NRL Season 2013 Preview Team By Team Part 1
Season 2013 is shaping up to be a cracker. New referees boss means the possibility of less blunders and the teams look as even as ever. Let’s take a look at each team briefly.
2012 – Despite making the finals in 2012, the Broncos underperformed. Early in the year they looked every bit the premiership threat they’ve been for the last 20 years but after the Origin series their momentum ground to a sudden halt before finishing scraping into the fianls.
New Faces – Scott Prince (Titans), Denan Kemp (Dragons), David Stagg (Bulldogs).
Prediction – Much rests on the shoulders of Scott Prince. In 2012 the Broncos failed to adequately fill the shoes of Darren Lockyer but Scott Prince himself hasn’t been his best over the past two seasons. May struggle again but will be around the eight. 8th.
2012 – Like a broken record the Raiders came from the clouds to make the eight and frighten the top sides, despite a huge injury toll that claimed their best player Terry Campese, who featured in barely any football in 2012. Unfortunately they had left their run too late, despite making the finals they were rolled early.
New Faces – Joel Edwards (Knights), Jake Foster (Bulldogs)
Prediction – If Campese remains fit and their forward pack get on the park at the same time they will be right up there. Unfortunately history suggests otherwise. 10th.
2012 – A breakout year for the Sharks, who were right at the business end of the table for most of the season.
New Faces – Luke Lewis (Panthers), Michael Gordon (Panthers), Beau Ryan (Tigers), Chris Heighington (Tigers), Jonathan Wright (Bulldogs)
Prediction – Have bought unbelievably well. They should be right up there. 3rd.
2012 – The Dogs first year under Hasler was a cracker, coming from the clouds to win the minor premiership and only go down to the star studded storm side in the Grand Final. A great year and they should only be better for it.
New Faces – Tony Williams (Sea Eagles)
Prediction – Unless some other teams drastically improve the Bulldogs will be right at the top again. Despite losing a lot of talent, they have kept the crux of the side. 1st.
2012 – They were gone around mid-season when they inexplicably bounced into form but way too late. Will come into 2013 with confidence.
New Faces – Dave Taylor (Rabbitohs), Mark Ioane (Raiders)
Predictions – They will be playing with the most inexperienced halves combination in the NRL no matter who ends up there. Sezer, Henry and/or Rankin will have a task ahead of them. They can win games on the back of their forwards but will struggle. Last.
2012 – Somehow flew under the radar all season but were there when the whips were cracking.
New Faces – Michael Chee-Kam (Raiders), Richie Fa’aoso (Storm)
Prediction –
Have lost the T-Rex but Richie Fa’aoso could be buy of the year as I believe he has been under utilised at the Knights for years and was starting to show his talent at the Storm and he will suit the style at Manly. 6th.
2012 – Barely got out of second gear until the Grand Final and still won the comp.
New Faces – Brett Finch (Wigan), Junior Sa’u (Knights), Lagi Setu (Mormon Mission), Junior Moors (Tigers)
Prediction – It’s hard to see Melbourne going backwards, they won’t until their big three all retire. 2nd.
New Zealand Warriors
2012 – On the back of a great 2011 much was expected of the Warriors but they were abysmal at times, repeatedly getting trounced but other lesser fancied sides.
New Faces – Dane Nielsen (Storm), Thomas Leuluai (Wigan), Todd Lowrie (Storm)
Prediction – It’s hard to tell. Will they inexplicably become the 2011 Warriors again? Smart money says no. 10th.
This has been a guest post from onlinegambling.com.au, you can check their NRL betting fixture here.
