How do you think the Eels will do?
Over the next few days, we’ll be bringing you some predictions for the 2013 season. Many thanks to NZWarriorsFans.com for letting us re-post these.
To get us started, here are the teams that we have predicted will finish in the bottom four. We’d love to hear your thoughts on both what you read below and what your bold predictions are!
2013 NRL Season: Predictions 16-13
2013 NRL Season: Predictions 12-9
2013 NRL Season: Predictions 8-5
2013 NRL Season: Predictions 4-1
Also see the 2013 Player Movements for an up-to-date list of comings and goings for your club!
Here we go!
Gold Coast Titans
Arguably the competition’s best supporting cast combined with the worst spine. Letting Scott Prince go was a curious (retarded) decision, and now means the Titans have a distinct lack of depth in their halves. Aidan Seizer is a certainty at 6, leaving Jordan Rankin, Beau Henry and Albert Kelly vying for Prince’s vacant jersey. Early word is that Albert Kelly has the inside running, but don’t be surprised to see multiple players get a shot – or for Cartwright to throw Greg Bird an SOS call and play him at 6 once things turn to shit. They do boast a great forward pack and decent outside backs but the lack of experience and overall quality in their spine will be crippling. Prediction: Wooden Spoon
St George Illawarra Dragons
Post Wayne Bennett hangover, or just a crap squad? Constant speculation about Bellamy’s arrival in Wollongong from 2014 must have taken its toll on Steve Price. Big losses in Beau Scott (Knights), Ben Hornby (Retired) as well as Kyle Stanley (injury) pre-season – things already look to be heading south for the Dragons and I’d be surprised if they mount a proper challenge on the top 8. They do have decent outside backs in Brett Morris, Jason Nightingale and newly signed Gerard Beale – but the lack of depth in the halves combined with the up-and-down form of Jamie Soward will go a long way to deciding their fate. With a couple more key players hanging up their boots at the end of the season, and constant speculation over the future of coach Steve Price, this is well and truly a ‘transition period’ for the Drags and I wouldn’t be surprised if this season quickly becomes one to forget. Prediction: 15th
Penrith Panthers
Gus Gould and Ivan Cleary head into their 2nd year in charge of the Panthers’ heavily publicised revolution. The question is how long their supporters will be happy to accept mediocrity during this period? They’ve brought in some not-so-terrible players for 2013 in the likes of Dean Whare, James Segeyaro, Sika Manu and Lewis Brown. Outweighing the gains however have been the personnel they’ve lost. Luke Lewis and Michael Gordon have left for the green pastures of the Shire amongst the recent Hobbit hype, whilst Michael Jennings has finally put to bed the long-standing saga surrounding his future. Luke Walsh is adequate without being dominant, and I’m not totally sold on the idea of Lachlan Coote in the halves. They’re a side that may punch above their weight for a period but ultimately the lack of quality in key areas will be telling. Another year of building in this transition period and I still can’t see them consistently worrying too many sides. Prediction: 14th
Parramatta Eels
He may be a clown but Ricky Stuart has been around a long time now and knows a couple of things about rugby league. Despite the losses while coaching NSW I thought his teams were probably the most competitive of any side NSW has produced over the last half decade. He brings a no-nonsense approach to a club which was shambolic throughout 2012. Missing out on Israel Folau will have hurt them, but it’s not all doom and gloom. I thought Cheyse Blair was impressive last year, while forgotten man Jacob Loko should break into the side if he can stay fit. Sadly their forward pack really isn’t much to write home about, and if Fuifui Moimoi isn’t firing they may struggle against some of the stronger packs. Though the club appears to be headed in the right direction, they’re heavily reliant on Jarryd Hayne and Chris Sandow who tend to be very up-and-down with their form (and attitude). A couple of class players surrounded by a decidedly average squad, like the Panthers, I can’t see them consistently troubling too many sides. Prediction: 13th
If you’re a New Zealand Warriors fan or want to chat about the club or it’s players, don’t forget to check out NZWarriorsFans.com!
I believe that The Mighty Dragons will be in the top four
Glad to see someone does. Keep taking the happy pills.
Terribly poor form picking the Titans as the spooners. Last year, they performed poorly for the first half, its true. But as soon as things started to clear up about the club going bust, performance increased to the point they moved into the top 10, at one point being in the top 8. Anyway, my pics for the last 4 places are as below-
16. Panthers
15. Warriors
14. Eels
13. Tigers/Dragons
lol at tigers 13th
I’m surprised people haven’t picked the Tigers to go lower. In my mind, they and Parra are neck-and-neck for the Wooden Spoon. Hornby has Fein to replace him and Scott has never been exceptional in the first place.
