***Official*** NRL 2008 Thread

[Burgey]

I'm pretty sure he had Eels up on top of his ladder prediction, yeah. I hope they do well, my 2nd team. My dad and his family are die-hards. Would love to see a Roosters-Eels final, if for nothing else to see the treatment Finch would get.

The Roosters pack is massive this year - how do you reckon they will deal with the reduced interchange, given guys like Mason, O'Meley and Shillington are all massive units?
A copule of my mates who are Dogs fans called Mason "Lance Armstrong" when he was there, coz he spent so much time ont he sideline peddling the stationary bike.

 

[dontcloseyoureyes]

Yeah I dunno, I hope Brad's flogged the **** out of Mason in the offy. Could be tough for us in that respect. Shillington I reckon has the potential to be a 65-70 minute player, big bloke but looks like he has the stamina to run all day.

 

[Simon]

Roosters do have Nutely, Fitzgibbon and Tupou in the pack who can all play 60+ minutes easily. the two less interchanges probably wont have as much impact as people thing, if it was down to 8 then we'd see some differences...

 

[dontcloseyoureyes]

Yeah I agree that it won't be as big a change as people are anticipating. It might be the death of the interchange hooker/utility if it's further reduced in the future, though.

 

[morgieb]

Interesting to see that the Rabbits predicted finish is 12th.

 

[Simon]

Interesting to see that the Rabbits predicted finish is 12th.

has to be someone. Don't worry as most people here will say, they are now certainties to make the 8 seeing as though I've tipped them to struggle...

 

[readie]

AWTA

few points as to your review Simon

1. Hegarty isn't even in the 23 man charity shield squad for Saturday which is the best piece of news i've heard for a long time as he is the biggest waste of space that got a consistent run in the NRL last year and thats coming from a souths fan. So I doubt he will be in our top lineup come Round 1. expect him to be ousted by most likely Nathanael Barnes who is the fastest player at the club who has top scored in the QLD cup the past 2 seasons. other possibilities include, Sam Huihahau, and John Taminika - who was also recruited from the QLD Cup

2. I'd be be highly confident that Manase Manukafoa will be on the bench rather than Scott Geddes. He also hasn't been considered for the Charity Shield.

3. also I wouldn't be surprised to see Eddie Paea come into the starting side at some stage most likely as a replacement for Ben Rogers.

4. I would also expect George Ndaira to be selected on the bench as the interchange hooker, Luke will struggle to be an 80 min player and Ndaira will offer a similar explosive style of pay allowing Luke to keep that facet of his gamer intact until he becomes an 80 min player or very close to it

 

[readie]

I think you'll see our team in round one look something like this:-

1. Fetuli Talanoa/Nathan Merritt
2. Nathanael Barnes//Sam Huihahau
3. Nigel Vagana
4. Yileen Gordon
5. Nathan Merritt/Fetuli Talanoa
6. Ben Rogers
7. Craig Wing
8. Michael Greenfield
9. Issac Luke
10. Roy Asotasi (c)
11. David Kidwell (c)
12. Luke Stuart
13. John Sutton

Interchange:
14. Dean Widders
15. Eddy Pettybourne/Ben Lowe
16. Manase Manuokafoa/Jaiman Lowe
17. George Ndaira

 

[Simon]

ah Nat Barnes, rate him very highly, saw him play a few games for Tweed on ABC a couple of years ago and couldn't understand why the Titans didn't sign him. Had no idea he was at Souths no.

TBH Souths are the club I know the least about and I really dont care for them as I dont think they should be in the comp (but we wont argue about that one). So I just went off what I knew. Good luck for the season ahead anyway...

 

[readie]

ah Nat Barnes, rate him very highly, saw him play a few games for Tweed on ABC a couple of years ago and couldn't understand why the Titans didn't sign him. Had no idea he was at Souths no.

TBH Souths are the club I know the least about and I really dont care for them as I dont think they should be in the comp (but we wont argue about that one). So I just went off what I knew. Good luck for the season ahead anyway...

ok fair enough we won't argue bout that one, as we both know it will get nowhere haha

 

[Johnners]

Would be interested to know why you don't think they should be in the comp Simon?

 

[NUFAN]

I can't see Matthew Bell and Tim Grant both being selected if Tony Puletua isn't.
Also I'm pretty sure Luke Lewis will be five eight instead of Joe Williams and Daniela, Blair or Tighe will move to either centre or wing.

I think that Bronson Harrison will make the 17 for Tigers. He'll have a big year I feel.

 

[dontcloseyoureyes]

Would be interested to know why you don't think they should be in the comp Simon?

Go through the old NRL threads.

 

[chaminda_00]

Looks like Todd Carney might be coming to Manly next season, so gun. Would be one of our best signing ever IMO, if it comes. Reckon he just about two seasons of taking the league by storm.

 

[dontcloseyoureyes]

Would be one of our best signing ever IMO

Until he destroys himself, and your club.

 

[Johnners]

Looks like Todd Carney might be coming to Manly next season, so gun. Would be one of our best signing ever IMO, if it comes. Reckon he just about two seasons of taking the league by storm.

If he's not in Jail, that is.

 

[chaminda_00]

Until he destroys himself, and your club.

Would back Des the sort him out tbh.

 

[Simon]

Would be a low low act from Carney to leave (and it looks certain he will), he owes the Raiders big time and if he announces he's leaving he will not have an enjoyable season here in 2008...

 

[Simon]

I can't see Matthew Bell and Tim Grant both being selected if Tony Puletua isn't.
Also I'm pretty sure Luke Lewis will be five eight instead of Joe Williams and Daniela, Blair or Tighe will move to either centre or wing.

I think that Bronson Harrison will make the 17 for Tigers. He'll have a big year I feel.

Puletua was on the outer last year and I think Elliott is going to continue to bring younger guys through, I dont think Tony will see out the year in the top grade. I agree re Lewis, but I just dont see him as a 5/8, he will end up back in the three quarters during the season...

 

[howardj]

I see Gaz bagged two tries last night for St George.

What a gun.