Ladder Predictions for 2020 Season

HaroldBishop

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Souths, melbourne, chooks, manly, parra 1-5 in any order. They will separate from the pack.

I can't include Souths in that company.

I think they'll miss the leadership of Sutton and Burgess, both really the heart and soul of the joint.

Very light on in the forwards.

They'll put some massive scores on teams this year but I expect them to capitulate under pressure when it's applied. Guys like Latrell and Roberts in particular.
 

bort

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I can't include Souths in that company.

I think they'll miss the leadership of Sutton and Burgess, both really the heart and soul of the joint.

Very light on in the forwards.

They'll put some massive scores on teams this year but I expect them to capitulate under pressure when it's applied. Guys like Latrell and Roberts in particular.

I expect they will warm into the season and give it a good shake but agree they lack some experience and starch in the forwards and some consistency in an exceptionally talented backline.
I could see them finishing up around that 4th spot in the 8, but when push comes to shove they will need a big step up from forwards to compete.

Manly also from Prouds list, I prefer Walker at centre and Levi is okay... DCE and Turbo are good enough to carry one of these guys easily enough but are they good enough to carry both, especially when Turbo is also trying to make up for a solid but uninspiring pair of wing and centres. Forward pack is good though and will certainly keep them competitive, but I don't think their upside is quite as high as Storm, Roosters and Eels.
 

HaroldBishop

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I expect they will warm into the season and give it a good shake but agree they lack some experience and starch in the forwards and some consistency in an exceptionally talented backline.
I could see them finishing up around that 4th spot in the 8, but when push comes to shove they will need a big step up from forwards to compete.

Manly also from Prouds list, I prefer Walker at centre and Levi is okay... DCE and Turbo are good enough to carry one of these guys easily enough but are they good enough to carry both, especially when Turbo is also trying to make up for a solid but uninspiring pair of wing and centres. Forward pack is good though and will certainly keep them competitive, but I don't think their upside is quite as high as Storm, Roosters and Eels.

Yeah Manly's pack is bloody good but not sure about hooker?

If they have a good run with injury they could be right up there.
 
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Yeah Manly's pack is bloody good but not sure about hooker?

If they have a good run with injury they could be right up there.

I think Levi will do a job behind that pack. If turbo stays fit that will be enough to keep them up there.

Souths wise, I think Murray will end up back in the middle and with Knight they will give enough for that 1-7 to shine.
They may not win it, but I think they will do enough to be up there at the end of the regular season.
 
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I think Levi will do a job behind that pack. If turbo stays fit that will be enough to keep them up there.

Souths wise, I think Murray will end up back in the middle and with Knight they will give enough for that 1-7 to shine.
They may not win it, but I think they will do enough to be up there at the end of the regular season.

Levi is pretty one dimensional imo, compared to Api and the other guy they were pretty dangerous around the ruck. Took alot of pressure off DCE. I think they'll still have a good season but doubt they'll be better than what they were last year.
 
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Levi is pretty one dimensional imo, compared to Api and the other guy they were pretty dangerous around the ruck. Took alot of pressure off DCE. I think they'll still have a good season but doubt they'll be better than what they were last year.

Definitely agree, but turbo missed half the season. If he plays all year they improve I think. That is a big if though.
 

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Levi is pretty one dimensional imo, compared to Api and the other guy they were pretty dangerous around the ruck. Took alot of pressure off DCE. I think they'll still have a good season but doubt they'll be better than what they were last year.

Definitely agree, but turbo missed half the season. If he plays all year they improve I think. That is a big if though.

Levi was so underwhelming last year Newy pushed him out to replace with Jayden Brailey. If Levi had an impact on a game it was more likely to be negative than positive. He does have a very strong pack to play behind this season though.

If I was a Manly fan I'd like to see one of the young halves (Cust/Croker) step up to be starting 5/8. Even if they are only as good as Walker that still allows him to punch out a spot into centre and strengthen their underwhelming backline.

If Fainu comes back by the halfway point of the season they will do well. He is a sharp operator capable of slashing a defense apart, and will really bring a point of difference oppositions will find bloody hard to handle.

DCE and Turbo are more than good enough to secure them finals (especially behind Taupau, AFB & Jurbo).
Fainu back, plus Walker in the centres I think they make top 4.
 