My bottom 4;
16. Parra
15. Tigers
14. Roosters/Warriors
13. Panthers
And
1. Storm
2. Sharks
3. Bulldogs
4. Cowboys
5. Manly
6. Rabbitohs
7. Broncos
8. Raiders
9. Knights
10. Dragons
11. Roosters/Warriors
12. Titans
I’d agree. We sucked in the first half of 2012. If we could’ve strung some wins together in the beginning of the year we probably could’ve came 8th. We missed out by a bit but I think losing Prince isn’t even that big of a deal. Kelly will play HB I reckon and If Sezer, Kelly & Srama Gel we should do well.
1. Storm
2. Bulldogs
3. Roosters
4. Sharks
5. Cowboys
6. Rabbitohs
7. Raiders
8. Sea Eagles
Mark this thread and have a look back in September..
1. Storm
2. Bulldogs
3. Souths
4. Sea Eagles
5. Cowboys
6. Titans
7. Roosters
8. Knights
9. Broncos
10. Raiders
11. Sharks
12. Tigers
13. Dragons
14. Warriors
15. Eels
16. Panthers
titans roosters and knights ahead of sharks?? WAKE UP DUDE
Who devised this? No tigers or warriors in bottom 4…lol…ok zerotackle let’s pretend you guys havnt posted yet another stupid article.
Agreed. This is a terrible shit article
I think the warriors will get the spoon imo
Zero Tackle…… definately Zeros at school enough said!!!
Warriors because Elliot is a dud coach dragons broncos and Manly botTom 4!!
You just never know with the warriors. When they are bad the are very very bad an when they are good they are awesome. Trouble is you never know who will turn up.
starting 17 for those squads:
Titans
1. William Zillman
2. Kevin Gordon
3. Steve Michaels
4. Jamal Idris
5. David Mead
6. Aidan Sezer/Greg Bird
7. Albert Kelly/Beau Henry/Jordan Rankin/AIdan Sezer
8. Luke Bailey (C)
9. Matt Srama
10. Nate Myles/Luke Douglas
11. Greg Bird/Nate Myles
12. David Taylor
13. Ashley Harrison
Interchange
14. Ben Ridge
15. Luke O’Dwyer
16. Mark Minichello
17. Luke Douglas/Albert Kelly
Dragons
1. Jason Nightingale/Gerard Beale
2. Brett Morris
3. Gerard Beale/Daniel Vidot
4. Matt Cooper (C)
5. Daniel Vidot/Jason Nightingale
6. Kyle Stanley/Jamie Soward/Nathan Fien
7. Jamie Soward/Josh Drinkwater/Nathan Fien
8. Dan Hunt
9. Mitch Rein
10. Michael Weyman
11. Matt Prior
12. Ben Creagh (C)
13. Jack De Belin
Interchange
14. Nathan Fien/Kyle Stanley
15. Michael Henderson
16. Bronson Harrison
17. Trent Merrin
Panthers
1. Dean Whare
2. Josh Mansour
3. Wes Naiqama
4. Brad Tighe
5. David Simmons
6. Lachlan Coote
7. Luke Walsh
8. Sam McKendry
9. Kevin Kingston (C)
10. Tim Grant
11. Sika Manu
12. Lewis Brown
13. Nigel Plum
Interchange
14. Jeremy Latimore
15. Clint Newton
16. Cameron Ciraldo
17. James Segeyaro
Eels
1. Jake Mullaney/Jarryd Hayne
2. Cheyse Blair
3. Ryan Morgan
4. Willie Tonga
5. Ken Sio
6. Jarryd Hayne/Ben Roberts
7. Chris Sandow
8. Tim Mannah
9. Matt Keating
10. Fuifui Moimoi (C)
11. Matt Ryan
12. Ben Smith
13. Reni Maitua
Interchange
14. Darcy Lussick
15. Mitchell Allgood
16. Daniel Harrison
17. Ben Roberts/Jake Mullaney
Dude.. you know nussink.
That will not be the Dragons lineup.
Now i’ve wasted enough time on this.
1. Gerard Beale
2. Brett Morris
3. Chase Stanley
4. Matt Cooper
5. Jason Nightingale
6. Jaime Soward
7. Nathan Fien
8. Trent Merrin
9. Cameron King
10. Michael Weyman
11. Bronson Harrison
12. Ben Creagh (C)
13. Jack De Belin
Interchange
14. Mitch Rein
15. Matt Prior
16. Tyson Frizell
17. Dan Hunt
That is probably their strongest team, but I don’t agree with Mitch Rein being on the bench. He has the advantage over Cameron King at this stage, so I would put King on the bench. He still has to prove his worth in First Grade, and hopefully this season he will. The other consideration is Josh Drinkwater. Once again the Media have put big wraps on him, which creates big expectations. He hasn’t played any First Grade yet, so why is he expected to be an instant success? He will need to find his feet with the Illawarra Cutters before can even be considered for First Grade. Give the guy a fair go…we don’t know what he is capable of yet. The Dragons don’t usually rush young players into First Grade, and the crucial position of halfback makes it more important that he is not rushed or fast tracked into the top team….
