2013 Preview
Basically we were crippled by the GFC (global financial crisis). Although now we have cut out the 'BPO' (business process outsourcing) and are more focussed on our 'B2C' (business to consumer) relationship. There is no more 'dis-intermediation' and we have no 'exit strategy', we have come up with some 'big data' which is 'directionally accurate.'
That's enough of the business buzz words so lets get to some rugby league!!!!!!
For the 2013 Preview as always I feel it is impossible to predict where a team will come in 10 months time with so many variable situations which occur throughout the season, such as amount of injuries, injuries to key players, coaches being sacked, off field dramas and club crisis'. However I will give my list of how I think the teams will end up based on their recruitment and quality of squads, I have broken them up into 5 different blocks.
First block has three teams which are good things to finish at the top of the table because of the quality of their squad of players.
Storm- The big 3 (Smith, Slater and Cronk) is a sure fire recipe to finish at the top, throw in new signing Brett Finch and there is added depth.
Bulldogs- No surprises here being the other grand finalist, they have a great pack of forwards and now even more size and power with new signing Tony Williams.
Manly- Have probably lost a little bit after losing Williams, Whare, Lussick and Mauro whilst gaining Richie Fa'aoso, Justin Horo, David Gower and Esi Tonga but still a nearly all representative 1st choice team.
The next is another block of 3 which I expect to finish between 4th and 6th.
Souths- Came out ahead in losing Dave Taylor and Eddy Pettybourne but gaining Jeff Lima and Ben Teo. They had a successful season last year and should have a similarly good one this.
Sharks- Have probably done the best out of all the clubs in recruitment in signing Luke Lewis, Michael Gordon, Chris Heighington, Beau Ryan and Jonathon Wright. If they can handle the pressure of expectation they should comfortably make the 8.
Cowboys- Boasting names such as Thurston, Bowen, Tamou, Scott, Tate and Simms coupled with always having a great home record up in Townsville will keep the cowboys up there.
This is the toughest block, only 2 more places in the top 8 but at least 4 teams will be vying for them. If I was pressed I would have them in this order-
Roosters- This is the team I think will improve the most this year compared to last. Not for the obvious reasons of signing Sonny Bill Williams and Michael Jennings but more because they are a young team that has blooded players who are ready to step up. Players such as Boyd Cordner, Martin Kennedy and Waerea Hargreaves. The best young halves pairing in the league of new signing James Maloney and Mitchell Pearce is a huge boost too.
Tigers- The Tigers will play without expectation after last year being touted as premiership favourites before round 1. There are still question marks especially after losing back rowers Gareth Ellis and Chris Heighington. Braith Anasta is a good signing but I feel the Tigers success this season will rest on whether their youngsters can step up, players like halfback Jacob Miller, 5/8 Curtis Sironen, Winger Marika Koroibete, Fullback James Tedesco and front rower Matt Groat.
Knights- They have added tough players like Beau Scott, Jeremy Smith and Anthony Quinn but will need to improve a fair bit on last season to make an impression, an injury free season from Kurt Gidley will help.
Broncos- I think the Broncos might struggle this season, mainly with their attack. As we saw last year with the Broncos, Dragons and Knights, that having good defence and playing no mistake football isn't enough these days. Scott Prince will help with variety but will it be enough.
The next 3 teams can still make the 8, as Canberra did last season, but they would have to do what Canberra did last season and go on a big run of wins to get there..
Canberra-Only gain of note is Joel Edwards from Newcastle and lost Bronson Harrison to the Dragons, will need to use the cold and windy home ground advantage and teams hating to go and play there.
Warriors- Had a poor year last year but now have a new coach in Matt Elliott, they have signed Thomas Lealuai from Wigan and Dane Nielson from the Storm but lost one of their best in James Maloney.
Dragons-Struggled to score points last year and I can see that happening again, the major signing of Gerard Beale doesn't change my mind. Probably need more a squad shake up.
The final 3 could well surprise me and others but are more than likely trying to build the right squad for the next few years to come.
Parramatta- Their biggest signing is coach Ricky Stewart who is one of the best in the business and will have them ready to play. Probably needs a couple of years to shape the squad to how he wants it and get another marquee player too.
Penrith- Definitely the busiest in transfers, in comes Manu, Whare, Segeyaro, Naqama, Masoe Masoe. Out is 3 big guns Lewis, Jennings and Gordon. Definitely in the process of shaking up and re building the squad around the salary cap, will need a marquee player or 2 in the next couple of years to be able to compete at the top.
Titans- Their big signing was Dave Taylor who will have a big job trying to improve the Titans go forward. They have lost Scott Prince to Brisbane which will put huge pressure on young halves Aiden Seizer, Jordan Rankin, Beau Henry and Albert Kelly.
Lets take a seat in the light hearted lounge, The trials have starting and its always a tricky time for the players and the coaches. The players do go hard and put in at least close to 100% effort in the trials but there is always a bit in the back of the mind trying to just get through the game and make it to the competition proper. The coaches want to give the players some match fitness and work on the combinations and team play but also don't want injuries especially to their star players before the season starts.
In fact for the players playing in the trial matches is a bit like a porn star's first movie-
Both are watched by a hand full of people and a few cameras.
Both are done with the big name stars not there.
Both will probably not see out the entirety, going for about 20 minutes stints each.
Both are at risk of injury, either a painful impact injury, an injury as a result of twisting of bodies, or a facial injury.
Both will be sweaty, out of breath, filthy dirty and in need of a shower afterwards.
Both would be nervous before and then glad it's over afterwards and probably very sore and tired.
Lets finish 2 new segments!!!! The first is called
Punching above his Weight
Basically this is a Rugby League player who is probably ok looking and is quite fit and muscular but has a girlfriend or wife who is amazingly beautiful and probably should be out of their league. Our first inductee is Sharks player Ben Pomeroy, who is punching with his wife Erin.
Well played Ben, well played.
The next new segment is called
Hi!!! I used to have hair!!!
Our first inductee is Wests Tigers larrikin back rower Liam Fulton.
There you have it, a before and after, I'm guessing the players would rather be in the 'punching' segment rather than 'Hi!!! I used to have hair!!'.....or perhaps someone will be in both, only time will tell. As always your comments are welcome or you can e mail with suggestions or comments to lovingleaguewithlavers@gmail.com
and remember- I'm Loving League with Lavers.
P.S
We have deliberately kept away from the drugs in sport scandal as frankly it bores me, especially as it will roll on for a long time seemingly before anything will happen.
