Where did it all go wrong?

South Sydney’s winning run has created a renewed excitement as we head towards the Finals with now nine teams trying to fit into eight spots. But there are seven teams out of the Premiership race and today I will have a look at just why that may be the case.

Bulldogs – Who Knows!

So technically if they win their last two matches the Bulldogs may scrape in but this is a serious long shot and one, quite frankly, the Bulldogs do not deserve. They brought an entire new team for this season and started well before it all fell to bits. Obviously there were off field issues with the coach getting sacked, but this roster should have done better. The new look team just hasn’t gelled for the full season but maybe they’ll be better for next year.

Penrith – Distractions

There’s an obvious communication issue at the club between players and management, as highlighted by Petero Civoniceva this week. A popular coach was sacked and another popular coach was overlooked. We’ve had a star player in Michael Jennings out of form and getting up to (minor) off-field mischief. There’s been a guy swiping doctors’ prescription pads plus a challenging injury toll. A tough year for the club but following the on-going overhaul, they should be better next year.

Roosters – Attitude

About a month ago I wrote the Roosters Grand Final appearance last year was beginning to look like a fluke. They have been better in the last two weeks but for the majority of the season, the Roosters attitude has flat out stunk. They’ve got guys in that club that seem more interested in drinking and partying then winning games. It’s not helped either by a protective-management – as seen with the entire Todd Carney saga this season. I feel sorry for Braith Anasta because they need guys at that club to follow his leadership – which is top shelf.

Sharks – Talent

Same old story for Cronulla this year – they just don’t have the talent across the club to compete every week with the best sides. They have a good attitude and tremendous heart throughout the side, but their best 17 would be in the bottom three of the NRL. Their team is decent but, Gallen aside, there are no superstars. They do have a couple of potential stars, but not yet. Unfortunately I can’t see much changing for them next season.

Raiders – Desire

I think this is the greatest disappointment of the season. After last year, Canberra had no excuses for missing the top eight this year. They were rightly predicted to finish top four. Sure Terry Campese was out but he came back mid-season. Yes he got re-injured but the damage was done because the Raiders had dropped the ball before he returned anyway. They have a very talented side but perhaps they lack the desire to knuckle down in the hard times. A shit year like this should fix the problem for the 2012 season.

Titans – Age

Too old, too slow. The modern game has passed this side by in a matter of only six months. Remember they were one win from the Grand Final last year? Now, with virtually the same squad, they are battling for the wooden spoon. They are getting a squad overhaul for next season and they needed it. The Titans need to be winning because the Gold Coast fans, across all sports, don’t support losers. The Titans also need Scott Prince back to his best next season which I expect will happen. Don’t fear Gold Coast fans, this has been a bump in the road but 2012 should be successful.

Eels – Points

I admire the fact Parramatta rarely gave up in their matches and only had one or two significant blow-outs. Their attitude and defence was creditable but they couldn’t win the tight matches. However this experience should help them next year. The Eels had a new coach with a very questionable roster this season. Parramatta recruited ‘Dad’s Army’ and most of them won’t be at the club next year. The signings of Chris Sandow, Willie Tonga and Ben Roberts could be outstanding and nothing less than a top eight finish will be good enough in season 2012.

TIPPING
Tips – Manly, Roosters, Newcastle, Cowboys, Canberra, Dragons, Broncos, Tigers
Last Week – 6/8
Total –109/176(62%)

Thanks for reading,
Keyto