F7s Preview - 2010 (Belated...quite a bit!)

[Non Terminator]

Doing the previews here.

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Newtown Bluebags
[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=-2]Bags Back On Top
Once again, the Newtown Bluebags will begin the season as the team to beat. After an early loss to the Warriors side, the Bluebags went through the rest of the season undefeated. After winning the Grand Final in controversial circumstances, the Bluebags will be back to defend their title, something they amazingly have never been able to achieve despite having a massive three premierships under their belt.
It should nearly be impossible to say, but the line-up of the Bluebags is stronger than last year. Featuring veterans Willow and Gorilla, the side has been boosted by names such as former Warriors champion MKEB.
[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=-2]Gamebreakers: Willow, gorilla, muzby, MKEB...., Everlovin' Antichrist.
Home ground: Henson Park.
Early bookies mail: 2-1, the Bluebags will go into the competition as favourites, but there are a few sides capable of being a threat this year (3-1 in 2009)
Events: Captain Willow is just four games short of becoming the first player to reach 100 Forum Sevens games, a mighty milestone. Gorilla is expected to hit the 40 game mark whilst Rexxy could be expected to hit the 30 game mark.
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[Non Terminator]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Gold Coast Titans[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=-2]From champion to challenger
[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=-2]The Titans may have lost the Grand Final last season, but the champion side is no way preparing to lose the grip they have on the competition. The side remained a massive threat last season, despite losing their first two matches. But still, the small, but always committed squad managed to get back to the top end of the ladder faster than the speed of light. After coming so very close to defending their title, the Titans should begin this competition hungrier than ever. You never know what to expect from this side.
The Titans have recruited well in the off-season, picking up former Cougars Big Pete and lockyno1. If that wasn't enough, veteran Misanthrope will also be joining them. The Titans are prepared, and surely ready to rumble!
[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=-2]Gamebreakers: Titanic, Amadean, tits&tans, Misanthrope.
Home ground: Skilled Park.
Early bookies mail: 3-1, barely anything separated them from the Bluebags last season and surely we expect no different between the two fierce rivals this time round (5-4 in 2009)
Events: After some time out, Misanthrope will hit 40 games on his debut. Titanic, tits&tans and Amadean should hit the same mark later in the season.[/SIZE][/FONT]

 

[Non Terminator]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Penrith Panthers[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=-2]The bolter from the black
[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=-2]The Panthers continued to stun the competition at every turn last year, proving all of the early bookies dead wrong. The experienced front men put everything on the line weekly, putting in some of the best reads of the season. With a new sense of pressure on their shoulders, I believe the Panthers will pounce once again this season. Their committed squad became a thing of inspiration, especially the substitutes. The boys from the bench were always in early, enabling the Panthers to be a shoe-in for a full read.
The club has also made a massive recruitment, with veteran edabomb coming back into the Forum Sevens foray after some time out. He will look to continue his consistent form, helping his new side to great things.
[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=-2]Gamebreakers: LeagueNut, madunit, Azkatro, broncoman.
Home ground: Penrith Park.
Early bookies mail: 7-1, the veterans of the side look ready for a big year, this could finally be the year that the drought breaks (50-1 in 2009).
Events: 2009 was a massive year of milestones for Penrith. Azkatro is expected to become the second person to hit the 70 game mark, while madunit and LeagueNut are expected to join the tiny 60 game club. Not to be outdone, Big Mick should hit 50 games while broncoman should hit 40.[/SIZE][/FONT]

 

