NRL 2022 Contenders, Smokeys & More

The NRL season is starting this week, and gosh I am excited. Therefore, I thought it would be good to go through who I think the contenders, smokeys, and teams that are in for a tough 2022. For each category I’ll have 2-3 teams who I think suit the label. Again this is my opinion, so you may not agree with me, and that’s completely fine.

Contender - Teams who I think will be challenging for the title, and will be levels above everyone else.

Smokey - Teams who might come under the radar, and have better seasons than people expect. These teams don’t necessarily need to be premiership threats but could go deep in the finals.

In for a Tough 2022 - Teams who will struggle in 2022, and may find themselves near the bottom of the table. Also teams who may find themselves finishing lower than they did last season.

Contenders

Penrith Panthers

The Panthers will definitely be up there come finals, and will be looking to go back to back in 2022. The Panthers side have had little changes to it having only lost the likes of Capewell, and Momirovski over the off season. With so much threat around the park, the Panthers will have no problem making it into the top 4 at the very minimum. Cleary being out for the start of the season does cause some worry, but the Panthers have more than enough talent to fill the void for the time being. I have a feeling the Panthers will be in cruise control for the majority of the season, and will take it up a notch come finals time.

Melbourne Storm

After missing out on the grand final last year, Craig Bellamy’s side will be looking to bounce back in 2022. Especially with a lot of senior members departing at the end of the season, the Storm will be looking to give them a good send off. Another huge plus for the Storm is Cameron Munster is fully fit and sober, and will be looking to have a massive season after being in the media a lot over the off season. I think the Storm are going to be up there with the likes of the Panthers and Roosters in terms of challenging for the premiership.

Sydney Roosters

The Roosters have a lot of troops returning from injury this season, and will be looking to get back up there with the top teams in the league. The return of Keary is huge for the squad, and allows Tedesco to be himself again after playing a more halfback role from fullback last season. The experience that youngsters would’ve gained from 2021 is massive as many would be more than able to handle NRL call ups if injury were to hit again in 2022. I think the Roosters have a very strong squad which will see them be in the conversation for a premiership this season.

Smokeys

Parramatta Eels

The Eels have had a couple of decent back to back seasons which has seen them at least make it to the second week of finals, and will be looking to take it a step forward in 2022. The Parramatta squad is the strongest it’s been in a while, and will be looking to make the most of it before the likes of Papali’i and Mahoney leave at the end of the season. Many still question if the Eels can take that next step to becoming an actual premiership threat, and I think 2022 is the year we see Parramatta take that step. I genuinely believe the Eels have a chance of winning it all. After beating the Storm twice during last season, and fighting it out in a nail bitter against the Panthers in the semi final. The Eels are in a good spot come round one, and just need to touch up the little holes they have in their game to become an elite team.

St George Illawarra Dragons

I don’t think the Dragons will be contenders for the title this year or even make the top 4, but I think they might catch a few teams off guard and possibly make it to the second round of finals or even sneak into a prelim. The Dragons have a very exciting squad with a mixture of both youth and experience. Many have the Dragons finishing in around the 7-13 range on the table, and if they can sneak into the eight come finals. The Dragons are the sort of team that could cause an upset in week one of finals.

NZ Warriors

The Wahhs, of course I had to include my team somewhere. Do I genuinely think the Warriors are premiership threats, no. But do I want them to be, of course I do. If I’m being genuinely honest then I think the Warriors have the potential to sneak into the top eight come finals time. If we can stay injury free, we are more than a chance to be in the conversation for finals footy. With Johnson and Walsh getting the front foot ball off our dangerous forward pack anything is possible for the boys. Then the possible return to Mt Smart gets added to the conversation, and all of a sudden there’s plenty to play for. Warriors for the top eight, you heard it here first!

Teams in for a Tough 2022

North Queensland Cowboys

Although the Cowboys did have a great couple of trial matches, I still think they’ll struggle to get out of the bottom four. I just don’t see where there are genuine threats in the Cowboys side. Yes they have the likes of Hamiso, and Holmes but they can only do so much. Especially when you have an aging Townsend, and an unproven Dearden. I struggle to see them having any control during games. Taumalolo will continue to work hard but there is only so many metres he can run. I hope the Cowboys prove me wrong and show big improvement this season but for me it's gonna be a tough year for the boys from North Queensland.

Gold Coast Titans

After sneaking into the eight with a losing record in 2021, the Titans will be in for a tough season with many teams below them last year looking to show massive improvement. In terms of their roster on paper this year, it really looks to have taken a backwards step. Yes they have a lot of young guys coming through which is good for the future but if we’re talking this season. It looks like it will be a rebuilding or learning season for the young Titans squad. Especially with such a young spine, the Titans will lack a lot of direction which may hinder the involvement of their danger men like Fifita and the likes. Don’t get me wrong in terms of the future of the club, they are in a good place but I think they will fall down a few places on the ladder this year.

Again if you've made it this far, thank you. I hope you guys are enjoying the content, and go give it a like. Next write up coming soon as we near closer to round one!