NRL half season review
June 16th 2008 09:27
It's been a year full of action and excitement as we approach the half way mark of season 2008. Last Year's grandfinalists, Manly and Melbourne, continue to lead the way, but the Roosters, Titans and Sharks have shown this premiership battle will go right down to the wire.
Manly Sea Eagles
After a lucklustre start to the season, losing their opening two games, the Sea Eagles are building confidence, amplified by their 42-0 thrashing of the Roosters two weeks ago. Their record at home is outstanding and their mental capacity in games will serve them well when the season starts to get serious. Are very well placed.
Melbourne Storm
Like Manly, Melbourne too started flat but have since motored along to second spot on the ladder. The Origin period won't do the Storm any favours but once that's over, expect them to drive results home that will eventually propel them to ANZ stadium for the decider.
Sydney Roosters
Many predicted the Roosters would improve their recent horrific form by just making the eight. 14 weeks on and the Chooks are equal competition leaders with the Storm and Manly. Despite losing to Manly by a heavy margin, Brad Fittler's men possess the most lethal kicking game in the competition. Behind a dominant forward pack, the Roosters look the ones to disrupt the Storm's stranglehold on the premiership.
Gold Coast Titans
Have played alot of their games at home this season but have won everyone of them. In Scott Prince, they have the most skillful half in the competition and their forwards are very fit. Their away form is still very shaky and that alone suggests they won't win the premiership. In terms of making the eight or top four, the Titans would have to truly capitulate in order to not realise their dream of playing a home final.
Cronulla Sharks
Are the biggest improvers from my view. The Sharks are pure power and strength in the forwards while Brett Kimmorley and Brett Seymour form a very reliable halves pairing. Although their backline is nothing to go crazy about, coach Ricky Stuart must be commended for giving this team the winning mentality it so sorely lacked last season. I think this team needs to make it in fifth or fourth position to realise premiership aspirations.
St George Illawarra Dragons
After a very ordinary start to the season, the Dragons got things moving on Anzac day and have not looked back since. Their forwards are rolling forward and the likes of Ben Hornby and Jamie Soward are starting to take control. They have the nucleus to make the eight but do they have the commitment in the close games? When times get tough, the Dragons must respond if they are to make the playoffs.
Brisbane Broncos
Were without doubt the most impressive team in the competition in the opening five weeks. They were creative in attack and commited in defence, even without Darren Lockyer. Times have now changed slightly for Wayne Bennett's men with the side losing its past two games and slipping to the edge of eight. They face a critical couple of weeks without key personal and that alone could see problems down in Brisbane. If Lockyer and co. come back early, the Broncos should make top five. If he's gone, expect eighth position or elimination.
Parramatta Eels
Like the Dragons, the Eels were playing like men who didn't care and have only now started to realise the reality of the situation their in. They have now crawled back into the top eight and really look to have clicked into gear against the Tigers. If there is any team that can start badly and finish in the top four, it is the Eels. Expect a form surge from the blue and gold. Inu, Mateo and Hayne form a formidable backline, while Brett Finch is now chief playmaker. Parramatta now must go on and answer their premiership aspirations.
Penrith Panthers
Just when you think Penrith are on the verge of form, they slip up and fall down much to the demise of Matthew Elliott. Injuries will not help their cause for a tilt at the top eight but they do have the player roster to cause problems. Luke Lewis and Civoncieva are holding the Panthers together at the moment. How long can they hold on? Some of their experienced players such as Puletua and Pritchard really need to stand up to ensure Penrith's presence in the finals.
Wests Tigers
Injuries to their forwards have blunted what is arguably the most lethal attack in the competition when on form. The likes of Benji Marshall, Robbie Farah and Brett Hodgson provide the Tigers with great nucleus to score points. Their defence however is not up to premiership standard. It's no doubt in my mind that with a full set of forwards, the Tigers make the top eight easily, but these next couple of weeks are crucial to their chances of making the playoffs.
Newcastle Knights
The Knights have not surprised me this year. They have always been a side of pure commitment and belief judging by their upset victories over the Roosters and Titans. In order for them to make the eight, Newcastle must take full advantage at home because their away record leaves alot to be desired. The Knights seem to be one or two class players short of really challenging for the title. A top eight birth however is a real possibility.
Canberra Raiders
At home, the Raiders are entertainment value like nothing else. Away from home and this team is a shamble. Unless the Raiders find the key to fixing their away woes, Canberra will probably sit in 12th position for the rest of the season. In saying that, injuries have been cruel to a green machine that was one of the sides that could ill afford a damaged player roster. As long as Todd Carney stays fit, the Raiders will always be thereabouts. Maybe 2009.
Canterbury Bulldogs
Injuries have decimated the once feared Bulldogs pack. Without Willie Mason and Mark O'Meley, the Dogs have no grunt upfront although Sonny Bill Williams keeps skill in the second row respectable. They really needed a full player roster if they were to succeed in 2008, but it now looks likely they will not make the finals. Their off-field dramas haven't helped either. Although 2008 looks a lost cause, 2009 could really see the Bulldogs bite back bigtime. You only have to look to the players they have brought to see why.
New Zealand Warriors
Along with the Cowboys, the Warriors have been the biggest disappointments of season 2008. After what they achieved last year, the Warriors had the basis of dominating opposition sides to the bone. The loss of Wade Mckinnon early in the season did not help their cause at all. He was dead set a gun player at fullback for the Warriors and has been sorely missed. Their defence is at times deplorable. The Warriors will probably make a charge at some stage but i feel they will fall short.
Nth Qld Cowboys
Talk about falling deep down into the blackest of black holes. The Cowboys were top four material prior to the start of the season yet they now languish with the wooden spoon near their face. Thurston is having a lean year and Matt Bowen has been out injured for ages. Those two are without doubt what make the Cowboys the side they have been for the past four years. Without them, the Cowboys are nothing. However, Thurston's performance in Origin 2 for QLD could spark a revival. But it needs to happen now.
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Glory Glory to South........................ ........ oh dear, this team has forgotten the team song such has been their season of misfortune and down right shocking football. This team's belief went out the window as soon as Craig Wing held his shoulder in pain. Funny thing is, they made the finals last year without him. Can you explain? Souths performance against the Warriors two weeks ago shows their is life and light at the end of a very dark tunnel. Once Wing makes his return, the Rabbitohs will believe again. However, season 2008 is now a lost cause.
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