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2026 NRL Season Preview
The 119th NSWRL/ARL/Super League/NRL season began last weekend. This is a late-season preview; my apologies.
In this 16th season preview, all the usual features are here: in-depth gains and losses for each club as well as each club’s top 19, the premiers, wooden spooners, biggest movers and sliders, top try scorer, Dally M Medalist, one to watch, and my 2026 ladder, which you will find after And Another Thing. All this and more are in the latest Blog of Cheese.
Premiers: Honestly, this is a tough one. None of the top contenders is sticking out to me. After careful consideration, I will pick the Roosters to win their first premiership since 2019
Wooden Spoon: I picked them to win the Wooden Spoon last year, though they would finish 15th. I don’t see any improvement on the side, and with the coach continuing to pick his son in the starting team, the Dragons will pick up the Spoon in 2026.
Biggest Movers: While they won’t make the eight in 2026, the Eels will continue their climb off the bottom of the ladder
Biggest Sliders: This is a tough one, as I don’t have any team sliding out of the top 8, though the Raiders will drop 7 spots in 2026.
Top Try Scorer: I’ve picked the same guy to win top try scorer in 2024 and 2025. This year, he is on a finals-bound team, and Alofiana Khan-Pereira will be my pick to win the Ken Irvine Medal
Dally M: Given that a current State of Origin player hasn’t won the Dally M Medal since 2021, I am not going to pick an Origin player. I think Sam Walker wins his first Dally M Medal as he takes his game to the next level.
One to Watch: For the first time since 2023, I am not going to pick a former Brisbane Tiger. I’m going to pick Parramatta Eel Richard Penisini, younger brother of Will, and also an outside back, as my choice for 2206
Brisbane Broncos
Gains: Grant Anderson (Storm), Tom Duffy (Cowboys), Ben Talty (North Sydney)-June, Jamal Shibasaki (Cowboys), Aublix Tawha (Dolphins), Mason Teague (Knights)
Losses: Fletcher Baker (Bulldogs), Coby Black (Raiders), Selwyn Cobbo (Dolphins), Kobe Hetherington (Sea Eagles), Israel Leota (Rugby Union), Jock Madden (Tigers), Tyson Smoothy (Wakefield), Martin Taupau (Released)-May
The Broncos would start their 2025 season by blowing away the Roosters, while Brisbane hunkered down for a rare cyclone. The Broncos followed that win with a loss to the Raiders. The club would bounce back with three straight wins. The Broncos would hit the skids, losing six of their next seven games to fall out of the eight. The club would reverse fortunes, winning six of its next seven games. The club would then lose to the Storm before a four-game win streak, finishing the season in 4th. A 93rd-minute Ben Hunt field goal against the Raiders advanced the Broncos to the Preliminary Final. The Broncos would come from behind to defeat the Panthers and qualify for the club’s first Grand Final in eleven years. The Broncos would come from behind once again against the Storm to seal the club’s seventh premiership.
The biggest loss is Selwyn Cobbo, though he only managed 15 games for the club last year. The club will go from being the hunter to the hunted, though with Reece Walsh still not at his peak yet, the Broncos will go deep into September.
Top 17 1. Reece Walsh 2. Jesse Arthars 3. Kotoni Staggs, 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Deine Mariner 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adm Reynolds (c) 8. Payne Hass 9. Ben Hunt 10. Corey Jensen 11. 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Billy Walters 15. Ben Talty 16. Xavier Willison 17 Aublix Tawha 18. Tom Duffy 19. Josiah Karapani
Canberra Raiders
Gains: Coby Black (Broncos), Jayden Brailey (Knights), Sione Finau (Dragons), Daine Laurie (Panthers)
Losses: Adam Cook (Leigh), Jamal Fogarty (Sea Eagles), Albert Hopoate (Warrington), Danny Levi (Leeds), Jordan Martin (Mackay), Trey Mooney, Pasami Saulo (Knights), Jensen Taumoepeau (Titans), Manaia Waitere (Storm)
The Raiders would start the season with back-to-back wins, then back-to-back losses, finishing the opening month in 11th place. The club would then win their next five straight before a second-half collapse to the Bulldogs ended their winning streak. The Raiders would win their next nine games before a surprise loss to the Dragons. The club would win three straight before a weakened side was belted in the final round of the season, with the minor premiership already wrapped up. The Raiders would lose back-to-back finals matches, falling out in week 2.
The Raiders have lost Jamal Fogarty and have recruited Jayden Braiely as they seem to like having three hookers. How the two Ethans combine will determine how the Raiders go in making it back to the finals and improving on 2025. The Raiders will slide down the ladder in 2026
Top 19: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Xavier Savage 3. Matt Timoko 4. Seb Kirss 5. Savelio Tamale 6. Ethan Strange 7 Ethan Sanders 8. Corey Horsburgh 9. Tom Starling 10. Joe Tapine (c) 11. Hudson Young 12. Zac Hosking 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Owen Pattie 15 Josh Papalii. 16. Simi Sasagi 17. Matty Nicholson 18. Daine Laurie 19. Sione Finau
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Gains: Fletcher Baker (Broncos), Gordon Chan Kum Tong (Sea Eagles), Kade Dykes (Sharks), Lachlan Galvin (Tigers)-May, Justin Matamua (Tigers), Sean O’Sullivan (Dolphins), Leo Thompson (Knights)
Losses: Tom Amone (Castleford)-April, Drew Hutchison (Albion Park-Oak Flats), Luke Smith (London), Reed Mahoney (Cowboys), Kurtis Morrin (Titans), Joseph O’Neill (Dragons), Toby Sexton (Catalans), Ryan Sutton (Titans)-March, Balke Taaffe (Castleford), Blake Wilson (Sea Eagles)
The Bulldogs started the season with a bang, winning five straight games to jump to first place. The winning streak was snapped with a thumping by the Broncos. The club would win five of their next six. The club would suffer back-to-back losses to drop to second on the ladder. The club would bounce back with three straight wins before a shock loss to the Tigers. The club bounced back with a win, then suffered back-to-back losses, then won again and lost again, ending the season in 3rd. The club would exit the finals with a close loss to the Storm, followed by a 20-point loss to the Panthers.
The big loss for the club is Reed Mahoney, who seemingly fell out of favour towards the back end of the season, with Bailey Howard the preferred hooker. The big signing happened mid-year with Lachlann Galvin joining the club to take over from Toby Sexton, with the move possibly costing the Dogs a premiership. The Bulldogs should make the finals, though they won’t win a premiership with Burton and Galvin in the halves and Bailey Hawyward the dummy-half.
Top 19: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz. 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton (c) 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Matt Burton 7. Lachlan Galvin 8. Max King 9. Bailey Hayward 10. Leo Thompson 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Josh Curan 14. Kurt Mann 15. Jacob Salmon 16. Sitili Tupouniua 17. Harry Hayes 18. Sean O’Sullivan 19. Kayde Dykes
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
Gains: Harrison Hassett (Panthers)
Losses: Dan Atkinson (Dragons), Kade Dykes (Bulldogs)
The Sharks started the season with a loss to the Panthers in Vegas, followed by back-to-back wins, which back-to-back losses would offset. The club would win five of their next seven before their first bye of the season. Between their two byes, the Sharks would lose three out of their next four games. The second bye worked as a reset as the club won four straight before a loss to local neighbours, the Dragons. The Sharks would win their final three straight games to finish the season in 5th place. The club started the finals with a win over the Roosters at home, before defeating the Raiders in Canberra. The Sharks would end their season in the preliminary final with a loss to the Storm in Melbourne.
The Sharks have a very similar squad to 2025 with only two losses and one gain, a rarity in the modern game. Have enough quality across the park to make the finals. I have a question around their backline depth; they will fall short of the Grand Final.
Top 19: 1. Will Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa. 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitolo Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes (c) 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey (c) 10. Toby Rudolf 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInness (c) 14. Siosifa Talakai 15. Jesse Colquhoun 16. Braden Hamlin-Uele 17. Thomas Hazelton 18. Nihal Puru 19. Mawene Hiroti
Dolphins
Gains: Selwyn Cobbo (Broncos), Morgan Knowles (St Helens), Francis Molo (Dragons)-March, Brad Schneider (Panthers)
Losses: Kenny Bromwich (Retired), Max Feagai (Titans), Harrison Graham, Peter Hola (Knights), Ryan Jackson (York), Josh Kerr (Dragons), Mark Nicholls (Retired), Sean O’Sullivan (Bulldogs), Aublix Tawha (Broncos), Junior Tupou (Roosters)-June, James Walsh (Cowboys)
A rough start for the Dolphins as they were forced to switch their home game to an away game due to Cyclone Alfred. The club’s inability to train at home for the second week of the season contributed to the slow start, and they would end round 4 winless. The club bounced back with wins over the Titans, Panthers and Storm to get their season back on track. The club would squander a first-half lead to the Raiders as they headed into their first bye on the back of three losses out of their past five games. The club would come out of the bye all guns blazing, winning three of their next four, with the only loss a shock to the Knights in Perth. The club would come out of their second bye with a loss to the Sharks before back-to-back wins. The Dolphins would lose their next three straight, ending their finals aspirations. The club would finish the season on a high with back-to-back wins.
The club has signed Selwyn Cobbo, though to a one-year deal. Maybe they want to see what he can offer up close, or could Selwyn be heading to the Bears for 2027? English international Morgan Knowles joins former coach Kristian Woolf from St Helens. The Dolphins will be buoyed by the return of Thomas Flegler, who will play his first NRL game in just over 700 days. The club struggled without Jeremy Marshall-King in 2025, and with Jeremy Marshall-King missing the first five weeks, I think the Dolphins will miss the finals in 2026.
Top 19: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa (c) 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jeremy Marshall-King. 10. Tom Flegler 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Morgan Knowles 13. Tom Gilbert (c) 14. Trai Fuller 15. Felise Kafusi 16. Francis Molo 17. Kurt Donoghoe 18. Brad Schnider 19. Jack Bostock
Gold Coast Titans
Gains: Adam Christensen (Burleigh), Max Feagai (Dolphins), Lachlan Ilias (Dragons), Dean Ieremia (Storm), Kurtis Morrin (Bulldogs), Ollie Pascoe (Ipswich), Luke Sommetron (Panthers), Ryan Sutton (Bulldogs)-March, Jensen Taumoepeau (Raiders)
Losses: Jacob Alick-Wiencke (Leigh), Javon Andrews (Tigers), Reagan Campbell-Gillard (London), Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui (Catalans), David Fifita (Rabbitohs), Kieran Foran (Retired), Ryan Foran (Burleigh), Carter Gordon (Rugby Union), Alofiana Khan-Pereira (Warriors), Brian Kelly (Eels), Ben Liyou (Brisbane Tigers), Ken Maumalo (Ipswich)-April, Sean Mullany (Mackay), Josiah Pahulu (Storm)-May, Harley Smith-Shields (Released), Ryan Sutton (Bradford), Tom Weaver (Castleford)
The Titans would win only three of their first ten games, with two wins over the Knights and a surprise win over the Roosters, leading into their first bye. Between their first and second byes, the Titans lost four out of five with a win over the Sea Eagles. The Titans would defeat the Warriors and Tigers in their final eight games to avoid the wooden Spoon on differential, though it was not enough to save the job of Des Hasler, who was shown the door.
A new era for the Titans with new owners, including ex-players Matt Johns and Gorden Tallis, following the exit of Dennis Watt. The new era continues with highly regarded assistant Josh Hannay getting his first crack at the head coaching job. Josh’s rebuild has already begun, with a large number of players being shown the door. Three fullbacks in the same 17 won’t work. It worked for the Storm, though they had Cam Smith, Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater to help them. The Titans won’t make the finals in 2026
Top 19: 1. Keano Kini 2. Siale Faeamani 3. Max Feagai 4. Phil Sami 5. Jojo Fifita 6. A.J. Brimson 7 Preston Campbell. 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills. 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (c) 11. Josh Patson 12. Beau Fermor
13. Chris Randall 14. Luke Sommetron Cooper 15. Cooper Bai 16. Kurtis Morrin 17. Klese Haas 18. Lachlan Ilias 19. Jaylan De GrootManly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Gains: Zach Dockar-Clay (Roosters), Josh Feledy (Tigers), Jamal Fogarty (Raiders), Kobe Hetherington (Broncos), Chris Patolo (Huddersfield), Blake Wilson (Bulldogs)
Losses: Josh Aloiai (Retired), Jake Arthur (Knights)-May, Gordon Chan Kum Tong (Bulldogs), Michael Chee Kam (Retired), Daly Cherry-Evans (Roosters), Lachlan Croker (Retired), Aitasi James (North Sydney), Matt Lodge (Cowboys), Dean Matterson (RC Albi), Toa Sipley (Warrington), Tommy Talau (Roosters), Jazz Tevaga (Wakefield), Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega (North Sydney),
The Sea Eagles started the season with a dominant win over the Cowboys, but the club would then lose to the Warriors. The side would bounce back with back-to-back wins, before three straight losses, before a win over the Panthers, before their first bye. Between their first and second byes, the Sea Eagles would win two of six, languishing in 10th. After their second bye, the club would win three straight before losing four straight. The Sea Eagles would win three straight to finish the season, though it wasn’t enough to make the finals as they finished 10th.
The Sea Eagles lost veteran Daly Cherry-Evans, who left the club after 15 years. They also lost Toa Sipley, Josh Aloiai, and Jazz Tevaga, making their forward depth a bit thin. They signed veteran half Jamal Fogarty to replace Daly Cherry-Evans and Kobe Hetherington to add to their forward depth. Once again, the Sea Eagles will be sweating on the fitness of Tom Trbojevic. Jake Simpkin is a decent hooker, though not one who will lead a side to the finals.
Top 19: 1. Tom Trbojevic (c) 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolu Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Lehi Hopoate 6. Luke Brooks
7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Siosiua Taukeiaho 9. Jake Simpki 10. Kobe Hetherington 11. Ben Trbojevic 12. Haumole Olakau’atu 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Joey Walsh 15 Taniela Paseka 16. Nathan Brown 17. Corey Waddell 18. Zach Dockar-Clay 19. Clayton FaulaloMelbourne Storm
Gains: Jack Hetherington (Knights), Davy Moale (Rabbitohs), Josiah Pahulu (Titans)-May, Trent Toelau (Panthers), Manaia Waitere (Raiders)
Losses: Grant Anderson (Broncos), Nelson Asofa-Solomona (Released), Bronson Garlick (Rabbitohs), Dean Ieremia (Titans), Ryan Papenhuyzen (Released), Jonah Pezet (Eels)
The Storm started the season by winning six of their first 10 games before their second bye. After their second bye, the Storm would win six straight before a loss to the Sea Eagles. The club would then go on a five-game winning streak. The Storm would end the regular season with back-to-back losses, finishing in 2nd. The Storm would start the finals with a win over the Bulldogs to qualify for the preliminary final. The club would qualify for back-to-back Grand Finals with a win over the Sharks. The Storm would lose back-to-back Grand Finals with a loss to the Broncos.
The Storm lost Clive Churchill medalist, fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, and Bronson Garlick. The Storm adds mostly depth with Jack Hetherington and Davy Moale, the big signings. The major loss is Eli Katoa, who will sit out the season. The Storm are still strong 1-13, though depth is an issue. They will make the finals, though they won’t win the comp in 2026
Top 19: 1. Sua Fa’alogo 2. Will Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cam Munster
7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant (c) 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Joe Chan 13. Trent Loiero 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Jack Hetherington 16. Davvy Moale 17. Tui Kamikamica 18. Ativalu Lisati 19. Manaia WaitereNewcastle Knights
Gains: Jake Arthur (Sea Eagles)-June, Dylan Brown, Lachlan Crouch (Newtown), Harrison Graham (Dolphins), Peter Hola (Dolphins), Matt Hunter (Eels), Asu Kepaoa (Panthers), Jye Linnane (Wariors), July, Trey Mooney, Pasami Saulo (Raiders), Sandon Smith (Roosters), Dom Young (Roosters)-June
Losses: Taj Annan (Rugby Union), Jake Arthur (Hull F.C), Jayden Brailey (Raiders), Jack Cogger (Panthers), Adam Elliott (Rabbitohs), Jackson Hastings (St Helens), Jack Hetherington (Storm), Kai Pearce-Paul (Tigers), Will Pryce (Hull F.C.)-Mach, Mason Teague (Broncos), Leo Thompson (Bulldogs), Tyrone Thompson (Rugby Union),
The Knights started the season with back-to-back wins before a five-game losing streak. The losing streak was snapped with a win over the Rabbitohs. The Knights would go win-loss over the next month. They would not win a game for the rest of the season, losing 9 straight and finishing with the wooden Spoon. This would cost coach Adam O’Brien his job.
Dylan Brown joins the club on a massive long-term deal to play halfback for the first time in his career. The club loses experience in Leo Thompson, Kai Pearce-Paul, Adam Elliott, and Jayden Brailey. The big question, as always, remains Kayln Ponga. If he can remain fit, the Knights could make their first Grand Final in 25 years (the longest streak in the NRL). Justin Holbrook will lead the Knights off the bottom of the ladder, though finals are a few years off.
Top 19: 1. Kayln Ponga (c) 2. Dom Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Dylan Brown 7. Sandon Smith 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Trey Mooney 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Jermaine McEwan 13. Tyson Frizell 14. Fletcher Sharpe 15. Brodie Jones 16. Mat Croker 17. Matt Arthur 18. Tom Cant 19. Fletcher Hunt
North Queensland Cowboys
Gains: Ethan King (Roosters), Matt Lodge (Sea Eagles), Soni Luke (Panthers), Reed Mahoney (Bulldogs), James Walsh (Dolphins)
Losses: Tom Duffy (Broncos), Karl Lawton (Hull KR), Jordan McLean (Retired), Jeremiah Mata’utia (Leeds), Reece Robson (Roosters), Jamal Shibasaki (Broncos), Semi Valemei (Castleford)
The Cowboys started the season with three straight losses, then bounced back with four straight wins before a loss to the Warriors, followed by the only draw of the season against the Panthers. The club followed a draw with a loss-win streak before a three-game losing streak. The losing streak was broken by a win against the Titans, only to be followed by a four-game losing streak. That streak was broken with a win over the Dragons, followed by back-to-back losses, then back-to-back wins, and finally a loss to the Broncos, finishing 12th.
The only real change for the Cowboys is Reed Mahoney, who replaces Reece Robson at hooker. While the Cowboys have some of the best players in the competition in Tom Dearden, Scott Drinkwater, Jeremiah Nanai, and Reuben Cotter, the defence was the Cowboys’ problem in 2025, with only the Titans conceding more. It’s hard to see that side returning to the finals in 2026.
