The start of the Rugby League season is just over a week away, we can barely keep our excitement bottled, so what better time to launch our Alternative 2018 NRL Season Preview.
Our Friday and Saturday nights, and to a lesser degree, Thursday nights, haven’t been the same since September. That empty hole in the soul where a Steeden usually fills will be back soon. And almost not soon enough.
Like most of our season previews, we have our fearless predictions for the season ahead, plus a few things we’re excited about, and the things that we’ll no doubt be moaning about after 10 minutes.
There’s also our quick Team by Team predictions for the season ahead. Feel free to tell us where to put our selections in the comment section below.
No matter what annoys us, or the amount of shame of watching how bad our pre season predictions are, we’ll be tuning in for the whole 2018 NRL Season, with thanks to Fox League for making it as enjoyable as possible.
So sit back and try and enjoy our Alternative 2018 NRL Season Preview.
And Go Hunters.
Alternative 2018 NRL Season Preview – THINGS WE CAN’T WAIT FOR
- Round 1 Game 1. Is it here yet? Although Broncos v Dragons is not completely inspiring, but it is always Yes to Nein.
- Standalone State of Origin III. It won’t take long before the other two are changed too.
- The improvement in the byes in 2018. It appears the NRL have learned there’s no point having the big State of Origin series if your comp goes to turd during the eight week hype period.
- Fox League Channel Coma, especially during March to May on Saturday nights when Super Saturday is followed by F1, EPL, EFL, European Football and nil sleep.
- The new Andrew Voss show on Fox Sports.
- The impact of the players who would have played Under 20’s this season on the local Intrust competitions. We’re looking forward to some more future stars in the Intrust Super Cup in Queensland in 2018.
- The battle for the Minor Premiership and Top 4. Minor Premiership looks a race in three, the remaining Top 4 battle for that last spot looks like it could be between a number of sides.
Alternative 2018 NRL Season Preview – THINGS WE KNOW ARE GOING TO SH!T US TO TEARS
- Having to stoop to Channel Nein for Origin and hating every single minute of it. Ditto for Grand Final a few months later.
- The crack down on playing the ball in the early rounds. Not only because you know it will be relaxed come Round Four and beyond like every new season crack down, but it is a tedious part of the game. The scrutiny on the foot touching the ball is to ensure players don’t play the ball too quickly, great, let’s ensure the foot touches the ball but do nothing about the two and three men tackling and wrestling and attempting to slow down every bloody play the ball. Perhaps the NRL wants to be the NFL more than we thought.
- The next crackdown after playing the ball.
- The NRL Bunker’s first stuff up leading to howls across the nation. ETA minimum by Round 3.
- NRL Marvel Superhero Round. If it still exists in 2018. Fancy having a theme round based on jersey sales, just for one manufacturer. Already had a moan about this last year.
- The NRL and Media raving about how great State of Origin is in Melbourne. Usually supported by cheap and/or free tickets, the backpats will be plenty when they get the big crowd but it still sucks. State of Origin should be played in NSW or QLD. Take a fourth game elsewhere at the end of the year.
- Jarryd Hayne.
- Sunday Afternoon NRL. Sydney bias is still there but not as bad this season.
Alternative 2018 NRL Season Preview – FEARLESS PREDICTIONS
PREMIERS
Melbourne
WOODEN SPOON
Newcastle, Wests Tigers or Gold Coast in a last day duel to the end.
POTENTIAL SURPRISE
Not many, if any, including a good chunk of Souths fans are talking up Souths for 2018, but they have so much potential if they all stay fit and if certain people stop dropping the ball.
POTENTIAL DISAPPOINTMENT
With a star studded backline, return of Jarryd Hayne, the potential of a super Moses-Norman pairing, and emergence of Nathan Brown and Manu Ma’u as great NRL players, it all looks so good for the Eels in 2018. So with Top 4 a minimum return, there’s a lot of great players who can all be a little hit and miss. Perhaps it could all go pear shaped and miss the top eight. Or perhaps we know bugger all.
DALLY M MEDAL WINNER
Brodie Croft. Why not a Rookie Dally M winner. We’ve had a little taste so far and it is promising.
