tevita Pangai Jnr 14. Corey Waddell 15 Ryan Sutton. 16. Andrew Davey 17 Jackson Topine
Cronulla Sutherland Sharks
Gains: Daniel Atkinson (Sunshine Coast), Max Bradbury (Knights), Oregon Kaufusi (Eels), Niwhai Puru (Panthers)
Losses: Andrew Fifita (Retired), Connelly Lemuelu (Dolphins). Luke Metcalf (Warriors), Lachlan Miller (Knights), Franklin Pele (Bulldogs), Jordan Samrani (Bulldogs), Aiden Tolman (Retired)
The Sharks would start the season with a loss before winning 4 in a row to cement themselves among the front runners. The club would go win-lose before a 5-game-winning streak from round 14. The club would finish the season with a 6-game-winning streak to finish 2nd. The club would fall to the Cowboys in a Golden Point Extra time thriller in week 1 before falling to the Rabbitohs in week 2, with the fatigue from week 1’s epic taking its toll. Another club that was quiet on the recruitment front, the club would lose the experienced Aiden Tolman and Andre Fifiita. Have enough quality to make the eight.
1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Siosifa Talaki 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. Teig Wilton 13. Dale Finucane 14. Royce Hunt 15. Wade Graham 16. Cameron McInness 17. Oregon Kaufusi
Dolphins:
Gains: Euan Aitken (Warriors), Jack Bostock (St George Illawarra), Jesse Bromwich, Kenny Bromwich (Storm), JJ Collins (Tweed Heads), Herman Ese’ese (Titans), Poasa Faamausili (Dragons), Tom Gilbert (Cowboys), Oliver Gildart (Tigers), Harrison Graham (Wynnum), Jamayne Isaako (Titans), Ryan Jackson (Wynnum), Robert Jennings (Panthers), Isaiya Katoa (Panthers), Felise Kaufusi (Storm), Brenko Lee (Broncos), Edrick Lee (Knights), Connelly Lemuelu (Cowboys), Jeremey Marshall-King (Bulldogs), Anthony Milford (Knights), Mark Nicholls (Rabbitohs), Kodi Nikorima (Rabbitohs), Tesi Niu (Broncos), Sean O’Sullivan (Panthers) Ray Stone (Eels), Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (Cowboys), Jarrod Wallace (Titans)
The new boys join the NRL with mastermind Wayne Bennett, though they failed to gain a “marquee player”. Many experts have questioned whether the Dolphins were given enough time to assemble a squad, though 1-17 is a decent team who will do much better than many expect. Depth will be an issue for the club.
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Edrick Lee 3. Brenko Lee 4. Euan Aitken 5. Robert Jennings 6. Isaiya Katoa 7. Sean O’Sullivan 8. Jesse Bromwich (c) 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Jarrod Wallace 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenny Bromwich 13. Tom Gilbert 14. Herman Ese’ese 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Ray Stone 17. Mark Nicholls
Gold Coast Titans
Gains: Kieran Foran (Sea Eagles), Jamayne Isaako (Broncos), Josiah Pahulu (Burleigh), Chad Randall (Knights), Aaron Schoupp (Bulldogs), Joe Stimson (Bulldogs), Sam Verills (Roosters),
Losses: Herman Ese’ese, Jamayne Isaako (Dolphins), Sam Liosne (Leeds), Esan Marsters (Huddersfield), Greg Marzhew (Knights), Kevin Proctor (Wakefield), Will Smith (Hull F.C.), Corey Thompson (Brisbane Tigers), Paul Turner (Dragons) Jarrod Wallace (Dolphins)
The Titans would start the season loss-win over the season’s opening month before losing 5 straight. The club would pick up a win at Magic Round before losing 10 games. The club would win 3 out of their last 4 to finish 13th. The club has recruited experienced Keiran Foran and Sam Verills to help out inexperienced halves and hookers. If Keiran Foran’s injury troubles are behind him, the Titans could be pushing for the top 8. Pressure will be on coach Justin Holbrook, with rumours a slow start could cost Justin his job. I would expect David Fifita to have a big year, with this being a contract year. Will just miss the 8.