Top 19: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Braidon Burns 3. Zac Laybutt 4. Jaxon Purdue 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Jake Clifford (c) 8. Reuben Cotter 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Heilum Luki
12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter (C) 14. Harrison Edwards 15. Coen Hess 16. Sam McIntyre 17. Griffin Neame 18. John Bateman 19. Viliami VaileaParramatta Eels
Gains: Tallyn Da Silva (Tigers)-June, Jack de Belin (Dragons), Brian Kelly (Titans), Jonah Pezet (Storm), Dylan Walker (Warriors)-March
Losses: Dylan Brown (Knights), Bryce Cartwright (St Marys)-June, Haze Dunster (Released), Wiremu Greig (Townsville), Brendan Hands (Toulouse)-July, Dean Hawkins (London), Matt Hunter (Knights), Dan Keir (Rabbitohs-NSW Cup), Joey Lussick (Retired), Joe Ofahengaue (Leigh)-April, Shaun Lane (Retired)-August. Zac Lomax (Released)
The Eels would start the season with four straight losses before a Golden Point win over the Dragons. They would follow with a loss-win before their first bye. After their bye, the Eels would suffer back-to-back losses before back-to-back wins. This was offset by back-to-back losses, followed by a win-loss streak before their second bye. The club would go win-loss before back-to-back losses, then a surprise win over the Broncos. The club would go loss-win-loss before finishing their season on a high winning three straight games to finish the season in 11th.
The Eels lost Dylan Brown on a big-money deal to the Knights, and Zac Lomax, who was released from his contract. The Eels have bought in Jack de Belin and Brian Kelly to add some experience. Jonah Pezet, on a one-year deal, is an interesting one to see how he plays as a five-eighth. Under Jason Ryles, the Eels have entered a rebuild, and 2025 was a year of pain. The Eels will move up the ladder in 2026, though finals are a year or two off.
Top 19: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Bailey Simonsson 3. Will Penisini 4. Sean Russell 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Jonah Pezet
7. Mitch Moses (c) 8. Junior Paulo 9. Ryley Smith 10. J’maine Hopgood 11. 11. Jack Williams 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. Jack de Belin 14. Joash Papalii 15. Sam Tuivaiti 16. Dylan Walker 17. Luca Moretti 18. Tallyn Da Silva 19. Kelma TuilagiPenrith Panthers
Gains: Tom Ale (Warriors), Jack Cogger (Knights), Kalani Going (Warriors), Freddy Lussick (Warriors)
Losses: Jack Attard (Tigers), David Fale (Dragons), Asu Kepaoa (Knights), Mavrik Geyer (Tigers), Harrisson Hassett (Sharks), Daine Laurie (Raiders), Soni Luke (Cowboys), Riley Price (Redcliffe), Preston Riki (Souths Logan), Brad Schneider (Dolphins), Luke Sommetron (Titans), Trent Toelau (Storm)
The Panthers started the season with a win over the Sharks in Vegas, then lost five straight, prompting many to wonder if the wheels had fallen off after four straight premierships. The club would then go on a run of wins and losses, then a win and a draw, before their first bye. After the bye, they suffered a surprise loss to the Knights to put them at the foot of the ladder. The Panthers would then win 9 straight as they climbed up the ladder. The Panthers would lose three straight to slip out of the top 4, before a dominant win over the Dragons to finish the season in 7th. The Panthers would dominate the Warriors and Bulldogs away from home to qualify for their sixth straight preliminary final. The Panthers couldn’t withstand the Broncos’ comeback, falling short of the Grand Final for the first time since 2019.
The Panthers have suffered no major losses or gains since before the COVID-19 pandemic. A settled Panthers is a danger for the rest of the league, as they should push deep into the finals.
Top 19: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Paul Alamoti 3. Izack Tago 4. Casey McLean 5. Brian To’o 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Nathan Cleary (c) 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Isaiah PPapali’i12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo (c) 14. Luke Garner 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Jack Cogger 17. Liam Henry 18 Paul Alamoti 19. Matt Eisenhuth
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Gains: Adam Elliott (Knights), David Fifita (Titans), Bronson Garlick (Storm), Jonah Glover (Dragons), Moala Graham-Taufa, Ed Kosi (Warriors), John Radel (Mackay), Mikaele Ravalawa (Dragons)-March, Latrell Siegwalt (Broncos), Brandon Smith (Roosters)-May
Losses: Gerome Burns (Retired), Lewis Dodd (Catalans), Siliva Havili (London), Jacob Host (St Helens), Ben Lovett (Retired), Haizyn Mellars (Warriors), Haizyn Mellars (Warriors), Shaquai Mitchell (Tweed Heads), Davy Moale (Storm), Fletcher Myers (Released), Mikaele Ravalawa (Castleford), Josh Schuster (Released)
The Rabbitohs would start the season with a rescheduled neutral home game, as they started the season with back-to-back wins. The Sharks struck the winning streak. The Rabbiohs would once again put together back-to-back wins over the Panthers and the Roosters. The side would suffer five straight losses, then back-to-back wins, before their first bye. After the bye, the wheels fell off as they lost 9 straight games. The club would bounce back with three straight wins before a loss, finishing the season in 14th place.
The Rabbitohs have recruited David Fifita, who, on his day, is one of the best back-rowers in the comp, though he is wildly inconsistent. Rabbitohs fans will be hoping Wayne can get the best out of David. The Lewis Dodd experiment didn’t work out, and the question remains: who is the best to wear the Rabbitohs’ number seven? Too many ifs for the Rabbitohs
Top 19: 1. Jye Gray 2. Alex Johnston 3. Latrell Mitchell 4. Jack Wighton 5. Campbell Graham 6. Cody Walker
7. Jamie Humphreys 8. Tavita Tatola 9. Brandon Smith 10. Keaon Koloamatangi 11. Jai Arrow 12. David Fifita 13. Cameron Murray (c) 14. Peter Mamouzelos 15. Euan Aitken 16. Adam Elliott 17. Tallis Duncan 18. Sean Keppie 19. Ed KosiSt George Illawarra Dragons
Gains: Daniel Atkinson (Sharks), David Fale (Panthers), David Klemmer (Tigers)-March, Josh Kerr (Dolphins), Joseph O’Neill (Bulldogs), Setu Tu (Warriors)
Losses: Jack de Belin (Eels), Corey Allan (Retired), Sione Finau (Raiders), Jonah Glover (Rabbitohs), Lachlan Ilias (Titans), David Klemmer (St Helens), Francis Molo (Dolphins)-March, Cody Ramsey (Roosters), Mikaele Ravalawa (Rabbitohs)-March
The Dragons would start the season with back-to-back losses before an early-season bye. The Dragons came out of their bye with their first win of the season, with an upset win over the Storm. They would follow that up with a golden-point loss before back-to-back wins. They would follow that up with three straight losses, then a win before their second bye. They would come out of their second bye with a win before losing six of their next seven games. They would follow it up with back-to-back wins before finishing their season with four losses, placing 15th.
The Dragons have added Daniel Atkinson to play halfback with Kyle Flanagan shifting to five-eighth. Josh Kerr returns after three years with the Dolphins to add some experience to a young pack. The Dragons lost experienced forwards, Jack de Belin and David Klemmer. The Dragons will be in for a long year and finish at the bottom of the ladder.
Top 19: 1. Clint Gutherson (c) 2. Tyrell Sloan 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Moses Suli 5. Christian Tuipulotu 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Daniel Atkinson 8. Josh Kerr 9. Damien Cook (c) 10. Toby Couchman 11. Dylan Egan 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Hamish Stewart 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Ryan Couchman 16. Luciano Leilua 17. Emre Guler 18. Lyhkan King-Togia 19. Matt Feagai
Sydney Roosters
Gains: Daly Cherry-Evans (Sea Eagles), Cody Ramsey (Dragons), Reece Robson (Cowboys), Tommy Talau (Roosters), Junior Tupou (Dolphins)-June
Losses: Zach Dockar-Clay (Sea Eagles), Ethan Roberts (Tigers), Brandon Smith (Rabbitohs)-May, Sandon Smith (Knights), Chad Townsend (Retired), Xavier VVa’a(York), Dom Young (Knights)-June
The Rooters would start the season with a massive loss to the Broncos. The Roosters would pick up their first win of the season with a win over the Panthers. The club would then lose three straight games, dropping to 15th. The Roosters would snap their losing streak with a win over the Broncos. The club would lose to the Panthers, then win back-to-back games before their first bye. Of the bye, the Roosters went loss-win-loss before back-to-back wins. The Roosters would again go loss-win before back-to-back losses. The club would then finish with five wins in its last six games, finishing in eighth. The Roosters would bow out of the finals with a loss to the Sharks in week one.
The big signings are Daly Cherry-Evans and Reece Robson. Daly has been signed to play five-eighth for the first time in his career. The Roosters will be hoping Daly has a Cooper Cronk-like effect, though Cooper stayed in the same position. The Roosters have struggled at dummy-half since the retirement of Jake Friend, and Reece Robson is a great pickup.
Top 19: 1. 1. James Tedesco (C) 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Robert Toia 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Daly Cherry-Evans 7. Sam Walker 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Reece Robson 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Siua Wong 13. Victor Radley 14. 14. Connor Watson 15. Blake Steep 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Egan Butcher 18. Benaiah Ioelu 19. Junior Pauga
Warriors
Gains: Morgan Gannon (Leeds), Alofiana Khan-Pereira (Titans), Jye Linnane (Knights)-July, Haizyn Mellars (Rabbitohs)
Losses: Bunty Afoa (Tigers), Tom Ale, Kalani Going (Panthers), Moala Graham-Taufa, Morgan Harper (Released), Ed Kosi (Rabbitohs), Freddy Lussick (Panthers), Setu Tu (Dragons), Dylan Walker (Eels)-March
The Warriors started the season with a loss to the Raiders in Las Vegas. Th Warriors would bounce back, winning 10 of their next 12 games. Th Warriors would then suffer back-to-back losses. Th side would bounce back with back-to-back wins before losing five of their last seven to finish in sixth. Th Warriors lost to the Panthers in the first week of the finals.
The Warriors have signed young Englishman Morgan Gannon and picked up prolific try scorer Alofi Khan-Pereira. The Warriors will make the finals
Top 19: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Ali Leiataua 4. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Luke Metcalf 8. James Fisher-Harris (c) 9. Wade Egan
10. Mitch Barnett (c) 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Marata Niukore 13. Erin Clark 14. Te Maire Martin 15. Jackson Ford 16. Leka Halasima 17. Morgan Gannon 18. Demitric Vaimauga 19. Taine TuaupikiWests Tigers
Gains: Bunty Afoa (Warriors), Javon Andrews (Titans), Jack Attard, Mavrik Geyer (Panthers), Patrick Herbert (Dapto), Jock Madden (Broncos), Taylan May (Free Agent)-May, Kai Pearce-Paul (Knights), Ethan Roberts (Rabbitohs)
Losses: Tallyn Da Silva (Eels)-June, Solomona Faataape (Catalans), Josh Feledy (Sea Eagles), Lachlan Galvin (Bulldogs)-May, David Klemmer (Dragons)-March, Alex Lobb (Wynnum Manly), Krystian Mapapalangi (Castleford), Justin Matamua (Bulldogs), Brent Naden (Thirroul), Reuben Porter (Corminal), Charlie Staines (Catalans), Brandon Tumeth (Released)
The Tigers would start the season with a loss to the Knights before back-to-back wins. The Tigers would love five of their next eight before their first bye. The Tigers would lose their first four out of their bye before a win over the Roosters. The club would end up in a loss-win pattern over their next four games before their third bye. The Tigers would defeat the Sea Eagles before losing their final three straight to finish in 13th.
The Tigers have added Bunty Afoa and Kai Pearce-Paul to add some punch to their forward pack. The Tigers will be on the edge of the eight
Top 19: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3 Taylan May 4 Starford TTo’a5. Jeral Skelton 6. Jarome Luai
7. Adam Doueihi 8. Fonua Pole 9. Api Koroisau (c) 10. Terrell May 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Kai Pearce-Paul
13. Alex Twal 14. Latu Fainu 15. Alex Seyfarth 16. Bunty Afoa 17. Royce Hunt 18. Heamasi Makasini 19. Sione FainuAnd Another Thing: At the end of February, Rugby League Historian and former NRL Museum curator Terry Williams passed away. If you follow this blog on social media, you would know that I posted the NSWRL and Newtown Jets releases. If you got your news from the NRL, the NRL’s media partners, you would have no idea. It shows where this game is when it fails to acknowledge the passing of the game’s historian, and no media organisations report on it.
If you want to contact me, you can email me. Remember to like the Facebook page to find out when new blog posts are available. Also, if you want to find out the latest news, views, and opinions from the world of the 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 Betfred Super League, Knock-On Effect NSW Cup, Hostplus Cup, Betfred Championship, Ron Massey Cup, Denton Engineering Cup, Mojo Homes Illawarra Cup, Peter McDonald Premiership, Fox Memorial, Super XIII Sydney Shield, Brisbane Rugby League, Jersey Flegg Cup, UNE SG Ball, UNE Harold Matthes Cup, Tarsha Gale Cup, Lisa Fialoa Cup, Mal Meninga Cup, Cyril Connell Cup, Harvey Norman 19 (QLD)s, Harvey Norman 17s (QLD), Harvey Norman WWomen’sPremiership, BMD Premiership, National Rugby League W and Women’Super League. Now on Blue Sky Social
Till next time,
Cheese
NRL Ladder
- Sydney Roosters
- Penrith Panthers
- Brisbane Broncos
- Melbourne Storm
- Warriors
- Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
- Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
- Canberra Raiders
- Parramatta Eels
- South Sydney Rabbitohs
- Dolphins
- Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
- Gold Coast Titans
- North Queensland Cowboys
- Wests Tigers
- Newcastle Knights
- St George Illawarra Dragons
Brisbane Broncos, Canberra Raiders, Canterbury Bulldogs, Cronulla Sharks, Dolphins, Gold Coast Titans, Manly Sea Eagles, Melbourne Storm, Newcastle Knights, North Queensland Cowboys, nrl season preview, Parramatta Eels, Penrith Panthers, South Sydney Rabbitohs, St George Illawarra Dragons, Sydney Roosters, warriors, Wests Tigers -
2025 NRL Season Preview
The 118th NSWRL/ARL/Super League/NRL season began on the weekend in Las Vegas. Last night, the game started in Australia. The Penrith Panthers will look again to defy history to become the greatest side since the Draogns of the 50s/60s. In this 15th 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, one to watch and my 2025 ladder which you will find after And Another Thing. All this and more are in the latest Blog of Cheese.
Premiers: I made the same mistake last year of picking the Grand Finalists to go one better. Though I know how Craig Bellamy operates, that Grand Final loss will sting, and Craig will leave no stone unturned as the Storm look to go one better in 2025.
Wooden Spooners have added two players past their prime and a halfback with massive question marks around him. It will be a long year for the Dragons.
Biggest Movers: After a disappointing 2024, the Warriors will bounce back and return to the finals
Biggest Sliders: Based on an exodus of several experienced players with over 500 games of experience and losing a halfback and hooker to long-term injuries, the Roosters will go from the top 4 to outside the eight.
Top Try Scorer: One of the few predictions I got right last year. Alofiana Khan-Pereira topped the list last year, second-placed Kyle Feldt gone to the Super League, and third and fourth at a struggling Roosters; I’m tipping Alofiana to go back-to-back.
Dally M: His halfback won it last year, and this year, Harry Grant will make it two straight Dally M wins for the Melbourne Storm.
One to Watch: I almost added him last year along with Solomona Faataape, though I’m a big fan of hooker Tristan Hope. He will get his chance when Api Koroisau plays Origin/injured/suspended. I expect Solomona Faataap to have a better year with a full NRL pre-season under his belt.
Brisbane Broncos
Gains: Jack Gosiewski (Cowboys) April, Ben Hunt (Dragons), Hayze Perham (Bulldogs), Latrell Siegwalt (Dolphins)
Losses: Harry Armstrong (Panthers), Corey Oates (Retired), Jordan Pereira (Retired) June, Tristan Sailor (St Helens)
The Broncos lost their first game in 2024 to the Roosters in Vegas. A win in their home opener would set up a win-loss pattern, but three straight wins to finish April would position the club in the 8. A second loss to the Roosters would end the club’s winning streak. The club would win and follow up that loss with back-to-back wins without Adam Reynolds. The club would lose their next six straight games and fall out of the eight, ending their chance to avenge their Grand Final loss. The return of Adam Reynolds would halt their losing streak with a win over the Knights. The club would follow up with back-to-back losses followed by back-to-back wins before two losses to end the season in 12th. An off-season review saw the axing of Kevin Walters, with Michael Maguire named the club’s new head coach.
The Broncos’ top 17 is mainly unchanged from 2024, though it is boosted by the return of prodigal son Ben Hunt after a few unhappy years with the Dragons. Ben will be hoping to help guide the Broncos to a premiership 10 years after he was moments from winning his first. Ben’s return will be a blessing to the club, as Ezra Mam will be suspended until round 10 for an off-field incident. The halves combination of Adam Reynolds and Ben Hunt will surely be among the oldest in league history, with both players being 34 years old. The club will return to the top 8 in 2025 with Michael Maguire as head coach.
Top 17: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Jesse Arthas 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Deine Mariner 5. Selwyn Cobbo. 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adm Reynolds (c) 8. Payne Hass 9. Ben Hunt 10. Patrick Carrigan 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Kobe Hetherington. 14. Blake Mozer 15. Corey Jensen 16. Xavier Willison 17. Ben Te Kura
Canberra Raiders
Gains: Myles Martin (Knights), Matty Nicholson (Warrington), Ethan Sanders (Eels), Savelio Tamale (Dragons)
Losses: Nic Cotric (Catalans), Emre Guler (Dragons), Peter Hola (Norths Devils), Hohepa Puru (Sharks), Jordan Rapana (Hull FC), James Schiller (Knights), Adrian Trevelyan (Northern Pride), Elliott Whitehead (Catalans), Zac Woolford (Huddersfield)
The Raiders would start the season with back-to-back wins before back-to-back losses to leave the club in the bottom half of the eight and the end of the first four weeks. The club would then follow the same pattern with back-to-back wins again, followed by back-to-back losses. The club would fix this pattern with only 1 loss following back-to-back wins before another win, and then the club would hit the skids with four straight losses, leaving the club in 13th and their season looking done. The club would once again win back-to-back games before a three-game losing streak. The club would win three straight to end the season, though results would go against them, meaning they would miss the top 8 and finish in 9th.
The club lost almost 600 NRL games due to the loss of experienced first-graders Nic Cotric, Jordan Rapana, and Elliott Whitehead. Ricky Stuart has decided to sign the kids, and three of the signings are former NSW 19s players. Once again, the Raiders turn to the UK, with Matty Nicholson being the latest Englishman to join them. This will be a rebuilding year for the Raiders, with finals at least another year away.
Top 17: 1. Kaeo Weeks, 2. Albert Hopoate 3. Matt Timoko 4. Seb Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Joe Tapine (c) 9. Tom Starling 10. Josh Papalii 11. Hudson Young 12. Zac Hosking 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Owen Pattie 15. Corey Horsburgh 16. Ata Mariota 17. Matty Nicholson.
