As season 2017 draws closer, there’s a lot to be thought about ahead of the new year. Who’ll cause trouble, which recruit will reign supreme and who’ll throw 2017’s first punch? It’s all here in the first instalment of fifty fearless predictions for season 2017.
- Tackling Machine: Jake Friend will once again top the tackle count across the NRL, playing almost every minute of every game for the Roosters.
- Female Player of the Year: Ruan Sims, the sister of Ashton, Tariq and Korbin, will take home the award, beating out fellow Blue’s stars Kezzie Apps and Sam Bremner.
- World All-Stars Winner: The Indigenous All-Stars simply have more to play for, plus the inclusion of 2016 rookies Ash Taylor, Cody Walker and Bevan French will provide a spark to match the composure of Jonathan Thurston and Greg Inglis.
- Twinning: Despite the re-emergence of the Burgess twins, it’ll be Brett and Josh Morris who prove themselves to be the best twins of the NRL, combining on the Bulldog’s left edge. The Saifiti boys from Newcastle will chuck their hats in the ring as well.
- Oh Captain My Captain: Matt Moylan to be crowned captain of the year as he guides young guns Te Maire Martin and Nathan Cleary to a grand final.
As season 2017 draws closer, there’s a lot to be thought about ahead of the new year. Who’ll cause trouble, which recruit will reign supreme and who’ll throw 2017’s first punch? It’s all here in the first instalment of fifty fearless predictions for season 2017.
- Auckland Nines Winner: New Zealand Warriors. With Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Shaun Johnson, surely they’ve got to win one eventually?
- Strangest Moment: There’s a lot in rugby league, and you never see them coming. But a sex tape involving a State of Origin star will do the rounds in 2017, causing a bit of angst between him and the coach.
- Biggest Grudge Match: A lot of traditional rivals spring to mind, but the Round 1 match-up of South Sydney against the Wests Tigers pits Robbie Farah against Jason Taylor, one of the most bitter relationships in rugby league.
- Best Headline: ‘Canberra Raid NRL Trophy Cabinet’
- The Next Saga: Ben Barba’s positive testing to cocaine will start people asking questions about recreational drugs in rugby league – and the answers won’t be promising.
As season 2017 draws closer, there’s a lot to be thought about ahead of the new year. Who’ll cause trouble, which recruit will reign supreme and who’ll throw 2017’s first punch? It’s all here in the first instalment of fifty fearless predictions for season 2017.
- Bringing Back The Biff: Jared Warea-Hargreaves will be the first to throw a punch next season, resulting in a suspension for the big Kiwi.
- On-Field Troublemaker: Jared Warea-Hargreaves will miss at least four games through suspension in 2017, with his discipline to be questioned throughout the season.
- Biggest Trouble Maker: While a few names can be tossed up, the Roosters hold the majority of them. Mitchell Pearce being spotted on the drink again will cause headlines, but it will be Paul Carter’s sacking from a third club in four years that will see him sit out a long portion of time.
- Headline Moment: Adam Reynold’s series-clinching field goal in State of Origin Game 3 will be the biggest moment of 2017, seeing the Blues claim a 2-1 series win with a one-point win in the third game.
- Worst Import: Canberra’s signing of St Helen’s centre Jordan Turner is a head scratcher, with a strong backline set to see him play reserve grade in 2017. After successful imports in Josh Hodgson and Elliot Whitehead, Ricky Stuart’s decision to sign Turner will go down as a blunder.
As season 2017 draws closer, there’s a lot to be thought about ahead of the new year. Who’ll cause trouble, which recruit will reign supreme and who’ll throw 2017’s first punch? It’s all here in the first instalment of fifty fearless predictions for season 2017.
- Best Import: English import Dan Sarginson will thrive as the Titans left centre in 2017, proving English backs can handle the NRL.
- Second Season Syndrome: After a stellar debut season, Suliasi Vunivalu will have a much quieter 2017, being outscored by fellow Storm winger Josh Addo-Carr.
- Penthouse to the Outhouse: After being the only player to play every game for South Sydney in their premiership-winning 2014 season, prop Dave Tyrrell will play the entirety of the 2017 season in reserve grade.
- Shock Move: The Roosters will get their man, signing James Tedesco on a four-year deal, freeing up cap space for the Tigers to re-sign Mitch Moses, Luke Brooks and Aaron Woods.
- Coach of the Season: Anthony Griffin will be named the year’s best coach, taking the Panthers to 3rd place, along with a grand final berth.
As season 2017 draws closer, there’s a lot to be thought about ahead of the new year. Who’ll cause trouble, which recruit will reign supreme and who’ll throw 2017’s first punch? It’s all here in the first instalment of fifty fearless predictions for season 2017.
- First Coach Sacked: While club officials say he’s safe, Paul McGregor will be sacked before June 30 at the Dragons, with Ivan Cleary to take over the reins.
- Worst Value Recruit: Luke Keary will struggle with the Roosters as his kicking game is scrutinised, resulting in a bottom eight finish for the Roosters.
- Best Value Recruit: Josh Addo-Carr replaces Marika Koroibete in Melbourne’s backline, and will top the club’s try-scoring list in 2017, outscoring fellow rookie winner Suliasi Vunivalu.
- Worst Overall Recruit: Benji Marshall will be hardly spotted in first-grade, ending his glittering career in a fizzle. He narrowly beats Cameron McInnes, who will struggle along with the Dragon’s attack.
- Best Overall Recruit: Robbie Farah will combine with Adam Reynolds and Sam Burgess to lead South Sydney back to the finals in 2017, showing Jason Taylor what could have been.