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NRL Season Previews - Panthers, Sharks, Rabbitohs, Dragons
Written by: Paul ZinesFeb 11, 2009 11:17am
LeagueUnlimited's Paul Zines reflects on 2008 and looks ahead to 2009. Season previews and teams of NRL clubs: Panthers, Sharks, Rabbitohs and Dragons. Penrith Panthers 2008 Position: 12th In my opinion, the Panthers are going to have a dismal season which is a shame because they continue to produce some very exciting talent out near the mountains. After winning the 2003 Premiership, the side has really struggled to keep up and have lost some quality players. Captain Petro Civoniceva has stated that he will stay for this year at least which is great news for the Panthers who will find it hard to avoid the wooden spoon. Exciting fullback and cult-hero Rhys Wesser has left to play for the Bunnies which could finally allow the very exciting Michael Jennings to roam around the field in the number one jersey. However, the man with the most pressure is no doubt Coach Matthew Elliot. He has been given a warning that the side must deliver or he is out! He isn’t the only one to be given this ultimatum but my gut feeling is that his days are numbered. The side continues to struggle to attract players our west and this could have a rolling affect unless some significant changes are made…soon! Player to watch: Luke Lewis – after turning his back on South Sydney we saw a incredible transformation by a player willing to take responsibility as a leader in the side. In my opinion he should continue to play in the halves and his combination with Masada Iosefa and young Wade Graham could prove the balance the side needs. Also be wary of his tackling technique, Lewis can hit! 2009 Squad: Lachlan Coote, Michael Gordon, Michael Jennings, Shane Elford, Geoff Daniela, Brad Tighe, Wade Graham, Jarrod Sammut, Masada Iosefa, Paul Aiton, Petro Civoniceva, Adam Woolnough, Frank Puletua, Frank Pritchard, Trent Waterhouse, Matthew Bell, Luke Lewis, Nathan Smth, Keith Peters
Cronulla Sharks 2008 Position: Knocked out in Preliminary Final by Melbourne Storm Arguably the biggest surprise of 2008 and again watch out for them in 2009 after making some very key signings. Ricky Stuart continues to be able to attract talent wherever he goes. With Trent Barrett, Anthony Tupou and Reni Maitua all joining the side from the Shire there is a belief that they can again be one of the most intimating sides in the competition. Troubled lock Greg Bird has finally been given his marching orders by the club after a long string of off-field events. His replacement, Maitua, has plenty of experience yet also tends to make headlines for the wrong reasons. I have no doubt that Stuart has whispered in his ear that this must end now and to finally let his football do the talking. What I do believe though is that many underestimate just how important Brett Kimmorley was for the side. Now at the bulldogs, “Noddy” was a fantastic leader and his presence will be missed. Can former Dragon Trent Barrett take over? Or will it take time to remember just how much quicker the NRL is than the Super League? Player to watch: Reece Williams – After missing most of the 2008 season because of injury watch him to make an immediate impact. He is much underrated and has a fantastic tackling technique. With the amazing back-row that the Sharks have, his name may get lost but his efforts are always there and Stuart will give him plenty of minutes to show his worth. 2009 Squad: Brett Kearney, Misi Taulapapa, Ben Pomeroy, Fraser Anderson, Luke Covell, Trent Barrett, Brett Seymour, Ben Ross, Corey Hughes, Luke Douglas, Paul Gallen, Anthony Tupou, Reni Maitua, Kade Snowden, Bryan Norrie, Reece Williams, Terrence Seu Seu, Blake Green, Jacob Selmes, Mitch Brown, David Simmons, Grant Millington
South Sydney Rabbitohs 2008 Position: 14th After an amazing 2007, last year was one to forget. Craig Wing missed half the season and sent the club into raptures trying to find a replacement and in so create some sort of combination in the halves that was lost from the star signing’s absence. However, what they did discover was the talent of Chris Sandow. The confidence of this kid was astounding to see and his combination with hooker Issac Luke was simply brilliant. The Rabbitohs have made some very strong signings with centre Colin Best and fullback Rhys Wesser joining the club to bolster the inexperienced backline. Jason Taylor is another coach to be under pressure and