Preview part 2

G’day again folks and welcome to my NRL season 2010 preview, part two of four today. Once again you can reach me through the various feedback forms. The focus for now though is on the four teams (in no particular order) I believe will finish close to the top eight, but won’t quite make it to September. Again I have a team motto, and X-factor player and a brief prediction of how I think the season will pan out.

BRISBANE BRONCOS – Rebuild, maintain culture

Prediction – Write the Broncos off at your peril but I just think they lack a bit of class this year. Very young side and lacking recognised game-breakers. The forwards are also a bit of a worry. Brisbane will be thereabouts as always, but won’t quite make it.
X-Factor – Tim Smith – One of many ‘second chance players’ for this season but this bad boy faces the toughest challenge. Probably won’t start any games early in the season, but will be a more than handy asset.


PENRITH PANTHERS – Punch above your weight

Prediction – Potential to be a real hot and cold team, as they were last year. They’ll beat some good sides but find ways to lose against teams they should beat. And that’s why they won’t make the eight, but gosh I hope they do!!
X-Factor – Luke Walsh – He is the chief footballer in a team off football players. Penrith don’t have many athletes but they have genuine rugby league players and Walsh, at halfback, is one of the better ones. Should steer this side well and does have a big play in him.


SYDNEY ROOSTERS – Must Win More Games!

Prediction – The Roosters are a team coming off a dead-set embarrassing 2009. What’s more, they haven’t been competitive on the field for longer. They’ve had a clean out and should do better, but I feel 2011 might be a better year.
X-Factor – Todd Carney – It seems all his sins are forgiven and he will be a key member of this side, likely at fullback. For all the class he shows on the field he lacks it off the field. Hopefully we read more about Carney the star player than Carney the grub; rep footy not out of the question.


MANLY SEA EAGLES – Stop the rot
Prediction – The Eagles have been on a slippery slope since this time last year with their 2009 season launch. Still harbouring a 2008 Grand Final hangover, have lost their halfback and captain too. I can’t see them finishing better than mid-table.
X-Factor – Kieran Foran – This Kiwi half made a strong few showings last year and was part of the New Zealand squad at the end of the season. Not sure where he’ll play, but should be in the top 17 and will do some good things.

I’ll be back tomorrow with a look at the bottom four of the best eight teams I believe will contest the 2010 Premiership. As always feel free to comment below or email me at andrew.keyte@gmail.com.

Chat again tomorrow,
Keyto