You have no idea about captains do you… Titans are Myles and Bird, Dragons are Creagh and Creagh only and the Eels is either Maitua or Mannah but good job on the squads quite accurate.
What, no shonkies in the bottom 4 ? Someone is dreaming. Their flash in the pan season last year has gone and they will get found out this year. My top teams are :
1 Dogs
2 Storm
3 Bunnies
4 Knights
5 Cowboys
6 Roosters
7 Warriors
8 Broncos
9 Raiders
10 Sea Eagles
the rest don’t matter.
Dogs will take the Minor Permership, Storm will beat the bunnies in the big one to go back to back.
I can see that top 8 this year should be interesting…
bahahahaha time to cut back on the meds. only 4 of those will make the 8
u Hating the sharks wont stop them making the 4 or even top 2 ..yr top 10 is a JOKE not even that its stupidity ..good luck w yr footy tipping this yr iyr gonna need it .. dnt come last again and i still say stop supporting nrl u know nothing about it just keep making those burgers ronald
Top 4 will be hard to go past Bulldogs, Sharks (they have bought the best of any club), Storm and Rabbitohs. The Roosters will be vastly improved on last year and will certainly make the 8, missing the Top 4 purely based on SBW only playing 10-15 games all year at best, Jennings won’t be the player that all Roosters fans are hoping for and the Maloney/Pearce combination will take some time to gel. The other 3 sides in the top 8 for mine are Newcastle, Manly and Cowboys. Outside chances will be Canberra and Titans.
I don’t rate the chances of the Tigers, Broncos, Dragons, Warriors, Eels and Panthers, and you could throw a blanket over those 6 sides for the bottom 4 spots.
1. Storm
2. Manly
3. Bulldogs
4. Cowboys
5. Rabbitohs
6. Raiders
7. Sharks
8.Roosters
Tigers for wooden spoon
tigers are going to come first.
Storm
Sharks
Rabbits
Roosters
Cowboys
Bulldogs
Brisbane
Manly
Shero your top 8 is more realistic than some of the garbage top 8′s on here who will be red faced by the seasons end i disagree with a couple of yr positions here but at least its realistic …cheers
^^^^top 8 – first to eighth ^^^^
1.Dogs
2.Rabbitohs
3.Storm
4.Sharks
5.Cowboys
6.Sea Eagles
7.Broncos
8.Knights
9.Raiders
10.Panthers
11.Roosters
12.Titans
13.Eels
14.Dragons
15.Tigers
16.Warriors
Ouch a lot of you don’t rate the warriors, I guess I’ll just keep quiet with a knowing smile on my face.
1.Sharks
2.Storm
3.Bulldogs
4.Rabbitohs
5.Coyboys
6.Raiders
7.Sea Eagles
8.Dragons
9.Broncos
10.Knights
11.Warriors
12.Roosters
13.Titans
14.Eels
15.Panthers
16.Tigers
Manly
Storm
Rabbitohs
Bulldogs
Sharks
Cowboys
Raiders
Roosters
All I can say is the post if full of ignorance, wait till we’re half way through the season and you’ll see where the Titans are. It seems as though Zero Tackle that you’re the only person with this anti bias towards the Titans, especially when you’re being ridiculed for your decision to put them last. Just wait, you’ll see, idiot.
If you could read, you would see that we didn’t actually write the predictions. But thanks for your feedback and your continually un-biased view of the Gold Coast Titans.
At least be professional about it. That was just rude, grow up.
Sorry I didn’t see that it was posted by the NRLWarriorsFans.com, but your response was quite rude especially when this is a business… Your business. Nevertheless apologies on my behalf, but still I am annoyed with the ignorance in this post. An yes of course I’m biase towards the Titans, maybe you could come up with your own predictions?
Normally we try not to reply to many comments as it generally incites more trouble than it’s worth. But we’ll make an exception here.
As some have pointed out, these are simply predictions, written by the good guys over at NZWarriorsFans.com. You all need to remember the key word here – predictions.
There is no right and wrong answer. If 5 other people had sent us in some previews, no doubt they would all be different to the current ones and generate just as much debate.
Here at Zero Tackle, we love the passion of the rugby league fans. We work hard in our spare time, for very little gain, to try and provide a service that as rugby league fans ourselves, we hope that everyone will enjoy.
That said, quite often our “hard work” is greeted with comments of disrespect and to be honest, just plain rudeness.
Not signally you out personally Titans Riley, there have been plenty who have said much worse then you over the past few years. Just every now and again, we like to stick up for ourselves!
Looking forward to posting the top 8 predictions on Monday and seeing everyone’s comments on those!
any news on that forum section yet zerotackle? were still waiting mate
Titans Riley, you’re very fortunate Penrith and Saints are in the comp, or your mob would be a certainty for the spoon. Missed out on Jennings, missed out on Lyon, idris is on one leg, no halfback and that useless lump Taylor holding up your ageing pack…..13th at best.
