It’s September and that means we are at the business end of the NRL season. Which captain will raise the premiership trophy aloft at ANZ Stadium on Sunday 2 October? One week ahead of the first finals series clashes we gaze into our crystal ball to rank the eight contenders.
Melbourne Storm
The drama of 2010 left the southerners with a point to prove. They are playing a foolproof type of rugby league. Their “big three” of Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater give the Storm an enviable blend of brilliance, steadiness and big match experience, all of which stamp them as worthy premiership favourites.
Current odds: $3.25 Rating: 1
Wests Tigers
Can lay legitimate claim to having the best back (Benji Marshall) and the best forward (Gareth Ellis) in NRL ranks. Their ad-lib style is a reminder that rugby league is essentially an attacking game. Can repeat their success of 2005 without surprising any fans.
Current odds: $6.00 Rating: 2
Brisbane Broncos
What a side this is destined to become! Another premiership would be a fitting curtain call to Darren Lockyer’s stellar career. Despite the presence of Lockyer, Corey Parker and Sam Thaiday, the Bronco colts may lack the experience to go all the way. However, rugby league is a young man’s game…
Current odds: $6.00 Rating: 3
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
A potentially great halves pairing, a solid pack and plenty of strikepowerin the threequarters stamp the Eagles as genuine contenders. However, the absence of inspirational co-captain Jason King will undoubtedly affect their chances in the sudden death matches, as will the loss (until grand final time) of Glenn Stewart.
Current odds: $5.50 Rating: 4
New Zealand Warriors
If the passes stick, their kicking game is on song and the character of the match allows them to gather momentum, on any one day the Kiwis can beat any of their top-eight rivals. Like the Broncos, this exciting, unpredictable and largely under-rated outfit may be a season or two away from their absolute best.
Current odds: $9.00 Rating: 5
North Queensland Cowboys
There is plenty to like about the boys from Townsville, especially the return from injury of Johnathan Thurston and the ultra-consistent form of prop Matthew Scott. They won’t leave any bullets in the magazine, but the price on offer is probably a realistic assessment of their chances of taking their maiden premiership.
Current odds: $17.00 Rating: 6
St George Illawarra Dragons
They lost plenty of authority and experience when 2010 grand final forwards Jeremy Smith and Neville Costigan departed for other clubs. The Dragons’ poor form in the latter half of this season has been as baffling as it has been disappointing. Their form improved in the final two premiership rounds but there remains an injury cloud over playmaker and first-choice kicker Jamie Soward.
Current odds: $7.00 Rating: 7
Newcastle Knights
The outsider in a field of eight. Squeaked into the eight with a final round win over an injury-ravaged South Sydney. From eighth position, Parramatta came within one win of taking the title in 2009; can the Knights go one better this year? Probably not, but the $26 on offer is great value about a side that will play with plenty of character and emotion in the big matches.
Current odds: $26.00 Rating: 8