Gards

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Seems very low on the Eels given they only really lost Manu Ma'u and brought it a pretty good replacement. Reason you don't like the Eels?

I have nothing against the Eels, they are my second team if anything, certainty don't mind seeing them go well. they have some very good players for sure and compete on their day plus advantage of a proper home ground. But I just couldn't really place any of those other higher up teams I listed below them in the 8. They are not a consistent top 8 team year to year or even week to week. Their coach is either a genius or hasn't got a clue. their only achievement in the finals of recent times has been smashing the worst broncos team in decades.

There is as much gut feel in my ladder as there is science or logic behind it.

It's a tricky exercise you always know there's gunna be some surprise packets in the season to throw a spanner or two in the works. A team that goes well that wasn't accounted for on paper, exceeds expectations, flys under the radar ha ha or a fav that cops some injuries ect that sort of thing.
if you just look at the squads,draw and recent form/history you will get it as wrong as if you throw in a few bold curveball choices. I mean I feel we may well have a different minor premier or grand final winner this year but how do I make the call on which relatively speaking outsider that will be?

Much easier to make a call on the bottom 8 that's for sure

Alot of teams seemed challenged at hooker & in the halves, nevermind the depth there.

Raiders have some challenges for sure but I think as a team last season they became more than just a Laipana combo as a determination of their success or not as damaging as it was. Sezer was solid for them last year after looking a lost cause in years prior. I like seeing these green ****s fail but it will be interesting if the famous sticky intensity inspires them to get up and go again at the finals with new found confidence or burns them out in a deflated demorolised heap. we have seen it with many a grand final runner up before.

anyway we will have all forgotten about this thread by round 6 unless someone does a cheeky mid season bump lol

I can't include Souths in that company.

I think they'll miss the leadership of Sutton and Burgess, both really the heart and soul of the joint.

Very light on in the forwards.

They'll put some massive scores on teams this year but I expect them to capitulate under pressure when it's applied. Guys like Latrell and Roberts in particular.

having Cook gives them an advantage over many teams off the bat. I think they will miss Sutton more overall than late career Sammy B, even factoring in the leadership stuff

on defense and pressure, no doubt Bennet will need to have this sorted. he can't treat it like his 90's broncos teams. Will also need to manage the mentality of confidence players like Latrell and Roberts who can get pretty flakey at their worst
 

HaroldBishop

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I have nothing against the Eels, they are my second team if anything, certainty don't mind seeing them go well. they have some very good players for sure and compete on their day plus advantage of a proper home ground. But I just couldn't really place any of those other higher up teams I listed below them in the 8. They are not a consistent top 8 team year to year or even week to week. Their coach is either a genius or hasn't got a clue. their only achievement in the finals of recent times has been smashing the worst broncos team in decades.

There is as much gut feel in my ladder as there is science or logic behind it.

It's a tricky exercise you always know there's gunna be some surprise packets in the season to throw a spanner or two in the works. A team that goes well that wasn't accounted for on paper, exceeds expectations, flys under the radar ha ha or a fav that cops some injuries ect that sort of thing.
if you just look at the squads,draw and recent form/history you will get it as wrong as if you throw in a few bold curveball choices. I mean I feel we may well have a different minor premier or grand final winner this year but how do I make the call on which relatively speaking outsider that will be?

Much easier to make a call on the bottom 8 that's for sure

Alot of teams seemed challenged at hooker & in the halves, nevermind the depth there.

Raiders have some challenges for sure but I think as a team last season they became more than just a Laipana combo as a determination of their success or not as damaging as it was. Sezer was solid for them last year after looking a lost cause in years prior. I like seeing these green ****s fail but it will be interesting if the famous sticky intensity inspires them to get up and go again at the finals with new found confidence or burns them out in a deflated demorolised heap. we have seen it with many a grand final runner up before.

anyway we will have all forgotten about this thread by round 6 unless someone does a cheeky mid season bump lol



having Cook gives them an advantage over many teams off the bat. I think they will miss Sutton more overall than late career Sammy B, even factoring in the leadership stuff

on defense and pressure, no doubt Bennet will need to have this sorted. he can't treat it like his 90's broncos teams. Will also need to manage the mentality of confidence players like Latrell and Roberts who can get pretty flakey at their worst

Cook won't be much chop if his forwards aren't getting quick play the balls though. He's one guy who could struggle this year if their forwards struggle.
 

