Dare to dream Parramatta fans but 2019 will be redemption for a very poor 2018. Remember this is the team that finished in the top 4 in 2017 and they still have the core squad together from that year. Brad Arthur has been running his iron fist throughout the club in the offseason and I expect them to bounce back and for Mitch Moses to shine as he takes on the sole responsibility of leading the team around. Plus, a new stadium and plans to pack it out will give Eels an extra edge.
You have the feel bad for the North Queensland Cowboys. It was always going to be a huge ask to replace the greatest of all time in Jonathan Thurston but with the sacking of the marquee signing Ben Barba, they lack some serious attacking flair and depth in attacking areas. Michael Morgan will need to step up and provide the points but it’s too big of an ask.
No one gave Rabbitohs a chance last year, but Anthony Seibold in his rookie year as a head coach showed that he belongs in the big league. And no other place to show it than at the Brisbane Broncos. Seibold has able to get the best out of his players, just look at Damien Cook. He went from a fringe first grader to NSW and Australia hooker in less than one year. Expect Seibold to take Broncos to another level that Bennett couldn’t and return to premiership contenders.
Same old story for the red V fans. Premiership favourites one second to holidaying in Bali while the season is going. I like the addition of Corey Norman to add some attaching flare at fullback and the combination of Widdop and Hunt to stand up again. However, a core of the players experienced an origin hangover in the middle of last year to trigger the collapse, expect the same thing to happen again in 2019.
You can feel something brewing in the Hunter. Its been bubbling away for the last 2 years under the nose of Nathan Brown. They showed great promise with a talented roster with Pearce and Ponga being standout performers. Add in a much-needed world class prop in David Klemmer and the Novocastrians should be licking their lips for a long overdue finals berth. Newcastle Knights to finish in the top 4 and awake a sleeping giant up the F1.
On the back of strong performances for Knights at five-eighth, Maroons take the same gamble and decide to play Ponga in the halves. He showed what he is capable of in his debut last year when he played a utility role off the bench but expect him to take on more responsibility and lead the Maroons around the park in a more attacking position.
Speaking of State of Origin, I’m predicting that under the reigns of Brad Fittler the Blues will begin a dynasty and repay the long-suffering NSW fans. The Blues played such attacking and open football and with a young and exciting squad, I expect them to grow an extra leg and win the series in game 3 at ANZ Stadium.
Bonus Prediction: Tedesco to rise and get man of the series
Every year we say the same thing. Melbourne Storm to suffer after they lose another star player. But they always end up in the premiership race and we have egg on our face. Well, I’m not making the same mistake again. Storm just find a way to get it done including last season without a recognised halfback all year. Obviously, Billy Slater is a big loss, but Cameron Munster has a chance to become the new Prince of Melbourne and showcase more of his skill and leadership. Storm to finish in the top 4 because they have a mortgage on it.
Canberra’s prodigal son will be the first coach to be given the flick this year. The Raiders have been too hot and cold over the last 3-4 seasons and far too often find themselves losing tight matches. Ricky Stuart will have the backing of the board until he doesn’t and finds himself in the Centrelink line. Canberra with a talent roster and loyal fanbase will no longer accept mediocre outings and finishing between 9-12th of the ladder. Sorry Sticky!
Okay, the big one. I’m predicting something that hasn’t been done since the early ’90s and say Roosters will win back to back premierships since 1992-1993 Broncos in a combined competition. They have the most impressive complete roster in the competition and while they lost Ryan Matterson, Dylan Napa and Blake Ferguson, they were able to land big signings Angus Crichton, Ryan Hall and Brett Morris. Combine that with the finesse of James Tedesco and the composure of Cooper Cronk, the Roosters will be celebrating the Grand Final victory with their lattes and small fluffy dogs.