Berkeley_Eagle
Current Status: 24/7 Manly Fan
Foxsports.com.au's 2011 NRL season preview with Laurie Daley: Cronulla, tipped to finish 16th
2011 Cronulla NRL Squad
Paul Aiton, Colin Best, Jayson Bukuya, Andrew Clayton, Dean Collis, Josh Cordoba, Luke Douglas, Stuart Flanagan, Paul Gallen, Nathan Gardner, Isaac Gordon, Wade Graham, Trent Grubb, Albert Kelly, Kose Lelei, Ricky Leutele, Johnny Mannah, Stewart Mills, John Morris, Matt Parata, Ben Pomeroy, Scott Porter, Jeremy Smith, Tim Smith, Kade Snowden, Nathan Stapleton, Taulima Tautai, Ryan Tongia, Anthony Tupou, Siosaia Vave, John Williams, Broderick Wright, Matthew Wright.
New faces: Andrew Clayton (Brisbane Broncos), Colin Best (South Sydney), Jeremy Smith (St George Illawarra), John Williams (North Queensland Cowboys), Kose Lelei (Canterbury-Bankstown), Ryan Tongia (Gold Coast Titans), Wade Graham (Penrith).
Out the door: Kyle O'Donnell (Newcastle Knights), Grant Millington (Canterbury-Bankstown), Blake Ferguson (Canberra), Adam Cuthbertson (St George Illawarra), Trent Barrett, Luke Covell, Reece Williams (retired), Josh Lewis (Tolouse), Lancen Joudo (North Queensland Cowboys), Luke Harlen (released).
Last year: The bright spots were again few for the Sharks, finishing with a 7-17 record. They did manage to maintain their bogey-team mantle against Parramatta with home and away wins, a feat they also achieved against grand finalists Sydney Roosters. But the highlight of the year was no doubt coming back from 18-0 down against North Queensland Cowboys to steal a dramatic 19-18 win in golden-point.Â
Room for improvement: It's hard not to say everywhere given Cronulla finished with the worst points differential in the competition last year, suggesting they need serious work on both sides of the ball. Perhaps they could start by learning how to harness confidence and build momentum; the Sharks had some great victories against quality oppositions in 2010 but failed to win back-to-back games. The last time they did so was round 14, 2009.
Game breaker: Paul Gallen is the heart and soul of Cronulla and, along with his back-row partners, could be the difference between turning the corner and another losing season. Some may suggest it's the non-tangibles that are Gallen's biggest contribution but in 2010 he played more minutes than any other Sharks player, made more tackles and was the leading offloader also. Better yet, he led the NRL in average runs and metres gained.
Rising star: Ryan Tongia joins Cronulla with the rare distinction of being capped twice at international level without ever making an NRL appearance. The Papua New Guinea fullback scored 18 tries in 20 Toyota Cup games for Gold Coast Titans in 2010 and that was enough to see him called up for the Kumuls' Four Nations campaign. How Tongia is to be used remains a mystery, however, given last season saw the Sharks unleash their own custodian prodigy in Nathan Gardner.
Key arrival: For various reasons Wade Graham has yet to establish himself as an NRL footballer but he'll have the perfect opportunity to do so in 2011. Not only will the former Penrith player be asked to fill the boots of departed veteran Trent Barrett, he'll do so knowing the success of Cronulla's floundering attack hinges on him forging a successful halves combination with Tim Smith. Jeremy Smith might be the higher profile addition but the weight of expectation will be far heavier on Graham.
Coach factor: Shane Flanagan got a taste of what to expect when Ricky Stuart made for him earlier than expected in 2010. He notched two wins in his seven matches in charge, against Sydney Roosters and Gold Coast Titans. With four years' experience as an assistant coach with New South Wales and the past five seasons at the Sharks, Flanagan has a proven professionalism that suggests business as usual, though hopefully with a fresh approach to the new season.
Fox Sports Stats: The Sharks desperately need to improve their attack - they scored the fewest points in 2010 (14.8 per game), the fewest in 2009 (15 per game) and the second fewest in 2008 (18.7 per game).