FIRST PLAYER CAUGHT UP IN OFF FIELD INCIDENT THAT LEADS TO NRL SUSPENSION
Josh Dugan – pre season form looking good.
NEXT PLAYER OFF TO FRENCH RUGBY UNION
Will Chambers or one of the Jennings brothers.
CIRCUS OF THE YEAR
Jarryd Hayne’s movements analysed CSIRO style
BANDWAGON
Third origin Games all around the world. Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, where next? PNG, Cruise Ships, anywhere.
CERTAINTY OF THE YEAR
People will talk up the NZ Warriors as the Dark Horse of the competition, followed by the disappointment.
THE PLAYERS THAT SHOULD GET AN NRL GAME BUT WILL PROBABLY BE KEPT IN INTRUST SUPER COMPS IN 2018
Zac Santo, Christian Hazard, Carlin Anderson, Marmin Barba, Michael Purcell, Lachlan Lam, Matiu Love-Henry, Mosese Pangai, Guy Hamilton, Billy Walters, Willie Minoga. And many more.
Check first round teams for new names, there won’t be many, if any. Maybe the NRL does have the depth for new teams.
Peter Beattie says expand or die. Have to agree.
Alternative 2018 NRL Season Preview – TEAM BY TEAM THOUGHTS
MELBOURNE STORM
THE BIG QUESTION
Can the Melbourne Storm juggernaut be the first team in the NRL era to go back to back?
THE PLAYER WE’RE EXCITED ABOUT
Brodie Croft – given us a decent taste
THE MARK HOHN UNDER THE RADAR CHAMPION
Dale Finucane – fringe Bulldog to vital Storm cog and Premiership winner. As ever.
POTENTIAL 9th IMMORTAL???
Cameron Smith
IF WE HAD $1 TO BET ON THEM THIS SEASON…..
$1 for NRL Premiers @ $6.50
PREDICTION
Second in regular season, Premiers. The answer to will the Storm lose out on the loss of Cooper Cronk will be answered early and often. Brodie Croft to reign supreme.
NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
THE BIG QUESTION
Can the Cowboys keep Thurston and Scott on the field in 2018?
THE PLAYER WE’RE EXCITED ABOUT
Coen Hess or Michael Morgan
THE MARK HOHN UNDER THE RADAR CHAMPION
John Asiata
POTENTIAL 9th IMMORTAL???
Johnathan Thurston
IF WE HAD $1 TO BET ON THEM THIS SEASON…..
$1 for Top 4 @ $1.80
PREDICTION
Third in Regular Season. Beaten Grand Finalists. After defying injuries, odds, late season form, the Cowboys lit up the finals. With their big two back on the field, let’s hope for a season of it.
SYDNEY ROOSTERS
THE BIG QUESTION
Is Roosters Cronk > Pearce?
THE PLAYER WE’RE EXCITED ABOUT
James Tedesco.
THE MARK HOHN UNDER THE RADAR CHAMPION
Jake Friend.
POTENTIAL 9th IMMORTAL???
Sonny Bill Williams if Channel Nein have anything to do with it.
IF WE HAD $1 TO BET ON THEM THIS SEASON…..
$1 for Minor Premiers @ $3.50
PREDICTION
Minor Premiers, knocked out Week 3 finals.
SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS
THE BIG QUESTION
What kind of drugs were we on to tip them for fourth? A – the good ones.
THE PLAYER WE’RE EXCITED ABOUT
Cody Walker. As long as Anthony Seibold remembers he is a high quality five eighth, not anything else.
THE MARK HOHN UNDER THE RADAR CHAMPION
Damien Cook. Can’t believe it took him so long to be Souths number one number 9.
POTENTIAL 9th IMMORTAL???
John Sutton. Still a Footballing God in our eyes. Sutton.
IF WE HAD $1 TO BET ON THEM THIS SEASON…..
$1 for Top 4 @ $5.00
PREDICTION
4th, out Week 3 of finals. So many game breakers if they put it all together. Could be last chance for playing group who will be running out of excuses after the coach got the blame and the boot at the end of 2017.
