General 2010 predictions featuring Hughesy

I feel like an idiot. I forgot to mark it off on my list of teams and realised that I had already done the Broncos so that is the 2nd preview lol.

 

I know that but I was just telling you that.

 

I don't know the Broncos that well anyway.

 

Its true. Looks weak I don't think the great man (Lockyer) can get them to the finals this year. Some of the other teams will be too strong.
What is this Norman guy like?

 

Rip out another one so I can get them done :sp_ike:

Team: Gold Coast Titans

Predicted Finish: 5th

Best 17:

1. Preston Campbell
2. Kevin Gordon
3. Joseph Tomane
4. Matt Rogers
5. David Mead
6. Greg Bird
7. Scott Prince
8. Matthew White
9. Nathan Friend
10. Luke Bailey
11. Anthony Laffranchi
12. Mark Minichiello
13. Ashley Harrison

14. Sam Tagataese
15. Brad Meyers
16. Michael Henderson
17. Will Matthews/ Luke O'Dywer

Strengths: One things that has always impressed me about the Titans is their experience in some key areas. Their spine is impressive with Preston Campbell, Scott Prince, Nathan Friend, Matt Rogers and William Zillman at times and now Greg Bird joins them and gives them some much needed mongrel.

Weaknesses: There is only one Scott Prince. The Titans are based too much on Prince and this will be there downfall. While during the season it gives John Cartwright a chance to keep getting Brad Davis to First Grade standard. Titans will need to try and be more independent if they want to win a premiership.

Key Player/s: Scott Prince and Preston Campbell. Both these guys are the back bone to the Titans. After watching the all stars game you really notice how good Campbell is. He is always running around and gives the Titans the enthusiasm they need. Scott Prince is the man that needs to continue to deliver if he wants his team to get to the finals.

Breakout/Surprise Player: Joseph Tomane. I think he is going to be an important part of the Titans chances. He is great in attack but does make the poor defensive reads but this gets fixed over times. I think he will be very important and will need to combine well with Kevin Gordon to ensure the Titans attack stays up to NRL standard.

Can they make the top 8/4? Yes/ Yes

I have them just outside the 4 but I think they could make it. Especially with some teams unproven. I think they won't quite make it but I expect to see them in the second week of the finals at least.

 

You got me, I got to be more careful what I write.

 

3 to go.

Team: Parramatta Eels

Predicted Finish: 7th

Best 17:

1. Jarryd Hayne
2. Luke Burt
3. Krisnan Inu
4. Timana Tahu
5. Eric Grothe
6. Daniel Mortimer
7. Jeff Robson
8. Fui Fui Moi Moi
9. Matt Keating
10. Nathan Cayless
11. Nathan Hindmarsh
12. Shane Shackleton
13. Feleti Mateo

14. Kris Keating
15. Justin Poore
16. Tim Mannah
17. Ben Smith

Strengths: The Forwards and the backs both look very solid. Nathan Cayless and Fui Fui Moi Moi were doing a good job last season but the inclusion of Justin Poore gives them some much needed depth. The same thing can be said about Joel Reddy and Krisnan Inu, adding Timana Tahu makes their backline a lot stronger.

Weaknesses: The Eels have two main weaknesses. First of all one on the team, the halves. I am not convinced that Mortimer and Robson will be able to do what they did last season without all that momentum. They aren't developed halves and are really only average players at the moment. Obviously Mortimer has a few years ahead of him to become a success but Jeff Robson is now close to 30 and he is pretty average. The second weakness is the pressure on them to do what they did last year again, especially on Hayne.

Key Player/s: Jarryd Hayne. Last season he made the Eels go all the way to the finals by himself. He will need to lay back a little and make it more of a team effort rather than a one man show.

Breakout/Surprise Player: Daniel Mortimer. I am predicting that he will continue to try and do what he did last year but I am concerned about the second year syndrome that many clubs have.

Can they make the top 8/4? Yes/ No

I am not sure whether or not the Eels will be able to continue what is expected of them. I don't think Hayne will continue his form and I think he will be forgotten about in place of another performer. You can't just pass the ball all over the place all season.

 

They can make it but I don;t think they will