Laurie Daley says: "Cronulla's foward pack is outstanding, and I think that alone will lead them to having a better season than their last. The halves are the chief concern with the Sharks - recruit Wade Graham is a terrific young player but he'll need to strike up a partneship with either Tim Smith, Scott Porter or Albert Kelly. And they still don't have enought strike out wide. They've got a good 17 to 19 players but after that they could struggle for depth. I think they'll be competitive but I can see them again struggling to put points on opposition teams. They just don't have the class of some of the other teams."
The Adjudicator says: "Forget the NRL premiership, this year the Sharks will go head-to head with the New South Wales Origin side to see who the worst team in blue is. I'll give you a hint, the Sharks might end up trotting out onto Suncorp Stadium on May 25. You see, with the best bak row in the comp and that nippy little fella at the back, they're just not that bad. And this from a guy whose sole purpose on this earth is to berate professional sportspeople! With crowds set to pass those posted by Gold Coast United in the A-League, the sky is the limit."
Fantasy banker and darkhorse: If 2010 was Nathan Gardner's (Outside Back, $320K) coming out party then 2011 is the year he turns into Fantasy gold dust. We've all seen what he's capable of producing from anywhere on the park and with the No.1 between the shoulder blades you know he's going to see plenty of ball. Plenty of people have probably given up on Albert Kelly (Halfback, $160K) after his numerous attempts to find a home in the Sharks 17. But keep him on your radar as he'll still get his chances in 2011, though it remains to be seen where.
Loz's NRL preview: team 16 | Fox Sports
Post automatically merged: [time]1298755085[/time]
Penrith, tipped to finish 15th
2011 Penrith NRL Squad
Adrian Purtell, Arana Taumata, Brad Tighe, Brendon Gibb, Daine Laurie, Dayne Weston, David Simmons, Dayne Weston, Evrett Vaurasi, Frank Puletua, Greg Waddell, Harry Seijka, Joseph Paulo, Junior Paulo, Kevin Kingston, Lachlan Coote, Luke Lewis, Luke Walsh, Masada Iosefa, Matthew Bell, Michael Gordon, Michael Jennings, Nafe Seluini, Nathan Smith, Nigel Plum, Petero Civoniceva, Ryan Walker, Sam McKendry, Sandor Earl, Shane Elford, Shannon Wakeman, Travis Burns, Trent Waterhouse, Tim Grant, Yileen Gordon
New faces: Yileen Gordon (Canterbury-Bankstown), Arana Taumata (North Queensland Cowboys), Coedi Towney (The Entrance - Bundaberg Red Cup), Dayne Weston (North Queensland Cowboys), Michael Worrincy (Bradford Bulls - Super League), Nafe Seluini (Warriors), Brendon Gibb (Norths Devils - Queensland Cup), Junior Paulo (St George Illawarra), Tim Winitana (Canterbury-Bankstown).
Out the door: Wade Graham (Cronulla), Frank Pritchard (Canterbury-Bankstown), Gavin Cooper (North Queensland Cowboys), Josh Bateman (North Queensland Cowboys), Maurice Blair (Melbourne Storm), Daniel Penese (St George Illawarra).
Last year: Penrith produced their best season since their 2003 title, finishing second in the regular season, but ended the season with a bitter taste in their mouths after bowing out with back-to-back losses in the finals. On a positive note the flourishing of Luke Walsh, Michael Gordon and Lachlan Coote saw the Panthers develop into an attacking force in the back half of the season. Luke Lewis and Petero Civoniceva were at their consistent best and provided the reliable spine for the Panthers in a season where Matt Elliot's men exceeded expectations.
Room for improvement: Injuries and suspensions rattled the Panthers' late-season charge so keeping their best players fit is a must. The loss of Wade Graham means Penrith's halves will need to stand up with the cupboard looking a little bare in behind the first-choice options. Incredibly they averaged the most points scored per game with 26.1, despite ranking last in average tackle busts (29.2). This indicates they were reliant on their kicking game; but developing a stronger running game will be pivotal to again being a top-rated attacking force.
Game breaker: Centre Michael Jennings has electrifying pace and is the go-to man when the Panthers are searching for a big play. He struggled with ankle injuries last season but when fit is one of the most devastating players in the game. Jennings scored 16 tries in 25 matches in 2010, but at his best is capable of improving on that strike rate in 2011.