BRISBANE BRONCOS
THE BIG QUESTION
How the Broncos handle the Origin period, given the new Draw means less byes. That, and a very hot and cold halves pairing.
THE PLAYER WE’RE EXCITED ABOUT
Anthony Milford
THE MARK HOHN UNDER THE RADAR CHAMPION
Matt Gillett
POTENTIAL 9th IMMORTAL???
Scott “Money Melon” Minto
IF WE HAD $1 TO BET ON THEM THIS SEASON…..
$1 for Leading the Comp after Round 12 @ $9.00
PREDICTION
5th, out 2nd week of finals. As quality as a forward pack as you get, and some great backs as well, like Boyd and Jimmy the Jet, but lingering doubt over the halves week in and week out. And Origin time blues. Pardon the pun.
ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
THE BIG QUESTION
Will the Dragons get Buyer’s Remorse over Ben Hunt? Or will he and Gareth Widdop be the league’s dark horse best halves combo?
THE PLAYER WE’RE EXCITED ABOUT
Nene McDonald. As big PNG fans we don’t have many players left to cheers for in the NRL. Was a brute in the Rugby League World Cup.
THE MARK HOHN UNDER THE RADAR CHAMPION
James Graham. Still hard to believe him in the Dragons jersey.
POTENTIAL 9th IMMORTAL???
Anthony Mundine will tell you himself. He also was nominated for Jerk of the Month for February 2018.
IF WE HAD $1 TO BET ON THEM THIS SEASON…..
$1 for Top 8 @ $1.80
PREDICTION
6th, out second week of finals.
PARRAMATTA EELS
THE BIG QUESTION
Will Jarryd Hayne help or hinder the progress made in 2018?
THE PLAYER WE’RE EXCITED ABOUT
Corey Norman. If only to give the Queenslanders more coverage in the halves,
THE MARK HOHN UNDER THE RADAR CHAMPION
Brad Takairangi.
POTENTIAL 9th IMMORTAL???
Semi Radradra – pre French Rugby.
IF WE HAD $1 TO BET ON THEM THIS SEASON…..
$1 on Season Handicap of +6 points to Minor Premiers @ $12.00 (Sportsbet)
PREDICTION
7th, knocked out first week of finals. It looks so good for Parramatta, but there’s just something nagging in the back of the brain that says it could go pear shaped.
CANBERRA RAIDERS
THE BIG QUESTION
Will it be Ricky Stuart magic or Angry Ant in 2018?
THE PLAYER WE’RE EXCITED ABOUT
Joey Leilua. Hopefully in blockbusting form in 2018.
THE MARK HOHN UNDER THE RADAR CHAMPION
Jarrod Croker.
POTENTIAL 9th IMMORTAL???
Mal Meninga
IF WE HAD $1 TO BET ON THEM THIS SEASON…..
$1 for Top 8 @ $1.90
PREDICTION
8th, knocked out first week of finals. A shame they couldn’t build on their exciting 2016 form last season. Still have those players and coach to do it all again.
CRONULLA SHARKS
THE BIG QUESTION
Can the Sharks bad boys stay out of trouble?
THE PLAYER WE’RE EXCITED ABOUT
Matt Moylan. Was brilliant at times last year. Will the sea change get him back to best.
THE MARK HOHN UNDER THE RADAR CHAMPION
Kurt Capewell. One of the very few Intrust Super Cup graduates who actually get a game.
POTENTIAL 9th IMMORTAL???
ET.
IF WE HAD $1 TO BET ON THEM THIS SEASON…..
$1 to miss the Top 8 @ $2.40
PREDICTION
9th.
CANTERBURY BULLDOGS
THE BIG QUESTION
Was it all Des’ fault?
THE PLAYER WE’RE EXCITED ABOUT
Aaron Woods/David Klemmer. A front row partnership of quality, at their best.
THE MARK HOHN UNDER THE RADAR CHAMPION
Greg Eastwood
POTENTIAL 9th IMMORTAL???
Ewan McGrady. The most obscure player of the season ever.
IF WE HAD $1 TO BET ON THEM THIS SEASON…..