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Gains: Tom Amone (Leigh), Zyon Maiu’u, Marcelo Montoya (WarrIors), Enari Tuala (Knights), Sitili Tupouniua (Roosters)
Losses: Josh Addo-Carr (Eels), Harrison Edwards (Cowboys) April, Poasa Faamausili (Narellan), Liam Knight (Hull FC), Karl Oloapu (Released), Joash Papalii (Eels), Chris Patolo (Sea Eagles), Hayze Perham (Broncos), Jordan Samrani (Eels), Jeral Skelton (Tigers), Zane Tetevano (Wyong) May
The Bulldogs started the season with back-to-back losses before their first win. They then went on a win-loss pattern until May, when they lost back-to-back games. The club entered the top 8 after three straight wins. A loss to the Cowboys dropped the club from 5th to 7th. The club cements its place in the finals with five consecutive wins. The club would lose their final two games of the season to miss out on a top 4 finish, though the club would secure a finals match for the first time since 2016. The club looked set to progress to week two of the finals until a late try from the Sea Eagles.
The club loses a lot of depth, though it has added Marcelo Montoya and Sitili Tupouniua, who should be among its top 17. The club should return to the top 8 in 2017.
Top 17: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz. 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton (c) 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Matt Burton 7. Toby Sexton 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Sam Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Kurt Mann 14. Bailey Hayward. 15. Sitili Tupouniua. 16. Josh Curran 17. Harry Hayes
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks:
Gains: Addin Fonua-Blake (Warriors), Hohepa Puru (Raiders)
Losses: Dale Finucane (Retired) April, Sam Healey (Warriors), Royce Hunt (Tigers), Max McCarthy (Rabbitohs), Siteni Taukamo (Knights), Jack Williams (Eels)
The Sharks started the season by winning nine out of their first ten games, putting them at the top of the ladder. However, they lost five of their next six games to fall to fourth. The club went win-loss before rebounding with a four-game win streak. The club would finish the season with a loss and a win to finish in 4th place. The club would lose their qualifying final before bouncing back to win their semi-final before losing in the preliminary final.
The club picked up Addin Fonua-Blake, one of the premier props in the game, after Addin requested a release from the Warriors. The club will again make the top 4, hoping to be around on the first Sunday in October.
Top 17: 1. Will Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa. 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitolo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes (c) 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Toby Rudolf 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInness 14. Siosifa Talakan 15. Braden Hamlin-Uele 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Thomas Hazelton
Dolphins
Gains: Tevita Pangai Junior (Free Agent) June, Max Feagai (Dragons), Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (Cowboys), Daniel Saifiti (Knights), Junior Tupou (Tigers)
Losses: Euan Aitken (Rabbitohs), Jesse Bromwich (Retired), Lachlan Hubner (Rabbitohs), Robert Jennings (Released), Edrick Lee (Retired), Anthony Milford (Souths Logan), Tesi Niu (Leigh), Tevita Pangai Junior (Catalans), Latrell Siegwalt (Broncos), Jeremiah Simbiken (Castleford). Valynce Te Ware (Rugby Union), Jarrod Wallace (Catalans) July
The Dolphins lost their first game of the season before winning their next three straight games. The club would then go loss-win over the next three weeks before another three-game win streak followed by back-to-back losses. The club would pick up another win to move into the top four before back-to-back losses to slide to seventh. The club would win a game to snap the losing streak before going on a three-game losing streak. A close win over the Warriors before back-to-back losses. A dominant win over the Broncos kept the season’s finals chances alive before losing to the Knights ended the club’s final chances.
The Dolphins lost the experienced Jesse Bromwich to retirement, leaving a hole in experience that Daniel Saifiti partially fills. The Dolphins picked up Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, a back-rower whose path to starting at the Cowboys was blocked. A couple of big questions for the Dolphins are whether Kristian Woolf will succeed where many others have failed in taking over from Wayne Bennett and what the future of Tom Flegler is. The Dolphins must wait another year to make their maiden finals appearance.
Top 17 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. . Daniel Saifiti 9. Jeremy Marshall-King. 10. Thomas Flegler 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 13. Tom Gilbert (c) 14. Max Plath 15. Connelly Lemuelu 16. Ray Stone. 17. Mark Nicholls
Gold Coast Titans
Gains: Reagan Campbell-Gillard (Eels), Carter Gordon (Rugby Union) July
Losses: Tanah Boyd, Erin Clark (Warriors), Isaac Liu (Leigh), Seth Nikotemo (Wakefield), Keenan Palasia (Leeds), Aaron Schoupp (Sea Eagles) May, Joe Stimson (Brisbane Tigers)
The Titans would lose their first 6 games of the season to leave them in last place. The club would enter a win-loss pattern until Round 12 before back-to-back losses. The club would perform their best season with a 60-point win over the Warriors. The victory over the Warriors was the start of the club winning five games of the next six. The club would then lose their last five games to finish the season in 14th.
The club picked up veteran front-rowers Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Carter Gordon from Rugby Union; both should slot into the 17. With Keiran Foran out until at least May, the club will start the season with “three fullbacks” While it looked impressive in the trial, I don’t think they will have much success in the grind of NRL football. While they have one of the best packs in the game, the hooking spot is a weakness. The Titnas will miss the finals
Top 17: 1. Keano Kini 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. AJ Brimson. 5. Jojo Fifita 6. Jayden Campbell. 7. Kieran Foran. 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Sam Verills 10. Moeaki Fotuaika 11. Beau Fermor 12. David Fifita 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (c) 14. Carter Gordon 15. Jaimin Jolliffe 16. Klese Haas 17. Josiah Pahulu
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Gains: Michael Chee Kam (Rabbitohs), Chris Patolo (Bulldogs), Aaron Schoupp (Titans) May, Jake Simpkin (Tigers) June, Sio Siua Taukeiaho (Catalans), Jazz Tevaga (Warriors), Joey Walsh (Rugby Union)
Losses: Ben Condon (CQ Capras), Zac Fulton (Bradford) March, Bailey Hodgson (Leigh) July, Jamie Humphreys (Rabbitohs), Karl Lawton (Cowboys), Brad Parker (Retired), Jaxson Paulo (Sea Eagles), Josh Schuster (Released) April, Aaron Woods (Retired)
The Sea Eagles started the season with a win in Las Vegas before winning their home opener. The club then lost back-to-back games. Over the next month, the Sea Eagles would be undefeated with three wins and a draw. A loss to the Raiders after the club had the game sown up at halftime would trigger a three-game losing streak. The club would enter a win-loss pattern for the next four weeks. This would be followed by five wins over the next six weeks. A surprise loss to the Tigers would see the club finish the season in a loss-win pattern and finish in 7th. The club would win its first final against the Bulldogs before being dominated by the Roosters in week 2 of the finals.
The top 17 from 2024 is unchanged, with only depth added to the squad. The Sea Eagles have enough talent to be a top-four side, though it remains to be seen if they can pull it off.
Top 17: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab. 3. Reuben Garrick 4. Tolu Koula 5. Lehi Hopoate 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans (c) 8. Taniela Paseka 9 Lachlan Croker10. Josh Aloiai 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Gordon Chan Kum Tong 15. Nathan Brown 16. Toafofoa Sipley 17. Ethan Bullemor
Melbourne Storm:
Gains: Moses Leo (Rugby Union), Stefano Utoikamanu (Tigers)
Losses: Chris Lewis (Retired), Tepai Moeroa (Released), Aaron Pene (Leigh) June, Remis Smith (Catalans) July, Young Tonumaipea, Christian Welch (Retired)
The Storm won eight out of their first nine games to start the season. The club then entered a loss-win-loss sequence, which was broken by the club’s bye. After the bye, the Storm would win ten out of their next twelve games to secure the minor premiership. The club would defeat the Sharks in week one of the finals to set up the week off. The Storm would defeat the Roosters in the preliminary final to qualify for the club’s first grand final since 2020. The Storm would struggle against the Panthers in the Grand Final.
The Storm will go deep into September, and it might be their arch-rivals, the Panthers, who stop the Storm from lifting the trophy.
Top 17: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Will Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes. 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant (c) 10. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eli Katoa 13. Josh King 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Lazarus Vaalepu 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Alec MacDonald
Newcastle Knights
Gains: Taj Annan (Rugby Union), Matt Arthur (Eels), Francis Manuleleua (Panthers), James Schiller (Raiders), Tyrone Thompson (Rugby Union)
Losses: David Armstrong (Leigh), Jed Cartwright (Hull FC) June, Thomas Jenkins (St Marys), Myles Martin (Raiders), Krystian Mapapalangi (Released), Daniel Saifiti (Dolphins), Siteni Taukamo (Sharks), Enari Tuala (Bulldogs)
The Knights lost their first two games of the season, including being run down by the Cowboys and losing in Golden Point. The Knights won their next match the following week. The club went win-loss before losing back-to-back games in rounds 6 and 7. The club would win its next four games heading into the bye; after that, it would lose its next three games. Following the club’s second bye, the Knights would lose two games in a row before losing the next two. The club would go loss-win-loss before winning their final three games and finishing in 8th. The club would lose their elimination final to the Cowboys.
The club would lose Daniel Saifiti to salary cap pressure, a massive loss that it has tried to offset with the signing of Tyrone Thompson. Until the club can work out its halves conundrum, the side will miss the 8.
Top 17: 1. Kayln Ponga (c) 2. Greg Marzhew 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradmen Bet. 5. Jame Schiller 6. Will Pryce 7. Phoenix Crossland 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson 11. Kai Pearce-Paul 12. Tyson Frizell. 13. Adam Elliott. 14. Dylan Lucas 15. Matt Croker 16.Jack Hetherington 17. Fletcher Sharpe
North Queensland Cowboys
Gains: John Bateman (Tigers), Harrison Edwards (Bulldogs) April, Karl Lawton (Sea Eagles), Kai O’Donnell (Leigh), Jaxson Paulo (Sea Eagles)
Losses: Jake Granville (Retired), Kyle Feldt (St Helens), Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (Dolphins), Jack Gosiewski (Broncos) April, Valentine Holmes (Dragons), Jamayne Taunoa Browne (Retired), Chad Townsend (Roosters)
The Cowboys started the season by winning four of their first five games, including a golden point comeback win over the Knights. However, the club lost its next five games and fell to 12th. The club would win five of its next seven games to jump to sixth. The Cowboys would finish the season by winning five of their last six games in fifth place. The club would win their elimination final before losing in the semi-final, ending their season.
The Cowboys have lost 900 games of talent, with Jake Granville, Kyle Fledt, Valentine Holmes, and Chad Townsend leaving the club. The club picked up John Bateman, a handy pickup, given the loss of Heilum Luki due to an ACL injury. The club has enough talent to return to the top eight.
Top 17: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Semi Valemi 3. Zac Laybutt 4. Jaxon Purdue 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden (c) 7. Tom Duffy 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. John Bateman 12 Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Sam McIntyre 15. Griffin Nemae 16. Coen Hess 17. Thomas Mikaele
Parramatta Eels
Gains: Josh Addo-Carr (Bulldogs), Dean Hawkins (Rabbitohs), Isaiah Iongi (Panthers), Zac Lomax (Dragons), Joash Papalii, Jordan Samrani (Bulldogs), Jack Williams (Sharks)
Losses: Daejarn Asi, Matt Arthur (Knights), Zac Cini (Castleford), Reagan Campbell-Gillard (Titans), Clint Gutherson (Dragons), Morgan Harper (Warriors), Isaac Lumelume, Ofahiki Ogden, Makahesi Makatoa, (Roosters), Lorenzo Mulitalo (Burleigh) Ethan Sanders (Raiders), Maika Sivo (Leeds), Blaize Talagi (Panthers)
The Eels started the season win-loss before losing to the Tigers and the Raiders. They broke the streak with a win against the Cowboys. The Eels then lost five straight, including the end of Brad Arthur’s coaching time. The Eels would win against the Sharks at home before a six-game losing streak. The Eels would defeat the Warriors away from home before another 3 game-losing streak. The Eels would survive a late fightback from the Dragons and then beat the Tigers in the “spoon bowl” with their highest season score.
Jason Ryles cleared out many players as he began his era in charge of the club. The club has bought in regular first graders Josh Addo-Carr, Zac Lomax, and Jack Williams to strengthen the team. Isaiah Iongi and Joash Papalii have joined the club to become the club’s new fullbacks. While the Eels will improve under Jason Ryles, they are a year or two from making the finals.
Top 17: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Bailey Simonsson 3. Zac Lomax 4. Will Penisini 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses (c) 8. Junior Paulo 9.
Brendan Hands 11. Shaun Lane 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Ryan Matterson 15. Luca Moretti 16. Jack Williams 17. Kelma TuilagiPenrith Panthers
Gains: Harry Armstrong (Broncos), Isaiah Papali’i (Tigers), Blaize Talagi (Eels)
Losses: Jett Cleary (Warriors), James Fisher-Harris (Warriors), Isaiah Iongi (Eels), Jarome Luai (Tigers), Taylan May (Released) July, Francis Manuleleua (Knights), Tyrone Peachey (Burleigh) Sunia Turuva (Tigers)
The Panthers started the season with a close-fought loss to the Storm. They then won their next three games before a loss to the Sea Eagles. Following their first bye, the Panthers would win four straight games before a surprise loss to the Warriors at Magic Round. The club would go win-loss over the next two weeks before bouncing back with two consecutive wins. The Panthers would win their next five straight games after a loss to the Cowboys at home. The Panthers would lose two straight and then win two consecutive games to end the season in 2nd place. The Panthers would dominate the Roosters and the Sharks to make their fifth straight grand final. The Panthers would dominate the Storm and win their fourth straght Grand Final.
The Panthers have bought Isaiah Papali’i to play in the second-row and Blaize Talagi to take over at five-eighth. The club lost Jarome Luai, who headed to the Tigers and James Fisher-Harris, who wanted to return to New Zealand. Surprisingly, a healthy Nathan Cleary could be the biggest hurdle to the Panthers winning a 5th straight premiership. Since the Penrith Panthers run that started in 2020, Nathan Cleary has missed a chunk of games due to an off-field incident (in a reduced 2020 season), injury (2021, 2023, and 20224), and suspension (2024). Over these five years, Nathan has yet to play 20 regular season games. The Panthers may have lost Jarome Luai and James Fisher-Harris, though as long as the club has Nathan Cleary, Liam Martin and Isaah Yeo, they will be very close to winning their 5th straight premiership.
Top 17: 1. Dyaln Edwards 2. Casey McLean, 3. Izac Tago 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Brian To’o 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Nathan Cleary (c) 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Daine Laurie 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Liam Henry 17. Luke Garner
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Gains: Euan Aitken (Dolphins), Gerome Burns (Norths Devils), Lewis Dodd (St Helens), Jamie Humphreys (Sea Eagles), Lachlan Hubner (Dolphins), Max McCarthy (Sharks), Josh Schuster (Free Agent), Jayden Sullivan (Tigers)
Losses: Tom Burgess (Huddersfield), Michael Chee Kam (Sea Eagles), Damien Cook (Dragons), Jacob Gagai (Huddersfield, Dean Hawkins (Eels), Lachlan Ilias (Dragons), Taane Milne (Huddersfield)
The Rabbitohs started the season by losing nine out of their first ten games. During this stint, Jason Demetriou lost his job. The Rabbitohs rebounded by winning six out of their next seven games from late May. The win over the Tigers in late July was the last win of the season as the Rabbitohs would lose seven straight to end the season in 16th
Wayne Bennett returns to the Rabbitohs after three seasons, hoping to turn around the Rabbitohs form over the last two seasons and go one better than in his final season at the Rabbitohs in 2021 when they made the Grand Final. The Rabbitohs have bought in Englishman Lewis Dodd to take over at halfback, a position the club has struggled at since Adam Reynolds left. The club also bought Euan Aitken, who followed Wayne to Redfern. With Cameron Murray out for an extended period and Latrell Mitchell out for at least a month, the Rabbitohs will struggle in 2025 and might consult someone to remove the bad luck at the club’s training base.
Top 17: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Jack Wighton. 4. Campbell Graham 5. Tyrone Munro 6. Cody Walker 7. Lewis Dodd 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Peter Mamouzelos 10. Davvy Moale 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Euan Aitken 13. Jai Arrow 14. Tallis Duncan 15. Sean Keppie 16. Davy Moale 17. Shaq Mitchell
St George Illawarra Dragons
Gains: Fa’amanu Brown (Hull FC) April, Damien Cook (Rabbitohs), Emre Guler (Raiders), Clint Gutherson (Eels), Valentine Holmes (Cowboys), Lachlan Ilias (Rabbitohs
Losses: Jack Bird (Tigers), Max Feagai (Dolphins), Ben Hunt (Broncos), Zac Lomax (Eels), Jesse Marschke (North Sydney), Dan Russell (Warrington), Savelio Tamale (Raiders), Paul Turner (Featherstone) March
The Dragons started the season with a convincing win over the Titans before losing three of their next four games. The club would bounce back with back-to-back wins before back-to-back losses. The Dragons would go win-loss over the next two weeks before back-to-back wins to jump into the eight. The Dragons went on a loss-win pattern from mid-June to late August and looked destined to make the eight before three straight losses to miss the eight.
The Dragons would lose skipper Ben Hunt after his repeated requests for a release were finally granted. The club has bought in veterans Damien Cook, Clint Gutherson, and Val Holmes to add some strike power out wide. Lachlan Illias, who would be the answer to replace Adam Reynolds, heads to the Dragons hoping to prove the Rabbitohs wrong. A lack of high-quality players will mean they miss the eight.
Top 17: 1. Clint Guttherosn (c) 2. Tyrell Sloan 3. Valentine Holmes. 4. Moses Suli 5. Christian Tuipulotu 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Blake Lawrie 9. Damien Cook 10. Emre Guler 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Tom Eisenhuth 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Toby Couchman 16. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 17. Tom Eisenhuth
Sydney Roosters
Gains: Makahesi Makatoa (Eels), Mark Nawaqanitawase (Rugby Union) July, Chad Townsend (Cowboys)
Losses: Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i (Rugby Union), Luke Keary (Catalans), Joey Manu (Rugby Union), Terrell May (Tigers), Lewis Murphy (St Helens), Sitili Tupouniua (Bulldogs), Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (Hull KR)
The Roosters started the season with a win in Los Vegas before losing to the Sea Eagles. The club would have a big win against the Rabbitohs before back-to-back losses. The Roosters would win a close game to the Knights before a close loss to the Storm. The Roosters would rebound with their biggest win of the season over the Dragons on Anzac Day, which was the start of a three-game win streak. The club would start a steak of loss-win-loss heading into their first bye. The Roosters would win eight out of their next ten games to cement their place in the top 4. The Roosters would finish the season loss-win. The Roosters would lose in the qualifying final before bouncing back with a dominant win in the semi-final. The Roosters would bow out in the preliminary final.