Rising star: Penrith winger Sandor Earl capped a brilliant 2010 by winning the club's rookie of the year award and looks set to continue his meteoric rise. He scored one of the tries of the season against Canberra in the qualifying finals last year and regularly displayed his brilliant finishing ability. The youngster has all the skills and with his height he provides a valuable target out wide for Penrith's precise kicking game.
Key arrival: With the departure of Frank Pritchard, the Panthers will be searching for some penetration from their back-row, something Yileen Gordon can provide when fit. With the size and skill to hurt teams on the fringes, a good run in the top grade may yet see him realise his potential following a bad run with injuries in recent seasons.
Coach factor: Matt Elliott managed to fend off the circling critics that were calling for his head in 2010. He appears to at last have his squad playing to his game plan, but after losing a few key players it won't take much to see the critics resurface this season. Entering his fifth season in charge of the Panthers, expectations will be high for Elliot whose players should be well accustomed to his coaching style.
Fox Sports Stats: Penrith will be hoping their attack runs as smoothly as it did last season. In 2010 Penrith averaged the most points per game (26.1) and scored the most tries (4.5) per game.
Laurie Daley says: "I love their forward pack, it's as good as any in the competition. However, the Panthers scored a lot of tries last year from kicks last season and I think most teams would be aware of that. Lachlan Coote's return will certainly help, as they missed their star fullback at the end of the season. However, I think they may have overachieved a little and I have a query over their halves. I think they may have flown under the radar last season - teams will respect them a lot more this year - and the loss of Frank Pritchard on the edge will be a blow for them. Penrith have recruited lots of players but the only one of them that's probably a walk-in to their 17 is Yileen Gordon. Sometimes you need a turnover of players who are going to walk straight into your team - and I just don't see that with Penrith."
The Adjudicator says: "Take it from Kevin Muscat: the way you finish in sport is often how you are remembered and there is no better example of that than Penrith. The Panthers' 2010 season faded more dramatically than an Adjudicator three wood, and despite finishing second in the regular season they aren't shaping up as a contender for Mr.A this season. Me thinks they were pretending."
Fantasy banker and darkhorse: Michael Gordon ($360K) turned into points-scoring machine in 2010 and is a must-have for Fantasy managers. He rarely misses with the boot and his speed out white guarantees him of some try-scoring action. Travis Burns ($160K) can be a risk with an unfortunate knack of giving away penalties, but he makes plenty of tackles for a five-eighth and should make a reasonable number of try assists.
Loz's NRL preview: team 15 | Fox Sports
Post automatically merged: [time]1298755121[/time]
North Queensland, tipped to finish 14th
2011 North Queensland NRL Squad
Isaac Ah Mau, Leeson Ah Mau, Clint Amos, Michael Bani, Scott Bolton, Matt Bowen, Gavin Cooper, Jack Cooper, Kalifa Fai Fai Loa, Shannon Gallant, Ashley Graham, Glenn Hall, Dane Hogan, Dallas Johnson, Ben Jones, Blake Leary, Tyson Martin, Michael Morgan, Aaron Payne, Matthew Scott, James Segeyaro, Ashton Sims, Tariq Sims, James Tamou, Brent Tate, Ray Thompson, Ricky Thorby, Johnathan Thurston, Willie Tonga, Will Tupou, Antonio Winterstein.
New faces: Antonio Winterstein (Brisbane Broncos), Brent Tate (Warriors), Tariq Sims (Brisbane Broncos), Kalifa Fai Fai Loa (St George Illawarra), Ashton Sims (Brisbane Broncos), Ricky Thorby (St George Illawarra), Gavin Cooper (Penrith), Dallas Johnson (Catalans Dragons - Super League), Ben Jones (Sydney Roosters), Blake Leary (Melbourne Storm), Lancen Joudo (Cronulla), Glen Hall (Bradford Bulls - Super League).
Out the door: Steve Rapira (Warriors), Anthony Watts (Sydney Roosters), Luke O'Donnell (Huddersfield Giants - Super League), Ty Williams (retired), Carl Webb (Parramatta), Willie Mason (Hull Kingston Rovers - Super League), Steve Southern (Newcastle Knights), Arana Taumata (Penrith), John Williams (Cronulla), Dayne Weston (Penrith).