Good job guys……your time is appreciated
I disagree, the Titans boast an absolutely monster forward pack, a great back 3 and a future star in Aiden Sezer. This is exactly like the Bulldogs in 2012. 2013 wi be a very good year for the Titans, expect big things from them, and personally I believe that getting rid of Prince will be a blessing in disguise. The Dragons really have nothing going for them, whilst at the moment the Panthers don’t have a team capable of contending for the premiership, but they have recruited superbly and I think they will have an awesome 2015 season. The Roosters have got an amazing halve pairing and they certainly boast a great backline, but in reality their forward pack isn’t the greatest, but certainly is a top 8 forward pack. Roosters 5th, Titans 6th-7th, Dragons 14th-16th and Panthers 8th-12th.
It’s written by NZWarriorsFans.com? Surely the Auckland team will be #1 on the list…hardly an unbiased post.
However i do agree Titans won’t be last, and as for your professional ‘retarded’ comment, Scott Prince is old and inconsistent, far from his former best. I’m fine with us being labelled with the pre-season wooden spoon, it’s an easy point to rise from – and we will, i’m confident.
If you go to the site you will see that the Warriors have in fact been placed 11th. Hard call for someone on a Warriors fan forum but it just goes to show that there is absolutely no bias whatsoever. To all the rest of you muppets who are complaining, its just one persons personal prediction. Feel free to submit your own unbiased opinion and we’ll see whether ZT.com think your not stupid or not…
Titans only need kelly to stand up and we’ll be in the mix. Bailey,Douglas, James, White, Ioane, Myles, Bird, Harrison, Mini, Ridge, O’Dwyer. The sharks, bunnies and dogs are the only team that could boast a similar quality.pack with the same depth
Titans Riley: Don’t let these opinions bother you, because that’s all they are…opinions. Many people have put the Titans and my team (the mighty Red V) in their bottom 4, but that doesn’t mean anything! That is one of the great things about Rugby League…every season we see teams defy the odds, and it is so much sweeter when your team is one of them! For what it’s worth, I think the Titans are a strong chance for the Top 8. Stay positive, and let the narks have their say…at the end of the day, everyone is entitled to have an opinion. The fact that some of them have written off the Titans before a ball has even been kicked shows that you don’t have to take it seriously….
Here here Des. Very smart comment. I think a few teams will get a shock from dragons, panthers and the mighty titans. I think the young halves the titans have got will have a breakout year similar to that of foran and cherry Evans. Titans may not win the comp, but they will shake things up big time! No offence zero tackle although I’m new to this site, you can’t be workin that hard if you are posting a kiwis predictions. They are not even close to realistic. But as u say just predictions. I have a feeling you could have done a better job yourselves!
1.Sharks 2.Dogs 3.Rabbits 4.Storm 5.Cowboys 6.Knights 7.Manly 8.Broncos
Sharks bought the best of any team, The Dogs will miss Wrights finishing ability and Staggs 40+ tackles a game, The Rabbits have lost Taylor but they have Signed up 2 great replacements with Teo and Lima and also snared Goodwin, The storm will miss Manu’s grunt up front and under rated Kostjasyn along with Quinn and Nielsen out wide, The Cowboys will be steady as ever but with the loss of Payne it could hurt them out of the ruck, the Knights have bought wisely up front and out wide but much will depend on Gidley Boyd and Bedsy, Manly will be there or there about’s but this aging team may loose there way come the back half of the season, Prince will be a major boost to a rebuilding Bronco’s outfit provided he can stay fit..
Dogs wont miss Stagg at all. He did nothing last year. Im spewing that Wright is gone, but Turner comes back plus there is a few young fellas on the cusp.
I agree Souths will be a lot better off without Dave Taylor. They look good this year.
And the Broncos will definately benefit from the Prince signing. Norman can go to fullback, and Hoffman can play reserve grade. They should be a lot stronger as well.
I agree totally John another realistic nrl fan !!!cheers
1. Storm
2. Bullgrubs
3. Manly
4. Souffs
5. Sharks
6. Cowboys/Broncos
The rest are all pretenders
Wow zero tackle, why would you post a totally bias article? Please note fellow league fans, that this was taken from the NZWarriorsFans.com page, therefore I’ll only assume that the New Zealand warriors will be placed at no. 1.
Nice assumption champ.
Thanks Steve I appreciate it buddy. Turns out I was wrong and NZ Warrior fans are humble, which is strange for New Zealanders.
Panthers for the spoon with the Titans a close 2nd last.
I don’t know what is funnier. The fact that people on here think the Broncos will finish top 8 or that the Bunnies will finish top 4. LOL
Neither will feature in the finals.
Sharks, Storm, Manly and Cowboys will be top 4 with Sharks winning their first title.
Not a Sharks fan but hard to go past them. Next year Storm and Bullgrubs will share the spoon once they are caught out for cheating the cap again this year.
Penrith Spoon and Sharks to win the premieship?Go home Mr you’re drunk.