1. A.J. Brimson 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Phillip Sami. 4. Brian Kelly 5. Jojo Fifita 6. Keiran Foran 7. Tanah Boyd 8. Tino Faasuamaleui (C) 9. Sam Verills 10.Jaiman Jolliffe 11. Beau Fermor 12. David Fifita 13. Isaac Liu 14. Jayden Campbell 15. Erin Clark 16. Moeaki Fotuaika 17. Joe Stimson
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
Gains: Ben Condon (Cowboys), Kelma Tuilagi (Tigers)
Losses: Andrew Davey (Bulldogs), Kurt De Luis (North Sydney), Sione Fainu (Tigers), Kieran Foran (Titans), Jorge Taufua (Wakefield), Martin Taupau (Broncos), Dylan Walker (Warriors)
The club would start with back-to-back losses before a 5 game winning streak. The club would lose 5 of their next 6 as it would lose star fullback Tom Trbojevic due to injury. The club would win 4 of their next 5 with finals beckoning. The club decided to show support for inclusiveness and chose to wear an “Everyone In League” jersey which freaked some players out, forgetting that same-sex marriage had been legalised for 5 years and decided to hide behind religion as an excuse. On the outside, the club appeared split as they would lose 7 straight games to miss the finals, and Des Hasler would lose his job. New coach Anthony Seibold wasn’t given much time to shape the roster for 2023 and will have to work with what he has got. Josh Schuster to five-eighth is a big gamble, and the club could be playing catch-up if that doesn’t work. Anthony will also have to figure out how the Sea Eagles can win without Tom Trbojevic in the team.
1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Reuben Garrick 3. Brad Parker 4. Morgan Harper 5. Jason Saab 6. Josh Schuster 7. Daly Chery Evans (c) 8. Taiela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Josh Aloiai 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Kelma Tuilagi 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Ben Trbojevic 15. Sean Keppie 16. Karl Lawton 17. Ethan Bullemor
Melbourne Storm
Gains: Joe Chan (Catalans), Eli Katoa (Warriors), David Nofoalima (Tigers), Aaron Pene (Warriors), Tristan Powell (Burleigh), Tariq Sims (Dragons), Young Tonumaipea (Rugby Union)
Losses: Jesse Bromwich, Kenny Bromwich (Dolphins), Cooper Johns (Released), Felise Kaufusi (Dolphins), David Nofoalima (Tigers -End of Loan), Brandon Smith (Roosters)
The Strom started the season with back-to-back wins before their first loss. The club would then go on a 6 game-winning streak. A two-game losing streak was followed by a three-game winning streak, offset by a 4 game-losing streak. The club would turn that around with a 4-game winning streak, then back-to-back losses to finish the season in 5th. The club was bundled out of the finals after losing to the Raiders in week 1 of the finals. Finishing the season in 5th was a great effort for the Storm, with Ryan Papenhuyzen, George Jennings, Remis Smith, and Christian Welch all missing a large chunk of the season. Many have written off the Storm after losing captain Jesse Bromwich, both second rowers and Brandon Smith. However, the pack still contains Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Tui Kamikamica, and Christian Welch, three players who would walk into any top 17. Many were surprised by the recruitment of Joe Chan from Catalans, though the Storm are outstanding recruiters turning no-names into quality NRL players. The club will be worried about Ryan Papenhuyzen, who will miss at least the first two months of the season after suffering a kneecap injury in round 18. Should make the preliminary finals.
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Xavier Coates 3. Remis Smith 4. Justin Olam 5. Nick Meaney 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. Harry Grant 10. Christian Welch (c) 11. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 12. Eli Katoa 13. Josh King 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Jordaan Grant 16. Joe Chan 17. Alec MacDonald
Newcastle Knights
Gains: Adam Elliott (Raiders), Tyson Gamble (Broncos), Jackson Hastings (Tigers), Jack Hetherington (Bulldogs), Greg Marzhew (Titans), Lachlan Miller (Sharks)
Losses: Mitch Barnett (Warriors), Max Bradbury (Sharks), Jake Clifford (Hull F.C.). Tex Hoy (Hull F.C.), David Klemmer (Tigers), Edrick Lee, Anthony Milford (Dolphins), Jirah Momoisea (Eels), Brayden Musgrove (Cesnock), Chad Randall (Titans), Pasami Saulo (Raiders), Sauaso Sue (Hull K.R.)
