Top 8

[Rhyno]

The Nrl and the refs keep f##king us.

Parra are still being punished for being the club that won the superleague war

 

[--Storm--]

I can see Dragons dropping right off personally

 

[skot]

I think the Raiders chances will hinge on this weekends game against a Cowboys side with four origin players backing up and we are fresh off the bye with no origin reps, so there is no excuse.

And this is the problem that has always been a thorn in the competition. The unevenness each year around Origin time where some sides are weakened either by missing players in games prior to SOO or backing up against teams that have lesser or no representation in SOO.

 

[Card Shark]

The NRL like this - artificially evens out the comp.

 

[Incorrect]

And this is the problem that has always been a thorn in the competition. The unevenness each year around Origin time where some sides are weakened either by missing players in games prior to SOO or backing up against teams that have lesser or no representation in SOO.

100%

Raiders had the Cows last year too at Origin time but actually before one of the Origin games so there was no JT, Scott etc etc

Who's to say Green won't rest at least a couple of them anyway even if they are OK to back up after Origin. Matt Scott wasn't supposed to play V Manly after Origin 1 but did... They've won 10 in a row so it's not desperate times for them... I'd be tempted if I was Green to give Scott and JT a spell and freshen them up

As for the 8, in no particular order;

Cows
Roosters
Boncos
Dragons
Bunnies
Raiders

the last 2 spots are up for grabs. Probably come from 2 of the following - Panthers, Dogs and Titans. Tigers are capable if things click for them but right now, like the Warriors, they are too inconsistent.

 

[JJ]

Not sure consistency is terribly impt for those last 2-3 slots - they will be mediocre teams with mediocre records - so the occasional big win (Canberra, Warriors, Dogs, Tigers and Warriors all shown that ability) and reducing the damage when they lose... will all come down to for and against - top 8 remains rubbish, end up with 2 maybe 3 teams who for the most part are shit. Penrith are decent imo, but devastated by injuries

FWIW haven't looked at draw - in no order, other than what comes to mind
Cowboys
Roosters
Broncos
Dragons
Rabbitohs
Dogs

Then who the f**k knows

 

[Shorty]

The NRL like this - artificially evens out the comp.

Definitely.
If you have players that are in an origin side it means you have a quality players in your team (except Pearce for the Roosters lol).

I only worry about injury and playing too much around this time.

 

[footy75]

I reakon the top 8 stays as is now, it's just a matter of the order.

 

[Ulysseus]

In the last 5 rounds of the season Broncos play

Dogs
Dragons
Roosters
Souffs
Storm

pretty tough run home and we may slide out of the top 4

But it is good finals prep - obviously depending on how each team is traveling at the time.
The dogs are an enigma.
They may do enough dumb shit not to be in the 8 come the end of the regular season.

 

[rabbitohs95]

1. Cowboys
2. Broncos
3. Roosters
4. Dragons
5. Souths
6. Storm
7. Raiders
8. Warriors

 

[footy75]

QUOTE =rabbitohs95;10956030;39595]1. Cowboys
2. Broncos
3. Roosters
4. Dragons
5. Souths
6. Storm
7. Raiders
8. Warriors[ QUOTE ]

Raiders higher than Dogs...

 

[Hutty1986]

No doubt a side like the Warriors can do some damage in the finals if they turn up, but at the moment it is looking like the premiers will come from Cowboys, Broncos, Roosters or Saints. There are no doubt some quality other sides running around, but they look the most likely at this stage, with a loooong way to go though.

Storm proved today v Brisbane they will still manage okay without Slater, but not sure they're an elite side without him. Bulldogs have the forwards but the halves still a major concern. Souths a powerful side when Reynolds returns, but will ahve to wait and see.

 

[footy75]

QUOTE =Hutty1986;10957088;9224]No doubt a side like the Warriors can do some damage in the finals if they turn up, but at the moment it is looking like the premiers will come from Cowboys, Broncos, Roosters or Saints. There are no doubt some quality other sides running around, but they look the most likely at this stage, with a loooong way to go though.

Storm proved today v Brisbane they will still manage okay without Slater, but not sure they're an elite side without him. Bulldogs have the forwards but the halves still a major concern. Souths a powerful side when Reynolds returns, but will ahve to wait and see.[ QUOTE ]

i reakon Roosters or Cowboys. Maybe Souths if they get their shit together. I think dogs and Souths will come home strong.

 

[Rabbits20]

I reakon the top 8 stays as is now, it's just a matter of the order.

I agree with that.

I'm hoping Souths can just get into 4th spot, but I see Souths finishing 5th.

 

[Rabbits20]

QUOTE =Hutty1986;10957088;9224]No doubt a side like the Warriors can do some damage in the finals if they turn up, but at the moment it is looking like the premiers will come from Cowboys, Broncos, Roosters or Saints. There are no doubt some quality other sides running around, but they look the most likely at this stage, with a loooong way to go though.

Storm proved today v Brisbane they will still manage okay without Slater, but not sure they're an elite side without him. Bulldogs have the forwards but the halves still a major concern. Souths a powerful side when Reynolds returns, but will ahve to wait and see.[ QUOTE ]

i reakon Roosters or Cowboys. Maybe Souths if they get their shit together. I think dogs and Souths will come home strong.

The question with Souths is do they have the forward pack this year?

Souths are missing a forward with grunt.

Souths are very settled with a great 1, 6, 7 and 9, so people can't write Souths off yet.

Also depends if Auva'a is allowed back. Auva'a is a lot better player than Goodwin. I rate Auva'a as a player highly.

 

[DURRRHURRR]

Can't see the teams in the 8 changing just the order. Though Raiders or Manly could make a run and push for 8th spot

Broncos
Roosters
Cowboys
Dragons
Bunnies
Dogs
Storm
Warriors




Souths v Brisbane GF I reckon, would be the highest rating of all time

 

[ouwet]

Bulldogs have the forwards but the halves still a major concern.

We have the best forwards in the NRL... We have a backline which is up there also when everyone is playing (B Morris, Perrett, Lafai, J Morris, Curtis Rona)... Halves Reynolds, Mbye & Hodkinson (Whoever is picked)!

The whole year we've been hammered by suspensions/Injuries... IF we can keep a close to full strength team I cannot see any team who can match it!

 

[carcharias]

Dogs are lookin pretty good I reckon.

 

[I Bleed Maroon]

Can't see the teams in the 8 changing just the order. Though Raiders or Manly could make a run and push for 8th spot

Broncos
Roosters
Cowboys
Dragons
Bunnies
Dogs
Storm
Warriors




Souths v Brisbane GF I reckon, would be the highest rating of all time

This is what I want second to Cows v Broncs, if only to add Souffs scalp to our GF victims. Bunniesmong rage would be a riot.

 

[footy75]

Getting interesting now