Last year: It was back to the bad old days for North Queensland in 2010, with only the salary cap-plagued Melbourne Storm allowing the Cowboys to avoid the wooden spoon. The side spent the entire season in the doldrums, winning just five matches and just once in the last three months of the season. Marquee stars Jonathan Thurston (16 games), Matthew Bown (15) and Luke O'Donnell (13) suffered injuries and rumblings surfaced about coach Neil Henry's leadership.
Room for improvement: Lay a solid foundation, and then discover the old Cowboys flair. North Queensland's defensive spirit mirrored a pub team at times in 2010, on the way to finishing with a points differential of -242. The Cowboys have made some shrewd recruitment decisions in buying Dallas Johnson, Glen Hall and Gavin Cooper who will provide the side with a more steely resolve. It will be a whole new ball game if Thurston and Bowen can build on what they showed in this year's All Stars match. Hooker Aaron Payne shouldered a heavy load in 2010, so it's crucial that recruit Ben Jones, the latest to audition for the supporting role to Thurston, provides a back-up option to the chief ball-players.
Game breaker: Last season the Cowboys badly missed Matt Bowen, a fullback whose freakish talent can inspire his side from the back. The Cowboys attack is solid with the likes of Ashley Graham, Shannon Gallant and Antonio Winterstein out wide, although it's a shame Willie Tonga won't be joined in the centres by Test centre Brent Tate, who is likely to miss the whole season with a knee injury.
Rising star: Emerging Blues big man Tariq Sims moves to Townsville with wraps as an 80-minute, bustling front or back-rower - just what the club needs after seeing Steve Southern, Antonio Kaufusi, Manase Manuokafoa and Carle Webb move out the door. A standout for Brisbane Broncos' Toyota Cup side in previous seasons, the 20-year-old is the younger brother of former Broncos and Dragons forward Ashton, who joins him at the Cowboys.
Key arrival: Dallas Johnson can redefine the Cowboys brand in 2011. A proud Queenslander, Johnson is a titanic workhorse with a no-frills attitude that can inspire his teammates. Mobile, fit and an 80-minute player, he offers a different style of leadership to the departed O'Donnell.
Coach factor: Neil Henry is under the pump before a ball has been kicked this season. Although he is hailed as the brains behind Queensland's Origin success, his North Queensland side were a rabble in 2010. With rumours that he has lost some support in the dressing room, another poor start to the year will put Henry under extreme pressure to see out the year. Henry quickly needs to win back the support of his senior players if the Cowboys are to prosper.
Fox Sports Stats: The Cowboys will need to start winning matches on the road to have any chance of making their first final series since 2007. Since 2008 they have won just seven of their 36 matches away from home.
Laurie Daley says: "This is the strongest roster North Queensland have put together for the past couple of years and I expect them to have a better season. Having spoken to Matt Bowen during the Indigenous All Stars camp, he seems back to his best, while Johnathan Thurston tells me he's sick of not playing finals football. While JT is in that type of mood I won't be discounting them. Dallas Johnson and Brent Tate are strong acquisitions. I am prepared to leave them out of my eight but it's not going to shock me if they get there."
The Adjudicator says: "So desperate were the Cowboys after last year that they had to ask the great Gus Gould what to do next - and all the self-appointed voice of the NRL could offer was no, no, no, no, no, I'm not getting involved! But there's one obvious statistic in the Cowboys' favour - the bounce-back effect of punting Willie Mason. After he sent the Bulldogs and Roosters to the foot of the table, was it any surprise the Cowboys followed suit when they signed the headline merchant? They won't go as badly as in 2010, even without the help of a salary cap saga to keep them off the foot of the table."
Fantasy banker/darkhorse: With a point for every two tackles, tackling machine Dallas Johnson ($320K) will have at least 15 points in the bank for you each week before any other calculations are made. Aaron Payne is relatively cheap ($260K) given his standing in the side. He'll tackle, score, provide the odd assist and play 80 minutes every week. If you're looking for an outside back, Antonio Winterstein ($240K) should be in for a big year after his move north.
