2009 - The least open competition in many years?

[Godz Illa]

It was continuing our form streak really to be honest. It wasn't a choke. We weren't going to win.

Ditto 2005. We weren't minor premiers and the Tigers had beaten us that season. We'd also had a weak run in... two byes, a match against the wooden spooners and a match against the 7th placed team.

 

[lifesgood]

I think its between the dragons, storm, wouldnt write off the broncos cant see any other choice out of those 3 maybe manly if they make it

The knights and dogs defence isnt up to it, and i dont think knights and dogs attack will worry the better defensive teams

Their defence isn't upto it? Lol
Did you not see what Manly threw at them on Monday Night

If anything it is their attack, But the put 40 something on Brisbane, Beat Melbourne convincingly, Their defence against the Dragons was awesome and should of won got those two points. The titans is the only bad game they have had this year, and Newcastle. Both games they started off poor.

I think the Knights are soughta like a Tigers 2005 team, they can really cause a massive shock in this competition. They have beat the Dragons, the Dogs, Titans and lost in the last two minutes to the Storm, their problem is winning when their favorites.

 

[Rodent]

It's funny how in the summary it is stated that the Storm have really missed Jeremy Smith yet in the dragons summary, there is no mention of the Dragons leading the comp despite a mounting injury toll and rep commitments. Jeremy Smith has been missing from the dragons squad for the last 9 weeks. The Dragons have not fielded anything like their best side all year yet nobody seems to mention it......why? It's because they keep winning and there are no excuses needed. People factor in improvement from other sides "when they get players back" and I can assure you there is quantum improvement in the Dragons. The addition of Nathan Fien will solve the Dean Young at dummy half dilemma.
With an embryonic attack Saints lost in golden point to the Storm in Melbourne. Saints smashed an unbeaten and confident Broncos at Suncorp. Saints were in total control against the Knights until injury (Wendell was on fire until injured) disrupted the defensive line and Newcastle ran in 3 quick tries and inflicted the heaviest defeat on the Dragons this season (24-18). The Dragons were missing Matt Cooper, Michael Weyman and Neville Costigan. Add Nathan Fien to the list and the Knights will face a much tougher opponent if they meet the Dragons again. The Dragons lost to the Cowboys in Townsville 24-20 blowing a golden opportunity to win it in the 80th minute. The Cowboys had 1 player backing up from City/Country less than 24 hours earlier and the Dragons had 5. They had to fly from Orange to Brisbane and then Brisbane to Townsville and train with half the side missing during the week. Of the 5, the Dragons lost Creagh and Beau Scott late. It was a big effort and the Dragons proved they had the Cowboys measure without this scheduling debacle with a 32-18 win in Wollongong.
Credit to the Titans for being the only other side to beat the Dragons with their 28-24 demolition at Skilled Park. Most Dragons fans would rate this the worst performance of the year. Down 22-2 at half time the Dragons roared back and scored under the posts and declined the conversion so as to receive the kick off in time. They couldn't perform the miracle but with the guaranteed conversion from in front it was realistically just a 2 point loss missing Darius Boyd, Matt Prior and Jeremy Smith and Poore, Weyman and Creagh backing up from Origin. The Coast had Bailey and Laffranchi backing up.
The Dogs are the only team I've seen truly trouble the Dragons on their merits. The dogs were fresh off the bye and the Dragons appeared jaded after a hectic schedule with some of our players playing their 4th game in 12 days.
The Dragons are a much improved side since then and with a heavy rep schedule behind them and a bye in hand they are very well placed. If they can get over Manly this week, they will head into round 20 clearly on top and hopefully see the eagerly awaited return of Jeremy Smith. Currently out injured or on Origin duty, Weyman, Poore, Prior, Jeremy Smith, Paea, Creagh, Costigan.....7 forwards who would make our best 17.
The biggest problem I see for the Dragons is heading into the semis not playing a top 4 side in the last 5 weeks. I hate the soft run in.

 

[Gaba]

Their defence isn't upto it? Lol
Did you not see what Manly threw at them on Monday Night

If anything it is their attack, But the put 40 something on Brisbane, Beat Melbourne convincingly, Their defence against the Dragons was awesome and should of won got those two points. The titans is the only bad game they have had this year, and Newcastle. Both games they started off poor.

.