Mr of Here, the muppet is at it again, Dogs aren’t over, neither are Melbourne, come talk to me when Parra do something worth mentioning.
Gotta agree with with you Mr. What’s all the fuss about soufs? Seriously they will be at lower end of the 8 if that. Think the gummies will do really well as they have bought very astutely. Unfortunately the two cap cheats- mutts and the storm will again be up there. Be nice to see the gummies win their first ever title…if Toddles can stay fit.
i dont care who wrote the article its stupid how can you even start to predict whats going to happen with a game so unpredictable as the nrl the knights and tigers were both tipped for top four and GF appearences last year look what happened there and i bet no one thought the dogs would finish minor premiers and GF runner ups i think everyone needs to wait until maybe roung 13 to start making predictions
Adzynero…… of course you are right regarding the season happenings being so unpredictable….of course you are! But the point of the matter is that we are all rabid fans of the game ( and various teams ) and drawn to these forums like moths to a flame. Why ? Because of our excitement for the upcoming season. We can’t WAIT for it to start. Also, we have opinions…all of us… and its a lot of fun making calls, predicting outcomes and debating various facets of the game. This is simply a symptom ( and a result ) of our love for the game. Predictions stir debate, they rouse people to arms on behalf of their teams, and they ensure a fever pitch start to the season for us all. This is half the fun of the apprehension we all hold for the next 8 months of RL…. please don’t decry us our buildup to the greatest game of all. We need it ! Good luck to all readers for the season no matter who you follow.
1. Sharks
2. Bulldogs
3. Storm
4. Cowboys
5. Roosters
6.Manly
7. Raiders
8. Rabitohs
I dont think the Titans will get the spoon. Far from it. Yes, they have a very young halves pairing. But so did the Bulldogs last year. If the Titans forwards can put away their skirts for the year, the halves job becomes so much easier.
Although with John Cartwright as coach I wouldnt be too surprised to see another crap year.
Hey people get a grip, we all talk about where we think teams will finish (checkout the betting sites you can throw your hard earned at) I’m sure the article is just a bit of fun and just someone’s opinion! Of course no one knows at this stage, you can only look at the players each team has. in my opinion injuries will as it has in the last few years, dictate where a lot of teams finish! Just have fun put up your 16 and we can all look back and laugh in 9 months!!
Hey people get a grip, we all talk about where we think teams will finish (checkout the betting sites you can throw your hard earned at) I’m sure the article is just a bit of fun and just someone’s opinion! Of course no one knows at this stage, you can only look at the players each team has. in my opinion injuries will as it has in the last few years, dictate where a lot of teams finish! Just have fun put up your 16 and we can all look back and laugh in 9 months!!
Warriors will make top 8 nuff sed.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Just bring the footy on and all this smack talk can be forgotten with fact taking it’s place.
1. cowboys
2. storm
2. broncos
4. souths
5. manly
6. warriors
7.bulldogs
8. raiders
Think Dog’s will be a little higher than 7th mate.
I think bulldogs will feel the origin period more this year
Bulldogs without Johnno Wright will suffer but still make the 8 and can barba shine 2 yrs running look who he faces now? last yr was there best yr ..this yr not so
parramatta eels
penrith panthers
New Zealand warriors
wests tigers
Newcastle knights
Canberra raiders
st george Illawarra dragons
Sydney city roosters
Gold Coast titans
Brisbane broncos
North Queensland cowboys
manly waringah sea eagles
cronulla sharks
south sydney Rabbitohs
Melbourne storm
Canterbury bankstown bulldogs
Rabbitohs V bulldogs GF
NSW for origin
NRL Allstars
city
Australia for RLWC
parramatta eels
penrith panthers
New Zealand warriors
wests tigers
Newcastle knights
Canberra raiders
st george Illawarra dragons
Sydney city roosters
Gold Coast titans
Brisbane broncos
North Queensland cowboys
manly waringah sea eagles
cronulla sharks
south sydney Rabbitohs
Melbourne storm
Canterbury bankstown bulldogs
Rabbitohs V bulldogs GF
NSW for origin
NRL Allstars
Australia for RLWC
OK anyone who is picking the Roosters and the warriors not to at the very least be top ten has no idea about League and should go be a ball boy for Premier league soccer!!!
I like the Tigers but there really going to strugle and so will the raiders.
Bottom 3
Panthers,titans or St George will have the wooden spoon there is no doubt of that (Unless Taylor preforms some serious heroicks for the Titans.
Top 5 will be
Souths, Bulldogs, shark, storm, Roosters,
last three spots In the 8 will be fought out between thess three then a gulf to the bottom 7
Mainly, Warriors, , Cowboys, Broncos
bottom 7
Raiders, Eels, Tigers, Newcastle, Titains, StGeorge, Penrith
this is due to the strenght in ther squads and the players that will be running the team, Id love to say that the Warrirors will finish round 26 in the top 4 but despite having possibly the most talented squad along with Souths, Buldogs, roosters and Cronulla. they have a new halvs combo and a new coach so you cant say for sure. Roosters and conulla have recruted amasingly but i think this year will be another what if for the sharks and they will Rue letting Jeremy Smith go.