Loz's NRL preview: team 14 | Fox Sports
Post automatically merged: [time]1298755214[/time]
Manly to finish 13th
see http://www.silvertails.net/news/5374-laurie-daley-manly-to-finish-13th
2011 Cronulla NRL Squad
Paul Aiton, Colin Best, Jayson Bukuya, Andrew Clayton, Dean Collis, Josh Cordoba, Luke Douglas, Stuart Flanagan, Paul Gallen, Nathan Gardner, Isaac Gordon, Wade Graham, Trent Grubb, Albert Kelly, Kose Lelei, Ricky Leutele, Johnny Mannah, Stewart Mills, John Morris, Matt Parata, Ben Pomeroy, Scott Porter, Jeremy Smith, Tim Smith, Kade Snowden, Nathan Stapleton, Taulima Tautai, Ryan Tongia, Anthony Tupou, Siosaia Vave, John Williams, Broderick Wright, Matthew Wright.
New faces: Andrew Clayton (Brisbane Broncos), Colin Best (South Sydney), Jeremy Smith (St George Illawarra), John Williams (North Queensland Cowboys), Kose Lelei (Canterbury-Bankstown), Ryan Tongia (Gold Coast Titans), Wade Graham (Penrith).
Out the door: Kyle O'Donnell (Newcastle Knights), Grant Millington (Canterbury-Bankstown), Blake Ferguson (Canberra), Adam Cuthbertson (St George Illawarra), Trent Barrett, Luke Covell, Reece Williams (retired), Josh Lewis (Tolouse), Lancen Joudo (North Queensland Cowboys), Luke Harlen (released).
Last year: The bright spots were again few for the Sharks, finishing with a 7-17 record. They did manage to maintain their bogey-team mantle against Parramatta with home and away wins, a feat they also achieved against grand finalists Sydney Roosters. But the highlight of the year was no doubt coming back from 18-0 down against North Queensland Cowboys to steal a dramatic 19-18 win in golden-point.Â
Room for improvement: It's hard not to say everywhere given Cronulla finished with the worst points differential in the competition last year, suggesting they need serious work on both sides of the ball. Perhaps they could start by learning how to harness confidence and build momentum; the Sharks had some great victories against quality oppositions in 2010 but failed to win back-to-back games. The last time they did so was round 14, 2009.
Game breaker: Paul Gallen is the heart and soul of Cronulla and, along with his back-row partners, could be the difference between turning the corner and another losing season. Some may suggest it's the non-tangibles that are Gallen's biggest contribution but in 2010 he played more minutes than any other Sharks player, made more tackles and was the leading offloader also. Better yet, he led the NRL in average runs and metres gained.
Rising star: Ryan Tongia joins Cronulla with the rare distinction of being capped twice at international level without ever making an NRL appearance. The Papua New Guinea fullback scored 18 tries in 20 Toyota Cup games for Gold Coast Titans in 2010 and that was enough to see him called up for the Kumuls' Four Nations campaign. How Tongia is to be used remains a mystery, however, given last season saw the Sharks unleash their own custodian prodigy in Nathan Gardner.
Key arrival: For various reasons Wade Graham has yet to establish himself as an NRL footballer but he'll have the perfect opportunity to do so in 2011. Not only will the former Penrith player be asked to fill the boots of departed veteran Trent Barrett, he'll do so knowing the success of Cronulla's floundering attack hinges on him forging a successful halves combination with Tim Smith. Jeremy Smith might be the higher profile addition but the weight of expectation will be far heavier on Graham.
Coach factor: Shane Flanagan got a taste of what to expect when Ricky Stuart made for him earlier than expected in 2010. He notched two wins in his seven matches in charge, against Sydney Roosters and Gold Coast Titans. With four years' experience as an assistant coach with New South Wales and the past five seasons at the Sharks, Flanagan has a proven professionalism that suggests business as usual, though hopefully with a fresh approach to the new season.
Fox Sports Stats: The Sharks desperately need to improve their attack - they scored the fewest points in 2010 (14.8 per game), the fewest in 2009 (15 per game) and the second fewest in 2008 (18.7 per game).
