Brisbane Broncos
Supplying the league with some of the most talented young forwards, the Broncos have a chance of blowing some teams off the park through the middle. However, they are still way off the top clubs and will likely just sneak into the eight. Brodie Croft will need to be immense from the beginning of the season to change this.
Prediction: 7th
Canberra Raiders
Despite some setbacks in the roster with the loss of 3 key players from last season's “over achievement” (Jordan Rapana, Aiden Sezer and Joey Leilua), the bulk of the high performing players remain at the club. The jubilation and instilment of self-belief within the squad will take them far this year. Don’t think they will definitely win the title this season as finals are a different ball game, but Canberra are a great team.
Prediction: 2nd
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
The work ethic of the team is fantastic but the inability to score points is evident. Last season, the Dogs averaged under 14 a game which makes it a tough task to win football games. They have also had significant disruptions just before their season opener (we know how that turned out for the Panthers last season).
Prediction: 15th
Cronulla Sharks
No more Gal but still a healthy amount of talent in the team. On any day, the Sharks can click and rack up points all across the park. But, the failure to record back to back victories last season proves that inconsistency hurts your chances of doing anything table wise. I wouldn’t expect this stat to continue in 2020, which will mean that the Sharks should again reach the playoff stage of the year… Just!
Prediction: 8th
Gold Coast Titans
2019 saw the Titans ranked as the worst defence and second worst attack in the league. Simply put, this results in losses. They only won 4 games last season. I expect them to be more competitive this season and to win more games, but still not enough to move up the table. Another spoon should be on the way.
Prediction: 16th
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
Shock high achievers in 2019 despite the issues face at the club and the talent disparity in comparison to other clubs. With Tom Trbojevic only playing 12 games last campaign, the finish Manly achieved was fantastic. If he stays fit week in week out, Manly have a real shot at making the top 4 at least. Fortress Brookie again needs to be on display and it isn’t out of the question that Manly could reach 18+ victories in 2020.
Prediction: 5th
Melbourne Storm
With forward pack power and the back-line of dreams, the Storm can once again have a title tilt. The guile and level head of the ageless Cameron Smith can steer whatever 17 players are put on the field to a win. The expectation is that, like most years, the defensive end will be on lock-down and visiting teams to Melbourne will find it hard to come away with anything.
Prediction: 3rd
Newcastle Knights
You just don’t know what to expect from Newcastle. Talented, yes, chemistry, yes, individual brilliance, yes, ability to put it together and win, NO. A whole host of losses on home soil is never good and the Knights have only registered 10 home wins in the last 2 seasons. This inconsistency leads us to believe they can’t make the 8 this year.
Prediction: 9th
North Queensland Cowboys
Don’t hold your breath on the Cowboys re-igniting a finals push. Returning Valentine Holmes and destructive Jason Taumalolo can win games on their own backs, but the reliance on these kind of performances is an issue. We aren’t expecting much joy coming from the Cowboys' new stadium this year.
Prediction: 12th
Parramatta Eels
Depth and talent personified. The tier-1 acquisitions of Ryan Matterson and Reagan Campbell-Gillard can push the Eels to league heavyweight status. The big reason why we don’t expect them to finish top 4 is that their struggle away from home, with only 5 wins on the road in 2019. Anything less than 8 away wins will cost them big time in the league race.
Prediction: 6th
Penrith Panthers
Inconsistency, player loss and a sheer incapability to dominate the games they should, looks to again be the recipe of the Panthers season ahead. Although this could be his 'breakout' year, Nathan Cleary is yet to really become the maestro of the team. The exit of James Maloney hurts the club more than most would think. Unless they can string some wins together they will finish near the bottom.
Prediction: 13th
South Sydney Rabbitohs
The spine of this year’s Bunnies team is one of the best we have seen in a long time. Mitchell, Walker, Reynolds and Cook - all players in their prime with a desire to win. The back-row took a hit with Sam Burgess gone. To lose that kind of enforcer is a blow but Cameron Murray is getting better and better and will be the guy to fill the Englishman’s shoes. Liam Knight is a rising star and should improve this season. A similar narrative could play out this season as last, with the Rabbitohs being electric at times but every now and then dropping off and letting others in, thus losing games they shouldn’t. For this season, we do not think they will win the Minor Premiership. However, with Wayne Bennett at the helm, the Bunnies will be dangerous come finals, and could be a Grand Final contender (possibly even winner) this season.
Prediction: 4th
St George Illawarra Dragons
A year of rebuilding in 2020. They have some very talented youth, especially in the backline. Trent Merrin back in the line-up is also a boost going forward. But, but on face value and looking at the team on paper, it appears that most of the squad are B+ players at best. Mid-table looks a safe bet.
Prediction: 11th
Sydney Roosters
An obvious top 4 lock. A litany of talent all over the park should see the defending premiers be the front runners again for the title. Despite the loss of Cooper Cronk and Latrell Mitchell, we have them set for the Minor Premiership with the ability to win the Grand Final 3-peat a this year. The Origin period looks like the only time of the season that they will be vulnerable, barring significant injuries to players the likes of James Tedesco and Luke Keary who will be running the show this season.
Prediction: 1st
New Zealand Warriors
Up and down every season make the side based across the ditch hard to predict. Not living up to the hype last season has put us in hard position to give them any love this season. A back-line up there with the best but staying healthy is the key. RTS has a Daly M medal to his name, but there isn't enough influence from other players to make them a finals contender. They will cause upsets though.
Prediction: 10th
Wests Tigers
11 wins last season saw them finish 9th on the ladder. We don’t believe they will achieve this again this season. The Wests outfit won’t be bad, they just won’t be good. 9 wins will be a solid effort but Benji Marshall may need to wind back the clock to even get to that total. Another season away from the finals is pretty much expected, making the drought continue.
Prediction: 14th
With all this said, here is the visual representation of how we believe the league table will look like at the end of the season. Let's see how accurate we can be!