[Non Terminator]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Sydney 'Ozzie' Roosters[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=-2]The sun is rising again
[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=-2]The Roosters side went into last season with no expectations. The rebirth of the Roosters, along with the inexperience of the squad put pressure on the players, but after a finals berth the Roosters will be looking to make their mark on the competition.
The committed squad gave it their all, conquering sickness and opposition alike. The berth of rookies in the side such as adamkungl and Fein gave the Roosters a massive fighting chance in the competition last year.
In the off season the Roosters have recruited former Cougars Broncodr01d and NK Arsenal, putting the side in position to make their mark once again.
[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=-2]Gamebreakers: Adamkungl, henriete, Monk, Fein.
Home ground: Sydney Football Stadium.
Early bookies mail: 10-1, right behind Penrith. The two sides had two massive clashes in 2009, setting up what is looking to be the rebirth of a major rivalry in the competition.
Events: Bubbles and henriete are both expected to hit the 30 game mark this season, while Non Terminator should hit the 20 game mark.
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[Non Terminator]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Parramatta Eels[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=-2]Part timers, still full results
[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=-2]It's easy to say that Parramatta were unlucky to make the finals in 2009, but the side has made plenty of steps to securing a positive future in the next few years. After being on the verge of collapse before 2009 began, the Eels recruited constantly throughout the season with excited Eels fans, and the young side took off. The side competed well last season. The leadership group have all remained consistent in recent years, so 2010 is looming up to be an interesting tale for the Parramatta Eels side.
The Eels have recruited former Cougar Matt23, which will add some further consistency to their side. No doubt some more eager Eels fans will also join the friendly club.
[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=-2]Gamebreakers: Bartman, Phantom Eel, eloquentEEL, Goleel.
Home ground: Parramatta Stadium.
Early bookies mail: 13-1, never know how the side will go, but I'd tip on any amount, the Eels, like their NRL counterparts are in for a big one (10-1 in 2009)
Events: Whilst eloquentEEL is expected to maybe hit the 60 game mark, some other Eels are not far from their own milestones. Bartman should reach 50 games, Goleel 40 games, MarkInTheStands 30 games and Hallatia 20 games respectively.[/SIZE][/FONT]

 

[Non Terminator]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]South Sydney Rabbitohs[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=-2]Good times are coming for the Pride
[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=-2]If I was a betting man, I'd put the Rabbitohs as a massive darkhorse for the 2010 Forum Sevens season. With some individual efforts improving out of sight, the Rabbitohs look keen and ready to begin once again. It is amazing that this side isn't too different from the side that struggled in 2009. If the Rabbitohs manage to get 5 articles in more often than not, they'll be a major force to be reckoned with. The Rabbitohs are also able to brag about having one of the best players from last season in miccle, who improved out of sight, enough to make the top three in the Backpacker count.
The side has recruited former Cougar captain griffo346, adding plenty of experience. Good luck to them!
[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=-2]Gamebreakers: miccle, Dave Q, Bumble, Marshall_Magic.
Home ground: Redfern Oval.
Early bookies mail: 16-1, the side will be looking for a finals berth this year. They can make it, it will be interesting to see if they will (8-1 in 2009).
Events: byrne_rovelli_fan will be expected to hit the 40 game mark this season. Miccle and Dave Q should pass the 20 game mark also.
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[Non Terminator]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]St George Dragons[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=-2]A new beginning
[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=-2]The Dragons will quickly want to forget about the season they had in 2009 whilst preparing for the new one. While there were moments of glory, the side continually struggled to get five articles in, eventually sending them the wooden spoon. The Dragons will be eager to get rid of the possession quickly however. Captain Dragon_Psa has retired, leaving veteran dubopov to lead the side out in the new season. After having a big season himself, it will be interesting to see how well the side goes under him.
The side is full of Dragons fanatics, and will be hoping to sign a few of the eager ones that come across the forums throughout the season. It worked well last year with some stellar performances from young guns.
[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=-2]Gamebreakers: dubopov, Jason Maher, DragonPunk, Ribs.
Home ground: Kogorah Jubilee Oval.
Early bookies mail: 16-1, the side looks eager and prepared to go the full distance to make the finals this time around (6-1 in 2009)
Events: God Zilla should hit the 20 mark this season while dubopov and Ribs should hit the 15 game mark. DragonPunk and _Johnsy should reach 10.
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[Non Terminator]

Some of these need a bit of cleaning up, especially around the events section, but so far so good. Good luck to all in Round 1!

 

[Willow]

Great work NT.

Btw, EA is no longer with us.

Kogarah is spelt with one 'o'.

 

[Non Terminator]

Thanks Willow. Will put those in.

 

[bartman]

I didn't notice these until last night - good job NT :thumn.

 

[Non Terminator]

Thanks mate, updated versions will be worked on throughout the weekend.