Benji Marshall speaks to the crowd. Photo: Getty Images
Chris Barrett
The Bulldogs won
only nine games last season but will be big movers this year after a
thorough and intelligent recruiting splurge. The key is whether the
$275,000 a year they have dished out for young Trent Hodkinson, a
second-year halfback coming off a great rookie season, is money well
spent. Early indications are that it is.
PREDICTION
All-powerful
Queensland should have one more year in them before State of Origin's
greatest dynasty comes to an end, along with the rep career of Darren
Lockyer. If Josh Dugan and Todd Carney are in NSW colours, it will be a
hell of a series but against the star-studded Maroons they will fall
just short.
Top eight
Dragons
Tigers
Raiders
Roosters
Bulldogs
Warriors
Storm
Titans
Premiers: Raiders
Glenn Jackson
Benji's
Mac attack ensures a slightly turbulent start to the Tigers' campaign.
They have only one significant buy, Matt Utai's thighs, but they have
Tim Moltzen ready to play his first NRL match in almost a year. He can
provide the X-factor. The youth factor will come from the likes of Simon
Dwyer, Andrew Fifita, Ben Murdoch-Masila and Aaron Woods.
PREDICTION
Josh
Dugan, Benji Marshall and Souths hooker Issac Luke will fight it out
for the Dally M award. Dugan, the game's most exciting young talent,
will push for NSW selection, even over Jarryd Hayne. The 20-year-old's
impetus from the back will be one of the main reasons Canberra will
impress this year.
Top eight
Dragons
Tigers
Raiders
Bulldogs
Roosters
Titans
Rabbitohs
Sea Eagles
Premiers: Tigers
Greg Prichard
Gold
Coast and Manly drop out of last year's top eight, replaced by
Canterbury and Melbourne. Key Titans players are getting old, which
could catch up with them. Manly keep losing established players but
rarely buy any, and they only just made the eight last season. The
Dragons are going to be the testing material again.
PREDICTION
The
Raiders to build on their late surge of last year and make a genuine
run at the title. Their massive forward pack is further strengthened by
Brett White. They have flying outside backs and a potential superstar
fullback in Josh Dugan. Their purchase of Matt Orford is critical with
Terry Campese not due back from injury until mid-season.
Top eight
Dragons
Tigers
Raiders
Warriors
Bulldogs
Roosters
Storm
Panthers
Premiers: Tigers
Established in 1995,
Tigers
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