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:
5. Dylan Brown signs 14 million dollar deal
I'm on record as saying I don't like super, long-term deals.
Too much can go wrong. The game changes so quickly.
Five years is too long. Never did I think I'd be talking about a ten year deal. Let alone for $14 million.
Dylan Brown is a super talent but in no world is he worth that kind of contract.
This felt like panic stations from Newcastle, who despite a recent win, are travelling poorly and are in a spot where half their cap is tied up to three or four players.
I didn't get this then and I certainly don't get it now.
Even if Nathan Cleary were to sign a ten-year deal, I'd still be typing these words.
Dylan Brown though? Never, ever, ever!
“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.