NRL Preseason Power Rankings

Preseason Power Rankings

As the 2024 season approaches its time to look ahead at the possibilities of all the teams and whether they have a chance to hold the trophy aloft. Will new recruits make pretenders contenders or will teams follow all too regular patterns (ahem Bulldogs, Tigers…) and disappoint their supporter base? Let’s look ahead and predict how teams will start the season.

Group 1-Someone has to finish last

17 West Tigers

Last years finish 17th/ Record 4 wins 20 losses

It is not really a stretch to place the West Tigers here as I’m sure most preseason pundits will have them in a similar position. The Tigers have not played a finals game since 2011 and that looks to continue this year. They have some promising younger players but have been unable to secure the senior players to mentor them throughout a gruelling season. The signings of Aiden Sezer and Justin Olam might go some way to correcting this although neither player has had to be the main focus or leader of an NRL team. The signing of Jayden Sullivan was worth the gamble, as he has shown flashes of talent at St George, but once gain needs some mentoring to reach his potential.

16 St George Illawarra Dragons

Last years finish 16th/ Record 5 wins 19 losses

Its hard to believe that after last years dismal performance St George may be even worst this year. The organisation is attempting a poor mans Panthers with a father and son combo  in the halves and at coach. Not sure the same success can be replicated here. Kyle Flanagan, who at 25yrs old is already at his fourth club, has been unable convince his previous teams that he had the talent to be signed long term. Tyrell Sloan has shown plenty of promise at fullback but you hope he is not learning bad habits in a losing side. Where’s Wayne Bennett and Jamie Soward when you need them?

Group 2 “By definition, it is not possible to everyone to be above average” by Collins.

15 Gold Coast Titans

Last years finish 14th/ Record 9 wins 15 losses

One of the most exciting teams to watch last year without the wins to show for it. Probably led the league in moral victories though. Their most important gains in personnel this season will be the arrival of Des Hasler as coach and the return from injury of Beau Fermor. Between 2005-2016 Hasler led Manly and the Bulldogs to five grand finals, winning two in 2008 and 2011. He had success immediately with both teams and, in theory, seems like the right choice for the Titans. The Titans need to show improvement in defence as they have shown they can score from anywhere on the field but have trouble stopping them. AJ Brimson will need to cement the centre position as the Titans look more dangerous with Jayden Campbell in the number one jersey.

14 Canberra Raiders

Last years finish 8th/ Record 13 wins 11 losses

Somehow Canberra  snuck into the finals with a -137 points differential in for and against and also being a bottom six defensive side. A repeat of this performance this year would mean a regression to the bottom half of the ladder. Ricky Stuart remains as passionate about the club as always and his hate for referees has also not waned. For a team that had trouble scoring, losing Jack Wighton, their best attacking weapon will not help the cause. As an old football fan, watching the Raiders green jersey on a cold Canberra night always invokes great memories so I am hoping I am wrong with this ranking.

13 Manly

Last years finish 12th/ Record 11 wins 1 draw 12 losses

When I think of Manly I think middle of the pack, just as their record illustrates. Manly have some stars but their lack of depth expose them as the season progresses and injuries and origin commitments start to take their toll. Love him of hate him, Daly Cherry-Evans continues to be their most important player and will be again this season. Tom Trbojevic was on his way to being the most dynamic and impactful player of the last ten years but cannot seem to avoid injury and therefore, produce on the field. Meanwhile Jake Trbojevic runs like it hurts to get out of bed. It also feels like it will be another season of hoping that that Joshua Schuster ‘gets it’ but he might be the difference if he does.

12 Dolphins

Last years finish 13/ Record 9 wins 15 losses

Last years Dolphins team finished where expected despite their hot start to the season. This year their backline looks exciting with the additions of Jake Averillo and Herbie Farnworth and with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow at fullback. Their forward back has been bolstered with the recruitment of Thomas Flegler from the Broncos and the return of the modest Tom Gilbert. Unfortunately the Dolphins were unable to improve in the positions that count, in the halves. Sean O’Sullivan may have the smarts of a coach like Wayne Bennett but I’m not sure who would currently win a foot race out of the two. Kodi Nikorima is perfect for the number 14 jersey but not sure he is a difference maker in the number six. Sorry, Phins down to start the season.

Group 3   New Year, same team

11 Parramatta Eels

Last years finish 10th/ Record 12 wins 12 losses

How do you spell mediocracy? E-e-l-s. The Eels fans have to be the bravest supporters in the NRL, having your hopes lifted and then dropped and stomped on with the inevitable fall at the end of the season. At least they saved the fans the pain of losing in the finals by losing enough games to miss them. This season seems more of the same, with no substantial additions to the squad. They have the makings of a good side, decent forward pack, above average halves but the formula does not seem to be working.

10 Bulldogs

Last years finish 15th/ Record 7 wins 17 losses

Kurt Mann, Connor Tracey, Drew Hutchinson, Jake Turpin, Blake Taaffe and Jaeman Salmon are all great utility players that any club would love to have one of. Problem is the Bulldogs have them all. Realistically none of these players are in line for a starting position and there are only four spots on the bench. This is a great strategy if you are expecting injuries or a large representation at rep level but maybe they should be aiming higher. This is going to be an important year for Matt Burton. It is his third year at the club and he has to show that he is the marquee player that his contract and reputation suggest. The return of Bronson Xerri is also intriguing as he showed plenty of talent when he last played in the NRL. Four years away from the game makes it difficult to predict whether he is still up to the challenge. The signing of Stephen Crichton was a positive step towards improvement although he has yet to show that he can play fullback at a high level and for a full season. Jacob Preston was a revelation in his first year, and with Viliame Kikau, have the backrow locked in. The rest of the forward pack is less convincing.