The Roosters have gone through a partial roster cleanout headed by veterans Luke Keary and Jared Waerea-Hargreave, heading to the UK and taking over 550 NRL games. The club also lost two outside backs to Rugby Union, though the club remains hopeful Joey returns mid-year after the end of his Rugby commitments. The club signed Chad Townsend, who will take the halfback jersey with Sam Walker out for most of the year. The Roosters will miss the eight with the mass exodus, and Sam and Brandon Smith will be out for an extended period.
Top 17: 1. James Tedesco (c) 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Mark Nawaqanitawase 5.Dominic Young 6. Sandon Smith 7. Chad Townsend 8. Spencer Leniu 9. Connor Watson 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Nat Butcher 13. Victor Radley 14. Egan Butcher 15. Siua Wong 16. Naufahu Whyte 17. De La Salle Va’a
Warriors
Gains: Tanah Boyd (Titans), Erin Clark (Titans), Jett Cleary (Panthers), James Fisher-Harris (Panthers), Morgan Harper (Eels), Sam Healey (Sharks)
Losses: Addin Fonua-Blake (Sharks), Tohu Harris, Shaun Johnson (Retired), Zyon Maiu’u Marcelo Montoya (Bulldogs), Jazz Tevaga (Sea Eagles)
After starting the season with back-to-back losses, the Warriors went undefeated after the next month, with three wins and a draw, to sit fourth. The club would hit the skids as they lose the next four straight. They would bounce with three wins. They would then lose back-to-back games, including a sixty-point loss to the Titans. The Titans would bounce back with a win over the Broncos before back-to-back losses. The Warriors would defeat the Tigers before going on a five-game losing streak. The Warriors would end the season with a come-from-behind win to send Shaun Johnson into retirement a winner.
James Fisher-Harris returns home to New Zealand and will replace Addin Fonua-Blake, who signed with the Sharks. Tanah Boyd and Erin Clark add depth to the squad. The Warriors have also lost the experienced Shaun Johnson and Tohu Harris, wo retired earlier this year. Have enough talent to make the top eight.
Top 17: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Roco Berry 4. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 5. Ali Leiataua 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Luke Metcalf 8,. James Fisher-Harris (c) 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitch Barnett (c) 11. Jackson Ford 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Erin Clark 14. Dylan Walker 15. Marata Niukore 16. Bunty Afoa 17. Tom Ale
Wests Tigers
Gains: Eiden Ackland (Mt Albert Lions), Jack Bird (Dragons), Tristan Hope (Brisbane Tigers), Royce Hunt (Sharks), Jarome Luai (Panthers), Terrell May (Roosters), Jeral Skelton (Bulldogs), Sunia Turuva (Panthers)
Losses: Solomon Aliamalo (Rugby Union), John Bateman (Cowboys), Isaiah Papali’i (Panthers), Aiden Sezer (Hull FC), Jake Simpkin (Sea Eagles) June, Jayden Sullivan (Rabbitohs), Junior Tupou (Dolphins), Stefano Utoikamanu (Storm)
After starting the season with a bye, the Tigers lost their first game in round 2. They then won back-to-back games. The club lost its next nine games to fall to 17th. The club would again win back-to-back games. The club would again go on a losing streak, losing seven straight games. The Tigers would win back-to-back games again, hoping to end their third straight wooden spoon before losing in the “spoon bowl”.
The Tigers have been active in the player market, signing Jarome Luai and Sunia Turuva from the Pnthers, Terrell May from the Roosters, Jack Bird from the Dragons, and Jeral Skelton from the Bulldogs. Before they succeed, the club will need Benji Marshall to become a full-time coach. They are still a year or two from making the eight.
Top 17: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Justin Olam 4. Adam Doueihi 5. Jeral Skelton 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Jarome Luai 8. Terrell May 9. Api Koroisau (c) 10. David Klemmer11. Samuela Fainu 12. Jakc Bird. 13.AlexTwal 14. Latu Fainu 15. Royce Hunt 16. Fonua Pole 17. Samuela Fainu
Another thing: If you head to the NRL casualty ward, the NRL has listed 23 players as TBC for their return to injury. In 2025, how is that possible? Not listing a full and proper injury report calls into question the integrity of the game and allows for possible scandals related to betting on inside information.
If you want to contact me, you can email me. Remember to like the Facebook page to find out when new blog posts are available. Also, if you want to find out the latest news, views, and opinions from the world of the 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, Knock-On Effect NSW Cup, Hostplus Cup, Kingstone Press Championship, Kingstone Press League 1, Ron Massey Cup, Denton Engineering Cup, Mojo Homes Illawarra Cup, Sydney Shield, Brisbane Rugby League, Jersey Flegg Cup, UNE Sg Ball, UNE Harold Matthes Cup, Tarsha Gale Cup, Lisa Fialoa Cup, Mal Meninga Cup, Cyril Connell Cup, Harvey Norman 19 (QLD)s, Harvey Norman 17s (QLD), Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership, BMD Premiership, National Rugby League W and Women’ Super League. Now on Blue Sky Social
Till next time,
Cheese
NRL Ladder
- Melbourne Storm
- Penrith Panthers
- Cronulla Sharks
- Manly Sea Eagles
- Brisbane Broncos
- Canterbury Bulldogs
- North Queensland Cowboys
- Warriors
- Canberra Raiders
- Gold Coast Titans
- Newcastle Knights
- South Sydney Rabbitohs
- Parramatta Eels
- Dolphins
- Sydney Roosters
- Wests Tigers
- St George Illawarra Dragons
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Hall of Fame Part 3 – A Hall of Fame is meant to be easy. How does the NRL keep making a mess of things?
Last month, the NRL announced that the Hall of Fame would be relaunched, the 14th immortal would be induced, and several other changes. I thought I would look at what’s changing and share thoughts about the Hall. All this and more in the latest Blog of Cheese.
I first wrote about the old ARL Hall of Fame in 2011, when I wrote a blog post a week during the season. In that post, I looked at the American Football, Baseball, Ice Hockey, Basketball, Australian Rules, Cricket, and UK Rugby League Halls of Fame to see how they chose players, who selected the players, how they were selected, a selection for “veteran” players, Legend players, as well as non-players in the Hall and made my suggestions on what the ARL should do. Five years later, I would write another post about the Hall as there had been reports that a 9th player would be inducted as an immortal (those reports would amount to nothing). In the second post, I wrote about the history of the old ARL Hall of Fame, the 64 players placed in limbo, another crack on the questions from the first Hall post, and suggestions for possible inductees in each category. 2017, during a Q&A session with then NRL CEO Todd Greenberg on Twitter, I asked Todd about the Hall of Fame. Todd confirmed that the Hall of Fame would be back. In 2018, in a State of the Game post, I wrote about the relaunched NRL Hall of Fame, the in-limbo players; I wrote about possible additional candidates to join the Hall in addition to those I wrote about in 2016; I also suggested the NRL add female players. As far as I can tell, this is the only website with a player profile section for Hall of Fame Members for the NRL, NZRL, RFL, and WRL. I have also written about the inactivity of the Hall from 2020-23. I provide this background to help you understand that I am passionate about the Hall.
In 2023, the NRL added George Piggins and Ian Heads to the Hall, the first people added since 2019. The NRL inducted George and Ian in a special ceremony at the SCG as both were ill and may not live to see a future induction ceremony (Ian would pass away in March of this year). Last month, the NRL announced that the Hall would be relaunched with 11 male players, 6 female players, 2 coaches, 2 referees, 4 contributors, and the 14th immortal. The NRL also announced that the Hall Committee would induct 2 male players per year, 1 female per year, 2 coaches per four-year cycle, 2 referees per four-year cycle, 3 contributors (media/administration) per four-year cycle, and one immortal per four-year cycle. The group agreed that players must be retired at least three years instead of the previous five.
While I agree with most of these changes, I can’t agree with the five to three-year change. The Australia Cricket Hall, Baseball Hall, FIBA Hall, Pro Football Hall of Fame, and the RFL Hall require players to retire for five years. The Basketball Hall of Fame had a five-year retirement requirement before dropping to four years in 2015 and three years in 2017. The Hockey Hall has always been three years. The Australian Football requirement was three years until 2015 when the Commission changed it to five years to increase the prestige around the selection. A lot of the media in Australia seem to have a recency bias. If the NRL had not changed the retirement requirement from five to three years, Johnathan Thurston and Billy Slater would have been inducted this year. Cooper Cronk and Sam Burgess would have to wait until next year, Cameron Smith in 2026, and Greg Inglis and Benj Marshall would have to wait until 2027.
In case you didn’t read my old posts. The ARL Hall of Fame was formed in 2002 and inducted as part of its charter class the then six immortals (C Churchill, R Gasnier, B Fulton, J Raper, G Langlands, and W Lewis) Over the next five years, added thirty more players (D Messenger, D Brown, W Prigg, K Holman, A Beetson, M Meninga, F Burge, H Horder, V Hey, H Bath, N Provan, K Irvine, C McKivat, J Craig, D Thompson, B Carlson, B Bevan, R Coote, G Treweek, S Pearce, C Fraser, K Kearney, D Hall, P Sterling, T Gorman, A Holloway, J Pearce, K Barnes, M Cronin, and H Wells). Brian Bevan’s choice is interesting; since most of his career was played in England, his Australian career would not make him Hall-worthy.
In late 2007, the ARL & NRL commissioned 130 experts to help decide the 100 best players from 1908-2008. Thirty-six of those selected were already in the Hall of Fame, whilst the other sixty-four were not. The other sixty-four players were: (V Armbruster. J Beaton, C Blinkhorn, K Boustead, R Bull, J Busch, B Cann, B Clay, A Clues, B Clyde, T Courtney, J Craig, L Cubitt, L Daley, B Davies, D Dempsey, G Eadie, A Ettingshausen, V Farnsworth, B Fittler, D Frawley, P Gallagher, H Gilbert, E Grothe Sr, H Hallett, B Hambly, A Johns, L Johns, N Kelly, B Kenny, J King, T Lamb, A Langer, G Lazarus, D Lockyer [was active in 2008], E Lumsden, B McCarthy, F McMillan, M Madsen, Gene Miles, S Mortimer, B Muir, H Narvo, E Norman A Norval, J O’Neill, K O’Shea, W Pearce, R Price, T Raudonikis, S Roach, S Rogers, A Rosenfeld, J Sattler, B Smith, R Stehr, H Steinohrt, A Summons, V Thicknesse, K Thornett, I Walsh, S Walters, B Wearing, S Webcke, and E Weissel).
The ARL Hall sat dormant, with no new inductees and the 64 players in limbo. In 2012, the ARL Commission took control of the game. 2018, the NRL Hall was launched, and all of the Australian Rugby League’s 100 greatest players were inducted. Six more players were inducted (P Civoniceva, M Graham, C Lyons, S Menzies, R Stuart, and G Tallis). Mark Graham is an interesting one as it seems to be a complete 180 on the reasoning in inducting Bevan and Rosenfeld. In 2019, four players were inducted (D Buderus, S Jones, R Wiki, and C Young). The first administrator ( J. Giltinan) and the first two media members (P. Frilingos and R Warren) were also inducted. All three are in the contributor category.
The Immortals was started over a long lunch in 1981 between Rugby League Week Editor Ian Heads, NSW editor of Rugby League Week Peter Peters, John Fordham, and Brian McGuigan. John told Brian to get involved with the Rugby League to promote his wine. Over lunch, the group came up with the Immortals. A four-box set of Elliott’s 1977 vintage port was released with a biography of each player. The judges (Harry Bath, Frank Hyde, and Tom Goodman) decided to limit the players to ones they had all seen in action, ruling out all those who played in the “pre-war” era. The judges would spend a night in a hotel room and end up with four players (C Churchill, B Fulton, R Gasnier, and J Raper). Under today’s rules, Bob Fulton would not be inducted as he had only retired in 1979. 18 years later, Rugby League Week decided to add one more Immortal. They were unable to split them, so they added two (G Langlands, who just missed out in 81 and W Lewis). In 2003, the 7th Immortal was added (A Beetson). Nine years later, the NRL said the 8th Immortal (A Johns). In 2017, Rugby League Week was in the process of adding a 9th Immortal before the magazine was shut down. In 2018, the NRL took control of the Immortal concept. Under the NRL’s control, the Immortals must be an inductee in the Hall of Fame. In 2018, the NRL elevated “pre-war” players (F Burge, D Messenger, and D Brown ) to Immortal status for the first games in history. N Provan and M Meninga were also added. It has been reported that Cameron Smith is eligible to be an Immortal. For some reason, the NRL wants to rush Cameron Smith to Immortality. When Darren Lockyer retired in 2011, many media claimed he was the next Immortal. When Johnathan Thurston retired in 2018, he was the next immortal. Now it’s Cameron Smith. If Penrith win the Grand Final to four-peat, I’m sure the media will move on to Nathan Cleary. If John Fordham and Brian McGuigan met with the NSWRFL instead of Ian Heads and Peter Peters, or if Ian and Peter were involved in the NSWRFL, what would the Immortal concept look like? The NSWRFL would have told them to launch it in 1983 to celebrate 75 years of the Rugby League in Australia and added “pre-war” players from the beginning.
In 2011, the NRL moved into its current headquarters. The NRL Museum, which opened in 2012, was included in the building. The museum was run by Frank Puletua and NRL historian Terry Williams. The museum featured memorabilia from the game’s history, tributes to the team of the country and the Hall of Fame. In 2021, as part of cuts due to a “bloated head office which was “squandering millions of dollars”, Frank and Terry were let go, and the museum was closed. A Rugby League Museum page with this message exists on the NRL website: The NRL Museum will be closed until further notice. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. – NRL Museum Manager (whomever they may be).” Most other sporting codes in Australia don’t have halls/Museums. The AFL had a Hall of Fame, run by Hamish McLachlan, but it was forced to close after two months due to running out of capital and being in severe debt. The AFL Hall and the Australia Cricket Hall are now inside the Australian Sports Museum at the MCG. The St George Dragons have a Hall of Fame inside the league club. As part of the master plan to upgrade Leichhardt Oval, a museum of Inner West Rugby League will be built where the current Gate House is opposite the main entrance. GateHouse was formerly home to Wayne Pearce when his dad was the caretaker of Leichhardt Oval. I hope the NRL museum returns to either its current location or, preferably, somewhere else. I prefer Brichgrove or Glebe/Ultimo to honour the code’s NSW origins.
I don’t understand why the NRL has the Hall of Fame induction ceremony in the middle of the year. The NRL wants to own the year. The best time to host the induction ceremony is before pre-season. The nominees could be announced at the Dally M Awards and could be presented to the crowd before the Grand Final.
Below are some possible future Hall Of Fame members.
Administrators: Samuel “George” Ball, Sine Boland, Paul Broughton*, E.L. ‘Buck’ Buchanan, Bill Buckley*, Jim Comans, Micky J Dore, Alf Faulkner, John Fihelly, Hary “Jersey” Flegg*, Henry Hoyle, Frank Jonhson*, Edward “Ted” Larkin*, Ross Livermore*, Ron McAuliffe*, John McDoanld, Harold Matthews, Horrie Miller, John ‘Jack’ A. O’Connor, Sir Laurence Street, Harry Sunderland*, George W Watson, Victor Trumper
Female Players: Molly Cane, Nellie Doherty, Maggie Malone, Ruan Sims
Players: Greg Alexander*, Cecil Aynsley, Ferris Ashton, Gary Belcher, Sam Backo, Ed Collins, Mal Cochrane, Bill Colier, Mick Crocker, Jason Croker, Brian Davies, Peter Diamond*, Greg Dowling, Steve Ella, Brian Davies, Frank Fisher, John Ferguson, Denis Flannery*, Geoff Gerard, Ryan Girdler, John Gleeson, George Green, Paul Harragon*, Eric Harris, Nathan Hindmarsh Brett Kimmorley, Brent Kite, Paul Langmack, John Lang, Bob Linder*, Ron Lynch*, Hazem El Masri, Wally McArthur, Anthony Minichello, Ian Moir*, Des Morris, Mark Murray, Wally O’Connell, Michael O’Connor*, Norman Pope, Norman Potter, Luke Priddis, Steve Price, Scott Prince, Bernie Purcell, Rod Reddy*, Luke Ricketson, Dale Shearer, Eric Simms, Royce Simmons*, Ross Strudwick, Ignatius Tyquin, Greg Veiversk, Elwyn Walters*, Kevin Walters*, Jack “Bluey” Watkins*, Alex Watson, Reuben Wiki*,
Coaches: Chris Anderson, Bob Bax, Don Furner, Phil Gould, Arthur Hennessey, John Lang, Charlie Lynch, Des Morris, Jack Rayner, Norm Robinson, Frank Stanton, Warren Ryan, Tim Sheens, Brian Smith
Media: Claude Corbett*, EE Christiensen, Alan Clarkson, Tom Goodman, Laurie Kearney*, Gary Lester*, George Lovejoy*, Margie McDonald, Jacquelin Magnay, Roy Masters*, Rex Mossop*, John O’Gready*, Geoff Prenter*, Jack Reardon*, Debbie Spillane, Andrew Webster
Referees: Steve Clark, Barry Gomersall, Greg Hartley, Shane Hayne, Darcy Lawler, Tom McMahon, Greg MacCallum, Tim Mander, Mick Stone, Eddie Ward
* Shortlisted for induction in 2019
And Another Thing: I’ve seen a lot of people hoping Andrew Webster will not be lost to Rugby League after he reportedly took a voluntary redundancy from Nine Entertainment today. I assume Andrew will continue his SEN roles, though besides a return to News Limited, where else is there? Yes, I added Andrew’s name to the media section this afternoon.
If you want to contact me, you can email me. Remember to like the Facebook page 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, Knock-On Effect NSW Cup, Hostplus Cup, Kingstone Press Championship, Kingstone Press League 1, Ron Massey Cup, Denton Engineering Cup, Illawarra Cup, Sydney Shield, Brisbane Rugby League, Jersey Flegg Cup, Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership, BMD Premiership, National Rugby League W and Women’ Super League. Now on Blue Sky Social
Till next time,
Cheese
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2024 NRL Season Preview
The 117th NSWRL/ARL/Super League/NRL season began on the weekend in Las Vegas. Tonight, the game starts in Australia. The Penrith Panthers look to continue their dominance and make their fifth straight Grand Final, something not achieved since South Sydney in 1971 and try and win four consecutive premierships, something that has not been completed since the great St George team of the 50s/60s (or the Norths Devils in the BRL in the 60s). In this 14th 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 2024 ladder which you will find after And Another Thing. All this and more are in the latest Blog of Cheese.
Premiers: They were 13 minutes away from premiership glory before Nathan Cleary sealed the Panther’s third straight premiership. This year, the Broncos will go one better in 2024 and win their seventh premiership in 18 years.
Wooden Spooners: A merged identity will win the wooden spoon for the third consecutive year. However, unlike the last two years, it won’t be the Tigers. The Dragons will “win” the club’s first wooden spoon.
Biggest Movers: I expect Des Hasler to make an impact on the Titans and fix their second-half fadeouts. The Titans have the talent to be a top team; they just need someone to put it all together.
