Okay so not sure how this is going to go down with this crowd but I thought, it’s a long off season (and a boring day at work), let’s have a bit of critical analysis of other teams squads. After all, this is a rugby league forum.
Now I didn’t want to skim over each team but thought 1 by 1 would be a bit crazy so I’m breaking it down into 4 small groups
The first being Souths, the Roosters, Sharks and St George-Illawarra
Feel free to join in with your own analysis
Roosters
Along with Manly and the cheating Melbourne Storm the Roosters are a perennial powerhouse and I expect them to feature in finals football again next year but they are not without there question marks with the key departures of RTS, Maloney and the ever reliable Aubusson.
What I like – Squad packed full of quality, with youngsters pushing through and purchases in Burgess (Joe) Nikorima and Ferres. Robinson seems and astute coach, they have loads of big game experience and there forward pack is relatively untouched and could be argued is stronger than last year as players like Kane Evans continue to develop
What I dislike – RTS is a huge loss and whilst I dislike him, so is Maloney who very often performed in the clutch for the Roosters. Ferguson could excel at fullback but does he have the temperament, positioning sense and ball playing ability. Latrell Mitchell could burst on to the scene or Nikorima could also be fullback but whatever happens the No1 with be a big question mark. Similar at 5/8 where Hastings has all the talent in the world but thus far seems to be a flat track bully.
Overall – Still strong but not as strong as recent times, probably top 4 but could easily drift to the lower half of the 8
Souths
Burgess Burgess, Burgess, Inglis, Inglis, Inglis, Hype Hype Hype
What I Like – Despite the channel 9 love in, Sam Burgess was the best forward in the game when he left and I expect him to pick up where he left. His inclusion does transform take their pack to another level. Inglis will benefit from a off season and Reynolds kicking game is always a plus.
What I dislike – The loss of Isaac Luke should not be underestimated, arguably the second best rake in the game and his quick scoots often laid the platform for the Burgess brothers to roll forward. McInnes and Cook have been hyped but I’m not convinced on either yet. In the halves they have 2 good players and in Reynolds they have a great kicker in both general play and conversions but neither are grab the game by the scruff of the neck and win it on your own types. Lastly Auvava and Johnston need to step up with Walker gone……..they both have it in them but not fearful of their strike power out wide atm
Overall – Not seeing a lot of quality depth so injuries will be key, provided they aren’t hit to hard I see them 3rd – 6th
Now I didn’t want to skim over each team but thought 1 by 1 would be a bit crazy so I’m breaking it down into 4 small groups
The first being Souths, the Roosters, Sharks and St George-Illawarra
Feel free to join in with your own analysis
Roosters
Along with Manly and the cheating Melbourne Storm the Roosters are a perennial powerhouse and I expect them to feature in finals football again next year but they are not without there question marks with the key departures of RTS, Maloney and the ever reliable Aubusson.
What I like – Squad packed full of quality, with youngsters pushing through and purchases in Burgess (Joe) Nikorima and Ferres. Robinson seems and astute coach, they have loads of big game experience and there forward pack is relatively untouched and could be argued is stronger than last year as players like Kane Evans continue to develop
What I dislike – RTS is a huge loss and whilst I dislike him, so is Maloney who very often performed in the clutch for the Roosters. Ferguson could excel at fullback but does he have the temperament, positioning sense and ball playing ability. Latrell Mitchell could burst on to the scene or Nikorima could also be fullback but whatever happens the No1 with be a big question mark. Similar at 5/8 where Hastings has all the talent in the world but thus far seems to be a flat track bully.
Overall – Still strong but not as strong as recent times, probably top 4 but could easily drift to the lower half of the 8
Souths
Burgess Burgess, Burgess, Inglis, Inglis, Inglis, Hype Hype Hype
What I Like – Despite the channel 9 love in, Sam Burgess was the best forward in the game when he left and I expect him to pick up where he left. His inclusion does transform take their pack to another level. Inglis will benefit from a off season and Reynolds kicking game is always a plus.
What I dislike – The loss of Isaac Luke should not be underestimated, arguably the second best rake in the game and his quick scoots often laid the platform for the Burgess brothers to roll forward. McInnes and Cook have been hyped but I’m not convinced on either yet. In the halves they have 2 good players and in Reynolds they have a great kicker in both general play and conversions but neither are grab the game by the scruff of the neck and win it on your own types. Lastly Auvava and Johnston need to step up with Walker gone……..they both have it in them but not fearful of their strike power out wide atm
Overall – Not seeing a lot of quality depth so injuries will be key, provided they aren’t hit to hard I see them 3rd – 6th