The Knights would start the season with back-to-back wins before a 7 game-losing streak. A two-game losing streak from round 14 was quickly followed by a 4 game losing streak from round 17. The club would finish the season with another 4 game-losing streak to finish 14th. The club picked up Adam Elliott in part due to his partner Millie Boyle playing for the Knights women’s team and picked up Jackson Hastings in an odd trade with the Tigers. Kayln Ponga returns to five-eighth for the first time since 2019, and the club hopes the move works for the second time. If the move fails, expect Tyson Gamble to play five-eighth. A poor season could see Adam O’Brien being shown the door before the season is out. Will miss the finals.
1. Lachlan Miller 2. Enari Tuala 3. Bradman Best 4. Dane Gagai 5. Dom Young 6. Kalyn Ponga (c) 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey (c) 10. Jacob Saifiti 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 13. Adam Elliott 14. Kurt Mann 15. Brodie Jones. 16. Leo Thompson. Jack Hetherington
North Queensland Cowboys
Gains: Brendan Frei (Norths Devils), Jack Gosiewski (Sea Eagles), Luciano Leilua (Tigers), Gehamat Shibasaki (Rugby Union), James Tamou (Tigers)
Losses: Daejarn Asi (Warriors), Kane Bradley (Brisbane Tigers), Ben Condon (Sea Eagles), Brendan Frei (Broncos), Tom Gilbert (Dolphins), Connelly Lemuelu (Dolphins), Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (Dolphins)
The Cowboys started 2022 with a loss, followed by back-to-back wins, the back-to-back losses. The club would then go on a 6-game winning streak, a loss, then a 4-game winning streak. A loss would end that streak before the club regrouped for a 3-game winning streak. Before finishing the season, loss-win to finish in 3rd, well above many people’s expectations, including my own, where I had them in 16th. James Tamou returns after 6 years away and stints with the Panthers and Tigers to add experience to the pack. The club let Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow go due to the form of Scott Drinkwater, who kept Hamiso out of the number 1 jersey. Luciano Leilua is not in the top 17 as he has been stood down due to him being stood down under the NRL’s No-Fault Stand Down policy. There is plenty to like about the Cowboys, and I think they will go all the way and claim their second premiership.
1. Scott Drinkwater 2, Murray Talulagi 3. Peter Hiku 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Kyle Feldt 6. Tom Dearden7. Chad Townend (c) 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. James Tamou 11. Jeremiah Nanai 12. Cohen Hess 13. Jason Taumalolo (c) 14. Jake Granville 15. Reuben Cotter 16. Griffin Neame 17. Heilum Luki
Parramatta Eels
Gains: Daejarn Asi (Warriors), Zac Cini (Tigers), Matt Doorey (Bulldogs), Josh Hodgson (Raiders), J’maine Hopgood (Panthers), Issac Lumelume (Bulldogs), Jirah Momoisea (Knights), Jack Murchie (Warriors),
Losses: David Hollis (Released), Oregon Kaufusi (Sharks), Reed Mahoney (Bulldogs), Marta Niukore (Warriors), Solomone Naiduki (Released), Tom Opacic (Hull KR), Isaiah Papali’i (Tigers), Haze Perham (Bulldogs), Ray Stone (Dolphins)
The Eels would start the season win-loss before going on a 3-game winning streak. The club would fall into a win-loss pattern before recording back-to-back wins in round 12. Two more back-to-back wins in rounds 18 and 21 before the club finished the regular season with a 3-game winning streak to finish in 4th. The club would lose to the Panthers in week 1 of the finals before battling back to defeat the Raiders at home before a surprise win over the Cowboys in North Queensland to set up the club’s first Grand Final appearance in 13 years. In the Grand Final, the Eels were outplayed by the Panthers. The club picks up the veteran Josh Hodgson to replace Reed Mahoney, hoping that Josh Hodgson’s knee problems are behind him. If not, they might ask him to run on his hands, given a pre-season photo that did the rounds on social media. Isaiah Papali’i is another significant loss for the club, though they hope J’maine Hopgood can offset it. If Josh’s knees aren’t up to the task, expect Mitch Rein to take over the hooking role. With the week 2 finals monkey off Brad Arthur’s back, the Eels should be alive come preliminary-final weekend.