Gards

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yea and he has had form slumps before cooky boy has

But without Sam spilling the ball or giving away a penalty every set their forwards might have a chance to get a roll on. I think their front row suits a more no frills run hard and straight hold the ball style this time round. even if it is a bit lighter and more mobile. they have some workmen in that pack. let Murray at lock do some of the fancier stuff with the ball and look for more offloads and second phase, run the odd line ect. the pigs to focus on quick ptb and no mistakes. their backs are more than capable and big enough to help out as well

Modern bennett teams have had a bit of looseness about their play, might be time to rein it in a tad. Reynolds is one of the best general play kickers going around, he can squeeze an opposition if given the stable platform
 

Gumby

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Hey Lads,

The off season is a bit quiet at the moment so thought i would open up a thread to see everyone's predictions for next seasons ladder and discuss who we think will improve/slide up/down the ladder.

Personally i think Souths will really struggle next year after Losing 2x Burgess Brothers and Sutton. I believe they'll finish around 11th. Cook, Murray, Reynolds are great players but there forwards just lack quality imo.
I think the Cowboys will improve and sneak into the 8 just, It will them or the donkeys who come 8th i reckon. Val will come good, Drinkwater at 6 will carve up and i think you'll see Reece Robson take over thew starting 9 over granville.
The Warriors will produce the same **** they always do and remain in the bottom 8 as will St Merge and the Titans.
I reckon the Eels will sky rocket next year after some smart signings in the forwards and also there halves have a full off season together. On paper they can win the comp imo.
Roosters again will be up there even with the loss of Cronk.
Melbourne should slide but with Bellamy as coach anything is possible. But fmd they've lost chambers, scott, croft, stimson (possibly ADDO-CARR) and Vunivalu if he can, will leave a year early to get up to the reds in union.
If Manly has a better run with injuries they'll be right up there.
Donkeys will be in similar position but just miss out or just sneak in over the cowboys.
The Raiders next put 2 good years together but i think Sticky has enough Internationals now that they will be right up there again.
Penrith i don't think will come near the 8, especially with Maloney now gone. They will struggle in the halves.
Tigers will do what they usually do and just miss out.
The bulldogs have not signed anyone that will make much of an impact so i will say they'll stay where they are.
The Knights could be anything next year with a new coach and another off season together so i reckon they'll jump into the 8.
Sharks, well who knows. If we can keep our spine on the field, find a goal kicker and actually play to our potential we can give it a bit of shake.

Here is what i think will be next years Ladder:

1. Eels
2. Roosters
3. Sea Eagles
4. Raiders
5. Sharks
6. Storm
7. Knights
8. Cowboys
9. Broncos
10. Tigers
11. Souths
12. Bulldogs
13. Warriors
14. St George
15. Panthers
16. Titans

****ing LOL
 

Tatus

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****ing LOL

Not to bad of a guess though. Just give the panthers all the points the Queensland teams earned and you’re pretty close.
Manly was a bit of a shock for me too. Don’t know if they got worse or everyone else got better, but they’re pretty far off the mark this year. Wonder what happened with them
 

bort

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Not to bad of a guess though. Just give the panthers all the points the Queensland teams earned and you’re pretty close.
Manly was a bit of a shock for me too. Don’t know if they got worse or everyone else got better, but they’re pretty far off the mark this year. Wonder what happened with them

Turbo missed most of season
 

Snaggletooth

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hate to be conservative, would love some upsets but here goes:
1. Roosters
2. storm
3. Raiders
4. eels
5. Sea eagles
6. cowboys
7. rabbitohs
8. sharks
9. broncos
10. panthers
11. knights
12. Dragons
13. warriors
14. tigers
15. bulldogs
16. titans

Pretty much the usual ‘haves’ versus ‘have nots’

well, I picked the Sharks to finish 8th - how’d ya go?
 

HaroldBishop

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Haha I actually didn’t.

I did the cowardly thing and didn’t write down anything- except for a snide comment about Flanno and St George.

Haha me too.

I definitely had Manly in the top 4.

Definitely didn't have Penrith where they are.

I thought there was a very good chance we'd miss the 8.
 
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