Laurie Daley says: "Cronulla's foward pack is outstanding, and I think that alone will lead them to having a better season than their last. The halves are the chief concern with the Sharks - recruit Wade Graham is a terrific young player but he'll need to strike up a partneship with either Tim Smith, Scott Porter or Albert Kelly. And they still don't have enought strike out wide. They've got a good 17 to 19 players but after that they could struggle for depth. I think they'll be competitive but I can see them again struggling to put points on opposition teams. They just don't have the class of some of the other teams."
The Adjudicator says: "Forget the NRL premiership, this year the Sharks will go head-to head with the New South Wales Origin side to see who the worst team in blue is. I'll give you a hint, the Sharks might end up trotting out onto Suncorp Stadium on May 25. You see, with the best bak row in the comp and that nippy little fella at the back, they're just not that bad. And this from a guy whose sole purpose on this earth is to berate professional sportspeople! With crowds set to pass those posted by Gold Coast United in the A-League, the sky is the limit."
Fantasy banker and darkhorse: If 2010 was Nathan Gardner's (Outside Back, $320K) coming out party then 2011 is the year he turns into Fantasy gold dust. We've all seen what he's capable of producing from anywhere on the park and with the No.1 between the shoulder blades you know he's going to see plenty of ball. Plenty of people have probably given up on Albert Kelly (Halfback, $160K) after his numerous attempts to find a home in the Sharks 17. But keep him on your radar as he'll still get his chances in 2011, though it remains to be seen where.
Loz's NRL preview: team 16 | Fox Sports
Post automatically merged: [time]1298755085[/time]
Penrith, tipped to finish 15th
2011 Penrith NRL Squad
Adrian Purtell, Arana Taumata, Brad Tighe, Brendon Gibb, Daine Laurie, Dayne Weston, David Simmons, Dayne Weston, Evrett Vaurasi, Frank Puletua, Greg Waddell, Harry Seijka, Joseph Paulo, Junior Paulo, Kevin Kingston, Lachlan Coote, Luke Lewis, Luke Walsh, Masada Iosefa, Matthew Bell, Michael Gordon, Michael Jennings, Nafe Seluini, Nathan Smith, Nigel Plum, Petero Civoniceva, Ryan Walker, Sam McKendry, Sandor Earl, Shane Elford, Shannon Wakeman, Travis Burns, Trent Waterhouse, Tim Grant, Yileen Gordon
New faces: Yileen Gordon (Canterbury-Bankstown), Arana Taumata (North Queensland Cowboys), Coedi Towney (The Entrance - Bundaberg Red Cup), Dayne Weston (North Queensland Cowboys), Michael Worrincy (Bradford Bulls - Super League), Nafe Seluini (Warriors), Brendon Gibb (Norths Devils - Queensland Cup), Junior Paulo (St George Illawarra), Tim Winitana (Canterbury-Bankstown).
Out the door: Wade Graham (Cronulla), Frank Pritchard (Canterbury-Bankstown), Gavin Cooper (North Queensland Cowboys), Josh Bateman (North Queensland Cowboys), Maurice Blair (Melbourne Storm), Daniel Penese (St George Illawarra).
Last year: Penrith produced their best season since their 2003 title, finishing second in the regular season, but ended the season with a bitter taste in their mouths after bowing out with back-to-back losses in the finals. On a positive note the flourishing of Luke Walsh, Michael Gordon and Lachlan Coote saw the Panthers develop into an attacking force in the back half of the season. Luke Lewis and Petero Civoniceva were at their consistent best and provided the reliable spine for the Panthers in a season where Matt Elliot's men exceeded expectations.
Room for improvement: Injuries and suspensions rattled the Panthers' late-season charge so keeping their best players fit is a must. The loss of Wade Graham means Penrith's halves will need to stand up with the cupboard looking a little bare in behind the first-choice options. Incredibly they averaged the most points scored per game with 26.1, despite ranking last in average tackle busts (29.2). This indicates they were reliant on their kicking game; but developing a stronger running game will be pivotal to again being a top-rated attacking force.
Game breaker: Centre Michael Jennings has electrifying pace and is the go-to man when the Panthers are searching for a big play. He struggled with ankle injuries last season but when fit is one of the most devastating players in the game. Jennings scored 16 tries in 25 matches in 2010, but at his best is capable of improving on that strike rate in 2011.
