WITH THE NRL SEASON ALMOST HERE, IT’S TIME TO START DREAMING. RHYS O’NEILL LOOKS AT THE TOP 10 STORYLINES THE FAR NORTH WOULD LOVE TO READ IN 2017.
SHAUN NONA TO MAKE HIS NRL DEBUT
For so long the talented Tully playmaker has been touted as the best half outside of the top level. At 26 and on deck with a Dragons side lacking in creative spark, the Northern Pride premiership winner has his big chance this year, especially with Ben Hunt on the way in 2018.
ROD GRIFFIN PROVES AGE IS NO BARRIER
If Nona is a late bloomer, Atherton product Griffin is en- joying a second life. Picked up by the Wests Tigers last year, the workhorse couldn’t crack it. Has just switched to the Bull- dogs and while he looks up against it to get a run, we’d love it if he did.
BILLY SLATER DEFIES INJURIES TO STAR
We all know of the Innisfail flyer’s troublesome shoulder, but there’s a wave of support from the Far North praying for the Storm No. 1 to return to his best. Slater is not likely to appear in the opening weeks, but any optimistic fan should think that’s more than enough time to reclaim his standing as Queensland and Australian custodian.
COWBOYS LOCK IN FAR NORTH STAYS
North Queensland’s 2016 ap- pearance against South Sydney at Barlow Park sparked wild celebrations and renewed Far North affinity with the Towns- ville-based club. The Cowboys are coming back again this year but what we’re really after is a long-term deal that knows we’re not forgotten about.
NATE MYLES SILENCES HIS CRITICS
Gordonvale’s best export since sugar cane wrestled Father Time and a bevy of keyboard warriors last term. Myles admits he wasn’t up to scratch, and with his representative future on the line and a Maroons guard set to change, wouldn’t it be nice to see the hardest head in footy get an Origin swan song.
NENE MACDONALD REACHES POTENTIAL
Ever since the Cairns junior was plucked from Northern Pride underage duties he has been touted as a superstar in the making. A combination of facts has so far deprived us from seeing his very best, but hopefully a switch to the Dragons will unlock his talent — and maybe an Origin jumper.
SCOTT BOLTON WINS A MAROONS JUMPER
As sound as the Innisfail workhorse has been for years, this season looms as his big chance to take another step given the Cowboys’ absence of front-row options. He’s largely been the Ringo to Matt Scott and James Tamou’s John and Paul, though with Yoko Ono (Penrith) pris- ing the pair apart, perhaps Ringo has his chance to belt out a few solos.
BRAD ARTHUR LEADS EELS REVIVAL
The one-time Brothers CDRL coach has no shortage of sup- porters — just a lack of co-ordi- nation at times within his own side. Parramatta has had more problems in recent years than my granny loading her emails, so it would be nice to see Brad rewarded for his loyalty and earn a finals appearance.
NORTHERN PRIDE STAR INKS NRL DEAL
This one may be months in the making, but we’re eagerly awaiting news of the next In- trust Super Cup graduate in to an elite system. The club has punched above its weight in re- cent years to deliver talent to the NRL and while it’s a fresh batch of talent in 2017, a deal is only ever a string of strong games away.
SOUTH SYDNEY FIT AND LEADING LEAGUE
We want the Cowboys coming back to Cairns, but equally it would be great if the Rabbitohs flew in to town loaded with a complete roster and an enviable position on the ladder. Nothing gets fans through the gates more than a contest, and South Sydney need to be in the mix to ensure the Far North gets a proper footy fix in 2017.