Everything Rugby Leagues NRL Auckland Nines Preview: Part Two | By Peter Fegan Righto footy freaks, round two. This is the second installment of the Auckland Nines preview. Also, we have a brief catch up with what your club has been up to over the Christmas break. North Queensland Cowboys: The reining champs of the Nines, the Cowboys will do everything possible to go back-to-back. With the Sims brothers moving on to Newcastle and Warrington respectively, the Cows lose a little power up front. But, in saying that, they certainly don’t lack it. Paul Green has managed to lure the Polar Bear Ben Hannant North from Brisbane to help cover for the loss of the Sims boys. Hannant, alongside Queensland teammate Matt Scott and, NSW incumbent James Tamou, are arguably the scariest front row in the comp. Superstar Jonathon Thurston did not make the trip over the ditch last year and, expect that to be the same this year. Green would be crazy to risk the genius ball player. Green will be more concerned with starting the season of well; the Cowboys are a real chance of winning their maiden title. Likely starting side: L Coote M Morgan B Hannant R Lui © J Granville G Cooper J Taumalolo K Feldt K Linnett Parramatta Eels: A real surprise package of the competition last year. Many had the Eels odds on favourites to win back-to-back wooden Spoons. At times, the Eels looked like a side that could win the premiership. Unfortunately, injuries to key players ensured the Eels would finish 2014 disappointingly. Jarred Hayne will be a massive loss to Parramatta. Not only on the field but off it as well. In saying that, they have a great coach in Brad Arthur. If Nathan Peats can stay fit all year, the Eels will be a force in 2015. The short form suits the big, fast outside backs the Eels have. Corey Norman and Chris Sandow are starting to form a classy partnership in the halves also. Anthony Watmough is a huge boost to the club, a great move by Brad Arthur. Likely starting side: C Norman C Sandow J Paulo S Radradra W Hopoate N Peats © D lussick P Pauli R Morgan Penrith Panthers: Wow. That about sums up the Panthers in 2014. Phil Gould has his critics but, you have to hand it to him, he has turned this great club around. Recruiting Ivan Cleary was brilliant by Gould. What he brings to the club is priceless. He demands respect from his boys, and he has more than earned it. Many thought losing club junior’s Luke Lewis and Michael Jennings would signify the beginning of the end for the Panthers; it proved to be anything but. Jamie Soward and Peter Wallace were brilliant. Proving all the critics wrong. We saw the form of 2010 come back out in Soward, he was classy and mature, very Darren Lockyer like. Cleary will more than likely rest his classy halves for Auckland, giving the younger guys like Matt Moylan and Tyrone Peachy a chance to shine. And of course, Nigel Plum will be bashing blokes. Likely starting side: N Plum J Idris M Moylan T Peachey B Kite © J Segeyaro E Taylor S Manu L Brown South Sydney Rabbitohs: The NRL Premiers. What a year for the boys from the burrow. If there were ever to be a fairy-tale written on Rugby League, this would be it. South’s have lost Sam Burgess, a massive blow. But, I think what people don’t understand is, South’s another two Sam Burgesss. Twin Brothers Thomas and George are just as big, just as fast and just as mean. They will cover for the loss of their older brother. Coach Michael Maguire has the squad tuned like a classic European sports car. South’s are well disciplined, very skillful and enjoyable to watch. I expect Madge to send a full first grade squad to Auckland, including Greg Inglis. My tip to win this years Nines. Likely starting side: A Johnson I Luke A Reynolds J Sutton © D Walker G Inglis G Burgess T Burgess L Keary St George Illawarra Dragons: At times in 2014, the Dragons were impressive. Consistency let them down. Steve Price’s sacking has head coach early in the season came as a bit of a shock. Appointing Paul McGregor as his replacement was risky, though it seems to have worked in their favour. When Mary (McGregor) took over, we saw a rejuvenated Dragons outfit. Benji Marshall was an enormous purchase for the Steel city club. His performances in the season previous were less than convincing. Marshall will get better in 2015; working alongside Gareth Widdop will only improve his game. Still, the Dragons are not quite there yet. Losing Morris and Beale will hurt the club. They will struggle in Auckland; I struggle to see them winning a game. Likely starting side: J Dugan D Farrell T Frizell T Merrin © B Marshall G widdop J Nightingale M Rein P Mata’Utia Sydney Roosters: Very unlucky not to feature in last years season decider. Sonny Bill Williams has defected back to Rugby, a huge loss to the club. The Roosters have depth though. Although Williams is hard to replace, they will manage. The Roosters have big, fast, slick fringe running forwards. Throw in the form rake of the competition Jake Friend; the Bondi Boys will be very hard to stop in 2015. The short form of the game will suit this side; I expect to see coach Trent Robinson send over an exciting side. However, he will not risk to many superstars. Likely starting side: J Friend A Guerra S Kenny-Dowall J Maloney M Pearce © D Napa D Tupou R Tuivasa-Sheck J Waerea-Hargreves New Zealand Warriors: It’s going to happen. The Warriors are going to win a premiership soon. Their squad is young, fast and extremely talented. Their forwards are mobile and skillful. They have size all over the park. Sean Johnson is in the form of his life and, is maturing more with every game. Only South’s will stop the Warriors in Auckland. The 2015 season may be a very different story though. Likely starting side: R Hoffman S Tomkins B Matulino S Johnson S Mannering © K Hurrell B Henry N Friend T Leuluai West Tigers-Consistency can’t stress it enough. The Tigers lacked it in 2014. Losing Adam Blair will prove to be too much of a struggle to the Tigers pack. They do however have Farrah and Woods. Luke Brooks and James Tedesco are exciting prospects for the club, although they lack maturity. The Tigers need another big name signing, they lack depth. They won’t trouble to many in Auckland. Likely starting side A Woods L Brooks K Galloway K Lovett R Farrah © M Moses P Richards K Rowe M Taupau Written By: Peter Fegan Source: Everything Rugby League Video by: NRL
Posted on: Tue, 06 Jan 2015 08:16:48 +0000
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