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. Josh Hodgson 10. Junior Paulo (c) 11. Shaun Lane 12. Ryan Matterson 13. J’Maine Hopggod 14. Jakob Arthur 15. Ofahiki Ogden 16. Bryce Cartwright 17 Wiremu Greig.
Penrith Panthers
Gains: Jack Cogger (Huddersfield), Luke Garner (Tigers), Zac Hosking (Broncos), Tyrone Peachey (Tigers)
Losses: Christian Crichton (Released), Viliame Kikau (Bulldogs), Api Koroisau (Tigers), Isaiya Katoa (Dolphins), J’maine Hopgood (Eels), Robert Jennings (Dolphins), Sean O’Sullivan (Dolphins), Charlie Staines (Tigers), Niwhai Puru (Sharks)
The defending premiers started the season with an 8-game winning streak proving they weren’t suffering from a premiership hangover and proving once again they were the team to beat. A loss would be followed by a 9-game winning streak. The club would hit the skids by their standards for the final 6 weeks, winning only 3 games, though that was when Nathan Cleary was suspended after being sent off against the Eels. The club would finish minor premiers as they proved to be the dominant side of 2022. The club would defeat the Eels and the Rabbitohs to make their 3rd straight Grand Final and set up a rematch with arch-rival the Eels. The Panthers dominated the Grand Final from start to finish, never giving the Eels a chance and becoming the second side in the NRL era to win back-to-back premierships. The club recruited Luke Garner to fill the enormous hole of Viliame Kikau, and the club also lost talented hooker Api Koroisau. With the Panthers club winning premierships in first grade, NSW Cup, Jersey Flegg, and S.G. Ball, it is no surprise the Panthers would prefer to promote from within. Api Koroisau could be a significant loss. When Api started off the bench in the preliminary final, the club looked lost and only turned it around with Api came onto the field. The World Club Challenge be an early look at the Panthers 2023 season, though given they were dominated by Saint Helens, they took the match to Golden Point, proving the class of the players. The premiership window for the Panthers is still open, though, in 2023, they might come back to the pack instead of leading it.
1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Stephen Crichton 4. Izack Tago 5. Brian To’o, 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary (c) 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Moses Leota 11. Liam Martin 12. Luke Garner 13. Issah Yao (c) 14. Soni Luke 15. Jaeman Salmon 16. Scott Sorensen 17. Spencer Leniu
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Gains: Richie Kennar (Broncos), Kodi Nikorima (Warriors), Daniel Suluka-Fifita (Roosters)
Losses: Richie Kennar (Released), Josh Mansour (Newtown), Mark Nicholls (Dolphins), Kodi Nikorima (Dolphins), Jaxson Paulo (Roosters)
The club would start the season with back-to-back losses before going win-loss, then back-to-back wins at the end of round 6. The club would go win-loss until round 14, where they picked up back-to-back wins. A 4-game winning streak would follow from round 16. The club would have back-to-back wins in round 22 before finishing the season loss-win to finish in 7th. A firey win in week 1 of the finals over arch-rivals the Roosters, followed by a dominant display over the Sharks, set the club up for another final match against the Panthers. Once again, the Panthers proved too good for the Rabbitohs. Another club that has been quiet on the recruitment front, with Mark Nicholls the only significant loss. With a quality pack and possibly the best left-side attack in the game, the Rabbitohs will be among the sides fighting it out at the end of September.