Group 4 “Pretty good, pretty, pretty good”

9 Newcastle Knights

Last years finish 5th/ Record 14 wins 1 draw 9 losses

The Knights had a return to form making the top five while riding the coattails of Kalyn Ponga. While Ponga had some health issues at the start of the year, he returned to play twenty games with Newcastle, winning twelve of those contests. Bradman Best continued his growth as a player and was rewarded with a start in origin where he held his own. Best has a lot to play for as he is coming off contract at the end of the season although the Knights remain the favourite to sign him. Why the regression as a team? The Knights have had a quiet offseason while other teams around them have the potential to improve.

8 Cowboys

Last years finish 11th/ 12 wins 12 losses

Last year was a disappointing result for a club that would have had it sights set on a top four finish. They have stars across the park with a side laden with representative players. Their most notable loss from the squad is experienced centre Peta Hiku but this gives the club a chance to blood younger players with the remaining class in the backline. Continued growth from Scott Drinkwater and Tom Deardon (recently signed long term) should be enough to right the ship especially if they can stay injury free for the season.

7 Cronulla Sharks

Last years finish 6th/ Record 14 wins 10 losses

Hard to keep the Sharks out of the top eight considering their consistency with making the finals. Winning games when it counts is the next battle. Nicho Hynes has lead the team from the front and continues to be a top ten player in the competition. The loss of Matt Moylan may be a blessing in disguise, as his game had plateau since leaving the Panthers. The spine is inexperienced compared to some but it has shown the potential to be good enough when things are clicking. This side needs consistency and discipline to get it over the line.

6 Sydney Roosters

Last years finish 7th/ Record 13 wins 11 losses

The Roosters were probably lucky to make the finals after their inconsistent play throughout the season. They seemed to settle on their line-up in the back half of the season and had a strong showing in the finals finishing with a tough loss to Melbourne. As per usual, the Roosters have managed to find a couple of bucks under the couch cushions to add some free agents. The additions of Dominic Young and Spencer Leniu definitely add some class to the current side. Depth will once again be tested if injuries occur especially with the loss of some solid bench players (Hutchinson/Baker/Momirovski/Turpin). The window of opportunity to win is now for the Roosters with multiple key players in their final year of service.

Group 5  Alright, let’s do this again!!

5 New Zealand Warriors

Last years finish 5th/ Record 16 wins 8 losses

The Warriors were the most exciting team in the competition last season and, more than likely, everyone’s second favourite team. Shaun Johnson had his greatest season and this seemed to lift the form of the players around him. Can he repeat this performance again this season? The return of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Chanel Harris-Tavita adds even more attacking spark to a side that weren’t afraid to attack from all parts of the field. The club have shown faith in the direction of the club signing second year coach, Andrew Webster, until the end of 2028. All positive signs for continued success.

Group 6  2023? Never heard of it

4 South Sydney Rabbitohs

Last years finish 9th/ Record 12 wins 12 losses

Every side in the top eight breathe a sigh of relief when the Rabbits were squeezed out of the finals. The side is full of champion players, but  due to injury or poor form, were unable to create a champion team. The addition of Jack Wighton to an already loaded backline, should provide more space to the halves and also for Latrell Mitchell chiming in from the fullback position. They have depth in the forwards but need to find some hunger or pride to show up and perform each week. Coach Jason Demetriou and captain Cameron Murray need to find a way to keep the players motivated to achieve their potential.

Group 7 Consistency may be boring but gee its effective

3 Melbourne Storm

Last years finish 3rd/ Record 16 wins 8 losses

While Craig Bellamy is coach and the halves contain the names Munster/Grant/Hughes, the Melbourne Storm will be nestled in the top four. Even though the club dominates origin and international teams the culture of the Storm means they maintain their form throughout the season. Bellamy is able to shape lesser known players into solid role players or better, and has been more successful at this than any other coach. Wayne Bennett may come close. Will Warbrick was great recruitment coup for the NRL and the Storm return this season with the team intact. Craig Bellamy = top four finish!

Group 8 Lets do it again

2 Penrith Panthers

Last years finish 1st & Premiers/ Record 18 wins 6 losses

It will be hard to beat the Panthers again with the return of the bulk of their side minus Stephen Crichton. The Panthers are guaranteed a top two finish if Nathan Cleary plays with 16 healthy NRL players. He singlehandedly decided the grand final last year when teammates were too injured or too tired to step up. This is Jarome Luai’s final season before leaving the club so there will be some motivation to win again for the player all other supporters despise (do Panthers fans even like him?). Will need some luck with form and injury to win four in a row but hard to back against.

1st Brisbane Broncos

Last years finish 2nd Runner Ups/ Record 18 wins 6 losses

Came as close to winning a grand final as you can without getting the win. Only had one player to stop in the second half but fatigue and inexperience stopped them from finishing victorious. The savage grand final loss provides the team with two options: 1. They learn from it and work hard to improve their overall game 2. They struggle to cope with the loss and have flash backs when games get tough this season. They have the talent and dynamic scoring punch to beat any team when they are performing and the youth in the side leaves plenty of room for improvement. Reece Walsh had a mixed game in the grand final but still proved to be Brisbane’s most dangerous player at the point of attack. The difficulty of winning and improving players is the cost of maintaining the payroll, with the losses of Thomas Flegler and Herbie Farnworth the price of success. Any improvement from the younger players will make them the favourites to take the premiership.