Contenders and Pretenders

As we enter the business end of the season, there are three genuine premiership chances remaining in the competition. Realistically, any of the 10 remaining contenders could get on a roll and take this thing out. But for mine, assuming there are no dramatic changes in form or personnel, this is predominately a race in three.

The Contenders

Dragons – They have sat on top all year and will take the minor premiership, however as many have noted can they take the next step? Have they learnt from the mistakes of last season? The Dragons are well disciplined and somewhat predictable, but it works for them. What’s more, it’s hard to stop. If there’s still more to come, the Dragons will be one of the last four teams standing in 2010.

Panthers – I like what this team is doing despite a two week hiccup. Penrith are still a reasonably young team but they gel together nicely. I like their attack and while they’re in a flat spot now, I have seen enough to think they have another level and will push hard to finish the season strongly.

Broncos – After the pain at the start of the year, this side is on the verge of doing something special. The young backs are all superstars in the making, the forward pack works hard and there is a sprinkling of experience across the board. The Broncos are a fast team with new found steel in defence. They will be hard to beat, but not unbeatable.

The Pretenders

Titans – Gold Coast have lost six of their last eight matches and their season is spluttering. They have an old team and the slightest drop in speed and agility is all it takes in this competition. Scott Prince is below his best and lacks a genuine kicking foil at five-eighth. With a tough month ahead, the Titans could lose their next four to end the season.

Sea Eagles – A bit like the Titans, this side is a bit too old particularly in the forwards. They are using the same players and similar structures to their successful 2007-08 campaigns. But the game changes every year and Manly have not adapted. Manly should make the eight, but hard to see them winning more than one match in the finals series.

Warriors – I love watching this team but can’t see them consistently winning big games over the next two months. I know they have won five in a row and are playing good football now, but I don’t think they have the squad this year to win three or four high pressure finals.

The X-Factors

Tigers – Benji Marshall is the key to this side and their season rests in his hands. They are capable of the razzle dazzle and have won some tight games too. If they get on a role through September, I don’t think any team could stop the Tigers.

Roosters – I’m not sold on the Roosters, but I could be. Braith Anasta was outstanding on the weekend and the new halves combination looks threatening. My concern, like the Warriors, is I don’t know that the Roosters are capable this year of consecutively winning three or four high pressure games.

Eels – I’m not getting carried away with their form reversal because let’s face it – they beat the disgraceful Cowboys and produced a freakish display against Penrith. Those matches happen once or twice a season and no one can really explain it. I want to judge the Eels over the next month when they play Bulldogs, Broncos and Titans. However, I stand by what I said a few weeks ago in that I don’t think Parramatta will do anything in this competition. Memories of last year are still fresh, so have to include them here.

Bulldogs – If they make it the Bulldogs could be a genuine threat, especially the way they’re playing. The problem is, I don’t think they will make the top eight.

Rabbitohs – Isaac Luke holds the key to this side but the problem is, Luke won’t be on the field until a month out from the finals – at best. By then it could be too late. However, if Souths make the eight and Luke returns near his best, the Rabbitohs have the squad to give this competition a real shake.

Gone

Canberra – Far too inconsistent and although they look better with a genuine halfback playing alongside Campese. However, the Raiders have left the run too late and even if they somehow make the eight won’t do anything of note.

Newcastle – Watch a tape of their effort in Canberra on the weekend for the reason why they won’t make the eight let alone threaten to win the thing.

Cronulla and Cowboys – Prepare for next season.
Storm – Who knows what is doing down there, but need to sort it out ASAP to plan for 2011.

TIPPING
Tips – Dragons, Bulldogs, Raiders, Cowboys, Storm, Souths, Manly, Brisbane
Last Week – 6/8
Total – 75/136 (55%)

If you have any thoughts or comments on the top eight feel free to share them. You can get me directly on email (andrew.keyte@gmail.com), Twitter (@keyto316) or comment below.

Cheers,
Keyto