1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. 4. Campbell Graham 5. Izac Thompson 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Tom Burgess 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Cameron Murray (c) 14. Blake Taafe 15. Daniel Suluka-Fifita,16. Davvy Moale 17. Hame Sele
St George Illawarra Dragons:
Gains: Jacob Liddle (Tigers), Ben Murdoch-Masila (Warriors), Zane Musgrove (Tigers), Nick Lui-Toso (Northern Pride), Paul Turner (Titans)
Losses: Daniel Alvaro (Catalans), George Burgess (Retired), Poasa Faamausili (Dolphins), Jackson Ford (Warriors), Jack Gosiewski (Cowboys), Andrew McCullough (Retired), Josh McGuire (Warrington), Tariq Sims (Storm)
The Dragons would start 2022 with a win, followed by a 4 game-losing streak. Three straight wins would be followed by back-to-back losses. The Dragons would win back-to-back wins in rounds 12 and 16. The club would then follow that up with back-to-back losses. Three straight losses from Round 20 before finishing the season by winning three straight to finish 10th. Ben Murdoch-Masila could be a strong buy from the club and help offset the loss of several experienced forwards. The club will be hoping Ben Hunt will have a season like 2022 if they are any chance of playing finals and not finishing with the wooden spoon. A poor pre-season has seen calls for Anthony Griffin to get the sack before the season begins. Will start the season with 2 points thanks to uneven competition and having the bye in round 1. It could be one of the few early-season highlights.
1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Mathew Feagai 3. Moses Suli 4. Zac Lomax 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Jayden Sullivan 7. Ben Hunt (c) 8. Blake Lawrie 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Ben Murdoch-Masila 11. Jayden Su’A. 12. Jack Bird 13. Jack de Belin 14. Moses Mbye 15. Zane Musgrove 16. Francis Molo 17. Aaron Woods
Sydney Roosters
Gains: Corey Allan (Bulldogs), Oliver Gildart (Tigers), Tuipulotu Katoa (Bulldogs), Matt Lodge (Warriors), Jaxson Paulo (Rabbitohs), Brandon Smith (Storm), Jake Turpin (Broncos)
Losses: Oliver Gildart (Tigers -End of Loan), Adam Keighran (Catalans), Lachlan Lam (Leigh), Freddie Lussick (Warriors), Kevin Naiqama (Huddersfield), Ethan Strange (Raiders), Daniel Suluka-Fifita (Rabbitohs), Siosiua Taukeiaho (Catalans), Sam Verills (Titans), Ronald Volkman (Warriors)
The Roosters would start the season loss-win-loss before a 3-game winning streak from round 4. Back-to-back losses would follow from round 7 before being offset by back-to-back wins. The club would hit the skids in round 13, going on a 4-game losing streak. The club would turn around their form by going on an 8-game winning streak to finish the season in red-hot form and finish in 6th. A firey loss to arch-rivals in week 1 ended the Roosters’ finals chances. The club was able to lure Brandon Smith from the Storm to be their number 9, though it might take Brandon a while to adjust to being a starting hooker, as he has spent the last few years being used as a middle forward by the Storm. Will the Roosters move 19-year-old Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii to the centres or leave him on the wing. The health of Luke Keary is the key to the club; if Luke stays healthy, the Roosters should make the top 4 and challenge for the premiership; if Luke continues to have concussion problems, the Roosters could be in free fall.
1. James Tedesco (c) 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph Manu 4. Paul Momirovski 5. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii 6. Luke Keary. 7 Sam Walker 8. Matt Lodges 9. Brandon Smith 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Sitili Tupouinua 12. Angus Crichton 13. Victor Radley 14. Connor Watson 15. Jarred Waerea-Hargrage 16. Nat Butcher 17. Egan Butcher
Warriors:
Gains: Daejarn Asi (Cowboys), Mitch Barnett (Knights), Jackson Ford (Dragons), Dunamis Lui (Redcliffe), Freddie Lussick (Roosters), Te Maire Martin (Broncos), Luke Metcalf (Sharks), Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (Raiders), Marta Niukore (Eels), Ronald Volkman (Roosters), Dylan Walker (Sea Eagles), Brayden Wiliame (Rugby Union)
Losses: Euan Aitken (Dolphins), Daejarn Asi (Eels), Chanel Harris-Tavita (Retired), Eli Katoa (Storm), Otukinekina Kepu (Released), Matt Lodge (Roosters), Dunamis Lui (Released), Jack Murchie (Eels), Ben Murdoch-Masila (Dragons), Taniela Otukolo (Redcliffe), Kodi Nikorima (Rabbitohs), Aaron Pene (Storm) Pride Petterson-Robati (Released), Iliesa Ratuva (Rugby Union) Reece Walsh (Broncos)
The Warriors started the season with back-to-back losses, then a 3-game winning streak, followed by back-to-back losses. The club would lose 7 in a row from round 9, with Nathan Brown being shown the door after round 13. A four-game losing streak from round 18, then another from round 23, saw the club finish in 15th. The club has been busy in the off-season with a significant turnover of player personnel. New coach Andrew Webster (not the journalist) was a surprise choice by many, with many wondering who? The Warriors will return to New Zealand in 2023 after 3 seasons in Australia (despite playing the back half of the season in New Zealand last year, they were still based at Redcliffe). Consistency has been a keyword for the Warriors, and those problems will still rear their head in 2023, as the Warriors will miss the finals.