Manly attack wasnt thier best on monday night, yes the dogs defence did keep them in the game

in the dragons v dogs game
at the end the right side won that game, despite the margin should have been more, but we can thank the officals for that

 

[sting]

It's funny how in the summary it is stated that the Storm have really missed Jeremy Smith yet in the dragons summary, there is no mention of the Dragons leading the comp despite a mounting injury toll and rep commitments. Jeremy Smith has been missing from the dragons squad for the last 9 weeks. The Dragons have not fielded anything like their best side all year yet nobody seems to mention it......why? It's because they keep winning and there are no excuses needed. People factor in improvement from other sides "when they get players back" and I can assure you there is quantum improvement in the Dragons. The addition of Nathan Fien will solve the Dean Young at dummy half dilemma.
With an embryonic attack Saints lost in golden point to the Storm in Melbourne. Saints smashed an unbeaten and confident Broncos at Suncorp. Saints were in total control against the Knights until injury (Wendell was on fire until injured) disrupted the defensive line and Newcastle ran in 3 quick tries and inflicted the heaviest defeat on the Dragons this season (24-18). The Dragons were missing Matt Cooper, Michael Weyman and Neville Costigan. Add Nathan Fien to the list and the Knights will face a much tougher opponent if they meet the Dragons again. The Dragons lost to the Cowboys in Townsville 24-20 blowing a golden opportunity to win it in the 80th minute. The Cowboys had 1 player backing up from City/Country less than 24 hours earlier and the Dragons had 5. They had to fly from Orange to Brisbane and then Brisbane to Townsville and train with half the side missing during the week. Of the 5, the Dragons lost Creagh and Beau Scott late. It was a big effort and the Dragons proved they had the Cowboys measure without this scheduling debacle with a 32-18 win in Wollongong.
Credit to the Titans for being the only other side to beat the Dragons with their 28-24 demolition at Skilled Park. Most Dragons fans would rate this the worst performance of the year. Down 22-2 at half time the Dragons roared back and scored under the posts and declined the conversion so as to receive the kick off in time. They couldn't perform the miracle but with the guaranteed conversion from in front it was realistically just a 2 point loss missing Darius Boyd, Matt Prior and Jeremy Smith and Poore, Weyman and Creagh backing up from Origin. The Coast had Bailey and Laffranchi backing up.
The Dogs are the only team I've seen truly trouble the Dragons on their merits. The dogs were fresh off the bye and the Dragons appeared jaded after a hectic schedule with some of our players playing their 4th game in 12 days.
The Dragons are a much improved side since then and with a heavy rep schedule behind them and a bye in hand they are very well placed. If they can get over Manly this week, they will head into round 20 clearly on top and hopefully see the eagerly awaited return of Jeremy Smith. Currently out injured or on Origin duty, Weyman, Poore, Prior, Jeremy Smith, Paea, Creagh, Costigan.....7 forwards who would make our best 17.
The biggest problem I see for the Dragons is heading into the semis not playing a top 4 side in the last 5 weeks. I hate the soft run in.

very, very well summed up

 

[Big Pete]

Very good summary.

Injuries definately are the key, if we can get back to full-strength sometime soon i have no doubt we can be a nuisance to teams 1 and 2 in the first week of the finals if we can finish 7th or 8th.

Many finals are won in the forwards and with Petero,Lewis,Waterhouse and Pritchard in our pack i believe we can hold our own in that area.

The halves are definately inexperienced but their combination is growing every match as is their confidence.

There is a freak in the backline called Jennings who was re-united with his winger through the junior reps and schoolboy footy in Junior Tia Kilifi on the weekend. Michael Gordon is also due back soon, our most consistent performer in the backs.

Glad to see we basically think a lot.

If the Panthers do make the finals I hope to see a side of:

1. Jarrod Sammut
2. Michael Gordon
3. Michael Jennings
4. Geoff Daniela
5. Junior Tia Kilifi
6. Wade Graham
7. Luke Walsh
8. Tim Grant
9. Paul Aiton
10. Petero Civoniceiva (c)
11. Trent Waterhouse
12. Frank Pritchard
13. Luke Lewis

14. Joseph Paulo
15. Frank Puletua
16. Gavin Cooper
17. Matt Bell

IMO this side is as good as any. As you've highlighted they've got a fast backline that is capable of magic, a competant halves pairing and a fantastic forward pack.

I believe their biggest problem is durability - will the team be able to overcome the adversity and still pose a threat come finals? Or will they run their race too early?

