Here we go NRL 2015
With all of the attention on off-field interests, the 2015 NRL season kicks off tonight in Brisbane.
While it is debatable as to whether or not the on field product will distract attention away from all of the off season ugliness, at least we have games to preview and predict for now.
I will not be doing weekly picks for the NRL but will be tipping at Footytips.com.au .
So ... here we go with the season preview:
Brisbane Broncos (www.broncos.com.au)
2014 Record: 12-12
Hope springs eternal in BrisVegas with the return of Super Coach Wayne Bennett to Red Hill.
The Broncs will kick off minus Bennett mainstay Darius Boyd and will hope to weather the early season storm looking to gain some momentum as the season progresses.
2015 Record Prediction: 9-15
Canberra Raiders (www.raiders.com.au)
2014 Record: 8-16
The once promising Raiders will do good to avoid the wooden spoon this go round.
2015 Prediction: 6-18
Cantebury-Bankstown Bulldogs (www.bulldogs.com.au)
2014 Record: 13-11
Instead of fading.....the Bulldogs may move up a couple of notches this season.
2015 Prediction: 19-5
Cronulla Sharks (www.sharks.com.au)
2014 Record: 5-19
May be slightly better than last year's wooden spoon effort. Although with no major sponsor and residual turmoil, do not expect much.
2015 Prediction: 5-19
Gold Coast Titans (www.titans.com.au)
2014 Record: 9-15
Not a lot to see here unfortunately. One hand firmly on the wooden spoon!
2015 Prediction: 3-21
Manly Sea Eagles (www.seaeagles.com.au)
2014 Record: 16-8
Overall, this side is ageing but there is a bit of young blood on the rise. Look for them to drop in somewhere around the 5-8 spot on the ladder.
2015 Prediction: 14-10
Melbourne Storm (www.melbournestorm.com.au)
2014 Record: 14-10
Any team with Smith, Slater and Cronk is going to be a threat. The trio is getting older but with age comes craftiness so this crew should be fine and may make one final push for another title.
2015 Prediction: 16-8
Newcastle Knights (www.newcastleknights.com.au)
2014 Record: 10-14
Wayne Bennett did not leave the cupboards bare as there is some talent on the outside and at fullback but the forward pack may be the sore point.
2015 Prediction: 6-18
North Queensland Cowboys (www.cowboys.com.au)
2014 Record: 14-10
After yet another dubious finals officials decision in 2014, the Cowboys should again be near the top four for 2015. With Jonathan Thurston now 31, the chances may be slim after this season so the squad will be firing on all cylinders.
2015 Prediction: 19-5
Parramatta Eels (www.parraeels.com.au)
2014 Record: 12-12
Will be on the finals fringe again.
2015 Prediction: 9-15
Penrith Panthers (www.penrithpanthers.com.au)
2014 Record: 15-9
If Wallace and Soward stay healthy, expect another top four run.
2015 Prediction: 18-6
South Sydney Rabbitohs (www.rabbitohs.com.au)
2014 Record: 15-9
With a 2014 premiership in hand the Bunnies come in as hungry as ever looking to repeat and may just do so.
2015 Prediction: 20-4
Saint George Dragons (www.dragons.com.au)
2014 Record: 11-13
Another season of "almost there" seems to be the go for my Dragons.
2015 Prediction: 11-13
Sydney Roosters (www.roosters.com.au)
2014 Record: 16-8
Looking to go one further than just the regular season title but may be tougher to finish on top of the ladder this go round.
2015 Prediction: 16-8
New Zealand Warriors (www.warriors.kiwi)
2014 Record: 12-12
If this team finally finds some consistency, expect them to pop in around the 4-6 spot at season's end.
2015 Prediction: 14-10
West Tigers (www.weststigers.com.au)
2014 Record: 10-14
Will come close to making the post season.
2015 Prediction: 12-12
Final Eight Picks:
South Sydney
Cantebury-Bankstown
North Queensland
Penrith
Melbourne
Sydney City
Menly
New Zealand
2015 Champions
South Sydney
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