The Heat is on....

[Bates]

For me, on paper the Broncos are the clear and obvious favourites. They just won the premiership and have added second tier strength to their team. They have depth everywhere. The Storm have lost a bit of experience but will still have one of the best spines in the competition. If they add Lomax that will make up for losing Paps. I don’t think Penrith have lost any key players from last year this time around? And of course, yes we have a better roster this year. We’ve added experience to our spine.

My main point is the media run the narrative. I consume a lot of NRL stuff during the season. I read articles and watch NRL360 every night. They stay lowkey about the Raiders at the start of the year and then mid season go on and on about how good they are like it’s a fairy tale and so so very unexpected. They automatically install us as a favourite even though we’ve been very ordinary as far as finals go since 2019 and especially against the gun sides like the Riff and Storm and act all shocked and at a loss when history repeats itself again. I take it all with a grain of salt as all the media really wants to do is create drama and entertainment. It’s like a form of soap opera really for all the footy heads lol. NRL reality TV, soap opera drama, brought to you by Newscorp and Nine / SMH entertainment.

100% and I'll add Maquire 1 vs Robbo 0 in the 6 again era.

Our biggest issue is we don't have a Haas or Tino or Tapine or JFH or AFB.

A big dog that leads the way and brings out the best in those around him.

[mightyrooster]

100% and I'll add Maquire 1 vs Robbo 0 in the 6 again era.

Our biggest issue is we don't have a Haas or Tino or Tapine or JFH or AFB.

A big dog that leads the way and brings out the best in those around him.

Fahu was very impressive last year and can only get better but not in the class of those players yet obviously.

[milanja]

The Faiders have pretty much the same team as last year minus the half back with media fave Ricky still in charge. They’re young and fit and fast and the media couldn’t stop talking them up last year so why not favourites again? We also have the ACTUAL stacked roster of the premiers the broncos and five times former premiers the riff, but not favourites again?

Fogarty is a big loss for their consistency, and their favourable draw got found out in finals.

Raiders to miss the 8 this year.

[Bates]

Ethan Strange is a real talent! It wouldn't surprise me if he plays halfback this season.

Raiders were unlucky last year and imo they'll be top 4 again this season.

[Bates]

Panthers will also be top 4 imo.

They'll be fresher! No GF no Vegas and no WCC. They'd start well last season and then fade away in the second half.

Talagi needs to step up and help Cleary who is a freak however can't do it alone especially at pointy end of the season. Mitch Kenny also needs to run more. This will lesson N Cleary's burden.

Their biggest issue is they no longer have JFH and Leota who played a huge part in the 4-peat.

I still rate Ivan Cleary. He's the modern day GOAT.

[mightyrooster]

Fogarty is a big loss for their consistency, and their favourable draw got found out in finals.

Raiders to miss the 8 this year.

Hope you’re right! And yes they had a very favourable draw last year.

[Mr Whippet]

Look over there moment by media hacks, Brisbane are clearly the ones to beat, with Roosters, Raiders and Souths as possibles.
If Brisbane stumble, could be us and the Bunnies GF.
How good would that be?

[Mickie Lane]

Panthers will also be top 4 imo.

They'll be fresher! No GF no Vegas and no WCC. They'd start well last season and then fade away in the second half.

Talagi needs to step up and help Cleary who is a freak however can't do it alone especially at pointy end of the season. Mitch Kenny also needs to run more. This will lesson N Cleary's burden.

Their biggest issue is they no longer have JFH and Leota who played a huge part in the 4-peat.

I still rate Ivan Cleary. He's the modern day GOAT.

Im telling ya Batesy if the Dolphins stay fit theyre as good as anyone.

[Steggles]

Their biggest issue is they no longer have JFH and Leota who played a huge part in the 4-peat.

Have I missed something; I thought Leota was still contracted to the Panthers. Please tell me we’ve swapped Collins for Moses!

[Bates]

Im telling ya Batesy if the Dolphins stay fit theyre as good as anyone.

I don't get the whole Dolphins and Souffs could win it mantra that some believe. Both will be lucky to make the preliminary finals imo

Ditto the Storm. It's pretty much going to be team x vs Munster, Grant and Hughes. They need more than that to be a contenders. Forwards collectively are middle tier.

My top 4

Roosters
Broncos
Raiders
Panthers

[ChookMaster]

I don't get the whole Dolphins and Souffs could win it mantra that some believe. Both will be lucky to make the preliminary finals imo

Ditto the Storm. It's pretty much going to be team x vs Munster, Grant and Hughes. They need more than that to be a contenders. Forwards collectively are middle tier.

My top 4

Roosters
Broncos
Raiders
Panthers

The Bunnies could be anything this season.. they have a great team on paper just lacking a 7 but they did purchase young Glover who was exceptional for Saints in NSW cup last season.

Fifita and Mitchell parked on the same edge could worry alot of sides.

[Bates]

Have I missed something; I thought Leota was still contracted to the Panthers. Please tell me we’ve swapped Collins for Moses!

As a bruise brothers combination. Leota is nowhere near as effective without JFH setting the tone.

Mate thinks the Warriors are this years smokey.

[Bates]

The Bunnies could be anything this season.. they have a great team on paper just lacking a 7 but they did purchase young Glover who was exceptional for Saints in NSW cup last season.

Fifita and Mitchell parked on the same edge could worry alot of sides.

Interesting.

I have them finishing 8th/9th

[SupermanSupportsEasts4Eva]

Gee I hope he doesn't derail our season and any chance of winning another comp.

We need a contingency plan!

We can call it the Sacrificial Lamb and hand over Kevin Rudd. We then extract him after we win the 2026 premiership and call that Kevin 2027.

We should also give Trump 90 days to pack his toys up and vacate Pine Gap. We then welcome our new tenants China allowing them to build a city that houses 16 million people. This should also help the NRL and their next broadcasting deal. More eyeballs = more $$$$.

We should also place a 1000% tariff on all American goods that are imported especially on those big petrol guzzling SUV that punch holes in the Ozone Layer.

BYD should open a plant in Pine Gap and start producing the 1st Uranium Cell vehicle that is environmentally friendly and also affordable.

Welcome China

You forgot to mention PVL and Xi signing a deal to launch the season in Hong Kong for the next 10 years. Move over Vegas

[Thirteen]

The Bunnies could be anything this season.. they have a great team on paper just lacking a 7 but they did purchase young Glover who was exceptional for Saints in NSW cup last season.

Fifita and Mitchell parked on the same edge could worry alot of sides.

Rubbish 6, 7 and 9. Plus three lazy trouble makers. They will struggle to make the Top 16.