NRL Ladder Predictions

We are 5 rounds into the 2009 NRL season, so I have decided to compile this list, with a brief rundown of each club and where I think each club will finish after the 26 rounds this year.

NOTE: This is what I think the ladder will look like after the full 26 rounds of the Telstra Premiership, finals are not included.

The top 8:
1. St George Illawarra Dragons – The benchmark of the competition so far. Soward playing like a superstar, the forwards doing their job, and the backline finishing off the tries. Excellent defence and a very well rounded attack.

2. South Sydney Rabbitohs – Russell’s guys have impressed me so far in their 2009 campaign, I really thought they would do well before the season started. Creative players like Luke, Sandow, Wing and Sutton create a lot of points. Solid defence, have been known to struggle to score points in the past, but maybe that will change this season.

3. Brisbane Broncos – An excellent halves pairing and great backline, their weakness lies in their substandard-compared-to-previous-Bronco’s-packs forwards. Weak bench, but I still see them getting top 4.

4. Cronulla Sutherland Sharks – I have really high hopes for the Cronulla boys. With some good signings over the off season to add to their good player base, I would have them 3rd if they still had Brett ‘Noddy’ Kimmorley in the number 7 jersey.

5. Melbourne Storm – Been the benchmark of the competition for a long time now, something has to give. Haven’t had the greatest start to the competition, don’t see them going to distance to be top 4.

6. Manly Sea Eagles – Had a terrible start to the season so far, 0/4. I see them winning a lot of matches between now and the end of the season to claim the number 6 spot.

7. New Zealand Warriors – Warriors are always up there, always threatening top class teams. I don’t see them doing anything special, but a word of warning to opposing teams, watch out.

8. Canterbury Bulldogs – A good start to the season, some great buys over the off season and at the moment you would assume a very happy club. Predict them to have a form slump throughout the season at some point, dragging them from about 5th to 8th.

9. Gold Coast Titans – Had a great start to the season, but I see injuries taking their toll and Titans missing out on the 8 by 4 points or less.

10. North Queensland Cowboys – I think they have the potential to be top 4. I originally had them in the top 6, but seeing Thurston’s lack of form and teams general poor play so far, they have slid down to 10th.

11. Sydney Roosters – Again, lots of potential. I don’t like the makeup of the side at the moment, and we have been playing very scrappy football so far. Not capitalising on chances, missing vital tackles, letting through soft tries, etc.

12. Wests Tigers – Relying on Farrah and Marshall at the moment. Farrah will likely be playing Origin, and during this period I expect the Tigers to lose a few places.

13. Canberra Raiders – Another team who has a lot of potential, but hasn’t quite got winning away from home down pat. Too much relying on Terry Campese to do everything.

14. Newcastle Knights – Hot and cold. One game they will beat the premiers 40-0 and the next lose 38-2 against the wooden spooners.

15. Penrith Panthers – I don’t see them going far with Matthew Elliot as head coach, and no recognized halfback.

16. Parramatta Eels – With Finch leaving, they drop down to last, taking Penrith’s position at the bottom of the ladder. Eels now have no five eighth or half with any experience, lack direction and despite having some good players who are destined to go a long way in football, I don’t see them getting far this season. Top position able to finish would be about 12th.

http://aussiefootyfix.blogspot.com/2009/04/we-are-5-rounds-into-2009-nrl-season-so.html

More at my blog, AussieFootyFix.

 

Can't be bothered typing up a massive rant on each team:

1. Warriors
2. Dragons
3. Broncos
4. Storm
5. Bulldogs
6. Titans
7. Cowboys
8. Raiders
9. Manly
10. Souths
11. Roosters
12. Eels
13. Knights
14. Sharks
15. Tigers
16. Penrith

 

Missed Sharks? Or doing it on purpose?

 

Ahh fixed it up lol. I missed SHarks and Souths

 

Yeah they are gun, but nah I looked for it the other day. They usually put one up when there's like 5 or 6 rounds to go.

 

No they don't yet. Mentioned that on Rleague today or yesterday. Been waiting for a while. I reckon I will get a different order using that.

 

Time to bring back sigs IMO.

 

I will be digging up the thousand posts I made in the pre-season attacking people on Rleague who thought Sharks would be title contenders. I said about 500 times that they would finish 12-16 and be wooden spoon favourites if not win it.