must lift his side to challenge for a top 8 spot otherwise he to could be gone. The whispers are that John Lang could take over should Taylor be sacked, but I can’t see this happening. With Wesser roaming around the field running off the likes of Sandow, Luke, Wing and Sutton I really feel South Sydney have a chance to make something of themselves this season. Their forwards offer plenty of mongrel and offload ability it is just whether they have the depth once injuries occur. Player to watch: Ben Lowe – He was fantastic last year and can pop an offload from anywhere on the field. I’d like to see John Sutton in the second row out wide which would mean Lowe could play at lock. He is a very talented player who can go the whole 80 minutes and will be a significant threat for the opposition in 2009. 2009 Squad: Roy Asotasi, Colin Best, Luke Capewell, Beau Champion, Kane Cleal, Garrett Crossman, David Fa’alogo, Beau Falloon, Scott Geddes, Michael Greenfield, David Kidwell, Ben Lowe, Jaiman Lowe, Issac Luke, Shannon McPherson, Nathan Merritt, Eddy Pettybourne, Chris Sandow, Jamie Simpson, Luke Stuart, John Sutton, Fetuli Talanoa, Rhys Wesser, Craig Wing
St.George Illawarra Dragons 2008 Position: Knocked out in week one of finals by Manly Sea Eagles 2009 is the most eagerly awaited seasons in their history. Having secured Wayne Bennett as coach he brought with him his staff and attracting plenty of star signings. What the Dragons have not had in the past is intimidation. Jeremy Smith, Neville Costigan, Michael Weyman and Luke Priddis have been signed by the club to help bring back some ferocity in the side. Many experts are tipping the side to go all the way in 2009 but the pressure is not getting to coach Bennett. The supporters have been crying out for a premiership for decades and this year marks 30 years since the red and whites last reigned supreme. The backline is quick, skillful and despite the loss of Mark Gasnier to French Rugby they still have the talent to score points. Jamie Soward will have plenty of pressure on him to guide round the side and the return of Mathew Head could be valuable. Player to watch: Jeremy Smith – The New Zealand Rugby League player of the year is big, strong and destructive. After trying to sign him in 2008, Wayne Bennett as coach sealed the deal. He will prove worthy and definitely part of the leadership group. Partnering Ben Creagh, Neville Costigan, Dean Young and Beau Scott in the backrow will no doubt put the Dragon’s forwards as one of the best in the competition. 2009 Squad: Darius Boyd, Matt Cooper, Neville Costigan, Jason Nightingale, Ben Creagh, Nick Emmett, Daniel Fepuleai, Jon Green, Mathew Head, Mickey Paea, Justin Poore, Luke Priddis, Matt Prior, Alex Ranieri, Jarrod Saffy, Beau Henry, Ben Hornby, Dan Hunt, Michael Lett, Trent Merrin, Brett Morris, Wendell Sailor, Beau Scott, Jeremy Smith, Jamie Soward, Chase Stanley, Ricky Thorby, Michael Weyman, Dean Young
Links to previews: Roosters, Warriors, Tigers, Titans Broncos, Bulldogs, Raiders, Cowboys Sea Eagles, Storm, Knights, Eels Panthers, Sharks, Rabbitohs, Dragons
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#2
boxa777
- February 12th, 2009 4:19pmI hate Souths.. they will come last.
#1
Pappes81
- February 12th, 2009 11:33am"Partnering Ben Creagh, Neville Costigan, Dean Young and Beau Scott in the backrow will no doubt put the Dragons forwards as one of the best in the competition."???? Big question mark here. I fail to see how many backrowers that are half decent (outside of Ben Creah being an absolute gun!!) how the Dragons are going to have one of the best forward packs of the competition!! Beside Justin Poore (injury prone at best!!) the Dragons have failed to sign a decent front rower with any go forward outside of Michael Weyman who has barely made it past the opening rounds of the last few years due to injury. I admit that they have many great players in positions, but without a decent set of halves and no go forward, the likes of Cooper and Boyd will struggle to get any room in the backline in order to get points on the board. Yes Bennett may turn things around and make me look like a fool by seasons end, but if I were a Dragons fan, i'd be ready for a pretty lean season in 2009!!!
Brent an Eagle
- February 13th, 2009 9:12amPoint of Order :-)"Or will it take time to remember just how much quicker the NRL is than the Super League?" I think you got this around the wrong way Super league is faster then the NRL Game and (Fact)