Can we really win the comp this year - gut feel

[bazeagle]

no
I know I'll get slammed......but sorry there's no way

we must start well.....which is a big problem with a fired up newcastle first up with many points to prove.....

there's a flat vibe about this pre season - gut feel

 

[tookey]

Agree unfortuantely

Not being able to sort out our salary cap issue has put us behind the 8 ball big time in regards to recruitment for this year

 

[robbiea]

Agree ,but have thought the same in seasons past when we have won.

 

[jbb/james]

I just feel we dont have enough steady influences in the team. Some really gifted players but not enough old heads in key positions

Api, cherry and turbo may end up being a fantastic spine. Talent, effort, gutsy. Just not calm and controlling enough at this time

Its a no from me. They need another leader To compliment the spine or a few years to mature . An attack at all times mentality looks good but rarely gets you to the big dance

Just not ruthless enough

 

[wombatgc]

No.

 

[WESTIE]

Ken oath we can.....addition of thomson has made the forwards formidable imo....., if we can get into the 8 healthy with a bit of momentum , why not ? Maybe a slow start to the year without walker and a new half to fit in, but if they can start well look out !!!

 

[stoodamire]

Cowboys line up is very strong at full strength.

They'll be hard to beat if they keep their full complement.

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

No, but we are working on it.

I know you hate the idea of 5 year plans , but we are 3 years into one.

We will be top 4 in 2019, and top 2 in 2020.

 

[pjayz]

For us to win it this year our 5/8 needs to shine. I don’t mean they need to be a superstar, but they need to play much better than you would reasonably expect of a rookie.

I believe our forwards are better this year than last - mainly because of Thompson. Again, he isn’t Taumalolo, but he doesn’t need to be. We need a hard head with great defence and mental toughness who can run good lines - that’s Thompson.

Walker out worries me a bit; however, I would be excited to see Parker given the nod until DW returns (not M Wright).

If injuries are kept to a minimum, I can see a top four spot and a team that can go deep into the finals. I would suggest; however, that we are one quality player short of winning the comp (5/8 or prop).

 

[Frogz]

No, and my gut also feels more front office trouble and the NRL aren't finished with us yet either, they want something to stick

 

[Ned]

I think we can, build through the season under the radar and pop up in the top 8 (Maybe 4) and ambush em in the semi's.

 

[Shoe1]

Probably

 

[Peter C]

I would say probably not, as we haven't bought any quality players after the Matai, Stewart salary cap inclusion for last year, and we have been hamstrung by the NRL over some BS salary cap breaches which at this stage are preventing us going out to the marketplace, add the injury to Walker with no comparable replacement for the first few weeks, so we are against it from the start.
Having said that, I thought we were gone after the 2010 season, we limped into the finals only because Melbourne had lost all of their points and we were quickly shown the door by the Dragons, yet we came back the following year and killed it.

 

[Blake A]

Unlikely, but if we do have room in our cap for next year, then we are a chance next year and 2020.

 

[Kevinward777]

Anything is possible. Certainly our forwards have the potential to be immense and if they end up realising that potential then a premiership is definitely a possibility. We have the talent.

 

[nightster]

no
I know I'll get slammed......but sorry there's no way

we must start well.....which is a big problem with a fired up newcastle first up with many points to prove.....

there's a flat vibe about this pre season - gut feel

 

[SeaEagleRock8]

Can we win is a different question to will we win. Yes we can, but...
Feels a little like 2006 to me, we have just broken back into finals football after a gap, we are a team on the rise but probably a little short of premiership quality right now.
But can we win, you ask? Yes we can (and I have backed us, but only for the modest amount I can afford to lose!)

 

[Harvies elbow]

I don't think this year Baz.
But I'm expecting the angels to sing to me about premierships next year.
I think with another year's experience and the addition of a couple of class players, that I think will come more from within than without, we'll be ready.
I'm quite happy to wait.

 

[sheridanstand78]

We will give plenty this season but we lack the quality to trouble the top teams in the big games, our team is young and with some wise additions, there is no reason why 2018 is not a continuation of what we saw last season and ensuring that 2019 to 2022 is a golden era for our club. For this to happen, we need stability. starting from our front office which has been terribly dysfunctional for too long!! We have a coach growing in experience and stature, a strong team and some good depth in the wings if the club manages things well there is no reason we can be a big force!!

 

[maxta]

If the forwards can dominate as a top 3 pack - will be a show.
The 5/8 gig will make or break this being a top 4 side, of which ANY team can win with the right momentum come finals....to a 7- 12 position if there is an unsettled spine that does not gel by round 6 - 7.
Personally feel this side will look to strong arm opposition through the middle and have DCE and Turbo play off the back of this with good open style footy.....also have 2 centre's who need to see early ball and CAN beat their opposite number with the best of them.
Maybe we are more 2 years away, in which time ALL players will have their positions and there will be an aditional key signing or 2, plus the fact these youngsters coming through will be more than ready to impact the NRL and will....it's all timing - 2019 is our next Premiership imo, but will stay positive we are a year early.