NRL Preview Part Three

Hello readers and welcome to my NRL season preview, part three of four. Today I’m looking at the teams I expect to finish 5th to 8th, in no particular order. Once again I will give a team motto, and x-factor and a prediction as seen through my eyes! As always any feedback is greatly appreciated.


PARRAMATTA EELS – Beware of second year syndrome
Prediction – Parramatta have brought some really good talent and there’s nothing to suggest they can’t be a major player. I think though they might find things tough at times and they may over-rely on a few key players.
X-Factor – Jarryd Hayne – After the season he had last year how could anyone bar Hayne be the key man this season? Opposition players and coaches will be after him and how he handles that will have a huge influence on the Eels’ season.


GOLD COAST TITANS – Moving Forward
Prediction – The Titans have improved every year in their short lifespan and will have very high expectations. I expect them to plod along as they have in the past, win their home games and play well enough on the road. They need to learn to win the really big games; they haven’t done that in the past.
X-Factor – Greg Bird – Has plenty to prove after his well-publicised off-field issues. He should prove a really good foil to Scott Prince and his toughness will be felt too. A good buy for the Titans.


St GEORGE-ILLAWARRA DRAGONS – No love, but who needs that.
Prediction – After from their own loyal fans, no one else really likes the Dragons (opposition, media, fans). That shouldn’t worry the Dragons but they will have a big target. I can’t see how they’ve strengthened their squad from last year and have lost a few guys too. All about attitude in 2010.
X-Factor – Jamie Soward – Talked up for Origin last year before going slightly off the boil. His ‘second year’ will be vital for the Dragons chances; has potential to do some very good things (and some bad).


NORTH QLD COWBOYS – Bound for Glory.
Prediction – I think we should see the Cowboys return to their glory days of 4 or 5 years ago. They’ve got a good forward pack and the world’s best halfback. Matt Bowen is a loss early but they have some quality backs – another team where attitude will play a huge role in their season.
X-Factor – Willie Mason – The big fella got a second (or third) chance when the Cowboys gave him a lifeline. He should be back at his best after spending most of last year recovering from a serious knee injury. Has the potential to be back at his highest representative level while having relative anonymity.

That’s it for today and tomorrow I will give you my top four – including one pretty big surprise team. I can be reached through the comments on this page or at andrew.keyte@gmail.com.

Talk to you soon,
Keyto