My first thoughts:
- Top 3 probably correct, potentially in a different order, depending on injuries, etc
- I don’t think there has ever been the same 8 teams in the finals in consecutive years (something to research when I have some time). On average there are 3 changes each year. I’d have Raiders & Warriors as the most likely to drop out, with Sharks probably being the next.
- As much as I hate to say it (and most on this forum will hate to hear it) I think Parra are a good chance of being in the finals.
- Dolphins & Souths are the other 2 teams I think we might see threaten for the 8.
- Dragons are probably a lock for the spoon already.
- Knights & Titans are a complete lottery with new coaches.
- Payton likely to be first coach sacked, unless they start the season on fire
We will be in contention for sure.
Blaze has an almost full season under his belt including finals experience.
A grand final winner back up half in Cogger.
We have a genuine back up hooker in Freddy Lussick.
A long term future star is our backup fullback.
Plus the hunger of not playing in the big dance after 5 consecutive years must hurt
Was going take Blaze for Dally M and Clive Churchill - I think he will have a MASSIVE year
Top 8 prospects?
There are a lot of question mars on that ladder… I do agree that the Panthers will benefit from losing very little of their 2025 squad, unlike the past few seasons, they will benefit from not having to go through the “rebuild” phase of past seasons.
Broncos… I’m not 100% they can catch lightning twice. Every year the Broncos have a hot year… it’s followed by a cold one. Not sure they can sustain the rage.
Storm, yeah.. I mean even with losing a few this year they will still put in a solid season to end up on the pointy end.
Bulldogs… To me they seem like a bit of a myth. No matter how they arrange the team, unless Crichton is the one it’s built around, then it will collapse. I think they know that, and expect more chopping and changing to get them to fit. For me it’s a lower side of the top 8.
Warriors… lost a LOT of talent, and a lot of depth (surprisingly to us). Not sure if injuries happen in 2026 they will have the depth to recover. Their position is pretty much tied to their depth. Lower top 8 for me.
Raiders… same problem as the Warriors, lost a fair bit of talent and depth. They won’t have the luxury of a soft draw this year. Out of the 8 for me.
Roosters. Bought well, an will have a lot of the injury locked talent back on deck. I can see them finishing in the top 4.
Sharks. No changes… and that is the problem, Clearly something isn’t working in the Shire, and they refuse the see the reality. Can’t see them in the 8 this year.
Who will finish higher than they stated?
Eels. For me they will be in the 8. Their squad has been building over the past seasons, and I think in 2026 they will reap the benefit from. Mitch Moses is a solid operator and if fit can guide them a fair way into the finals.
Dolphins. Again another solid side that has been building, I fell they have got the mix right and will alos make a finals appearance.
Titans. They needed a clean out… and with Des’ departure got one. They have managed to retained a solid nucleus of young talent and experienced heads. Bringing in Josh Hannay as coach was a great call. I highly rate him as a coach (and a player), and will bring the best out of that team, Don’t think they will make the finals this year, but a team to keep an eye on.
What did they get right?
Dragons… A team that doesn’t look to be going anywhere, sometime looks like world beaters, the next week they look like they are playing their first match together.
Tigers… What a shitshow. Board wars over a jersey and the clubs upstairs in a mexican standoff. This will (as always) filter down to on field performance. They can’t help themsleves, they are naturally self destructive. Hope Luai didn’t trade his get out clause away…
Facebook
Twitter
Youtube
Websites