Ray: You make some interesting comments, but the Sharks released Jeremy Smith for personal reasons…they wanted him to stay. From what I have heard and read, he wanted to be closer to his family and Wayne Bennett is very happy to have him at Newcastle. I think the Sharks have enough depth in their squad to cover Smith’s departure. Your opinion of the Dragons & Titans is similar to a lot of other people, but I reckon all of you are under-estimating them. Look at the pack of forwards the Titans have…and you can never write the Dragons off before a ball has even been kicked for one simple reason…They are the Dragons, the mighty Red V!!!
1. Melbourne – A formidable force with the best spine in the competition by far, will struggle through SOO period for obvious reasons.
2. Bulldogs – Another formidable force with just a weaker back line, Barba won’t have to same stellar year he had the year, I see him being another Jarred Hayne.
3. Rabbitohs – The dark horse of the competition, see them win the Grand Final or come close.
4. Cowboys – The Cowboys boast a major forward pack, the best front row without doubt and an awesome second row to back that up, JT and Bowen are the dictators in this squad, premiership contenders.
5. Roosters – With the newly added attacking strike force of SBW and Jennings, and the new and improved halves pairing, we’ll be seeing big things from the Roosters.
6. Sharks – As will Melbourne, the Broncos and the Titans the Sharks will have a tough time during Origin, but I can see them pull through for a late season finals run.
7. Titans – On paper this team could win the comp, but as it did last year, inconsistency and occasional poor form will leave Titans fans excited for the later half of the season.
8. Manly – The only problem here is the coach, like the Titans, Manly have an absolute team on paper, but something is missing on the field, only time will tell.
9. Broncos – The Broncos are on the slide, possibly just possibly Scott Prince will be able to direct the Broncos to the finals, but if he brings his inconsistency that he had at the Titans to the Broncos, Brisbane fans will be unhappy.
10. Tigers – This two star team have the potential to make the finals, but if Marshall isn’t firing and their captain Borg off at SOO as well as having a new coach the Tigers will be left wondering ‘why?’.
11. Raiders – Inconsistent, that is all.
12. Penrith – have added great depth and in reality have lost no players as they basically never played for them last year (Gordon, Jennings and Lewis), things will be bright in the future, but Penrith fans must wait.
13. Warriors – like the Raiders, the warriors are inconsistent and they need more firepower out wide.
14. Newcastle – The Knights don’t boast anyone with pure firepower and their spine is okay at best, Gidley and Buderus need to go and the Knights need to start fresh.
15. Eels – An average squad that poses no threat except from a fullback who’s never there.
16. Dragons – there’s nothing here anymore, the dragons need rebuilding, quickly.
fair assesment .. and .origin will be a prob for some sides
Dragons to finish 15th? I’m starting to think maybe all the myan’s didnt die and you must be the last one. Guess you had to think up some other outrageous prediction since the world didn’t end. Do even know what a football looks like! Don’t answer that, it’s a rhetorical question. Stick to what your good at, whatever that is.
Dragons to finish 15th? I’m starting to think maybe all the myan’s didnt die and you must be the last one. Guess you had to think up some other outrageous prediction since the world didn’t end. Do you even know what a football looks like! Don’t answer that, it’s a rhetorical question. Stick to what your good at, whatever that is.
I think the Panthers are goin to shock everyone & leave the doubters with egg on their faces!! They’re on the rise & will blow sides away their best squad in years 1. James Roberts 2 Josh Mansour 3 Dean Whare 4 Brad Tighe 5 Dave simmons 6 L. Coote 7 Luke Walsh 13 Nathan Smith 12 Matt Robinson 11 Sika Manu 10 Sam Mckenrdry 9 Kevin Kingston 8 Tim Grant bench 14 j. Segeyaro 15 A.Docker 16 M.Masoe 17 B.Austin 18 C.Newton. Last four will be Dragons, Tigers, Titans, Warroirs! Wooden Spoon Dragons
I’m a sharks supporter obviously, and I’m really loving the confidence that most of you are showing in them.
A few things to consider without allowing for the teams that come out of nowhere.
Melbourne are close to untouchable but still manage to stumble at times.
Canterbury added Trex to an impressive squad.
Manly strong with Stewart and Lyon on the park.
Broncos still had a strong season last year lacked the edge to put teams away. Prince will help here.
Canberra had great run into the semis last year.
Penrith and Tigers(2 years in a row tigers) have been raped of some serious talent even though they are ageing and injured.
Dragons and Parra no major roster improvements.
Newcastle started to fire occasionally last year. Doubt Wayne Bennet will miss the 8 two years in a row. But it’s a tough comp
What it comes down to is that not everyone can make the 8 and most fans think their team has improved with great leaps and bounds. But some teams like the dogs didn’t need a lot of improvement.