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zeleznaik 3. Roco Berry 4. Adam Pompey 5. Marcello Montoya 6. Te Maire Martin 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fanoua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Bunty Afoa11. Marata Niukore 12. Tohu Harris (c) 13. Jazz Tevaga 14. Dylan Walker 15. Mitch Barnett 16. Josh Curran 17.
Wests Tigers
Gains: John Bateman (Wigan), Zac Cini (Eels), Sione Fainu (Sea Eagles), David Klemmer (Knights), Api Koroisau (Panthers), Brent Naden (Bulldogs), Oliver GIldart (Roosters- End of Loan), Isaiah Papali’i (Eels), Triston Reilly (Rugby Union), Will Smith (Hull F.C.), Charlie Staines (Panthers), Brandon Wakeham (Bulldogs)
Losses: Fa’amanu Brown (Bulldogs), Luke Garner (Panthers), Oliver Gildart (Dolphins), Jackson Hastings (Knights), William Kei Released), Luciano Leilua (Cowboys), Jacob Liddle (Dragons), Jock Madden (Broncos), Thomas Mikaele (Warrington), Zane Musgrove (Dragons), Tyrone Peachey (Panthers), James Roberts (Retired), James Tamou (Cowboys) Kelma Tuilagi (Sea Eagles)
The Tigers would start the season with 5 straight losses. The club would have back-to-back wins followed by a 3-game losing streak. A 7-game losing streak would follow from round 12 (Michael Maguire’s last game in charge). The club would win a game before losing 5-straight games to finish the season with the wooden spoon. The club has recruited strongly for 2023 picking up John Bateman, Api Koroisau, and Isaiah Papali’i to have one of the best packs in the game. The pressure will be on Luke Brooks, who is in the last year of his contract, with speculation over the previous two off-seasons he was on the way out. The move of Tim Sheens from Head of Football Operations to Head Coach is interesting. With Tim’s ego seemingly saying, I’m the best guy to be a head coach. Tim hasn’t coached in the NRL in over ten years or at all since 2020. Another long year for the Tigers fans.
1. Dane Laurie 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Brent Naden 4. Starford To’a 5. Ken Maumalo , 6. Adam Doueihi 7. Luke Brooks 8. David Klemmer 9. Apasi Koroisau 10. Stefano Utoikamanu 11. Isiah Papali’i 12. John Bateman 13. Alex Twal 14. Jake Simpkin 15.Shawn Blore 16. Fonua Pole 17. Joe Ofaengaue
And Another Thing: Something I meant to write last year is media rookie of the year. Going back to 2018, I have someone who joined the media in a given year and has stood out in the new role. Danika Mason and Jake Duke are ineligible, as they had roles on The Sunday Footy Show before moving to the sideline. Emma Lawerence is also ineligible due to her prior Ten and Fox Sports roles. Don’t have a Media Rookie of the Year for 2022.
2021: James Graham
2020: Nathan Brown
2019: Billy Slater
2018: Ruan Sims
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Till next time,
Cheese
NRL Ladder
- North Queensland
- Melbourne
- Souths
- Penrith
- Cronulla
- Sydney
- Parramatta
- Brisbane
- Gold Coast
- Canberra
- Canterbury
- Warriors
- Manly
- Newcastle
- Dolphins
- Wests Tigers
- St George