Hello everyone and welcome to rugby league season 2010. My name is Andrew Keyte and I will be back this year with weekly columns, previews and match reports for Sports Australia and my blog site. Like last year I welcome your feedback and hope to have some interesting topics to discuss.
To begin this season I have a four-part season preview to release over the next four days as we prepare for Round One on Friday night. For each team I will give a brief season prediction, a look at their ‘X-Factor’ player and assign a team motto I think they should each follow.
Remember these are just my thoughts so take them with a grain of salt. Feel free to leave your own comments or drop me an email at andrew.keyte@gmail.com with your thoughts. I’ll kick-off with my opinion on the bottom four teams, in no particular order, for season 2010.
WESTS TIGERS – Lote = RATINGS (but not Finals)
Prediction – Same story as the last few years, the Tigers are a flamboyant team with plenty of flair but lack consistency. They get out-muscled in the forwards too often and questionable halves. Great off-field team and a few interesting recruits but won’t, unfortunately, make the eight.
X-Factor – Tim Moltzen – Great potential in a young player, the question is where to play him? Has spent time in the backs and the halves but I reckon fullback is the best bet.
NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS – Let the coach sleep at night
Prediction – Coach Cleary to be the first sacking of the season. It’s going to be a tough year; they’ve lost some of that home intimidation and will struggle away. Need an attitude overhaul and MUST WIN MORE GAMES in Australia.
X-Factor – Joel Moon – This has to be Moon’s year. He moved to the Warriors for a chance at five-eighth and didn’t show a lot in limited opportunities last year. He has been around the top grade long enough and it’s almost now or never.
CRONULLA SHARKS - 2010 can’t be any worse than 2009
Prediction – Look, I would love to see the Sharkies do well. And they need to – financially they have to win games. I just can’t see it happening, not enough class across the field. They are turning and will have a better year, but at least 18 months away from being genuine contenders.
X-Factor – Anthony Tupou – A change of club and return to his old coach should do wonders for a guy who has been way below his potential in recent years. I won’t be surprised to see him back at representative level again this season.
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS – Drug free for a year!
Prediction – They sacked the coach last year, players possibly going to jail, heart and soul man Gidley is injured ... but they have spirit. They’ll need it all because the Knights are my favourite for the wooden spoon.
X-Factor – Jarrod Mullen – He is the only bright spark in Newcastle at the moment and will have Andrew Johns-like pressure on his shoulders.
Tomorrow I will have a look at the four teams who in my opinion will have decent years, but just miss out on the final eight. Until them you can send me an email or leave comments below. Talk to you all again soon.
Cheers,
Keyto
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