I'm in a tipping comp and we've got to pick our top 8 and wooden spooners before this weekend for bonus points at end of season. Obviously we are a long way out with 20+ rounds to go and there are always the unknown factors of injury to crucial players. But I'd be interested in what peoples thoughts are on the way things are shaping up at this early stage.
What I'm thinking at the moment
Top 8 certs : Saints, Broncos, Manly, Bulldogs, Warriors
Probables: Titans (if Prince stays fit), Rabbitohs (but who can trust these clowns to produce for a full season), Raiders (defence is suss but they can score points), Storm (significantly weaker than last year IMO, but still have some good players)
No idea on what to expect from Cowboys, they were rubbish last year and their roster hasn't improved significantly. But do you discount a side with Thurston and Bowen in it ?
Knights are another that may or may not squeak in. I just don't rate Brian Smith as a coach so that clouds my judgement.
Roosters I'm leaning away from being a top 8 contender, but they do have their moments. Loosing Mini is a big negative for their cause, and it's hard to be bouyant about their chances with Mason in their side. Prefer others.
Panthers IMO aren't as bad as people are making out, and I think might be a smokey for the top 8 if they get some confidence going. They've got some good young players (Coote, Graham) and game breakers in Jennings and Pritchard. The negative is Sammut at halfback, not much chop IMO. Plus they don't have an experienced head to drive them around the field with a good kicking game.
Tigers I think will miss the top 8. Rely too much on Marshall and Farah. Bit of turmoil at the club as well to distract them further.
Sharks.......I just hate the Sharks so there is no way I'm going to put them in the top 8. The over achieved like hell last year and were found wanting when the whips were cracking. Don't rate Barrett so the only thing that will save them is Grub Gallen and Tupou. Outside backs are rubbish.
Eels are poo with a capital P. No side is going to win a comp with Jarryd Hayne at 5/8. Now that they've lost Finch they've got nothing. Mateo is about the only weapon in their arsenal. Morals for the wooden spoon I reckon.
Any feedback appreciated
What I'm thinking at the moment
Top 8 certs : Saints, Broncos, Manly, Bulldogs, Warriors
Probables: Titans (if Prince stays fit), Rabbitohs (but who can trust these clowns to produce for a full season), Raiders (defence is suss but they can score points), Storm (significantly weaker than last year IMO, but still have some good players)
No idea on what to expect from Cowboys, they were rubbish last year and their roster hasn't improved significantly. But do you discount a side with Thurston and Bowen in it ?
Knights are another that may or may not squeak in. I just don't rate Brian Smith as a coach so that clouds my judgement.
Roosters I'm leaning away from being a top 8 contender, but they do have their moments. Loosing Mini is a big negative for their cause, and it's hard to be bouyant about their chances with Mason in their side. Prefer others.
Panthers IMO aren't as bad as people are making out, and I think might be a smokey for the top 8 if they get some confidence going. They've got some good young players (Coote, Graham) and game breakers in Jennings and Pritchard. The negative is Sammut at halfback, not much chop IMO. Plus they don't have an experienced head to drive them around the field with a good kicking game.
Tigers I think will miss the top 8. Rely too much on Marshall and Farah. Bit of turmoil at the club as well to distract them further.
Sharks.......I just hate the Sharks so there is no way I'm going to put them in the top 8. The over achieved like hell last year and were found wanting when the whips were cracking. Don't rate Barrett so the only thing that will save them is Grub Gallen and Tupou. Outside backs are rubbish.
Eels are poo with a capital P. No side is going to win a comp with Jarryd Hayne at 5/8. Now that they've lost Finch they've got nothing. Mateo is about the only weapon in their arsenal. Morals for the wooden spoon I reckon.
Any feedback appreciated
