The 2019 NRL season is almost upon us and it's time to preview each team's chances at finals football for the season ahead.

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North Queensland Cowboys

Pro

Forwards. It's always been an enormous forward pack for the Cowboys it seems. The addition of Josh McGuire is even more crucial with the injury doubts surrounding veteran Matthew Scott, while Jordan McLean, Gavin Cooper, Coen Hess and Jason Taumalolo are all rep players.

Con

Replacing JT. It's an unenviable task for coach Paul Green. Will it be Te Maire Martin or Jake Clifford to get the first shot at the five-eighth role? With a Thurston-less Cowboys for the first time since 2004, it will be interesting to see how the side fares in the long run, especially with more pressure being heaped on Michael Morgan.

Best 17

  1. Jordan Kahu 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Justin O'Neill 4. Javid Bowen 5. Nene Macdonald 6. Te Maire Martin 7. Michael Morgan 8. Josh McGuire 9. Jake Granville 10. Jordan McLean 11. Gavin Cooper 12. Coen Hess 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Ben Hampton 15. Coreyy Jensen 16. Matthew Scott 17. John Asiata

    SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 24: Josh McGuire of the Maroons watches the big screen after a Blues penalty try was awarded during game two of the State of Origin series between the New South Wales Blues and the Queensland Maroons at ANZ Stadium on June 24, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)
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5 COMMENTS

  2. I seem to agree with a lot of these teams but really disagree with the knights. Tim Glasby, who started for the Storm and was apart of the QLD team from the last few years WILL NOT BE on the bench. I think Glasby will start at lock over Barnett who will be on the bench. Also I think SKD can’t play any defence and is only a wing now and he beats Nathan Ross. Sione Mata’utia will be the centre inside him. Obviously Ross won’t be in the bench so there’s a place for James Gavet there.

    Also with the West tigers no David Nofoaluma… No way does Josh Reynolds start round 1 in 6 over Benji. Benji was half the reason Brooks played so well last year and he deserves to start the year there. Reynolds is coming back off a huge lay off with injury and also offers ability to cover hooker off the bench. In the preseason game against the Warriors Benji rested the second half and Reynolds looked like he didn’t know the system or what to do.

    • I agree too. I left the tigers out because of salary cap dramas, Lawrence injury, old legs benji and Robbie, Zane Musgrove not registered and unsettled spine.

      The knights have the cattle. No excuses if they click.
      Brownie first coach sacked?

  3. Roosters have got plenty of depth with Mitchell can cover fullback, Lachlan Lam or Brock Lamb has 5/8 and half covered. Lindsay Collins will be on the bench and Nat Butcher will be the first in line as backup bench forward followed by Poasa Faamausili and Sitili Tupouniua as the next back up bench forwards. Ryan Hall when fit will push for a wing spot plus we have Matt Ikuvalu as another back Morris can cover centre if needed and Aubusson can cover in the backs and backrow forwards. Plenty of players at the Roosters who are multi skilled in various positions.💪🐔👍

    • Forgot to mention this is Cronks team. Keary proved a great backup in the Grand Final and half a Preliminary Final to easily handle the halfback leadership skills but with a fit Cronk Keary reverts back to his brilliant 5/8 running game with great passes at speed.💪🐔👍