HOW WE SEE IT IN ‘17
WITH the start of the 2017 NRL season upon us, our experts peer into the crystal ball and give their bold predictions for the year in league.
EMMA GREENWOOD
Rugby League writer
TOP EIGHT: Cowboys, Storm, Raiders, Panthers, Sharks, Roosters, Broncos, Titans
PREMIERS
Storm. In possibly the last year Slater, Smith and Cronk will play together, the big three will lead Melbourne to the big prize despite a slow start to the season due to injuries.
WOODEN SPOON
Newcastle. The Knights will continue to battle this season but young team will start to improve and could work their way off the bottom of the ladder if the Dragons continue to struggle.
DALLY M
Josh Hodgson. Led the count for much of last year and will poll well again with the Raiders likely to be title contenders.
LEADING TRYSCORER
Bevan French. The Eels will go close to the top eight and expect the electric French to be a weapon, especially if he makes the switch to fullback.
TITANS PROSPECTS
They’ve lost plenty of experience but with an expected spine of Hayne/ Elgey/Taylor/Peats and a strong pack, the Titans have every chance of repeating last year’s finals effort. It won’t be easy though, expect them to fight for one of the final places in the eight with the Warriors, Eels, Rabbitohs and Bulldogs.
HEADLINE I WANT TO SEE
Titans win maiden premiership
HEADLINE I DON’T WANT TO SEE
NRL star in nightclub incident. Enough already.
CONNOR O’BRIEN
Rugby League writer TOP EIGHT: Broncos, Panthers, Raiders, Titans, Warriors, Roosters, Storm, Sharks.
PREMIERS
Panthers. Love the look of the roster at Anthony Griffin’s disposal. Have strengthened their pack with the recruitment of James Tamou and Mitch Rein and young guns like Nathan Cleary and Te Maire Martin are only going to get better.
WOODEN SPOON
Knights. These guys will improve but unfortunately not enough to pass off the dreaded wooden spoon. Still lack NRL-level quality players, meaning it will ultimately be another building year towards 2018.
DALLY M
Josh Hodgson. An absolute star who will again drive the Green Machine’s campaign and won’t miss games during Origin time.
LEADING TRYSCORER
Jordan Rapana. Will back up a breakout season with plenty of Canberra’s flairfilled attack to be directed down his right side of the field.
TITANS PROSPECTS
Their preparations may have been interrupted by injuries but expect the Titans to be contenders this season. Outstanding spine, quality forwards and excellent leaders.
HEADLINE I WANT TO SEE
Nathan Peats and Ryan James earn Blues call-ups.
HEADLINE I DON’T WANT TO SEE
Injury crisis cruels Titans hopes.
BRAD RICKS
Deputy Sports Editor
TOP EIGHT: Raiders, Roosters, Sharks, Warriors, Cowboys, Storm, Titans, Panthers.
PREMIERS
Raiders. The Green Machine is back. This team came within one win of the decider last year and will be better for their extended finals run. Match winners across the park and a coach craving redemption.
WOODEN SPOON
Knights. This was a close call with the Dragons but in the end Newcastle’s lack of class across the park hurts. Another year of pain.
DALLY M
Johnathan Thurston. The Cowboys’ window is closing (some would say closed). Expect the future Immortal to pull out all the stops for an incredible season as he tries to drag the men from the north to the promised land one more time.
LEADING TRYSCORER
Jordan Rapana. Think 2016 was an amazing year for Rapana? This guy will only get better as his ‘LeiPana’ combination with wreckingball centre Joey Leilua improves.
TITANS PROSPECTS
The Titans were massive improvers last year. And while they will likely improve again through building combinations established in the back half of 2016, they have to accept the majority of this season’s top-eight contenders have also found another gear.
HEADLINE I WANT TO SEE
Twitter sensation Nathan Peats breaks the internet.
HEADLINE I DON’T WANT TO SEE
Bennett lures Ash Taylor back to Broncos.
TODD BALYM
Sports Editor
TOP EIGHT: Storm, Warriors, Panthers, Cowboys, Roosters, Titans, Eels, Broncos
PREMIERS
The New Zealand Test team ... I mean Warriors. Seriously if they can’t win this year with their roster they may as well give up.
WOODEN SPOON
Dragons. Tipping Newcastle is predictable, much like the Dragons attack, which has about as much variation as the Dragons jersey design.
DALLY M
Kieran Foran. The only thing rugby league loves more than a soap opera is a redemption story. Think Todd Carney or Ben Barba. If Foran’s life is in order, his football will follow.
LEADING TRYSCORER
Josh Addo-Carr. The Storm know how to turn average wingers into stars. Imagine what they’ll do with this former talented Tiger.
TITANS PROSPECTS
Let’s be realistic, both halves are in their second year of NRL grade and one of them (Kane Elgey) is coming off a knee injury. With such young halves simply making the finals this year is a realistic goal, but 2017 should be seen as a stepping stone to a 2018 title.
HEADLINE I WANT TO SEE
Hayne caps third Dally M with Titans premiership.
HEADLINE I DON’T WANT TO SEE
(insert player name) busted (insert scandal here).