Biggest Sliders: The Raiders’ loss of Jack Wighton is significant. Not only is he a former Dally M Medal Winner and Clive Churchill Medal winner, but he is also one of the best in the game. Also, with the loss of Jarrod Croker, 549 games of experience are gone from the club.
Top Try Scorer: Jamayne Isaako piped Dominic Young and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak last year as the top try scorer. Eleven players scored twenty tries the previous year, with the race wide open. I will pick second-year Titan Alofiana Khan-Pereira at the top of the list.
Dally M: Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson wound back the clock in 2023 and fell just short of winning the Dally M. I expect Shaun to go one better in 2024.
State Of Origin: Despite playing game one in enemy territory, the Marrons should win their third straight series. The Blues rely on star players, and the Maroons rely on the next-man-up policy.
One to Watch: Even before Solomona Faataape joined the Wests Tigers, he would be the one to watch. Solomona is a devastating ball runner who is very hard to tackle once he gets a full head of steam.
Brisbane Broncos
Gains: Fletcher Baker (Roosters), Jaiyden Hunt (Dragons), Josiah Karapani (Rabbitohs)
Losses: Logan Bayliss-Brow (Redcliffe), Kurt Capewell (Warriors), Herbie Farnworth (Dolphins), Tom Flegler (Dolphins), Keenan Palasia (Titans)
The Broncos opened the season away to the two-time defending champion Panthers. The Broncos came away with the win, putting their hands up as potential contenders for the premiership. The Broncos would win their first five straight games before an upset loss at home to the Raiders. The Broncos would bounce back with consecutive wins before a loss at home to the Rabbitohs. The Broncos would win at Magic Round before back-to-back losses to the Panthers at home and then the Storm away from home. The club would bounce back with a three-game win streak before losing to the Titans at home. The club would then win 7 straight to push for the minor premiership before surrendering it to the Panthers and another loss at home with a second-string side to the Storm. A dominant win over the Storm in week 1 of the finals led to a week off and a home preliminary final. A convincing win over the Warriors led to the club’s first Grand Final since 2015. Just like in 2015, the club looked to be in a winning position and seemingly put the cue in the rack, only to be run down and finish as runners-up.
The Broncos lose starting players Herbie Farthworth, Kurt Capewell, and Tom Flegler, so the starting lineup may be slightly weaker. Only depth has been added to the squad. They will make the top four. Depending on how the Origin season impacts the club, they could push for the minor premiership again.
The off-field discussion will revolve around extending Reece Walsh, Selwyn Cobbo, and Kotonis Staggs, who will all be out of contract at the end of 2025.
1. Reece Walsh 2.Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Selwyn Cobbo 5.Jesse Arthars 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds (c) 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Hass 11. Jordan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Pat Carrigan, 14. Kobe Hetherington 15. Martin Taupau 16.Fletcher Baker 17. Blake Mozer
Canberra Raiders:
Gains: Simi Sasagi (Knights), Zac Hosking (Panthers), Kaeo Weekes (Sea Eagles), Morgan Smithies (Wigan)
Losses: Elijah Anderson (Redcliffe), JJ Clarkson (Wynnum-Manly), Jarrod Croker (Retired), Matt Frawley (Leeds), Josh James (Redcliffe), Andre Niko (Norths Devils), Brad Schnider (Hull K.R.) July 2023, Harley Smith-Shields (Titans), Clay Webb (Released), Jack Wighton (Rabbitohs)
The Raiders would start the season with back-to-back losses before a win over the Sharks at home. The club would again lose back-to-back games before going on a five-game winning streak. The club would then suffer a dominating loss to the Sea Eagles at home, before back-to-back wins, before a loss at home in Jarrod Croker’s 300th game. The club would bounce back with a three-game winning streak before back-to-back losses. The club would go win-loss through August before finishing with a loss to limp into 8th. The club would fight back to force Extra Time against the Knights, but it wasn’t enough in the end, and the club bowed out in week 1 of the finals.
The club would suffer a massive loss when Jack Wighton decided he needed a new challenge and left the Raiders after 12 seasons in the nation’s capital. The club would also lose skipper and 300 gamer Jarrod Croker, who decided to hang up the boots. The Raiders surprised many by signing Kaeo Weekes as the new five-eighth, given Kaeo has predominantly played fullback in the NSW Cup. The fullback battle will be interesting, with Seb Kris, Xavier Savage, and young gun Chevy Stewart all putting their hand up for the number 1 jersey. The Raiders will miss the eight.
With Elliott Whitehead and Jordan Ropana both off contract at the end of the year and Josh Papali’i having a mutual option for 2025, the Raiders could be heading for a rebuild.
1. Chevy Stewart 2. Nick Cotric 3. Seb Kris 4. Matt Timoko 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papalii 9. Zac Woolford 10. Joseph Tapine 11.Hudson Young 12. Elliot Whitehead (c) 13. Corey Horsburgh 14. Tom Starling 15. Morgan Smithies 16. Zac Hosking 17 Emre Guler.Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Gains: Stephen Crichton (Panthers), Josh Curran (Warriors), Poasa Faamausili (Dolphins), Melino Fineanganofo (Western Clydesdales), Drew Hutchison (Roosters), Liam Knight (Rabbitohs) July 2023, Kurt Mann (Knights), Jaeman Salmon (Panthers), Toby Sexton (Titans), July 2023, Blake Taaffe (Rabbitohs), Zane Tetevano (Leeds), Connor Tracey (Sharks), Jake Turpin (Roosters), Bronson Xerri (Free Agent),
Losses: Paul Alamoti (Panthers), Jake Averillo (Dolphins), Nu Brown (Knights) July 2023, Braidon Burns (Rabbitohs), Declan Casey (Tigers), Brandon Clarke (Central Queensland) April 2023, Andrew Davey (Eels) April 2023, Raymond Faitala-Mariner (Dragons), Kyle Flanagan (Dragons), Michael Gabrael (Sharks), Zac Montgomery (Released), Jayden Okunbor (Hull F.C), Tevita Pangai Junior, Ethan Quai-Ward (Souths Logan) Luke Thompson (Wigan), Corey Waddell (Sea Eagles)
A loss to the Sea Eagles before back-to-back wins gave long-suffering Bulldogs fans hope that a new era would begin at the club. The club would then go loss-win before three straight losses started, with 50 points being put on the club. A close win over the Dragons ended the losing streak, though the club would suffer back-to-back losses before a win over the Titans, then four straight losses. The club would exact some revenge on the Rabbitohs before back-to-back losses. A late-season win over the Dolphins in Bundaberg was the club’s final win, as they finished with 4 straight losses to finish in 15th.
The club has had a massive turnover of players in the last two years as Cameron Ciraldo intends to make his mark as a head coach. Last year, I wrote the club had released 15 years since the start of 2022 when Phil Gould became General Manager; that number is now over 30. It’s hard to have an opinion of some of the contact movements of the Bulldogs. Most of the players they signed will not push for positions in the club’s starting 13 and will end up playing NSW Cup/come in due to injury/suspension. For a club that hasn’t played finals football since 2016, this is not what you want from your club.
If the club suffers a slow start to the season, expect off-field football board/leagues club board rumblings to rear their head again, with the positions of Phil Gould and Cameron Ciraldo square on the chopping block if the club has another long season and misses the finals. Another long season for the Bulldogs.
1. Steven Crichton (c) 2. Jacob Kiraz, Carr 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Connor Tacey 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Toby Sexton 8. Ryan Suton 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Max King 11. Max King 12. Viliame Kikau 13. Josh Curran 14. Paoassa Faamausili 15. Liam Knight 16. Kurt Mann 17. Jaeman Salmon
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
Gains: Billy Burns (Dragons), Michael Gabrael (Bulldogs)
Losses: Matt Ikuvalu (Catalnas) April 2023, Wade Graham (Retired), Connor Tracey (Bulldogs), Matt Moylan (Leigh), Jensen Taumoepeau (Cowboys)
The Sharks started the season loss-win for the first five weeks before the bye seemed to re-straighten the ship as the club pulled off three straight wins. A loss to the Dolphins would end the streak before back-to-back wins were offset before back-to-back losses. The club would follow a similar path with 3 straight wins, again offset by 3 consecutive losses. The club would then go on another three-game winning streak, halted by a loss to the Knights. The club would finish the regular season with a win over the Raiders before being knocked out of the finals with a home loss to the Roosters in week 1.
The club has been quiet on the recruitment front. The club lost veterans Wade Grham and Matt Moylan, Wade the final member of the club’s premiership win, who was still at the club. Should be strong enough to make the finals, though question marks about the clubs’ chances at finals, with 3 consecutive losses in the last two years come finals time.
Another club with multiple fullback options is Will Kennedy, Kade Dykes and Kayal Iro, all contesting for the position. If the club could convert one into a half, it might turn the club into a premiership contender. Will and Kade are off contract at the end of 2025, with Kyal off contract this year.
1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Siosifa Talaki 4. Jesse Ramien 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Kade Dykes 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Braden Hamlin-Uele 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Toby Rudolf 11. Britton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Dale Finucane (c) 14. RoyceHunt 15. Royce Hunt 16. Kayal Iro 17. Cameron McInness (c)
Dolphins
Gains: Jake Averillo (Bulldogs), Herbie Farnworth (Bronc0s), Tom Flegler (Broncos), Oryn Keeley (Knights), Josh Kerr (Dragons) June 2023
Losses: JJ Collins (Burleigh), Herman Ese’ese (Hull F.C.), Poasa Faamausili (Bulldogs), Brenko Lee (Brisbane Tigers),
The new boys on the block would surprise many with 3 straight wins to start the season with wins over the Roosters, Raiders, and Knights before a close loss in the first “Battle of Brisbane”. The club would then enter a win-loss pattern for the next eight weeks before four straight losses. A win over the Titans would halt the losing streak, though it would resume when they lost six straight before a win over the second-string Warriors to end the season in 13th.
The club have recruited strongly for 2024, adding international Herbie Farnworth, State of Origin rep Tom Flegler and Jake Averillo. Isaiya Katoa having an entire season of NRL under his belt will be better in 2024. Will push for the bottom of the 8.
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 6. Isaiya Katoa 7. Sean O’Sullivan 8. Jesse Bromwich (c) 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Tom Flegler 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenny Bromwich 13. Mark Nicholls 14. Kodi Nikorima 15. Connelly Lemuelu 16. Ray Stone 17. Jarrod Wallace
Gold Coast Titans
Gains: Kruise Leeming (Leeds), April 2023), Ken Maumalo (Tigers), March 2023, Thomas Mikaele (Warrington), March 2023, Keenan Palasia (Broncos), Harley Smith-Shields (Raiders)
Losses: Sam McIntyre (Cowboys), May 2203, Thomas Mikaele (Warrington), August 2023, Toby Sexton (Bulldogs), July 2023, Treymain Spry (Redcliffe, Joe Vuna (Tweed Heads)
The club started the season win-loss over its first six games before back-to-back losses. The club bounced back with back-to-back wins before that good work was undone by three straight losses. The club halt the losing streak with back-to-back wins before losing four consecutive games. The club stopped that streak with a win before another four-game losing streak before ending the season with a win and finishing in 14th.
To the surprise of many, Des Hasler returns to the NRL after a year off. It was reported in the media that David Fifita and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui both had clauses in their contracts that they would be free agents if Justin Holbrook was let go. Both signed new agreements with Tino for 10 years and Dave for 3. It would then emerge that David has a clause in his contract that he still may leave, depending on his relationship with Des. A.J. Brimson has been shifted to the centres to allow Jayden Campbell to fit in the starting 17. After a disappointing 2023, I expect the Titans to return to push for the top eight, with the mad scientist pulling the right strings.
1. Jayden Campbell 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. A..J. Brimson 4. Brian Kelly 5. Phillip Sami. 6. Keiran Foran 7. Tanah Boyd 8. Tino Faasuamaleui (C) 9. Sam Verills 10.Moeaki Fotuaika 11. Beau Fermor 12. David Fifita 13. Erin Clark 14. Isaac Liu 15. Keenan Palasia 16. Jaimin Jolliffe 17. Chris Randall
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
Gains: Jake Arthur (Sea Eagles) (May 2023, Luke Brooks (Tigers), Nathan Brown (Roosters), Aitasi James (Tigers), Bailey Hodgson (Knights), Matt Lodge (Roosters), July 2023, Jaxson Paulo (Roosters), Tommy Talau (Tigers), Corey Waddell (Bulldogs), Aaron Woods (Dragons), March 2023
Losses: Morgan Boyle (Released), Latu Fainu, Samuela Fainu (Tigers), Morgan Harper (Eels), Cooper Johns (Retired), Sean Keppie (Rabbitohs), Kelma Tuilagi (Eels), Christian Tuipulotu (Dragons), Kaeo Weeks (Raiders)
The Sea Eagles started the season strongly, winning their first two games before their first loss against the Rabbitohs. They would then participate in the only drawn game of 2023. They would suffer their worst season loss against the Panthers after their draw. They would bounce back with back-to-back wins before a three-game losing streak. The next four games, they would go win-loss before another loss to make it two straight losses. They would go win-los again before back-to-back wins, then another three-game losing streak. They would finish the season with back-to-back wins to finish in 13th.
The Sea Eagles surprised many with the signing of Luke Brooks to the club, given Josh Schuster spent the majority of the season at five-eighth and has said it is his preferred position. Given that Josh’s contract was extended to 2027 (the same year as Luke’s), the club hopes Josh is happy to return to the back row. Will miss the eight
1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Reuben Garrick 3. Brad Parker 4. Tolu Koula 5. Jason Saab 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Chery Evans (c) 8. Taiela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Josh Aloiai 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Josh Schuster 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Ben Trbojevic 15. Corey Waddell 16. Karl Lawton 17. Ethan Bullemor
Melbourne Storm
Gains: Shawn Blore (Tigers), Lazarus Vaalepu (Sunshine Coast),
Losses: Tom Eisenhuth (Dragons), Jordan Grant (Panthers), George Jennings (Released), Jayden Nikorima (Catalans), Justin Olam (Tigers), Tariq Sims (Catalans),
The Storm would require Golden Point to keep their round 1 streak under Craig Bellamy alive. The club would follow up on their round 1 heroics with back-to-back losses. The club would turn it around with three straight wins. The club would then have four consecutive weeks of loss-win before back-to-back wins. Another three-game winning streak followed a dominating loss to the Cowboys away from home. The club would follow it up with five straight weeks of loss-win before a five-game winning streak to finish the regular season in 3rd and a warning that the Storm would still be a force to reckon with. A dominating loss to the Broncos in week 1 led to a week 2 matchup against rivals the Roosters before another dominating finals loss, this time to the Panthers in the preliminary final.
The Storm have been quiet on the recruitment front, losing regular first graders Tom Eisenhuth, Jordan Grant and veteran Tariq Sims. The club also lost Justin Olam, who fell out of favour at the club and was involved in a trade with Shawn Blore. When the Falcons dominated the Queensland Cup regular season in 2019, the Storm bought through a number of those players. It wouldn’t surprise me if the club did the same with the Brisbane Tigers, who won the Queensland Cup in 2023. The Storm still have enough quality across the park to make the eight; how far they go will be the question.
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Xavier Coates 3. Remis Smith 4. Nick Meaney 5.Will Warbrick 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. Harry Grant (c) 10. Christian Welch 11. Trent Loiero 12. Eli Katoa 13. Josh King 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 16. Joe Chan 17. Alec MacDonald
Newcastle Knights
Gains: Nu Brown (Bulldogs) July 2023, Jed Cartwright (Rabbitohs), Jack Cogger (Panthers), Tom Jenkins (Panthers), Kai Pearce-Paul (Wigan), Will Pryce (Huddersfield), Blake Woodford (Sunshine Coast),
Losses: Dane Aukafolau (Northern Pride), Nu Brown (Hull FC), Adam Clune (Huddersfield), Lachlan Fitzgibbon (Warrington), Eddie Hampson (Townsville), Bailey Hodgson (Sea Eagles), Hymel Hunt, Jack Johns (Released), Oryn Keeley (Dolphins), Cooper Jeninks (Norths Devils), Lachlan Miller (Leeds), Kurt Mann (Bulldogs), Simi Sasagi (Raiders), Dom Young (Roosters)
The Knights would go win-loss over the season’s opening month before being involved in the only draw of 2023. The club would follow the draw with a win before a three-game losing streak. Win-loss-win would follow before another three-game losing streak. The loss to the Panthers would be the club’s final loss of the regular season as they would go on a nine-game winning streak to finish the regular season in 5th. The club would be forced into extra time to pull off the win in week one of the finals before a dominating loss to the Warriors in week 2, where nothing seemed to go right.
The club has recruited well, landing Englishmen Kai Pearce-Paul and Will Pryce. Kai has already played for England and has been referred to the English Sonny-Bill-Williams. Will is the son of former Super League player Leon Pryce and is adept at several positions like his dad. The Knights could be hard to stop if Kalyn returns to his late-season form from last year.
1. Kalyn Ponga (c) 2. Enari Tuala 3. Bradman Best 4. Dane Gagai 5. Greg Mazrhew 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey (c) 10. Jacob Saifiti 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Adam Elliott 14. Phoenix Crossland 15. Brodie Jones. 16. Leo Thompson. Jack Hetherington
North Queensland Cowboys
Gains: Sam McIntyre (Titans) May 2203, Thomas Mikaele (Warrington), Viliami Vailea (Warriors)
Losses: Jake Bourke (Townsville), Mitch Dunn (Retired), Brendan Elliot (Retired), Ben Hampton (Released), Peter Huku (Hull K.R.), Luciano Leilua ( Dragons), Riley Price (Panthers), Taniela Sadrugu (Rugby Union), Gehamat Shibasaki and James Tamou (Townsville)
Thanks to a late Chad Townsend field goal, the club would win their first game of the season. The club would then follow it up with back-to-back losses. A win at home, followed by three straight losses. The Cowboys would go win-loss before two consecutive wins. A 60-point loss to the Tigers followed, seemingly ending the club’s season. Another loss would follow, followed by a six-game winning streak, breathing life into the club’s 2023 season. The club would end the season, losing four out of their last five to finish in eleventh.
Despite a disappointing season, the club has been quiet on the recruitment front, seemingly putting the 2023 season down to an aberration and believing the club is closer to the one that made the preliminary finals in 2022. The way they use Jason Taumalolo to how the club fares in 2024.
Halfback Chad Townsend is off-contract this year. It will be interesting to see if they extend him or pick a new halfback to replace Tom Dearden.
