Of one of the many, many reasons we all love rugby league is its unpredictability.
I can't tell you the last time a pre-season predicted top eight came to pass.
There's always a host of teams who outshine their standing while some teams just simply can't live up to their own hype.
2025 is no different.
I'd even go so far as to suggest that 2025 is a special case altogether. Look at the fact that the Penrith Panthers rode the bottom of the table for weeks.
Today we are here to look at a few of those occurrences that were somewhat, or totally, un believeavle back in late February.
I'm nothing if not humble. I'm more than happy to admit where I've been wrong. Unfortunately it happens so often it has become a habit.
Below are five statements I thought I'd never be typing in the pre-season:
4. Daly Cherry-Evans may not have a team next season
Another player who entered the season off-contract. Another play I assumed would be swiftly re-signed with a minimal of fuss.
Instead Daly Cherry-Evans went on TV and announced he would not re-sign with the Sea Eagles and that this year would be his last.
Ok, fair enough, players move on! Even long tenured players. Look at Cooper Cronk.
Much like Cooper Cronk, I assumed DCE would walk across Sydney and sign with the Roosters.
It still may happen but the fact a Premiership winning halfback and captain, Origin regular and Kangaroos halfback remains unsigned is unheard of.
Rumours are that the Roosters have gone cold on interest. With Sandon Smith and Hugo Savala on board, do they really need to spend $1,000,000 on an out of form, aging halfback?
The Titans and Dolphins were reportedly told DCE wasn't interested and would be staying in Sydney.
If the Roosters rumours are true, DCE may have to come crawling back to one of the South Queensland sides to continue his brilliant NRL career.
With Toby Sexton linked back to the Titans and with Kodi Nikorima playing lights out footy, a million dollar halfback may seem surplus to requirements come 2026.
“I’m absolutely not calling for Fitzgibbon’s job by any means, but I am nowhere near as certain as I once was.”
Come on Dan, have the courage of your convictions and tell us what you _really_ think.
The Sharks’ team selection is poor, rotation is worse, and retention/recruitment is execrable. The Head Coach has the major say in all three.