$1 to miss the Top 8 @ $1.25
PREDICTION
10th. A new broom with some big name recruits and a new coach. But will it make any difference? Hopefully at minimum they won’t be as tedious to watch this season.
MANLY SEA EAGLES
THE BIG QUESTION
Can the Trbojevic brothers become Rugby League’s greatest sibling combinations?
THE PLAYER WE’RE EXCITED ABOUT
Martin Taupau. Love the big guy and his style.
THE MARK HOHN UNDER THE RADAR CHAMPION
Apisai Koroisau. Although should be Matt Parcell.
POTENTIAL 9th IMMORTAL???
Cliff Lyons.
IF WE HAD $1 TO BET ON THEM THIS SEASON…..
$1 to miss the Top 8 @ $1.90
PREDICTION
11th. Not much else to add.
PENRITH PANTHERS
THE BIG QUESTION
When will Anthony Griffen get the arse? And how many players will it cost Penrith in the meantime?
THE PLAYER WE’RE EXCITED ABOUT
Viliame Kikau. Kikau’d arse at the Rugby League World Cup for Fiji, and hammered the PNG Hunters in the State Championship final.
THE MARK HOHN UNDER THE RADAR CHAMPION
Peter Wallace. Reinvented himself as a Hooker and may have even grabbed Origin jersey last year if not for injury.
POTENTIAL 9th IMMORTAL???
Gus Gould
IF WE HAD $1 TO BET ON THEM THIS SEASON…..
$1 to miss Top 8 @ $2.50
PREDICTION
12th. Last before dismissing Griffin mid season.
NZ WARRIORS
THE BIG QUESTION
At what stage of the year will Shaun Johnson get injured and the Warriors season implode?
THE PLAYER WE’RE EXCITED ABOUT
Shaun Johnson
THE MARK HOHN UNDER THE RADAR CHAMPION
Simon Mannering – Supercoach Gold. Mostly.
POTENTIAL 9th IMMORTAL???
Manu Vatuvei. Miss the Beast.
IF WE HAD $1 TO BET ON THEM THIS SEASON…..
$1 for Missing Top 8 @ $1.25
PREDICTION
13th. Top 8 in April, bottom 4 by July.
WESTS TIGERS
THE BIG QUESTION
Will Josh Reynolds behave himself in Tiger colours?
THE PLAYER WE’RE EXCITED ABOUT
Honestly, no one.
THE MARK HOHN UNDER THE RADAR CHAMPION
Alex Twal
POTENTIAL 9th IMMORTAL???
Kevin Hartwick / Cherry Mescia
IF WE HAD $1 TO BET ON THEM THIS SEASON…..
$1 for Miss Top 8 @ $1.10
PREDICTION
14th. Going to be tight battle at the bottom.
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS
THE BIG QUESTION
Is this the year when Knights finally get off the bottom of the table?
THE PLAYER WE’RE EXCITED ABOUT
Kalyn Ponga.
THE MARK HOHN UNDER THE RADAR CHAMPION
Mitchell Barnett
POTENTIAL 9th IMMORTAL???
Kalyn Ponga in a few decades time.
IF WE HAD $1 TO BET ON THEM THIS SEASON…..
$1 for Most Losses @ $13.00
PREDICTION
Second last on points difference.
GOLD COAST TITANS
THE BIG QUESTION
How long will the Titans last on the Gold Coast given the area’s history of supporting. Talk of Gold Coast Bears excites.
THE PLAYER WE’RE EXCITED ABOUT
Bryce Cartwright. Gone to Gold Coast to escape the evils of life in Sydney. Then moved to Gold Coast? Hmmm. So much potential though. So good in 2016.
THE MARK HOHN UNDER THE RADAR CHAMPION
Jai Arrow – another Bronco loss to be Gold Coast gain? The Jarrod Wallace path.
POTENTIAL 9th IMMORTAL???
Captain Charger
IF WE HAD $1 TO BET ON THEM THIS SEASON…..
$1 for Wooden Spoon aka Most Losses @ $3.50
PREDICTION
Last, in a tight group with other, possibly going down to last round.
