Triple M

Jimmy Smith's Season Predictions

Top Eight Predictions:
1. Storm
2. Eels
3. Warriors
4. Cowboys
5. Rabbitohs
6. Roosters
7. Sea Eagles
8. Tigers

One to watch (who will be the stand-out player this season?): Greg Inglis (Storm)

Favourite player in league history: Mark Graham/Tim Russell 

Broncos: More interest off-field then on-field with the league world wondering if Wayne Bennett will see out the final year of his contract. The return of Darren Lockyer will be crucial to the Broncos, Queensland, Australia!
Star rating: 3 (out of five)

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Bulldogs: Must change the way they play and the question remains, can Steve Folkes manage that? As always, good personnel coming through but they may not be ready this year.
Star rating: 2

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Cowboys: Thurston the absolute key...more important to his team than any other player in the competition. He fires then Bowen et al do their stuff. Some signs at the end of last year that the pressure got to Thurston, especially with out the calming presence of Jason Smith, who won't be there this year.
Star rating: 4

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Dragons: Gasnier is the jewel in the crown and no doubt he plays better at right centre but Brown might have to use him at 5/8 just to get the ball in his hands. Dragons on the slide and big year for Brown.
Star rating: 2

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Eels: Still question marks over the halves, especially given Smith's off-season issues. No Tahu hurts, but Hayne, Inu and Burt should fill the gaps. Forward leaders Cayless and Hindmarsh a year older and there are only so many kilometres on the clock. Matua could be a stand-out.
Star rating: 4

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Knights: Can it be worse than last year. Greatest players retirement. Player unrest. Buderus and Smith must get along and Mullen, Walsh and Gidley must all fit in together. Big question marks but they have bought well.
Star rating: 3

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Panthers: Erratic to say the least. What does Petero bring other than respect? All of a sudden, Matt Elliott's halo has slipped last year and he needs a form reversal to bring it back.
Star rating: 2.5

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Rabbitohs: Wing is a key; still not convinced he is a halfback but will be important to show younger players how to prepare for games/seasons. There is still improvement in most players, and coach still learning as well. All are hungry for more success.
Star rating: 3.5

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Raiders: Surely, after being favourite for the wooden spoon for 4 years, they will finally win it? Hard to beat at home and with some genuine grafters will give fans something to cheer about.
Star rating: 2 

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Roosters: Big recruits in off-season but still questions over halves. Pearce and Anasta have to do it consistently. Paea and Perret were big improvers last year and will benefit from playing alongside Mason, O'Meley etc

Star rating: 3.5

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Sea Eagles: Will miss Monaghan greatly....who drives them around the paddock? They probably over achieved last year but will still be one of the best prepared sides under Des Hasler.
Star rating: 3.5 

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Sharks: Gallen and Bird, not Kimmorley, hold the key here. If  they stay fit and they adjust to Ricky Stuart style of play they are a big hope for the semi-finals.
Star rating: 3

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Storm: Brilliant last year and will only get better. Cronk, Inglis, Falau and, believe it or not, Smith will also improve. If Smith gets injured Bellamy will have to find a capable replacement; not easy
Star rating: 4.5 

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Titans: Key personnel (Prince, Bailey, Friend, Laffranchi) stay fit and they really rattle some cages. Smaller forwards will benefit from rule change to fewer interchange.
Star rating: 3

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Warriors: Um....who knows! Found consistency under Cleary and have the ability to be superb when things go right. Defensively improved yards last year and need to show it again. Price will be as important as ever.

Star rating: 3.5 

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Wests Tigers: Mat Head either finished forever or buy of the season. If fit he is exactly what they need. Sheens must defend Marshall at 5/8 so he doesn't draw attention to himself. Farah again to dominate around the rucks; best in league at this. 

Star rating: 3.5

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