1. Scott Drinkwater 2, Murray Talulagi 3. Zac Laybutt 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Kyle Feldt 6. Tom Dearden (c) 7. Chad Townend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Jeremiah Nanai 12. Heilum Luki 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 15. Jake Granville 16. Griffin Neame 17. Thomas Mikaele
Parramatta Eels
Gains: Andrew Davey (Bulldogs), April 2023, Morgan Harper (Sea Eagles), Joey Lussick (St Helens), July 2023,, Joe Ofahengaue (Tigers), May 2023, Kelma Tuilagi (Sea Eagles)
Losses: Jake Arthur (Sea Eagles) May 2023, Waqa Blake (St Helens), Andrew Davey, Josh Hodgson (Retired), Samuel Loizou (Tigers), Jack Murchie (Huddersfield)
The Eels would start the season slowly, losing their first three games as they seemed to suffer from a Grand Final hangover. A Golden Point win over the arch-rival Panthers in the “Grand Final Rematch” gave the club their first win of 2023. The club would lose their next match before back-to-back wins. The club would go loss-win before two straight losses. The club would then go on a five-game winning streak to get their 2023 season back on track. The Eels would once again go loss-win before two straight losses. The club would once again defeat the Panthers to finish the season on a high, though it wouldn’t be enough to make the finals, with the club finishing in 10th.
Despite losing Josh Hodgson to retirement after an injury-plagued season, the club has failed to recruit a new hooker, with the position a glaring weakness. Another club that has been quiet on the recruitment front for 2024.
The club might ask one of the other clubs with excess fullbacks if they want to release them to give the club an “x-factor” fullback. Will miss the eight.
1. Clint Gutherson (c) 2. Maika Sivo 3. Will Penisini 4. Sean Russell 5. Bailey Simonsson 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Regan Campbell-Gillard 9. Joey Lussick 10. Junior Paulo (c) 11. Shaun Lane 12. Ryan Matterson 13. J’Maine Hopggod 14. Daejaran Asi 15. Joe Ofahengaue 16. Bryce Cartwright 17 Wiremu Greig.
Penrith Panthers
Gains: Paul Alamoti (Bulldogs), Jordan Grant (Storm), Dane Laurie (Tigers), Riley Price (Cowboys), Brad Schnider (Hull K.R.)
Losses: Eddie Blacker (Norths Devils), Jack Cogger (Knights), Stephen Crichton (Bulldogs), Zac Hosking (Raiders), Tom Jenkins (Knights), Spencer Leinu (Roosters), Jaeman Salmon (Bulldogs), Chris Smith (Released)
The two-time defending premiers were chasing history in 2023. Their season got off to a slow start with a loss to the Broncos at home. The club would defeat their Grand Final opponents from 2021 before losing to their Grand Final opponents from 2022 in extra time. The club would string together three straight wins before their third-season loss. The club would then suffer an upset loss to the Tigers in Bathurst, the only time the club lost back-to-back all season. The club would reel off another five-game winning streak. The club’s fifth loss would come as an under-strength Panthers lost to the Cowboys. The club would win eight straight before another loss to the arch-rival Eels. The club would secure the minor premiership by getting revenge on the Cowboys. The Panthers would dominate in their finals to set up the club’s fourth straight Grand Final. The Panthers would win their third consecutive premiership the hard way by coming from 24-6 down to win by 2 points.
Stephen Crichton is the only significant loss for the club. Spencer Leinu is a decent loss, though he predominantly played off the bench in 2023. The club has added depth to its squad for 2024. The Panthers will continue chasing history in 2024. Boredom will be the Panthers’ biggest challenge during the regular season. It will take something almighty to stop the Panthers in 2024.
1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Taylan May 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. Scott Sorensen 13. Issah Yao (c) 14. Soni Luke 15. Luke Garner 16. Soni Luke 17. Lindsy Smith
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Gains: Braidon Burns (Bulldogs), Sean Keppie (Sea Eagles), Jack Wighton (Raiders)
Losses: Jed Cartwright (Knights), Josiah Karapani (Broncos), Liam Knight (Bulldogs) July 2023, Hame Sele (Dragons), Blake Taaffe (Bulldogs),
The Rabbitohs started the season with a win over the Sharks before back-to-back losses. The club then went win-loss before a six-game winning streak. The club then lost four of its next five games. The Rabbitohs won their next game before back-to-back losses. The club then went win-loss for the next four weeks before a loss to finish the season in ninth place.
The Rabbitohs have secured the services of Clive Churchill medal winner Jack Wighton. With Latrell Mitchell having a lock on the fullback position and Cody Walker having a similar lock on the five-eighth jersey, Jack will slot into the centres. They have enough quality across the park to make the top 4.
1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Jack Wighton 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. Sean Keppie 15. Sila Havili 16. Tallis Duncan 17. Shaq Mitchell
St George Illawarra Dragons
Gains: Corey Allan (Roosters), Tom Eisenhuth (Storm), Raymond Faitala-Mariner (Bulldogs), Kyle Flanagan (Bulldogs), Luciano Leilua (Cowboys), Jesse Marschke (North Sydney), Hame Sele (Rabbitohs), Christian Tuipulotu (Sea Eagles), Brandon Webster-Mansfield (Tigers)
Losses: Talatau Amone (De-registered), Billy Burns (Sharks), Jaiyden Hunt (Bronc0s), Tyrell Fuimaono (Released), Josh Kerr (Dolphins) June 2023, Nick Lui-Toso (Tigers), Moses Mbye (St Helens) July 2023, Tautau Moga (Wests Devils), Zane Musgrove (Warrington), Jayden Sullivan (Tigers), Aaron Woods (Sea Eagles) March 2023
The club has been busy recruiting and linked with many others. Kyle Flanagan has joined with his dad at the Dragons. It remains to be seen how long they will be without Luciano Leiua due to off-field issues. The club loses Talatau Amone due to an off-field incident. The biggest problem at the club is Ben Hunt. Ben said he wanted out last year, though he was denied by the Dragons. Incoming coach Shane Flanagan has convinced Ben to stay at the Dragons. If the Dragons start slow, Ben might want to find the exit door quickly. It’s not a good look when your captain doesn’t want to be there. A long year for the joint venture.
1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Zac Lomax 3. Moses Suli 4. Jack Bird 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Ben Hunt (c) 8. Blake Lawrie 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Ben Murdoch-Masila 11. Jayden Su’A. 12. Dan Russell 13. Jack de Belin 14. Tom Eisenhuth 15. Toby Couchman 16. Francis Molo 17. Ramond Faitala-Mariner
Sydney Roosters
Gains: Spencer Leinu (Panthers), Lewis Murphy (Huddersfield), Dominic Young (Knights)
Losses: Corey Allan (Dragons), Fletcher Baker (Broncos), Nathan Brown (Sea Eagles), Billy Burns (Sharks), Drew Hutchison (Bulldogs), Matt Lodge (Released) June 2023, Paul Momirovski (Leeds), Jaxson Paulo (Sea Eagles), Ben Thomas (North Sydney), Jake Turpin (Bulldogs)
The Roosters would start the season with a shock loss to the Dolphins. The club would bounce back with three straight wins. The club would then lose back-to-back games to the Storm and Sharks. The club would then win back-to-back games before losing three consecutive games. The Roosters would go win-loss over the next four games before two losses. The club would then go win-loss before flicking the switch once August hit, winning five straight games to end the season in 7th. The Roosters would defeat the Sharks in the first week of the finals before a loss to the Storm finished the Roosters’ 2023 campaign.
The Roosters added Englishman Dominic Youung to an already strong backline; it will be interesting to see how the Roosters fit all their plays in. Spencer Leinu adds impact off the bench and may take over from Jared Waerea-Hargreave when Jarred leaves the Rosters at the end of 2024.
The Roosters hope for an improved 2024 from James Tedesco and Brandon Smith. As I wrote last year, it was going to take time for Brandon to adjust from being a middle forward at the Storm to being a full-time hooker. I expect the Roosters to make the finals, and they could cause an upset or two along the way.
1. James Tedesco (c) 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph Manu 4. Billy Smith 5. Dominic Young 6. Luke Keary. 7 Sam Walker 8 Jared Waerea-Hargreaves. 9. Brandon Smith 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Sitili Tupouinua 12. Angus Crichton 13. Victor Radley 14. Connor Watson 15. Spencer Leniu 16. Nat Butcher 17. Egan Butcher
Warriors
Gains: Kurt Capewell (Broncos), Chanel Harris-Tavita (Free Agent), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Rugby Union)
Losses: Josh Curran (Bulldogs), Valingi Kepu (Released), Bailey Sironen (Catalans), Viliami Vailea (Cowboys), Brayden Wiliame (Retired)
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zeleznaik 3. Roco Berry 4. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 5. Marcello Montoya 6. Luke Metcalf 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fanoua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Bunty Afoa 11. Kurt Capewell12. Tohu Harris (c) 13. Jazz Tevaga 14. Dylan Walker 15. Mitch Barnett 16. Marata Niukore 17. Chanel Harris-Tavita
The Warriors would start the season strongly, winning four of their first six games, before a three-game losing streak that began on Anzac Day. The club would then go win-loss before a three-game winning streak. A loss to the Rabbitohs would be followed by a 7 game-win streak, cementing their top 4 positions. An understrength side suffered from a less-than-ideal preparation to end the season with a loss. The club would suffer a one-sided loss to the Panthers in week one of the finals before a complete 180 against the Knights in two of the finals. The Warriors were outclassed in week three of the finals.
The Warriors welcome back former captain and Dally M Medalist Roger Tuivasa-Sheck after a stint in Rugby Union. With the form of Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Roger will be spending time in the centres. Chanel Harris-Tavita is a surprise return to the club after his year off. Chanel will be in a three-way battle for the five-eight jersey with Luke Metcalf and Te Maire Martin. The club also picks up the experienced Kurt Capewell, who has been part of the Panthers and Broncos Grand Final sides and was at the Sharks when they won the comp in 2016. The Warriors will return to the top 4 in 2024.
Wests Tigers
Gains: Solomon Alaimalo (Rugby Union), Declan Casey (Bulldogs), Latu Fainu, Samuela Fainu (Sea Eagles), Solomona Faataape (Brisbane Tigers), Justin Olam (Storm), Jayden Sullivan (Dragons), Aidan Sezer (Leeds), Nick Lui-Toso (Dragons)
Losses: Shawn Blore (Storm), Luke Brooks (Sea Eagles), Aitasi James (Sea Eagles), Dane Laurie (Panthers), Ken Maumalo (Titans) March 2023, ua Ngatikaura (North Sydney), David Nofoaluma (Salford), Joe Ofahengaue (Eels) May 2023, Triston Reilly (Rugby Union), Tuki Simpkins (Norths Devils), Tommy Talau (Sea Eagles), Brandon Wakeham (Blacktown), Brandon Webster-Mansfield (Dragons)
The Tigers would start the Tim Sheens era with 7 straight losses. The club would register their first win with an upset over the Panthers in Bathurst. The club would follow that up with a win over the Dragons at Magic Round. Following a loss to the Rabbitohs, the Tigers would put 66 points on the Cowboys, giving Tigers fans the idea that the tide was beginning to turn. Unfortunately for Tigers fans, the club would go on a 10-game losing streak. The club would break that streak with a late penalty goal, sealing the win over the Dolphins. The Tigers would finish the season with back-to-back losses to finish with back-to-back wooden spoons.
Veteran NRL half Aidan Sezar returns to the NRL to add stability in the halves. It will be interesting to see if Adam Doueihi or Jayden Sullivan partners Aidan in the halves. The club picks up out-of-favour former Storm centre Justin Olam. If Justin re-discovers his previous form, he could be a bargain buy. The club lost veteran winger David Nofoaluma as Benji Marshall attempted to set standards at the club. The only “big four” (Woods, Tedesco, Mosses) to stay, Luke Brooks has left for a fresh challenge.
As the Benj Marshall era begins at the Tigers, the club hopes it works out better than the Tim Sheens era. It will take a while for the club to turn things around.
1. Jahream Bula 2. Brent Naden 3. Justin Olam 4. Starford To’a 5. Junior Tupou, 6. Adam Doueihi 7. Aidan Sezer 8. David Klemmer 9. Apasi Koroisau 10. Stefano Utoikamanu 11. Isiah Papali’i 12. John Bateman 13. Alex Twal 14. Jake Simpkin 15. 16. Fonua Pole 17. Jayden Sullivan
And Another Thing: The NRLW season is played at the wrong time of the year. The season should start in February with night games to give it clear air and prevent it from competing with the NRL.
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Cheese
NRL Ladder
- Brisbane
- Warriors
- Panthers
- Rabbitohs
- Sharks
- Storm
- Roosters
- Titans
- Knights
- Cowboys
- Eels
- Dolphins
- Canberra
- Sea Eagles
- Bulldogs
- Tigers
- Dragons
Brisbane Broncos, Canberra Raiders, Canterbury Bulldogs, Cronulla Sharks, Dolphins, Gold Coast Titans, Manly Sea Eagles, Melbourne Storm, Newcastle Knights, North Queensland Cowboys, Parramatta Eels, Penrith Panthers, Rugby League, South Sydney Rabbitohs, St George Illawarra Dragons, Sydney Roosters, warriors, Wests Tigers -
Featured Rounds and Marquee Matchups
In this blog post, I thought I would write about the history of Rugby League on Public Holidays, what changes I would make to those matches and some other marquee matchups the NRL should have. The games are via Rugby League Project, and Public Holiday details are from Google searches. Unfortunately, QRL/BRL game days are unavailable on Rugby League Project, so only NSWRL/ARL/SuperLeague/NRL games are included. All this and more in the latest Blog of Cheese
The NSWRL began with its first games on a public holiday when all 8 teams played doubleheaders on Easter Monday, 1908. From 1909-28 the NSWRFL started in May, so no Easter Rugby League or Anzac Day (from 1916) games were possible. In 1916, the NSWRFL played games on a public holiday for the first time in eight years when Round 6 was played on the King’s Birthday in June (two days after Round 5); these were the first games not played on a Saturday since Round 1 in 1908. In 1917 and 1918, the NSWRFL played on the King’s Birthday two days after a Saturday game.
In 1920 Edward, Prince of Wales (the future Edward VIII) toured Australia. Every city was given a Public Holiday when he toured the city, so when Edward arrived in Sydney, Thursday, June 17, was a public holiday. The NSWRL played its first-ever Thursday games with Round 6 two days before Round 7. In 1929, Anzac Day Rugby League was played for the first time, with Round 2 two days before Round 3.
1931 kicked off the season with a round of Anzac Day games, with Anzac Day falling on a Saturday. In 1932, Anzac Day games were played with Round 3 on Monday, two days after Round 2. The 1933-35 seasons all kicked off on the Anzac Day public holiday, with Round 2 a few days away. 1935 also saw Public Holiday Rugby League in May to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of George V. In 1936, the NSWRFL returned to Easter Rugby League for the first time since 1908 with 2 games on Saturday and two on Easter Monday. A whole round was played on Anzac Day. In 1937 Anzac Day Public Holiday Rugby League was played. Also, in 1937, an additional Public Holiday in May with Wednesday as a public holiday for the coronation of George VI. 1938-1940 saw the tradition of Anzac Day round 2 coming days after round 1.
1941 saw 2 games on Anzac Day instead of a round for the first time; it also saw the first NSWRFL games on a Friday. No public holiday Rugby League from 1942-45. In 1946 2 games were held on Easter Monday, 2 on Anzac Day and a game on a bonus public holiday on Monday, June 10, which was Victory Day. 1947 saw 3 games on Anzac Day. 1948 saw Round 3 on the Anzac Day Public Holiday and Round 8 on the King’s Birthday. 1949 saw 3 games on Easter Saturday, 3 on Easter Monday and Round 10 on the King’s Birthday.
1950 saw Round 2 being played on Easter Monday, with Round 5 being played on Anzac Day three days after Round 4. 1951 saw Round 4 on Anzac Day. A bonus public holiday on Wednesday, May 9, to celebrate the Jubilee of Australia becoming a country with Round 7 coming days after Round 6. 1952 was the first season the NSWRFL kicked off in March. Round 4 was on Easter Monday, two days after Round 3. 3 games were on Anzac Day in 1952. 1953 saw Round 2 on Easter Monday, two days after Round 1. Round 5 was Anzac Day. Round 5, 1954, was on Easter Monday, two days after Round 4. Round 7 was played on Anzac Day, with Round 10 on the Queen’s birthday. 1955 saw 3 games onRoundc Day, with Round 9 being played on the Queen’s birthday. 1956 kicked off the season on Easter Monday, with 1 game on Anzac Day. Round 9 was played on the Queen’s birthday, two days after round 8. 1 game was played on Easter Monday, 1957, with 3 games played on Easter Monday. 3 games were played on Easter Monday, 2 on Anzac Day and Round 9 on the Queen’s Birthday in 1958. 1959 saw Round 2 on Easter Monday, 2 days after Round 1, 4 games on Anzac Day and 4 on the Queen’s Birthday.
2 games were played on Easter Monday, Anzac Day and Queen’s Birthday in 1960. Round 3 was played on Anzac Day in 1961. Round 4 was played on Wednesday, Anzac Day in 1962, with Easter the weekend before. In 1963, the NSWRFL held its first game on Easter Saturday. Round 4 was on Anzcac Day, with Round 5 two days later. 2 matches were held on Queen’s Birthday. 1964 saw 3 games on Anzac Day and 2 on Queen’s Birthday. Easter Sunday was played for the first time in 1965. 2 games were played on Anzac Day, with 1 on the Mondy public holiday. 1 game on Queen’s Birthday. One game each was played on Easter Monday and Anzac Day in 1966. Round 5 was held on Anzac Day in 1967, with 3 games on Queen’s Birthday. In 1968 saw 1 game on Easter Monday. 1 game was played the day before Anzac Day (Wednesday), with the rest of the Round on Anzac Day. 1969 saw 2 games on Easter Thursday, with 3 on Easter Sunday. 2 on Anzac Day and 1 on Queen’s Birthday.
The 1970 season kicked off over the Easter weekend, with 1 game on Easter Monday. 2 games were held on Anzac Day. 2 games were played on Easter Thursday, and one on Easter Monday in 1971. 4 matches were held on Anzac Day, with 1 on the Public Holiday. One game was held on Queen’s Birthday. In 1972 2 games were held on Easter Monday, and Round 6 was held on Anzac Day, two days after Round 5 ended. One game was held on Queen’s Birthday. 1973 saw 2 games on Anzac Day and 1 on Queen’s Birthday. 2 games were played on Easter Monday and Anzac Day in 1974. In 1975 1 game was played on Easter Thursday, 2 on Easter Monday, 1 on Anzac Day and 2 on Queen’s Birthday. In 1976 1 game was on Easter Monday. 5 games were played on Anzac Day, with 1 on the Public Holiday. 2 games were played on Queen’s Birthday. In 1977 1 on Easter Monday, 2 on Anzac Day and 2 on Queen’s Birthday. Easter Monday saw 1 game, with 3 games on Anzac Day, all at the SCG in 1978. 1979 saw 1 game each on Easter Monday, Anzac Day and Queen’s Birthday.
1980 and 1 saw 1 game on Easter Monday and 1 on Anzac Day.1981 saw 1 game on Easter Monday, Anzac Day and Queen’s Birthday. In 1982, 1 game was played on Easter Monday, 4 games on Anzac Day, with1 on the Anzac Day Public Holiday and 1 on Queens Birthday. In 1983, 1 game was played on Easter Monday, 1 on Anzac Day, and 2 on Queen’s Birthday. In 1984 Round 8 was on Anzac Day, three days after Round 7. 1 game was played on Queen’s Birthday. Round 7, 1985, was played on Anzac Day. From 1986-89, 1 game was played on Easter Monday and 1 on Anzac Day.