I’m a sharks supporter obviously, and I’m really loving the confidence that most of you are showing in them.
A few things to consider without allowing for the teams that come out of nowhere.
Melbourne are close to untouchable but still manage to stumble at times.
Canterbury added Trex to an impressive squad.
Manly strong with Stewart and Lyon on the park.
Broncos still had a strong season last year lacked the edge to put teams away. Prince will help here.
Canberra had great run into the semis last year.
Penrith and Tigers(2 years in a row tigers) have been done over of some serious talent even though they are ageing and injured.
Dragons and Parra no major roster improvements.
Newcastle started to fire occasionally last year. Doubt Wayne Bennet will miss the 8 two years in a row. But it’s a tough comp
What it comes down to is that not everyone can make the 8 and most fans think their team has improved with great leaps and bounds. But some teams like the dogs didn’t need a lot of improvement.
Sharks 4 life I can see your in for a better season than you expect although manly and storm will be your main worry this yr they both sometimes are not consistant and the bulldogs signing a lazy t-rex is not so big , hes good 1 min sloppy the next and sometimes lazy and we see if he gets hurt hes scared to run , bulldogs worst loss is now a sharkie johnno wright who is a try scoring machine and workhorse out wide a great buy for sharkies … im among many who believe 2013 is yr of the shark they prepared for 2013 two yrs ago expect premiership #1 good luck
Hi all. Yes I’m a mad Dragon. But can see past the end of my nose. Most teams that have bought have also lost some good players. Thats the reason for the cap. Those who have spent big will get caught with their back-ended payments. This year for my team could be decided with how they stand up in the 1st 6 weehs. Check the draw everyone and you will find we have a dream run in the last 10 weeks. All the best fellas for an improved season. Others forget we finished 9th which means those below us needed to spend up.
no matter how u play last 5 games u will b in a battle for wooden spoon and my guess is u get it
go the knights , good forward pack and strong backs if they can get the ball mullen needs to aim up ..
I see some of these guys must either be on something or have no idea what they are talking about in the NRL..
leaving the sharkies out of the top 8 is a joke and putting the dragons in the 8 is almost as stupid.
now even though the season hasnt started yet .i won’t go into my reasons ,,but depending on injuries this should be the top 8 (not nessasarily in this order but close the top 4 should be about right.
1…Sharks
2…Sea Eagles
3…Storm
4…Rabbitohs
———————–
5…Bulldogs
6…Cowboys
7…Raiders
8…Roosters
———————
9..Broncos
10..Eels
11..Knights
12..Titans
13..Panthers
14..Warriors
15..Tigers
16..Dragons
disagree if you want but if you look at my top 8 last yr u might know i’m pretty accurate ..
good luck!!
i see alot to disagree with, but will give you the benefit of the doubt if you show me your top 8 from last year.
this list is rubbish and it show’s u have no knowledge about footy what so ever.
REALLY??????????? say that again in sept when we compare lists ok
ITEAM my last yrs top 8 was as follows!!!!
1..storm
2..bulldogs
2…rabbits
4..manly
5..cowboys
6..raiders
7..sharks
8 Broncos
and 9th was tigers
as u can see only 1 diffderent was 1st and 2nd and last 5 yrs i picked top 8 …anyway just compare top 8′s at end of this yr
just another issue to be cleared up ..knowing of Todd Carney personally .. I assure all you sharkies fans he won’t be going anywhere after 2013 , he’s just waiting for a 2nd offer from the sharks , which will come this year and will wait to give sharks last offer before deciding..!!!
but on that matter sharkies have there eyes set on another big name for next season..i’ll let you wait on that!!
let me guess your’re another insider? lol
BRONCOS lets just say i know my stuff btw last year i had storm bulldogs bunnies Sea Eagles Cowboys raiders sharks broncos in this order only 1st 2nd wrong way around … look at my top 8 and memorise it bc by seasons end will b pretty close maybe 1 or 2 positions might change but nothing else i got top 8 now 5 yrs in a row … so dnt question my top 8 until you can prove better
If Titans had a real good halfback and a strike centre then i’d pencil them in for finals footy. But at this point it seems uncertain where everything is heading. Yes the halves pairing of Kelly/Sezer is young but if they gel together then i can see them going places. Kelly undoubtedly has huge potential and Sezer is a solid first grade 5/8.
But if they dont gel then they will struggle to score tries. Similar to what happened last season. But they do have one of the best goal line defences in the league.
Sure the Titans halves are going to be a point of contention but Sezer, Srama and Zillman have displayed enough for the team to develop around. We had to lose Prince at some stage and this is as good a time as any. We’ll challenge for a spot in the eight, in fact if we had another coach I’d put money on it.
both panthers and knights will suprise a lot of teams this year, followed by parra and warriors, looking forward to it.
I agree with you iTeam, I do however believe that the Warriors will struggle.
