Great analysis.
Who are Panthers losing? Just Tamou isn't it? They have guys like Leniu ready to take a big step up in minutes.
Another year of experience and having played a grand final, they will be a better team next season.
StormTrooper96 wrote:Have a go if you dare but this is my very very very early attempt at predicting the 2021 ladder
1. Raiders – With the addition of Ryan James, getting Horse back from injury, CHN stepping into the 2RF roll and having Starling and Hodgson in the mix the forward pack will be one to be reckoned with. Add in Wighton, CNK, Williams and then the supporting cast I predict Raiders to take a big step next season.
2. Panthers – Won’t be as damaging as they were but I think will still be very competitive and up there again.
3. Rabbitohs – Could be a smokey for top spot but with the addition of Arrow, hopefully having a healthy Burns, Roberts, Graham and those young stars having another year in their legs I think they will be very competitive next year
4. Roosters – Will be in the usual hunt for top spot. I think they’ll land on the players they want this off season and will put up a good effort next year.
5. Storm (Smith retires) – With no Smith, Storm will lose 430 games of experience, add in there the loss of Tino, Fox, Suli and possibly Brandon (if Grant gets the 9), we will lose a lot of games, potential and skill in our side next year. Grant will be a straight swap for CS9 and is likely the QLD hooker… If we get a decent swap with Fox and having Munny, Hughes and Pappy we will still be good enough to make the 8.
6. Titans – We all saw how well they finished the year this year. Add in Tino, Fifita, Ese’ese, Herbert a healthy Brimson and a halves pairing of Fogarty and Taylor they will add another 5-8 wins on this year’s tally. The youth may be the only thing that brings them down.
7. Eels – I think they will get a big shock next year. Losses of Evans and likely Michael Jennings won’t help them. I think their ship has sailed.
8. Cowboys – 8-10 is really tough but I had to put Cows at 8. I think Payten will be amazing for them. With guys like Val, Morgo, McLean, Robson, Lolo, McGuire, Burr, Marsters, Feldt, Drinkwater, Hamiso and Clifford the talent is definitely there and Payten will get the best out of them.
9. Knights – I think the addition of Frizell will be great for them but guys like Klemmer and Pearce will be another year older. Knights just can’t seem to find enough form to string together a good season and for me it’ll be tough to beat those top 8.
10. Broncos – Will see a big jump in form next year. I suspect a big turnaround for the Brisbane giants.
11. Manly – The loss of AFB, Thompson, Levi, Waddell, Elliot will be tough for them. Turbo is just too injury prone for my liking. I see much of the same from this year and Foran isn’t the fix for it.
12. Warriors – After such a good season they have some good signings coming in next year. Similar to the above, just can’t see those top 8 being beaten too often.
13. Sharks – Big drop for the Sharkies! Just can’t see them being competitive.
14. Bulldogs – Have a massive war chest but just can’t seem to land anyone. Got a couple of good recruits in Cotric, Green, Hetherington and Waddell but they lack players in key positions (9/7/1).
15. West Tigers – Not sure where I put this team. Very hard.
16. Dragons – My early pick for the spoon. Losing Frizell will be a big hit. Aitken also. I am not a fan of Griffin at all and if JDB plays that is 2 years out of the game. Still don’t think they have their 1, 6, 7, 9, 13 down pat yet.
Home