In 1990 and 1991, 1 game was played on Anzac Day. Good Friday was played for the first time in 1993, with 1 game on Easter Monday. 7 games were held on Anzac Day. 1995 saw 2 games on Good Friday with 1 on Easter Saturday. 1996 saw 1 game on Easter Thursday, 1 on Easter Monday and 1 on Anzac Day. With 2 competitions in 1997, each competition played 1 game on Easter Thursday, the ARL played on Good Friday, Super League played 2 on Easter Monday, Super League played a test on Anzac Day, and Super League played a World Club Challenge game on Queen’s Birthday. 1998 saw 2 games on Easter Thursday and Good Friday, with 4 on Anzac Day. 1999 saw 1 game on Good Friday, Easter Monday, 4 games on Anzac Day, 1 on the Anzac Day Public Holiday, and 1 on the Queen’s Birthday. Wither East Monday, April 24, 2000, 2 games were held on Easter Monday and 1 on Anzac Day. 1 game was held on Queen’s Birthday. In 2001, 2 games were held on Good Friday, with the first Sydney Roosters v Brisbane Broncos annual game. 1 game was held o Easter Monday. In 2002, 1 game was held on Good Friday, Easter Monday, and Anzac Day; the first clash was between the St George Illawarra Dragons and the Sydney Roosters. 2003 saw 1 game on Good Friday, 1 on Easter Monday and 2 on Anzac Day, the traditional clash and one at night. One game was played on Good Friday in 2004, 1 on Easter Monday, 3 on Anzac Day day and one on the Public Holiday. In 2005 and 2006, one game was held on Good Friday, Easter Monday and Anzac Day. In 2007, with the addition of an extra team, games were played on a Monday night; also, 2 games were played on a Friday. 2007 saw 2 Good Friday games; one of the Good Friday night games featured now Good Friday rivals South Sydney Rabbitohs and Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs. 1 Anzac Day game. Easter Monday saw one night game, Labor Day in Queensland saw one night game, and one night game was played on Queen’s Birthday. 2008 saw 2 Friday night games (the same matchups as 2007, 1 Easter Monday night game and 1 Anzac Day Game. 2009 saw 2 Good Friday games, Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs clash with South Sydney Rabbitohs move to Easter Monday night. Anzac Day saw 3 games, including the now-traditional Melbourne Storm v Warriors.
2010 saw 2 God Friday games, 2 Easter Monday games, 3 Anzac Day games, 1 Anzac Day Public Holiday night game, and 1 Queen’s Birthday night game. 2011 saw 2 Good Friday games, with Wests Tigers replacing the Roosters, 2 on Anzac Day and 1 on Queen’s Birthday night. 2012, South Sydney Rabbitohs v Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs returned after a year off, in its now traditional afternoon slot, with the same night matchup as 2011. 1 Easter Monday night game, 2 Anzac Day Games and 1 Queen’s Birthday night game. 2013 saw 1 Easter Thursday game, 2 Good Friday games, and 2 Easter Monday and Anzac Day games. 2014 saw 3 Good Friday games, 2 Easter Monday games, including the first of the now-traditional Parramatta Eels v Wests Tigers, 3 Anzac Day games, and 1 Queen’s Birthday might game. 2 Good Friday games 2015 3 Easter Monday games, including Melbourne Storm v Warriors, 5 Anzac Day games to commemorate 100 years since the Anzcas landing at Gallipoli and 1 Queen’s Birthday night game. 20016 saw 2 Good Friday games, 3 Easter Monday games, 3 Anzac Day games and 1 Queen’s Birthday night game. 2017 saw the end of Monday Night Rugby League, with the game moving to 6pm Friday. 3 Good Friday games, 1 Easter Monday game, 2 Anzac Day games and the first Bulldogs home Queen’s Birthday game. In 2018 and 2019, there were 2 Good Friday games, 1 Easter Monday game, 2 Anzac Day games and 1 on Queen’s Birthday.
Due to the COVID-19 Global pandemic in 2020, the only Public Holiday game was the Queen’s Birthday game. 2021 saw the return of 2 Good Friday games, 1 Easter Monday game, 3 Anzac Day Games, and 1 Queen’s Birthday game. 2022 saw 2 Good Friday games, 1 Easter Monday game, 2 Anzac Day games and 1 Queen’s Birthday game. 20023 has seen 2 Good Friday games, 1 Easter Monday game, 2 Anzac Day games and 1 King’s Birthday game scheduled.
I would change some marquee matchups to spread the games around the teams. The Melbourne Storm would host a game either on Easter Thursday or a night game on Good Friday. The AFL’s Easter Thursday game is in Brisbane, and the AFL play a twilight game on Good Friday. Melbourne could also raise money for the Good Friday appeal. Melbourne would also have to give up playing on Anac Day, partly to allow the Warriors to play at home. The Canberra Raiders should play a home game the night before Anzac Day, given Canberra is home to the Australian War Memorial. I would schedule 3 games on Anzac Day, the Warriors at midday (AEST), and North Queensland should play at 2pm on Anzac Day, given North Queensland is home to Australia’s largest Garrison city. I would leave the traditional 4pm Anzac Day clash where it is. It would also be nice to see an Anzac Round game in Darwin due to the significant military presence in the Northern Territory. The Brisbane Broncos v Dolphins game should be played to coincide with Labor Day in Queensland; I know it is not a public holiday in most of the other states, though the King’s Birthday match is played on a non-Public Holiday in several states. In the early 2000s, the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and North Queensland Cowboys played for an Indigenous Trophy though that seems to have disappeared. I believe there should be two marquee matchups in the Indigenous round involving Gold Coast Titans, North Queensland Cowboys, Penrith Panthers, and South Sydney Rabbitohs, 1 of those games could be held in Darwin. The King’s Birthday game is currently hosted by Canterbury. However, Canterbury also plays on Good Friday, So I would give the King’s Birthday game to either Cronulla, Manly or Newcastle, as they would be the only New South Wales teams who do not have a marquee matchup.
And Another Thing: Magic Round should be on the move post-2024. The whole point of Magic Weekend (UK) is to promote the game of Rugby League. The NRL chose Brisbane for 2019 to ensure the concept worked before taking it on the road. Even though the NRL has changed administration since then, the event can help grow the game of Rugby League. The AFL will be taking Gather Round on the road from 2027, so the NRL should get a jump on the AFL.
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. s well as full-time scores from the; Super League, Knock-On Effect NSW Cup, Hostplus Cup, Kingstone Press Championship, Kingstone Press League 1, Ron Massey Cup, Denton Engineering Cup, Illawarra Cup, Sydney Shield, Brisbane Rugby League, Jersey Flegg Cup, Hastings Deering Colts, Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership, BMD Premiership, National Rugby League W and Women’ Super League.
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Website Update 2.0 and News Update
This post will give you a further update on the website and why the news posts I post on the Facebook and Twitter pages have disappeared.
I mentioned adding new pages in the last website update post (https://1895blog.com/2022/08/18/website-update/) for the New Zealand Legends of League who were inducted in 2022, except for the female players; Luisa Avaiki, Nadene Conlon, Trish Hina and Leah Witehira. Since then, thanks to Google searches, I have added pages for them, some with more details than others. Also, thanks to Google, I have added pages for Ron McGregor and Pat Smith, the two New Zealand Legends of League who didn’t have pages. In September, the RFL added four new inductees to its Hall of Fame; Andy Farrell, Adrian Morley, Clive Sullivan and David Watkins. Since then, I have also created pages for all of them except David, who already had a page as a member of the Welsh Hall of Fame. The RFL also added three female inductees into the RFL Women’s Hall of Fame; Brenda Dobek, Lisa McIntosh and Sally Milburn. All three have pages, though with very minimal info, despite Google searches.
Last November, I changed the website hosting service. Switching website hosting, I lost the NRL and RFL Halls of Fame and New Zealand Legend of League tables on their respective pages. I have set up the New Zealand Legends of League and RFL Hall of Fame tables as they were, and the NRL Hall of Fame page is still being updated. I have also made grammatical changes to every blog post and many pages. I am still working through the NRL Hall of Fame pages. The 2013-15 top 17 for each team in the Season Preview had not been added when I deleted the PDF files and had not been replaced. So that process is now completed. However, my final World Cup squads for 2017 are currently missing squads as I don’t seem to have kept that file, and the link no longer works.
For people who have followed the Facebook Page/Twitter account for a while, you would be used to the daily news posts and Media Releases and On This Day. Unfortunately, I have been working more at night recently, so I cannot post news websites, with most days only having scheduled Media Releases and On This Day. On a couple of occasions, I have not posted On This Day due to being called in for work earlier than my scheduled start time or other commitment preventing me from doing On This Day. Given Terry Williams has left the NRL as the official historian, 1895’s On This Day is the only Rugby League On This Day.
So while I have not added 2022 in Rugby League blog post, I have been busy behind the scenes updating the website, with more improvements to come.
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. s well as full-time scores from the; Super League, Knock-On Effect NSW Cup, Hostplus Cup, Kingstone Press Championship, Kingstone Press League 1, Ron Massey Cup, Denton Engineering Cup, Illawarra Cup, Sydney Shield, Brisbane Rugby League, Jersey Flegg Cup, Hastings Deering Colts, Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership, BMD Premiership, National Rugby League W and Women’ Super League.
Till next time,
Cheese
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2023 NRL Season Preview
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
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. s well as full-time scores from the; Super League, Knock-On Effect NSW Cup, Hostplus Cup, Kingstone Press Championship, Kingstone Press League 1, Ron Massey Cup, Denton Engineering Cup, Illawarra Cup, Sydney Shield, Brisbane Rugby League, Jersey Flegg Cup, Hastings Deering Colts, Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership, BMD Premiership, National Rugby League W and Women’ Super League.
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
2023 NRL Season Preview, Brisbane Broncos, Canberra Raiders, Canterbury Bulldogs, Dolphins, Gold Coast Titans, Manly Sea Eagles, Melbourne Storm, Newcastle Knights, North Queensland Cowboys, NRL, Parramatta Eels, Penrith Panthers, Rugby League, South Sydney Rabbitohs, St George Illawarra Dragons, Sydney Roosters, warriors, Wests Tigers -
Website Update
This is a different blog post than all the others; this is just an update on what has been going on with the website. Over the NRL representative weekend, the NZRL added 12 new members as Legends of League (the NZRL equivalent of a Hall of Fame); Luisa Avaiki, Nadene Conlon, Trish Hina and Leah Witehira from the Women’s game, as well as Kevin Iro, Stacey Jones, James Leuluai, Sir Graham Lowe, Dane O’Hara, Quentin Pongia, Howie Tamati and Ruben Wiki. Before creating pages for the new members, I created pages for those who I could find information on and who had not been added as they were not part of On This Day. I made pages for; Mocky Brereton, Mark Broadhurst (now part of On This Day), Tony Coll, Don Hammond, Frank Mulcare, Colin O’Neil, John Percival, Jim Rukutai, Bill Sorensen and Dennis Williams. Unfortunately, I don’t have a page for Ron McGregor and Pat Smith. Once that was done, I created pages for the new inductees. The four female players do not have a page due to the limited information online. I made new pages for the new inductees, except for Stacey Jones and Ruben Wiki, as they are already in the NRL Hall of Fame. I have also updated the NRL Hall of Fame page table; somehow, a few players did not have hyperlinks. I also realised that I left Ray Warren off the table and no pages for inductees Peter Frilingos or J.J Giltinan. Once all those pages were created, I thought I was done.
For those unaware, we have over 4 years since Dally Messenger, Frank Burge, Dave Brown, Norm Provan, and Mal Meninga were elevated to Immortal status. What has this got to do with anything, well according to the NRL website, in the Hall of Fame section, becoming an immortal, the website states that 1 or 2 players can be made immortals every 4 years. To find out if we were over 4 years, I clicked on Mal’s Hall of Fame page. Not only did the stats section of Mal’s page have stats from the NSWRL premiership. It also has stats from his career in the BRL, pre-season games, mid-week competitions, World Club Competitions, and representative fixtures outside of State of Origin and Australia. A lot of these statistics had previously been unavailable online. So at the moment, I am in the process of adding statistic totals from the BRL, adding mid-week knockout stats to the total stats for the club (for some reason, they are considered separate from the premiership, yet the RFL view Challenge Cup stats as complete stats) as well as many representative fixtures statistics. Unfortunately, the statistics are totals and not available as year by year breakdown, which would help players who have multiple stints at a club or don’t play in a representative team every year.
So while I have not added my next blog post about the state of the media, which covers the NRL, I have been busy working on this website.
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, Knock-On Effect NSW Cup, Hostplus Cup, Kingstone Press Championship, Kingstone Press League 1, Ron Massey Cup, Sydney Shield, Brisbane Rugby League, Jersey Flegg Cup, Hastings Deering Colts, Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership, QRLW Premiership, National Rugby League W and Women’s Super League.
Till next time,
Cheese
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2022 NRL Season Preview
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
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 of this, plus live and full-time scores from every game in the NRL. As well as full-time scores from the; Super League, Knock-On Effect NSW Cup, Hostplus Cup, Kingstone Press Championship, Kingstone Press League 1, Ron Massey Cup, Denton Engineering Cup, Illawarra Cup, Sydney Shield, Brisbane Rugby League, Jersey Flegg Cup, Hastings Deering Colts, Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership, QRLW Premiership, National Rugby League W and Women’s Super League.
Till next time,
Cheese
2022 NRL Season Preview, Brisbane Broncos, Canberra Raiders, Canterbury Bulldogs, Cronulla Sharks, Gold Coast Titans, Manly Sea Eagles, Melbourne Storm, Newcastle Knights, North Queensland Cowboys, NRL, nrl season preview, Parramatta Eels, Penrith Panthers, Rugby League, South Sydney Rabbitohs, St George Illawarra Dragons, Sydney Roosters, Warriors. Wests Tigers -
2021 NRL Season Preview
The 114th NSWRL/ARL/NRL season begins tonight, just 137 days since the 2020 Grand Final, the shortest turnaround in NRL history. The premiers return home tonight for the first game at AAMI Park in 279 days. The 1895 Blog may have a new home, though all the usual features are all here; in-depth gains and losses for each club, as well as each club, top 17, the premiers, wooden spooners, biggest movers and sliders, top try scorer, Dally M Medalist, State of Origin winners, and my 2021 ladder after And Another Thing. One to Watch returns for 2021. All this and more, in the latest Blog of Cheese.
Premiers: Last year was the first year I predicted the correct premiers. I said the Storm would play the Roosters in the Grand Final. This year the South Sydney Rabbitohs will likely win their first premiership since 2014. Unlike other so-called “experts”, I predicted a big season for Latrell Mitchell in 2020 at fullback; in 2021, Latrell will take his game to the next level. I think Jai Arrow and Josh Mansour are great pickups and will allow the Rabbitohs to make it to the Grand Final and give Wayne Bennett his 9th premiership ( 1x Brisbane Souths, 6x Brisbane, 1x St George Illawarra)
Wooden Spoon: I think the Brisbane Broncos will win back-to-back Wooden Spoons. The problem with the Broncos is fitness related. Last year in nearly all their games, the Broncos would jump out to leads and then get run down in the second half. The same thing happened for the Broncos in their trials this year. As a Brisbane resident, I would need to keep a low profile around the place.
Biggest Movers: If they can start 2021 continuing where they left off in 2020, the Titans will return to the finals for the first time since 2016. The Titans will be hoping Tanah Boyd develops into a quality hooker.
Biggest Sliders: I have big problems with the front row of the Sharks. Besides Braden Hamlin-Uele, they have Andrew Fifita, Arron Woods and Aiden Tolman, and at least 2 of them are past their prime.
Top Try Scorer: The Rabbitohs almost let him go last year, though Alex Johnston will top the try-scoring list for the second straight year.
Dally M: I think Cameron Munster will step up his game with the retirement of Cameron Smith, which will allow Cameron Munter to pick up his first Dally M medal.
State of Origin: They were given no chance of winning last year, though Queensland prevailed in 2020. Given they will welcome back David Fifita, Kalyn Ponga, and AJ Brimson, among others, Queensland will benefit from the second game at Suncorp, and the series will end in a dead rubber for game 3.
One to Watch: I had planned to put Jordan Riki as the one to watch, though when I checked Rugby League Project, he had already played five games in 2020. For the second year in a row, I will go with an Englishman. Unlike George Williams, Bailey Hodgson has only played one game in Super League. With reports that Edrick Lee is leaving the Knights, Bailey could be pushing for a starting spot sometime this year.
Brisbane Broncos
Gains: John Asiata (Cowboys), Dale Copley (Titans), David Mead (Catalans), Andrew McCullough (Knights),
Losses: Jack Bird (Dragons), Darius Boyd (Retired), David Fifita (Titans), Jamil Hopoate, Jordan Kahu (Released), Andrew McCullough (Dragons), Sean O’Sullivan (Warriors), Joe Ofahengaue (Tigers), Izaia Perese (Rugby Union)
The Broncos struggled in 2020, winning only one game post-lockdown and finishing with the Wooden Spoon. The club lost promising young forwards David Fifita and Joe Ofahengaue. Dale Copley and David Mead will add experience to the outside backs. The question remains around the halves; Anthony Milford will need to perform. Otherwise, it will be his last year at the Broncos. A new era for the Broncos with Kevin Walters returning to coach the club, though the club should have gone with Paul Green. They will finish with back-to-back spoons, so prepare for countless Broncos articles from the media.
1. Jamayne Isakko 2. Herbie Farnworth 3. Tesi Niu 4. Kotoni Staggs 5. Xavier Coates 6. Anthony Milford 7. Thomas Dearden 8. Matt Lodge 9. Jake Turpin 10. Payne Hass 11. Alex Glenn (c) 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Thomas Flegler 15. Tevita Pangai Jr 16. Cory Paix 17. John Asiata
Canberra Raiders
Gains: Caleb Aekins (Panthers), Corey Harawira-Naera (Bulldogs), Albert Hopoate (Sea Eagles), Ryan James (Titans), Jordan Rapana (Rugby Union), Harry Rushton (Wigan)
Losses: John Bateman (Wigan), Luke Bateman (Wynnum-Manly), JJ Collins (Tweed Heads), Nick Cotric (Bulldogs), Jack Murchie (Warriors), Michael Oldfield (Eels)
Last year the Raiders started the season with three straight wins; they would only lose back-to-back games once. To finish fifth, the Raiders would have two more three-game winning streaks throughout the season. The Raiders would win two straight finals before losing to the Melbourne Storm in the preliminary final. They have lost John Bateman, who decided to head home, and Nick Cotrick, who is off to the Bulldogs. The club picked up veteran Ryan James to add to the club’s forward depth. Curtis Scott will deliver a better performance after his off-field incident weighed on his mind in 2020. They will be alive deep into September.