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I am a penrith fan I believe we will struggle. We have the worst spine in the game and lost our only origin class players. I think it’s sad that we can think we have a better side. Of there signings Manu is more injuring prone than Lewis and the rest of the signings come with massive question marks
Gazza77, are you sure that you’re a Panthers supporter? Really your posts are so negative.
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Things are on the rise for the Panthers.
. Just have faith. 
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Panthers girl this yr maybe u wnt do much but yr like the sharks yr building for next 2 seasons sharks built last 2 yrs for 2013 now look at them panthers if they do get thurston will also have other cowboys follow and you have already bought a great player who will possibly play origin soon dean whare from manly …cheers
top8 expert, are you referring to the kiwis centre Dean Whare? Expert pffffffftttttt!!!
yes thats correct hes promising and why i say origin is because look at the kiwis there now he will prob change also and be a blue
Oh Moose you’re such an expert, lmfao.
. Time will tell. 
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What the hell are you smoking???
1.bulldogs. 2.cowboys. 3.storm. 4.souths. 5.sharks. 6.manly. 7.newcastle. 8.canberra. 9.broncos. 10.roosters. 11.dragons. 12.warriors. 13.tigers. 14.parramatta. 15.titans. 16.penrith. Just like everyone else ill have a crack at it.
this list shows you know nothing about football
It’s my opinion there like arseholes everyone has one & to say I know nothing about football is like Brisbane warriors premiership aspirations weak as piss.
at least hes pretty damn close i suppose u have roosters or broncos in top 4??
Out of the top 8 only 5 teams can win this comp Melbourne,bulldogs,souths,cowboys & manly but it will be Bulldogs v Souths on grand final 2013.
Love tha passion of Titan Riley keep the dream alive.
replace faily with fail
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1. dogs
2. cowboys
3. bunnies
4. storm
5. brisbane
6. raiders
7. manly
8. sharks
dogs v bunnies GF IMO
as for yr comment about the dogs ..unfortunately while under des they won’t perform badly but on the other hand they wont make the gf again this yr
AMERICA DOESN’T KNOW WHAT NRL SO STUFF NRL
So go back to America dumbass. The only thing america knows is how to be a pack of hilbilly warmongers. baseball is the stupidest shit I’ve ever seen! That’s why yanks love it, stupid game for stupid people!
Titans will make the 8, if Kelly plays to his potential we will be top 4. Everyone talking about prince leaving kills their chances, pfft, we didn’t make the finals last two years in a row with him steering the ship. Since he broke his arm, too scared to tackle or take on the line. Always pitched up the bomb as well. Least amount of repeat sets of any team the year we got the spoon. We are on the rise, big time!
My Prediction
1. Storm
2. Bulldogs
3. Broncos
4. Cowboys
5 Rabbitohs
6. Sharks
7 Roosters
8 Tigers
9 Raiders
10 Sea Eagles
11 Panthers
12 Titans
13 Dragons
14 Eels
15 KNights
16 Warriors
What the hell are you smoking?
Don’t make false allegation like that Warriors tragic. I do not smoke drugs nor do I injected them
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Remember that Ivan took the Warriors to the semis many times. He will do so with the Panthers
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Also you’ve got Matt Elliott as your coach for this year, lol. Good luck with that.
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The only thing I know is the warriors won’t make the 8 & the only high I’m on is life & watching my bulldogs go 1better in 2013 & the warriors & every other team fail miserably again.
@Moose
I hope that the Bulldogs faily miserably this year.
. That would make my year. 
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don’t need to listen to warriors tragic panther girl hes just at loss for words bc his team will finish poorly this yr as i stated previously yr panthers will be better over nxt 2 seasons there building as gould is no idiot… dean whare will shine for u this yr hes better than jennings ..good luck
That’s a bit of wishful thinking on your behalf panthers girl the only reason I have your mob in last I don’t see where your points are going to come from Jennings,Gordon & Lewis no matter how you sugar coat it penrith will struggle & if injuries happen sorry but I think you’ll battle parramatta again & no one more than me lines to see parra last again so all ill say to panthers supporters keep your chins up & follow your team & don’t forget my ladder predictions every year are wrong like everyone else knowone gets it right.
as for yr comment about the dogs playing miserably unfortunately while under DES they will make the 8 but not the grand final if thats any help !!!cheers
Thanks Top8 expert.
I agree with you 100 per cent. 
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I wasnt talking to Panther Girl. I was having a go at you, you muppet. Dean Whare is a Kiwi rep. He got the centre jersey over Steve Matai. He is indeed a talent, a kiwi one! If you think he’s going to play SOO then you need to wake up boy.
you need to stop taking those pills warriors tragic yr just upset yr team wnt b in the 8 i told u dean whare is good and will prob play for nsw they dnt care now who plays oirigin you clown
@Top8 expert
I believe that Dean will play fullback,
, James Roberts will play centre 
and Wes on the wing 
. Now that is an exciting combination. 
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