I believe you guys have a great halves pairing in the making, but I don't know if 2009 is their year...I see them giving the competition a real shake in 2010 or 11 though.

 

[Non Terminator]

It's funny how in the summary it is stated that the Storm have really missed Jeremy Smith yet in the dragons summary, there is no mention of the Dragons leading the comp despite a mounting injury toll and rep commitments. Jeremy Smith has been missing from the dragons squad for the last 9 weeks. The Dragons have not fielded anything like their best side all year yet nobody seems to mention it......why? It's because they keep winning and there are no excuses needed. People factor in improvement from other sides "when they get players back" and I can assure you there is quantum improvement in the Dragons. The addition of Nathan Fien will solve the Dean Young at dummy half dilemma.
With an embryonic attack Saints lost in golden point to the Storm in Melbourne. Saints smashed an unbeaten and confident Broncos at Suncorp. Saints were in total control against the Knights until injury (Wendell was on fire until injured) disrupted the defensive line and Newcastle ran in 3 quick tries and inflicted the heaviest defeat on the Dragons this season (24-18). The Dragons were missing Matt Cooper, Michael Weyman and Neville Costigan. Add Nathan Fien to the list and the Knights will face a much tougher opponent if they meet the Dragons again. The Dragons lost to the Cowboys in Townsville 24-20 blowing a golden opportunity to win it in the 80th minute. The Cowboys had 1 player backing up from City/Country less than 24 hours earlier and the Dragons had 5. They had to fly from Orange to Brisbane and then Brisbane to Townsville and train with half the side missing during the week. Of the 5, the Dragons lost Creagh and Beau Scott late. It was a big effort and the Dragons proved they had the Cowboys measure without this scheduling debacle with a 32-18 win in Wollongong.
Credit to the Titans for being the only other side to beat the Dragons with their 28-24 demolition at Skilled Park. Most Dragons fans would rate this the worst performance of the year. Down 22-2 at half time the Dragons roared back and scored under the posts and declined the conversion so as to receive the kick off in time. They couldn't perform the miracle but with the guaranteed conversion from in front it was realistically just a 2 point loss missing Darius Boyd, Matt Prior and Jeremy Smith and Poore, Weyman and Creagh backing up from Origin. The Coast had Bailey and Laffranchi backing up.
The Dogs are the only team I've seen truly trouble the Dragons on their merits. The dogs were fresh off the bye and the Dragons appeared jaded after a hectic schedule with some of our players playing their 4th game in 12 days.
The Dragons are a much improved side since then and with a heavy rep schedule behind them and a bye in hand they are very well placed. If they can get over Manly this week, they will head into round 20 clearly on top and hopefully see the eagerly awaited return of Jeremy Smith. Currently out injured or on Origin duty, Weyman, Poore, Prior, Jeremy Smith, Paea, Creagh, Costigan.....7 forwards who would make our best 17.
The biggest problem I see for the Dragons is heading into the semis not playing a top 4 side in the last 5 weeks. I hate the soft run in.

You make it sound like the Dragons have been the only team affected by injury.

 

[Gaba]

not many teams are preforming like the dragons though with the injurys like the dragons have ,

 

[Baron Vo Mandor]

Fav's are definately Dragons, Dogs, Storm and at the moment an inform Manly..... Gold Coast wont win it not enough big game players, and Knights are very shakey ATM.

 

[Panther_Daz]

Glad to see we basically think a lot.

If the Panthers do make the finals I hope to see a side of:

1. Jarrod Sammut
2. Michael Gordon
3. Michael Jennings
4. Geoff Daniela
5. Junior Tia Kilifi
6. Wade Graham
7. Luke Walsh
8. Tim Grant
9. Paul Aiton
10. Petero Civoniceiva (c)
11. Trent Waterhouse
12. Frank Pritchard
13. Luke Lewis

14. Joseph Paulo
15. Frank Puletua
16. Gavin Cooper
17. Matt Bell

IMO this side is as good as any. As you've highlighted they've got a fast backline that is capable of magic, a competant halves pairing and a fantastic forward pack.

I believe their biggest problem is durability - will the team be able to overcome the adversity and still pose a threat come finals? Or will they run their race too early?

I believe you guys have a great halves pairing in the making, but I don't know if 2009 is their year...I see them giving the competition a real shake in 2010 or 11 though.

I agree with the team you named, hopefully Matt Elliott thinks the same.

