SPORTbible Australia's Bold Ladder Predictions For The 2022 NRL Season
We've analysed how we think the ladder will look by the end of the year.
By Danielle Smith
No more sleeps, it's NRL kick off day!
Many league fans over the past month have discussed and dissected how they think the ladder will look by the end of the year.
So, before the start of Round 1 tonight, I decided to do the same...
1.Sydney Roosters
They showed everyone what they are made of by making the semi-finals last year, with a team full of injuries. At full strength, they will be hard to beat.
2.Melbourne Storm
Even without the big names who have left the club, they still have so much talent and depth. Oh yeah, and this one guy called Bellamy.
3.Manly Sea Eagles
As long a Tommy Turbo stays injury free, Manly will be close to the top.
4.Penrith Panthers
They will be up there, but not right up there. I think the added pressure to go back-to-back will hang over them this season and cause a bit of distraction.
5.Parramatta Eels
Don't worry Eels fans, I'm not going to say it out loud. But you guys were very unlucky last year in your semifinal against Penrith...... so maybe it could be?
6.South Sydney Rabbitohs
First year without Wayne Bennett, they won't make the top 4. But they still have a great squad and will comfortably make the finals.
7.Cronulla Sharks
They cut a lot of dead wood last year, new coach Craig Fitzgibbon seems to be ticking all the boxes, they have bought very well with the likes of Dale Finucane, Nicho Hynes and Cam McInnes, and the rest of the boys are ready to get back into the finals. There is definitely something in the water this year.
8.Newcastle Knights
This decision was made with my heart and not my head. Losing Jayden Brailey for a big chunk of the season and Daniel Saifiti for the first 4 rounds is a big blow, but with a fit Kayln Ponga, Dane Gagai returning to the club, and the rest of the talent firing on all cylinders, they have the potential to surprise everyone.
9.Gold Coast Titans
This was a tough one. They made it into the top 8 last year and were very unlucky not to make it to the second week of the finals. They have some young guns that need to step up with Jamal Fogerty, Ash Taylor and Tyrone Peachy leaving the club, but a lot of their success rides on which David Fifita gets off the bus each week.
10.Canberra Raiders
I don't see the Raiders making top 8 this year. They were one of the biggest disappointments of 2021, and I can't see it getting much better this season. There is just something not right with the Green Machine at the moment.
11.Brisbane Broncos
Yes, they have Adam Reynolds and Kurt Capewell. And they will definitely finish higher than they did last year. But they are still a season or two off being in titles contention.
12.Canterbury Bulldogs
Same with these guys. They had a recruitment list as long as your arm, so everyone is excepting the superstars to immediately lift the Bulldogs to new heights. But it's a matter of all the talent actually working together, sometimes it takes a while for players to gel. And Trent Barrett will be under the microscope once more, which won't help the pressure to be successful.
13.St George Illawarra Dragons
They have bought well in the off season and are determined to not let the debacle of last year play a part in this season. They have the potential to make a real push for the 8, but the Dragons always seem to be their own worst enemy. And if BBQ's galore have a sale...
14.North Queensland Cowboys
Todd Payten will be one of many coaches closely scrutinised this year, and star forward Jason Taumalolo will need to remain fit - and on the field. They have a great team on paper, but I can't see them getting past finishing where they did last season.
15.Wests Tigers
Oh Tigers. They just can't seem to get it together. Michael Maguire is carrying a tonne of pressure on his shoulders - like he has for years - and I don't see it changing. Even having Tim Sheens at the club, I don't know how much that will impact the team's performance on the field.
16.New Zealand Warriors
Another year away from home, it has to be wearing thin and taking its toll on the team. Shaun Johnson has returned to the club and will be a boost, but I think it's going to be another long hard season for the Warriors.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: predictions, Rugby League, nrl, Ladder, Australia
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