Rising star: Penrith winger Sandor Earl capped a brilliant 2010 by winning the club's rookie of the year award and looks set to continue his meteoric rise. He scored one of the tries of the season against Canberra in the qualifying finals last year and regularly displayed his brilliant finishing ability. The youngster has all the skills and with his height he provides a valuable target out wide for Penrith's precise kicking game.
Key arrival: With the departure of Frank Pritchard, the Panthers will be searching for some penetration from their back-row, something Yileen Gordon can provide when fit. With the size and skill to hurt teams on the fringes, a good run in the top grade may yet see him realise his potential following a bad run with injuries in recent seasons.
Coach factor: Matt Elliott managed to fend off the circling critics that were calling for his head in 2010. He appears to at last have his squad playing to his game plan, but after losing a few key players it won't take much to see the critics resurface this season. Entering his fifth season in charge of the Panthers, expectations will be high for Elliot whose players should be well accustomed to his coaching style.
Fox Sports Stats: Penrith will be hoping their attack runs as smoothly as it did last season. In 2010 Penrith averaged the most points per game (26.1) and scored the most tries (4.5) per game.
Laurie Daley says: "I love their forward pack, it's as good as any in the competition. However, the Panthers scored a lot of tries last year from kicks last season and I think most teams would be aware of that. Lachlan Coote's return will certainly help, as they missed their star fullback at the end of the season. However, I think they may have overachieved a little and I have a query over their halves. I think they may have flown under the radar last season - teams will respect them a lot more this year - and the loss of Frank Pritchard on the edge will be a blow for them. Penrith have recruited lots of players but the only one of them that's probably a walk-in to their 17 is Yileen Gordon. Sometimes you need a turnover of players who are going to walk straight into your team - and I just don't see that with Penrith."
The Adjudicator says: "Take it from Kevin Muscat: the way you finish in sport is often how you are remembered and there is no better example of that than Penrith. The Panthers' 2010 season faded more dramatically than an Adjudicator three wood, and despite finishing second in the regular season they aren't shaping up as a contender for Mr.A this season. Me thinks they were pretending."
Fantasy banker and darkhorse: Michael Gordon ($360K) turned into points-scoring machine in 2010 and is a must-have for Fantasy managers. He rarely misses with the boot and his speed out white guarantees him of some try-scoring action. Travis Burns ($160K) can be a risk with an unfortunate knack of giving away penalties, but he makes plenty of tackles for a five-eighth and should make a reasonable number of try assists.
Loz's NRL preview: team 15 | Fox Sports
Post automatically merged: [time]1298755121[/time]
North Queensland, tipped to finish 14th
2011 North Queensland NRL Squad
Isaac Ah Mau, Leeson Ah Mau, Clint Amos, Michael Bani, Scott Bolton, Matt Bowen, Gavin Cooper, Jack Cooper, Kalifa Fai Fai Loa, Shannon Gallant, Ashley Graham, Glenn Hall, Dane Hogan, Dallas Johnson, Ben Jones, Blake Leary, Tyson Martin, Michael Morgan, Aaron Payne, Matthew Scott, James Segeyaro, Ashton Sims, Tariq Sims, James Tamou, Brent Tate, Ray Thompson, Ricky Thorby, Johnathan Thurston, Willie Tonga, Will Tupou, Antonio Winterstein.
New faces: Antonio Winterstein (Brisbane Broncos), Brent Tate (Warriors), Tariq Sims (Brisbane Broncos), Kalifa Fai Fai Loa (St George Illawarra), Ashton Sims (Brisbane Broncos), Ricky Thorby (St George Illawarra), Gavin Cooper (Penrith), Dallas Johnson (Catalans Dragons - Super League), Ben Jones (Sydney Roosters), Blake Leary (Melbourne Storm), Lancen Joudo (Cronulla), Glen Hall (Bradford Bulls - Super League).
Out the door: Steve Rapira (Warriors), Anthony Watts (Sydney Roosters), Luke O'Donnell (Huddersfield Giants - Super League), Ty Williams (retired), Carl Webb (Parramatta), Willie Mason (Hull Kingston Rovers - Super League), Steve Southern (Newcastle Knights), Arana Taumata (Penrith), John Williams (Cronulla), Dayne Weston (Penrith).
