Blocker's 2008 Report Cards: How does your team rate?

Steve Roach | rugbyleaguelive.com | 28/08/08 | 0

VIDEO - The NRL contenders: can your team win it?

Well, the business end of the NRL season is just around the corner - and while some teams are planning their run into the finals, others are left planning their end-of-season festivities.

Some teams have exceeded all expectations, others will be taking a good hard look at themselves after seriously underachieving.

So, how does your mob rate? Well, I've pulled out the red pen, dusted off the form guide and knocked up my '2008 Report Cards'.

And here they are…

Broncos: These blokes are yet to reach their potential this season, but with a fit Darren Lockyer - they'll come into the equation late in September.

The Wayne Bennett factor has ensured they are always in the mix, but the era ends at the close of the season and this might be their best shot at a seventh premiership.

Stand-out? Justin Hodges.

Bulldogs: These guys have enough issues to work through... so I won't start laying the boot in. The Sonny Bill Williams saga, a possible wooden spoon... it's been one to forget for the Belmore faithful.

Stand-out? The 'General' - Luke Patten.

Cowboys: This mob was never a hope since they axed coach Graham Murray - what were they thinking? That electrifying brilliance which has defined the Cowboys in seasons past is just non-existent - and it has plenty to do with injuries and suspensions to key players at key times (Matt Bowen, Luke O'Donnell, Johnathan Thurston... and the list goes on).

Stand-out? They haven’t had one.

Dragons: Another season but the same old story for the Dragons. Hot and cold. Unpredictable. Inconsistent. They have the ability to beat anybody on their day, but they can always find a way to lose those 'should win' matches. Losing the likes of Jason Ryles, Josh Morris and Mark Gasnier will cost them next season, but the Bennett factor should keep them in the mix.

Stand-out? Jason Ryles.

Eels: What's the matter, Parramatta? It's been an ugly season and I can't see it getting much prettier. A finals berth isn't out of the question, but they'll be cannon fodder for the real contenders.

Stand-out? Nathan Hindmarsh... which is testament to Hindy's guts and determination -but should be a slap in the face for some of their young guns. C'mon boys... Nathan's been doing it for decades.

Knights: All things considered - it's been an impressive year for the Novacastrians. They've come through the Joey Johns hangover will flying colours and, looking at their personnel - they've got plenty to be proud of. How they travel without Danny Buderus will be the telling factor.

Stand-out? Danny Buderus... in a landslide.

Panthers: Apart from a mini-mid-season revival... these guys just don't turn me on. They're competitive, but they don't have any killers who they can turn to in a pinch.

Stand-out? Michael Jennings... he's still got plenty to learn but looks the team's best chance of doing anything.

Rabbitohs: They entered the 2008 season with the unfamiliar weight of expectation after making the finals last year. Their fortunes were always going to be closely linked to Craig Wing - and when he went down in Round 1 - the Bunnies lost their mojo. They haven't quite got the cattle, but to their credit, they're showing plenty of ticker late in the season.

Stand-out? John Sutton. Look out for this guy in 2009.

Raiders: Unreal. The Green Machine just epitomises everything footy is about. They always compete, no matter what adversity they face. They're a delight to watch and have proven that free-flowing, point-scoring, attacking football isn't dead and can win games.

Stand-out? Neil Henry - he has to be coach of the year. I just love the way he's got the Raiders playing.

Roosters: After the early rounds - the Roosters promised so much. In the second half of the season - they've delivered duck-egg. They're boasting a host of rep players - and that could very well be their downfall. A long NRL season, a tough Origin series, Test matches... their big guns simply look burnt out.

Stand-out? Nate Myles - and aren't they missing him.

Sea Eagles: They made the grand-final last season, but I still think Manly has been the most improved team in the premiership. If any team can beat Melbourne - it's Manly. The Storm pipped them last time they went head-to-head, but I still think the better team lost. They've done enough to convince me they'll be a genuine threat come October.

Stand-out? Brett Stewart.

Sharks: I'm a great believer that semi-finals football is a tougher game. To win, you need to be able to score and I'm not sure the Sharks have the strike-power. I admire the way they defend their line and play for each other, they might even win a semi-final or two, but they aren't in the class of Melbourne or Manly at their best.

Stand-out? Ricky Stuart - I was great admirer when he played, now I'm a great admirer of his coaching. The team even plays like he used to. And so does Paul Gallen - he's my pick of the roster.

Storm: Under the salary cap - teams are penalised for succeeding. Somehow the Storm has continued to achieved, and what they have done is simply sensational. They'll soon win three minor-premierships in a row...that's virtually unheard of. If they're at 100% - nobody can beat them.

Stand-out? Craig Bellamy. Legend.

Titans: Their depth was always going to be tested when injuries ate into their roster. They're showing plenty of promise with Scotty Prince at the helm but still need another two or three years to foster local junior talent. Gold Coast fans - be patient.

Stand-out? Scott Prince. Hands down.

Warriors: They'd love to play all their games at home. But they can't. They lulled me into a false sense of security beating Melbourne, Brisbane and the Sharks - but they let me down as quick as they picked me up.

Stand-out? Wade McKinnon - and he's only played a handful of games!

Tigers: Since winning the premiership in 2005 - the Tigers have always been there or abouts but just can't seem to get it together consistently. They were penalised by their success and injuries haven't helped. I'd love to say they play well at their home ground... but it seems they have about 18 of them!

Stand-out? Robbie Farah

My pick for the 2008 Premiership: Melbourne.

Some teams have exceeded all expectations, others will be taking a good hard look at themselves after seriously underachieving... Steve 'Blocker' Roach