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Bailey Simonsson 3. Jarrod Croker (c) 4. Curtis Scott 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Jack Wighton 7. George Williams 8. Dunamis Lui 9. Josh Hodgson (c) 10. Josh Papalii 11. Corey Horsburgh 12. Elliot Whitehead 13. Joseph Tapine 14. Ryan Sutton 15. Ryan James 16. Corey Harawira-Naera 17. Tom Starling
Canterbury Bulldogs
Gains: Nick Cotric (Raiders), Corey Allan (Rabbitohs), Corey Waddell (Sea Eagles), Jack Hetherington (Panthers), Kyle Flanagan (Roosters), Luke Thompson (St Helens)
Losses: Jack Cogger (Huddersfield), Kieran Foran (Sea Eagles), Corey Harawira-Naera (Raiders), Morgan Harper (Sea Eagles), Kerrod Holland (Retired), Tim Lafai (Dragons), Marcelo Montoya (Warriors), Sauaso Sue (Knights), Reimis Smith (Storm), Aiden Tolman (Sharks)
The Bulldogs struggled for the majority of 2020, though they performed better towards the end of the season. New coach Trent Barrett returns as a first-grade coach for the first time in three years. Trent has bought in several outside backs, though I still have a question about who plays five-eighth. Another long year for the Bulldogs.
1. Corey Allan 2. Nick Meaney 3. Nick Cotric 4. Will Hopoate 5. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 6. Lachlan Lewis 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Luke Thompson 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Dylan Napa 11. Josh Jackson (c) 12. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 13. Adam Elliott 14. Corey Waddell 15. Joe Stimson 16. Renouf To’omaga 17. Sione Katoa
Cronulla Sharks
Gains: Aiden Tolman (Bulldogs)
Losses: Jayson Bukuya (Retired), Bryson Goodwin (Released), Cameron King (Townsville), Kayleb Milne (Released), Josh Morris (Roosters), Scott Sorensen (Panthers), Cruz Topai-Aveai (Released),
The Sharks started 2020 slowly, losing three straight games to start the season. The club would turn it around, winning seven out of the next nine games. They would then go win-loss before losing two straight to finish 8th and bow out of the finals in week one. They have been quiet on the recruitment front, preferring to promote members of the 2019 NRL State Championship-winning squad. They will miss the eight.
1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Josh Dugan 4. Jesse Ramien 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Shaun Johnson 7. Chad Townsend 8. Braden Hamlin-Uele 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Aaron Woods 11. Britton Nikora 12. Wade Graham (c) 13. Toby Rudolf 14. Aiden Tolman 15. Andrew Fifita 16. Matt Moylan 17. Jack Williams
Gold Coast Titans
Gains: Herman Ese’ese (Knights), Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (Storm), David Fifita (Broncos), Patrick Herbert (Warriors), Sam McIntyre (Tigers), Young Tonumaipea (Mormon mission),
Losses: Jai Arrow (Rabbitohs), Shannon Boyd (Retired), Dale Copley (Broncos), Bryce Cartwright, Keegan Hipgrave (Eels), Ryan James (Raiders), Nathan Peats, Tyrone Roberts (Released), Young Tonumaipea (Rugby Union), Kallum Watkins (Toronto)
Another club started the season slowly as they lost their first three straight. The club lost another three games in a row mid-season, and it looked like it was going to be a long season before the club finished with five straight wins to finish 9th. Who knew the secret to getting the best out of Ash Taylor was to shift him to five-eighth? Have the best pack in the game, with the only weakness being the hooker. They will make the finals for the first time in five years, though where they finish in the eight is still being determined.
1. AJ Brimson 2. Anthony Don 3. Brian Kelly 4. Patrick Herbert 5. Phillip Sami 6. Ashley Taylor 7. Jamal Fogarty (c) 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Mitch Rein 10. Jarrod Wallace 11. Kevin Proctor (c) 12. David Fifita 13. Tino Faasuamaleui 14. Tanah Boyd 15. Tyrone Peachey 16. Sam Lisone 17. Herman Ese’ese
Manly Sea Eagles
Gains: Josh Aloiai (Tigers), Andrew Davey (Sea Eagles), Kieran Foran (Bulldogs), Morgan Harper (Bulldogs), Jason Saab (Dragons), Christian Tuipulotu (Roosters)
Losses: Jade Anderson (released), Addin Fonua-Blake (Warriors), Brendan Elliot (Leigh), Albert Hopoate (Raiders), Danny Levi (North Brisbane), Joel Thompson (St Helens), Corey Waddell (Bulldogs), Tony Williams (released)
The club would struggle after Tom Trbojevic was injured in June, winning three games without Tom at the back and losing on Tom’s return. Des Hasler needs to figure out how the club can frequently win without Tom in the team. A club should be fine with Tom in the group. Des will also be hoping Keiran Foran can finally overcome his injury-plagued career. Sea Eagles will miss the eight.
1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jorge Tafua 3. Dylan Walker 4. Moses Suli 5. Jason Saab 6. Kieran Foran 7. Daly Chery Evans (c) 8. Martin Taupau 9. Cade Cust 10. Josh Aloiai 11. Curtis Sironen 12. Jack Gosiewski 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Taniela Paseka 15. Andrew Davey 16. Sean Keppie 17. Morgan Boyle
Melbourne Storm
Gains: George Jennings (Eels), Reimis Smith (Bulldogs), Harry Grant (Tigers -end of loan)
Losses: Aaron Booth (Brisbane Tigers), Sandor Earl (Retired), Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (Titans), Ricky Leutele (Huddersfield), Paul Momirovski (Tigers -end of loan), Cameron Smith (Retired), Albert Vete (Hull KR), Suliasi Vunivalu (Rugby Union)
The Melbourne Storm premiership of 2020 will go down in the history books as one of the greatest of all time. The Storm would only play two regular-season games in Melbourne in 2020; they played one regular-season home game at Nestra Jubilee, one at Suncorp Stadium and six home games on the Sunshine Coast, and both finals at Suncorp before the Grand Final at ANZ. The Storm would leave Melbourne at the end of June. It is a new era for the Melbourne Storm without Cameron Smith; the oldest player is now Jesse Bromich, the only player at the club born in the 80s. The club also lost Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, which is a significant loss. The loss of Suliasi Vunivalu leaves the club a bit light for quality outside backs. Still, have enough quality players across the park to be alive deep into September.
1. Ryan Papenhuuyzen 2. Josh Addo-Carr 3. Brenko Lee 4. Justin Olam 5. Remis Smith 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Jesse Bromwich (c) 9. Harry Grant 10. Christian Welch 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenny Bromwich 13. Dale Finucane (c) 14. Brandon Smith 15. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Nicho Hynes
Newcastle Knights
Gains: Tyson Frizell (Dragons), Bailey Hodgson (Castleford), Jack Johns (Rabbitohs), Brayden Musgrove (Cessnock). Sauaso Sue (Bulldogs), Dominic Young (Huddersfield)
Losses: Herman Ese’ese (Titans), Aidan Guerra (Retired). Tim Glasby (Retired), Mason Lino (Wakefield Trinity), Sione Mata’utia (St Helens), Andrew McCullough (Broncos), Tautau Moga (Rabbitohs), Tyronne Roberts-Davis (Cessnock)
The Knights started 2020 strongly, winning three out of the first four before going win-loss for the next six rounds. They would lose two straight, bounce back and win three straightforward, then head back to win-loss to finish the season in 7th. They have pulled off the massive signing of Tyson Frizell. The Knights have lost a lot of experience with Sione Mata’utia, Aidan Guerra and Tim Glasby. The club lucked into keeping Blake Green. The club will push for the eight though they will miss out.
1. Kalyn Ponga (c) 2. Edrick Lee 3. Bradman Best 4. Enari Tuala 5. Tex Hoy 6. Blake Green (c) 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. David Klemmer 9. Jayden Brailey (c) 10. Daniel Saifiti (c) 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 13. Mitch Barnett (c) 14. Jacob Saifiti 15. Connor Watson 16. Josh King, 17. Sauaso Sue
North Queensland Cowboys
Gains: Kane Bradley (Tigers), Javid Bowen (Northern Pride), Lachlan Burr (Warriors),
Losses: John Asiata (Broncos), Gavin Cooper (Retired), Tom Opacic (Eels), Dan Russell (Brisbane Tigers), Tuki Simpkins (Tigers)
It was a challenging year for the Cowboys, winning only five games in 2020, losing nine in a row mid-season, with Paul Green losing his job in late July. Jake Clifford is on his way out the door at the end of the season, and why the Cowboys let him go is beyond me. Todd has to figure out if Valentine Holmes’ best position is at fullback and will be hoping other forwards can help Jason Taumalolo carry the workload. The Cowboys will miss the eight.
1. Valentine Holmes 2. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 3. Esan Marsters 4. Michael Morgan (c) 5. Kyle Feldt 6. Scott Drinkwater 7. Jake Clifford 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Josh McGuire 11. Tom Gilbert 12. Cohen Hess 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Shane Wright 15. Francis Molo 16. Mitch Dunn 17. Lachlan Burr
Parramatta Eels
Gains: Bryce Cartwright, Keegan Hipgrave (Titans), Joey Lussick (Salford), Michael Oldfield (Raiders), Tom Opacic (Cowboys), Isaiah Papali’i (Warriors), Nathaniel Roache (Warriors)
Losses: Daniel Alvaro (Dragons), Andrew Davey (Sea Eagles), Rhys Davies (Released), Kane Evans (Warriors), Jai Field (Wigan), David Gower (Hills District Bulls), George Jennings (Storm), Jaeman Salmon (Panthers), Brad Takairangi (Hull KR), Peni Terepo (Retired), Stefano Utoikamanu (Tigers)
The Eels would start the season by winning their first five games, and the Eels would only lose five games for the whole season to finish in 3rd. The Eels would lose to the Storm in the first week of the finals before bundling out of the finals in week 2. Recruitment has been chiefly around those outside the top 17.
1. Clint Gutherson (c) 2. Maika Sivo 3. Tom Opacic 4. Waqa Blake 5. Blake Ferguson 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Regan Campbell-Gillard 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Ryan Matterson 13. Nathan Brown 14. Will Smith 15. Oregan Kaufusi 16. Marata Niukore 17. Keegan Hipgrave
Penrith Panthers
Gains: Matt Eisenhuth (Tigers), Robert Jennings (Tigers), Paul Momirovski (Tigers), Jaeman Salmon (Eels), Scott Sorensen (Sharks),
Losses: Caleb Aekins (Raiders), Dean Blore (Rugby Union), Jack Hetherington (Bulldogs), Pat Hollis (Released), Daine Laurie (Tigers), Josh Mansour (Rabbitohs), Brayden McGrady (Tweed Heads), James Tamou (Tigers), Zane Tetevano (Leeds Rhinos), Dean Whare (Catalans), Malakai Watene-Zelezniak (Retired)
The surprise of 2020, who won fifteen straight games to finish with the minor premiership. The club would stage a second-half comeback in the Grand Final, though they would fall 6 points short. They have lost several players from 2020 and strengthed the squad from within the club. They will return to the eighth in 2020, though it remains to be seen how far they will go.
1. Dylan Edwards 2. Charlie Staines 3. Stephen Crichton 4. Brent Naden 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. Kurt Capewell 15. Matt Eisenhuth 16. Tyrone May 17. Spencer Leniu
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Gains: Jai Arrow (Titans), Jacob Host (Dragons), Josh Mansour (Panthers), Benji Marshall (Tigers), Taane Milne (Warriors), Tautau Moga (Knights)
Losses: Corey Allan (Bulldogs), Tom Amone (Tigers), Cory Denniss (Burleigh), Kurt Dillon (Released), Jack Johns (Knights), Ethan Lowe (retired), James Roberts (Tigers), Bayley Sironen (Warriors), Joseph Suaalii (Roosters), Ky Rodwell (released)
The Rabbitohs had a mixed 2020 before winning five games towards the back end of the season to finish 6th. They missed a spot in the Grand Final, going down by 4 points. Have recruited strongly, picking up Jai Arrow, Josh Mansour and Benji Marshall. The Rabbitohs will be the premiers in 2021.
1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Dane Gagai 4. Campbell Graham 5. Josh Mansour 6. Cody Walker 7. Adam Reynolds (c) 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Tom Burgess 11. Jaydin Su’a 12. Cameron Murray 13. Jai Arrow 14. Tavita Tatola 15. Benji Marshall 16. Liam Knight 17. Keaon Koloamatangi
St George Illawarra Dragons
Gains: Daniel Alvaro (Eels), Jack Bird (Broncos), Poasa Faamausili (Roosters), Andrew McCullough (Broncos)
Losses: Euan Aitken (Warriors), Tyson Frizell (Knights), James Graham (St Helens), Jacob Host (Rabbitohs), Joe Lovodua, Jason Saab (Sea Eagles), Tristan Sailor (Released), Korbin Sims (Hull KR)
The Dragons would start the season slowly, losing their first four straight, then nine out of thirteen before Paul McGregor was shown the door. They would lose another four games to finish 13th. The club has recruited Jack Bird and will be hoping his fitness problems are behind him. I have questions about whether Anthony Griffin still has what it takes to coach at the top level after two years away from coaching. The Dragons will miss the eight.
1. Matt Dufty 2. Mikaele Ravalawa 3. Jack Bird 4. Zac Lomax 5. Jordan Pereira 6. Corey Norman 7. Ben Hunt (c) 8. Paul Vaughan 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Josh Kerr 11. Tariq Sims 12. Jackson Ford 13. Trent Merrin 14. Poasa Faamusili 15. Blake Lawrie 16. Billy Brittain 17. Daniel Alvaro
Sydney Roosters
Gains: Adam Keighran (Warriors), Josh Morris (Sharks), Joseph Suaalii (Rabbitohs)
Losses: Mitchell Aubusson (Retired), Poasa Faamausili (Dragons), Kyle Flanagan (Bulldogs), Ryan Hall (Hull KR), Christian Tuipulotu (Sea Eagles), Sonny Bill Williams (Retired)
The Roosters would start the season slowly before lockdown. Post lockdown, the Roosters would win five straight. Another five straight wins would help the Roosters to finish 4th and have a shot at a three-peat. The Roosters would be bundled out of the finals with back-to-back losses. The Roosters shocked the NRL world by releasing Kyle Flanagan after just one season. I have massive questions about Lachlan Lam at five-eighth. The Roosters will make the eight, though they will finish in the bottom half.
1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph Manu 4. Josh Morris 5. Brett Morris 6. Lachlan Lam 7. Luke Keary 8. Jarred Waerea-Hargrages 9. Jake Friend 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Boyd Cordner (c) 12. Angus Crichton 13. Issac Liu 14. Lindsay Collins 15. Sitili Tupouinua 16. Nat Butcher 17. Victor Radley
Warriors
Gains: Euan Aitken (Dragons), Kane Evans (Eels), Addin Fonua-Blake (Sea Eagles), Marcelo Montoya (Bulldogs), Jack Murchie (Raiders), Ben Murdoch-Masila (Warrington), Sean O’Sullivan (Broncos), Iliesa Ratuva (Rugby Union), Bayley Sironen (Rabbitohs)
Losses: Adam Blair (Retired), Gerard Beale (Brisbane Tigers), Lachlan Burr (Cowboys), Patrick Herbert (Titans), Adam Keighran (Roosters), Taane Milne (Rabbitohs), Agnatius Paasi (St Helens), Isaiah Papali’i (Eels), Leivaha Pulu (North Brisbane), Nathaniel Roache (Eels), King Vuniyayawa (Leeds)
The Warriors would face the most challenging season of any club in 2020. After round 1, the Warriors were forced to stay in Australia, and their round 2 home game was relocated to the Gold Coast. In May, the Warriors were forced to relocate first to Tamworth for two weeks of isolation, then to the Central Coast of New South Wales. Unlike the Melbourne Storm, the players’ families stayed back in New Zealand for most of the year. On-field the Warriors would struggle, losing five of their first seven to start the season. The Warriors would then lose the next three out of their next four games before winning four of their next five. A three-game losing streak for the Warriors would follow before they finished in 10th. New coach Nathan Brown has recruited heavily, bringing in Euan Aitken, Kame Evans and Addin Fonua-Blake. Along with Ben Murdoch-Masila, the Warriors of 2021 have a stronger squad than the Warriors of 2020. The Warriors will return to the eight in 2021.
1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (c) 2. David Fusitua 3. Peter Hiku 4. Euan Aitken 5. Ken Maumalo 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Chanel Harris-Tavita 8. Addin Fanoua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Leeson Ah Mau 11. Ben Murdoch-Masila 12. Tohu Harris 13. Jazz Tevaga 14. Jack Murchie 15. Jamayne-Taunoa-Brown 16. Kane Evans 17. Hayze Perham
Wests Tigers
Gains: Tom Amone (Rabbitohs), Daine Laurie (Panthers), James Roberts (Rabbitohs), Tuki Simpkins (Cowboys), Stefano Utoikamanu (Eels), James Tamou (Panthers)
Losses: Josh Aloiai (Sea Eagles), Kane Bradley (Cowboys), Oliver Clark (Released), Matt Eisenhuth (Panthers), Harry Grant (Storm -end of loan), Robert Jennings (Panthers), Chris Lawrence (Retired), Benji Marshall (Rabbitohs), Sam McIntyre (Titans), Chris McQueen (Huddersfield), Paul Momirovski (Panthers) Josh Reynolds (Hull FC), Dylan Smith (Released), Elijah Taylor (Salford)
Two three-game losing streaks and three two-game losing streaks were the story of the Wests Tigers season, seeing them finish in 11th place. They Will be hoping James Roberts is back to his scintillating best in 2021 after some wayward performances over the last few years. The Tigers will also hope that James Tamou can gain the form that led him to be selected for Australia. The club is hoping young gun Daine Laruie plays fullback, though I need clarification on what that means for Adam Doueihi and, to a lesser extent Moses Mbye. They will be around the edge of the eight.
1. Adam Doueihi 2. David Nofoaluma 3. James Roberts 4. Joey Leilua 5. Corey Thompson 6. Moses Mbye 7. Luke Brooks 8. James Tamou (c) 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Joe Ofaengaue 11. Luke Garner 12. Michael Chee Kam 13. Alex Twal 14. Shawn Blore 15. Luciano Leilua 16. Billy Walters 17. Thomas Mikaele
And Another Thing: I think the NRL should not grant the Sydney Roosters an exemption to allow Joseph Suaalii to debut before he is 18. The Roosters have James Tedesco, Brett Morris, and Daniel Tupou as regular outside backs, and Matt Ikuvalu, who scored five tries in one game last year. This is a welfare issue; the rules were changed for a reason.
Ladder
1. Rabbitohs
2. Storm
3. Raiders
4. Panthers
5. Eels
6. Titans
7. Warriors
8. Roosters
9. Knights
10. Tigers
11. Cowboys
12. Sea Eagles
13. Sharks
14. Bulldogs
15. Dragons
16. Broncos
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Till next time,
Cheese
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