Last year: It was back to the bad old days for North Queensland in 2010, with only the salary cap-plagued Melbourne Storm allowing the Cowboys to avoid the wooden spoon. The side spent the entire season in the doldrums, winning just five matches and just once in the last three months of the season. Marquee stars Jonathan Thurston (16 games), Matthew Bown (15) and Luke O'Donnell (13) suffered injuries and rumblings surfaced about coach Neil Henry's leadership.
Room for improvement: Lay a solid foundation, and then discover the old Cowboys flair. North Queensland's defensive spirit mirrored a pub team at times in 2010, on the way to finishing with a points differential of -242. The Cowboys have made some shrewd recruitment decisions in buying Dallas Johnson, Glen Hall and Gavin Cooper who will provide the side with a more steely resolve. It will be a whole new ball game if Thurston and Bowen can build on what they showed in this year's All Stars match. Hooker Aaron Payne shouldered a heavy load in 2010, so it's crucial that recruit Ben Jones, the latest to audition for the supporting role to Thurston, provides a back-up option to the chief ball-players.
Game breaker: Last season the Cowboys badly missed Matt Bowen, a fullback whose freakish talent can inspire his side from the back. The Cowboys attack is solid with the likes of Ashley Graham, Shannon Gallant and Antonio Winterstein out wide, although it's a shame Willie Tonga won't be joined in the centres by Test centre Brent Tate, who is likely to miss the whole season with a knee injury.
Rising star: Emerging Blues big man Tariq Sims moves to Townsville with wraps as an 80-minute, bustling front or back-rower - just what the club needs after seeing Steve Southern, Antonio Kaufusi, Manase Manuokafoa and Carle Webb move out the door. A standout for Brisbane Broncos' Toyota Cup side in previous seasons, the 20-year-old is the younger brother of former Broncos and Dragons forward Ashton, who joins him at the Cowboys.
Key arrival: Dallas Johnson can redefine the Cowboys brand in 2011. A proud Queenslander, Johnson is a titanic workhorse with a no-frills attitude that can inspire his teammates. Mobile, fit and an 80-minute player, he offers a different style of leadership to the departed O'Donnell.
Coach factor: Neil Henry is under the pump before a ball has been kicked this season. Although he is hailed as the brains behind Queensland's Origin success, his North Queensland side were a rabble in 2010. With rumours that he has lost some support in the dressing room, another poor start to the year will put Henry under extreme pressure to see out the year. Henry quickly needs to win back the support of his senior players if the Cowboys are to prosper.
Fox Sports Stats: The Cowboys will need to start winning matches on the road to have any chance of making their first final series since 2007. Since 2008 they have won just seven of their 36 matches away from home.
Laurie Daley says: "This is the strongest roster North Queensland have put together for the past couple of years and I expect them to have a better season. Having spoken to Matt Bowen during the Indigenous All Stars camp, he seems back to his best, while Johnathan Thurston tells me he's sick of not playing finals football. While JT is in that type of mood I won't be discounting them. Dallas Johnson and Brent Tate are strong acquisitions. I am prepared to leave them out of my eight but it's not going to shock me if they get there."
The Adjudicator says: "So desperate were the Cowboys after last year that they had to ask the great Gus Gould what to do next - and all the self-appointed voice of the NRL could offer was no, no, no, no, no, I'm not getting involved! But there's one obvious statistic in the Cowboys' favour - the bounce-back effect of punting Willie Mason. After he sent the Bulldogs and Roosters to the foot of the table, was it any surprise the Cowboys followed suit when they signed the headline merchant? They won't go as badly as in 2010, even without the help of a salary cap saga to keep them off the foot of the table."
Fantasy banker/darkhorse: With a point for every two tackles, tackling machine Dallas Johnson ($320K) will have at least 15 points in the bank for you each week before any other calculations are made. Aaron Payne is relatively cheap ($260K) given his standing in the side. He'll tackle, score, provide the odd assist and play 80 minutes every week. If you're looking for an outside back, Antonio Winterstein ($240K) should be in for a big year after his move north.
Loz's NRL preview: team 14 | Fox Sports
Post automatically merged: [time]1298755214[/time]
Manly to finish 13th
see http://www.silvertails.net/news/5374-laurie-daley-manly-to-finish-13th