Jennings and Tia Kilifi on the left and Daniela and Gordon on the right. Walsh and Graham have to keep it simple. In recent times they have ditched plans of complex set plays and simply just pass the ball to Jennings with a gap of 5-10m to the defensive line. In the first 2 years of his career, Jennings only really got the ball with no room at all or from dummy half.

Honestly i love that backrow! It has to be one of the best in the comp, if not the best.

Like you i think Aiton should play 80 mins at hooker. Paulo and Cooper are capable of playing a couple of positions if injuries do occur.

 

[Billythekid]

This is just about the closest comp i can remember. Whilst there are a few teams i consider to be favorites i still think there is a realistic possibility that 9 different teams could win.

Even with a salary cap it would be very difficult to get many more teams than that competitive in one season.

I am surprised people are writing off the titans because of their away record. There away record is 3-5. This isn't much worse than the other top teams

Dragons 5-3
Dogs 4-4
Storm 4-4
Cowboys 2-5
Manly 3-4
Knights 3-6
Panthers 3-4
Broncos 4-4

Those records hardly make the titans one shameful.

They have beaten the Storm and the cowboys away from home which are both very difficult games.

They also just lost to the dragons and knights.

 

[Jason Maher]

You make it sound like the Dragons have been the only team affected by injury.

That's because we're the only team that hasn't had the injury excuse thrown up this year by someone - which is because we are winning despite our injuries. Contrast this to the past 10 years where we had some horrific injury tolls, which of course most of us Saints fans used as an excuse - until we got our full strength team back and lost anyway.

Anyone who can't see that this year's Saints team is a very different animal to the teams from 2000-08, despite being weaker on paper even at full strength, is living in the land of make-believe. The simple fact is that our form in the past is utterly irrelevant to how we will go this year, no matter how much some Roosters and Bulldogs fans earnestly desire to believe otherwise.

 

[dovif]

Umm...people saying they will choke are talking about things after 1999...you know...like 2005.

2005? and we should compare the 2005 team with the team today

1. Clint Greenshields
2. Colin Best
3. Mark Gasnier
4. Matt Cooper
5. Wes Naiqama
6. Trent Barrett
7. Ben Hornby
8. Luke Bailey
9. Dean Young
10. Jason Ryles
11. Ben Creagh
12. Lance Thompson
13. Shaun Timmins
Subs:
14. Michael Henderson
15. Justin Poore
16. Corey Payne
17. Michael Ennis

Hornby, Young, Creagh, Cooper and Poore are the only ones left and the coach is different, It is hardly the same squard

 

[t-ba]

Yeah, but Saints have been choking since the 1980's! lol @ Saints.

 

[dovif]

Knights can win it
Last saturday night should convince everyone they can (despite the loss)
And they play the best football in the comp

Defense win finals footy, the Knights will need to improve that part of their game, but the St George North has a chance

 

[Marshall_magic]

I'm liking the Titans and I don't get why everyone writes them off. They have a very strong starting pack (Bailey, Laffranchi, Mini, Harrison) as well as a world class halfback, a very good hooker, a solid 5/8 and plenty of spark in the outside backs. They're tough to beat at home, so if they remain in the top 4, and have their home semi, win that, get another home final at Suncorp, win that, all of a sudden they're in the final 4, where everything is thrown out the window, and it's all down to who shows up on the day.

 

[Brycey]

I have a feeling its going to be another 2005 where the giants fall right at the end.

I'll even go one better and predict the first all Qld grand final - Titans v Cowboys. You heard it here first.

 

[Sleep]

The Cowboys were my sneaky, sleeper pick but Aaron Payne is such a huge loss that I've pretty much written them off now.

Watts is a nice little spark but he isn't half the player Payne is. He's severely underrated.

Melbourne are starting to pull it together, as are Manly. Dragons and Dogs have been on top all year. Titans aren't really getting mentioned by many and have been going well considering a ton of injuries to key players.

Newcastle have a great record against the top sides too. I'd say it's a pretty open competition this year. More so than previous years where two or three sides dominated.

I wouldn't be surprised at all to see the Storm and the Sea Eagles round 3 come grand final day. They've both got sides to get them there with plenty of finals experience.

 

[Jubileeboy]

Good thread and difficult one to answer.

The only thing I can be sure of is the following no-hopers won't be there:

Souffs
Roosters
Cronulla

Nothing new there I suppose !

 

[Jasdragon]

And they play the best football in the comp

:crazy::lol: