NRL Team Breakdown Pt.1

Now that the preseason trials are over with the long awaited NRL season opener not far away. I thought I’d break down each team for the upcoming season. I decided to split my discussion on each team into 4 categories: strengths, weaknesses/talking points, x factor and player/s to watch.

Brisbane Broncos

Strengths

The Addition of Adam Reynolds -

The addition of Adam Reynolds is huge for the Broncos. The experience, control, and composure is something that has been missing in Brisbane for a while now. The impact that Reynolds will have on the young squad will only result in some sort of improvement. The likes of Jordan Riki and TC Robati who will most likely partner Reynolds on an edge will thrive off getting the opportunity to learn off Reynolds. We have seen the success that Reynolds has had with the Rabbitohs so Broncos fans are definitely hoping it can be replicated in Brisbane.

The Young Forward Pack -

The Broncos have one of the youngest packs in the league. The main enforcer being Payne Haas, the likes of young guns Jordan Riki, Tom Flegler and Patrick Carrigan are coming into their third ‘ish’ seasons in the NRL. Other young names on the scene being Keenan Palasia, Kobe Hetherington, Brendan Piakura, and Xavier Willison who have only had small tastes of footy. The young core in the pack only creates excitement around the Brisbane camp, and with the leadership of Reynolds these players have the potential to be anything.

Weaknesses/Talking Points

Expectation -

The addition of Adam Reynolds and Kurt Capewell, and a healthy Kotoni Staggs sees punters and NRL experts tipping the Broncos to return to finals footy. With great expectation comes pressure. It will be upto the Broncos to either live up to the hype. With the Brisbane side having such a young core it will be the tough times during the season that will prove the difference between success or defeat.

Adam Reynolds’ Spine -

Outside of Reynolds his fellow members in his spine are still up in the air. The fullback spot is now up for grabs with Tesi Niu out for a decent amount of time with injury. The fight for the number one jersey will most likely be between Jamyne Isaako, Selwyn Cobbo, Herbie Farnworth, all who are still unproven performers in the fullback position. Then there is Reynolds’ halves partner who seems to be Tyson Gamble at this stage but the likes of Albert Kelly and Billy Walters a chance of partnering the ex Souths halfback. The number nine jersey is still up for grabs at this stage as well. The incumbent Jake Turpin has been put under pressure by Corey Paix during the preseason. So with so much uncertainty around the Broncos spine it may be hard for combinations to be created. Reynolds can only do so much but with the spine not set for the season opener we can only hope players put their hand up and perform in their respective positions.

X Factor

Kotoni Staggs -

The Broncos centre only featured in a few games at the back end of the season in 2021, and gosh he looked good. The damaging Tongan International just seems to create something out of nothing, and the Broncos are hoping he can do the same for them this season. Staggs’ goal this season will be to stay on the field for the whole season. If he is able to do that the Broncos’ chances of going on a finals run will only increase.

Selwyn Cobbo -

Cobbo only got a taste of NRL footy last season and looked like he could more than likely handle himself. After being compared to Greg Inglis and Latrell Mitchell this early into his career the ceiling is very high for the Brisbane kid. As we saw what Cobbo was doing in the Queensland Cup Grand Final last year many are only hoping he can transfer that into the NRL.

Player to Watch

Cory Paix -

Paix has been in and out of the Broncos squad for the past two or so years, and has struggled to lock down a spot in the 17. Sources have said he has had a good preseason, and is possibly pushing for fellow Brisbane hooker Jake Turpin’s starting spot. This puts Paix in a good position for the upcoming seasons. After a decent showing in the trials matches I think Paix may eventually take over the nine jersey if Turpin was to underperform.

Canberra Raiders

Strengths

Experience -

It was not too long ago that the Raiders were one miss call away from possibly winning a grand final. From that team in 2019 there are still a decent amount of those players still in their squad today. The likes of Wighton, Hodgson, Croker, Whitehead, Papalii, Tapine, Rapana, and Nicoll Klokstad were all crucial members of that grand final squad. Therefore meaning all of them have that winning mentality which can be passed on to the new members of the squad. Although they did have a rough 2021 season Ricky Stuart will be rallying his boys to have a big 2022 season.

Forward Pack -

The Raiders have arguably one of the more dangerous and balanced forward packs. They have two world class front rowers in Josh Papalii and Joseph Tapine with the likes of Corey Horsburgh and Emre Guler who played in the 2019 grand final. On the edges they have England International Elliot Whitehead who has been amazing for them since he’s come over to the NRL. On the other side they have Corey Harawira Naera who has been very damaging on the edge. The addition of Adam Elliot provides a point of attack through the middle. Overall, the Raiders on paper have a very good forward pack who on their day could scare some sides.

Weakness/Talking Point

Wighton's Halves Partner -

Ever since the departure of Aidan Sezer, Jack Wighton has struggled to find a halves partner who compliments him the best. Although he won the Dally M in 2019 alongside George Williams. Wighton’s best season in my opinion was in 2019 alongside Sezer where they made their run to the grand final. By the looks of it Jamal Fogarty is going to be the one to partner Wighton to start the 2022 season. Wighton is a ball running dominant half who loves the ball in his hand. It will be Fogarty’s job to kick corners and steer the team around the field. If he is able to do that and unlock Wighton alongside the likes of Nicoll Klokstad and Xavier Savage the Raiders will be a very dangerous side.

X Factor

Charnze Nicoll Klokstad -

The 2019 and 2020 seasons were break out seasons for Nicoll Klokstad, and he was a key part of their success in both those seasons. After an injury burdened 2021 Nicoll Klokstad will be looking to have a strong 2022, and will be one of Canberra’s main points of attack alongside Wighton. With the added pressure of having Xavier Savage fighting to get the number one jersey I think it will bring the best out of him.

Players to Watch

Joseph Tapine -

The Maori All Star skipper just came off a world class performance in this year's All Stars match, and looks like he is in for a huge 2022. After making the transition into the front row Tapine has definitely not looked out of place. His light footwork, leg drive and offloading skills make him a real threat in the middle third of the field. I think by the end of the season Tapine could be in the conversation as a possible Dally M Front Row candidate.

Xavier Savage -

After having only a taste of NRL in 2021, and some great performances in this year's trial matches. Savage has turned many heads with his electric pace and footwork. Even Ricky Stuart himself has said Savage is pushing Nicoll Klokstad for the number one jersey. I think Savage is in for a huge 2022 whether it be on the wing or fullback.

Matt Timoko -

Due to the Raiders struggles in 2021 Timoko has been in and out of the team but has looked very damaging in his time on the field. Timoko’s shorter build and evasiveness makes him very hard to handle, similar to Brian To’o. Now that Croker is aging and only getting more fragile, I think this is a great opportunity for Timoko to get consistent game time and make that centre spot his own.

Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs

Strength

Attacking Threats -

The addition of Matt Dufty, Matt Burton, Josh Addo Carr, and Tevita Pangai Jnr provides the Bulldogs with attacking threat across the park. Adding the existing players at the club such as Jake Averillo, Corey Allan, and the likes. Attacking will definitely not be a problem for the Canterbury side. The possibility of having Dufty, Addo Carr, and Brent Naden as a back three just screams tries. Then you have Matt Burton running the show, we all saw how dangerous he was last year. It may take some time for the side to gel but on paper the Bulldogs could be one of the more exciting teams to watch this year if all goes well.

Weaknesses/Talking Points

Combinations -

The multiple new signings in the Bulldogs squad means the combinations will be very green. The new look spine of Burton, Dufty, Marshall King and either of Flanaghan, Averillo or Wakeham will take some time to gel. Therefore Bulldogs fans may need to wait one more season for finals footy if combinations take longer than expected. Even the outside backs have taken a decent shake up with the addition of Brent Naden, Braidon Burns and Josh Addo Carr. Although on paper the Bulldogs might look like a ‘top 8’ side. If things don’t go their way we may be looking at another year of bottom 8 footy for the Bulldogs.

Expectations -

With all the Bulldogs’ new signings many are expecting great things of the Canterbury based side. Alongside the Broncos with great expectation comes pressure. Pressure can make diamonds but it can also cause a team to grumble. Due to the Bulldogs recent bottom four finishes this pressure may cause them to follow in a similar path. Especially with the side being quite young when things don’t go their way we are yet to know how these players will respond. I am hoping the Bulldogs go well but the big question is if the side can live up to the hype.

X Factor

Matt Dufty -

We all know what Dufty can do from what we have seen him do with the Dragons. Dufty’s main issue is consistency, and not going missing in key stages of the game. The electric speed that Dufty possesses is up there with some of the best fullbacks in the league. I think he will be a key factor in the Bulldogs attack along with Matt Burton. If he can manage to keep a consistent quality of footy throughout the 2022 season the Bulldogs’ attack will be very scary.

Players to Watch

Jackson Topine -

The young Maori kid first came onto the scene in the 2021 All Stars game and with limited time looked great. During the 2021 season he was in and out of the struggling Bulldogs side. With another full preseason I think Topine may be looking to transfer into a modern day 13 type role after spending his early days as a hooker. I think the new role may suit Topine as he is a very similar build to the likes of Victor Radley and Brandon Smith who both thrive in the 13 jersey. Topine being a hooker as well allows him to act as a second pivot in that 13 role. If Topine can lock down a spot in the Bulldogs 17 and get regular game time I think he is definitely one to watch.

Aaron Schoupp -

The young Bulldogs centre had his first taste of NRL throughout the 2021 season and had some great touches. With the likes of Josh Addo Carr joining the squad this year he will relish the opportunity to learn off of him. The young centre is a very strong ball runner with a great offload on him. If Schoupp can make one of the centre spots his own I think we are looking at a future centre for the Bulldogs.

Sharks

Strength

Great Signings -

The signings made by Craig Fitzgibbon have been very smart with Dale Finucane, Cam McInnes, Nicho Hynes and Matt Ikuvalu all coming from very successful sides. Dale Finucane, the ex Storm captain was a great signing for the club who were looking for a leader in the middle of the park. The addition of McInnes only compliments the side even more, adding the extra point of attack through the middle. The signing of Nicho Hynes was a master stroke having just come off an incredible season at the Storm. Then there’s Ikuvalu who has been a try scoring machine for the Roosters when called upon. Overall, the Sharks have arguably had one of the best off seasons in the competition.

Weakness/Talking Point

Inexperienced Spine -

The Sharks spine of Kennedy, Hynes, Trindall, and Brailey are all only a year or two into their NRL careers. Add the fact that they have never played a full season of footy together. This combination may take some time to gel whether that be a few rounds or a full season. Kennedy and Hynes, who both came off steller seasons may not have the same success as 2021 if things don’t work out the same way. Hynes who shined for the Storm in a star side will have to play a different role this year as he might have to be the main guy for the Sharks. That added pressure could get the best out of Hynes but it could go pear shaped very quickly. Brailey again is only very early into his NRL career but will be looking to take his game to another level. Leaders such as Wade Graham, Finucane and McInnes will need to play a part in assisting their young spine for the Cronulla side to succeed in 2022.

X Factor

Nicho Hynes -

It’s simple really, Nicho Hynes is going to be the main man at the Sharks this year. I know that’s a lot of pressure for a young man but after his season last year I think he is capable of reaching those heights. Therefore I think Hynes will have to be the focal point for the Sharks on the attacking side of things.

Players to Watch

Matt Ikuvalu -

Ikuvalu has come from a very successful Roosters system where he has been a try scoring machine when called upon. Now with a new home at Cronulla I think if given the chance Ikuvalu will have no problem replicating that try scoring ability for the Sharks.

Luke Metcalf -

Although Metcalf has already secured a contract at the Warriors in 2023. The young half/fullback will be looking to impress his new team as he stakes his claim for a starting spot in the Warriors lineup in 2023. In the little bits of footy Metcalf had in 2021, the young electric kid looked good in his time on the field. With his pace and ball playing ability I think Metcalf could find himself in the 14 jersey for the Sharks this year. He would be the perfect player to bring on at the back end of halves to provide that extra spark in the middle of the field.

Titans

Strength

Tino & Fifita -

Both Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and David Fifita were huge for the Titans last year, and were at the forefront of their push for the top eight. This year they will be required to do much the same. The departure of both their starting halves Ash Taylor and Jamal Fogarty will provide added pressure to the young Queensland forwards to perform. The added responsibility of being captain will most likely get the best out of Tino who was known for many of his huge efforts throughout the 2021 season. The Titans will also be expecting Fifita to have a huge 2022. The young edge backrower was the main threat for the Titans in 2021 but at times would go missing in crucial stages of games. If Fifita can stay consistent throughout 2022 this will give the Titans the best chance of succeeding.

Weakness/Talking Point

Lack of Experience -

The Titans probably have one of the youngest sides in the league. The departure of experienced players such as Ash Taylor, Jamal Fogarty, Mitch Rein, and Tyrone Peachey has left them with a very inexperienced squad for 2022. The Titans spine other than AJ Brimson haven’t even had full seasons in the NRL, add the fact Brimson is looking to start in the halves for the first time in his career. The Titans are fielding a very fresh spine for 2022 with most of them being early in their NRL careers. If things don’t go as planned for the young Titan’s spine it could be danger signs in terms of their place on the ladder for the 2022 season.

X Factor

David Fifita Jr -

David Fifita as I mentioned previously he is going to be the main threat for oppositions. The damaging edge back rower will need to be getting more involved and come looking for the ball as his hands need to be on the ball as much as possible. It will also be up to the Titans halves to provide Fifita with good ball. I can expect that Fifita will be having his hands all over tries this season if the Titans want to succeed.

Jayden Campbell -

The young Titans fullback is coming into his first full season of footy this year and gosh we’re all excited. Campbell lit up the NRL towards the back end of the 2021 season, and played a big part in getting the Titans into the top eight. I am hoping that second year syndrome doesn’t get to Campbell especially with the loss of experienced players around him. If Campbell can keep up his great form from 2021 the Titans are a good chance of playing some good footy this year.

Player to Watch

Will Smith -

The experienced Will Smith may not have been brought to the club as a marquee signing but I think he may play a big role in the Titan’s 2022 season. With the Titan’s spine looking very inexperienced, Justin Holbrook might call upon Smith to feature somewhere in the halves if things go wrong. We have seen what Smith has done at Parramatta and Penrith previously when called upon, scoring crucial tries in his finals appearances. The Titan’s utility has featured in multiple big occasions and wouldn’t shy away if he was given a starting spot in the young Titan’s spine.

Manly Warringah Sea Eagles

Strengths

Tommy Turbo -

After coming off a Dally M like season Tommy Turbo will be looking to back that up again this year in the search for his first Dally M Medal. The Sea Eagles will be hoping that Trbojevic can stay on the field for the entirety of the 2022 season as he is the focal point to their success. We all saw what happened when Trbojevic wasn’t playing. If Trbojevic can have a similar season to 2021 the Sea Eagles will continue to be a threat to take out the Premiership.

Experienced Halves -

DCE and Foran have been around for a while now and have had a lot of success together. The Manly pair will be looking to steer their team to another grand final this year in hopes of winning another Premiership. Their experience and knowledge of the game is a huge bonus for a Manly side which has quite a young forward pack. The likes of young guns such as Sean Keppie, Josh Schuster, and Hamole Olakau’atu will be thriving of running lines from these two veteran halves. The nearing 10 year halves partners will play a big part if the Sea Eagles were to go far in the finals in 2022.

Weakness/Talking Point

Depth -

We all saw the start Manly had at the beginning of the 2021 season. It just seems like the Sea Eagles struggle to find a replacement that can do a job if Trbojevic was to go down. Even if you look at their outside backs with the departure of Moses Suli, Jorge Taufua is their only proven first grader if someone was to get injured. Even if you look at their halves if either DCE or Foran was to go down the Manly side would struggle heavily. It will be interesting to see how the Manly go in 2022 if injury were to strike.

X Factor

Tommy Turbo -

I don’t think I need to say much. Just watch his 2021 highlights if you have questions.

Dylan Walker -

The Manly utility was brilliant for them during the 2021 season by adding that extra dimension of attack to the middle third of the field. His speed, light footwork and ball playing ability was very dangerous causing many teams problems. Walker will be looking to have a very similar season and could be that extra threat outside of Tommy Turbo.

Players to Watch

Sean Keppie -

Keppie was a very underrated member of the Manly forward pack towards the end of the season in my opinion. The young front rower was damaging for the Manly side and took a lot of weight off the likes of Taupau and Aloai when they were off the pitch. With a full preseason and more game time I think Keppie is certainly one to watch in 2022 as he takes his game to a new level.

Ben Trbojevic -

The youngest out of the Trbojevic brothers, Ben will most likely feature at some point of the seasons, and many have said he’s a mold of both Jake and Tom combined. The centre/edge back rower is an exciting prospect for the 2022 season, and many are hoping he can follow in his brother's footsteps.

Melbourne Storm

Strengths

Craig Bellamy -

The Melbourne mastermind has been the key to the Storm’s success over the last two decades. I don’t know what it is but whenever it seems like the Storm are going to have a ‘bad’ season, Bellamy just pulls it together. With a lot of the Storm’s experienced players departing in the 2023 season many will be thinking their minds won’t be on the 2022 season. I definitely know this won’t be the case, Bellamy is in for another huge season with the Storm and will be looking to add another trophy to his cabinet.

A Healthy & Sober Munster -

We all know what Munster was capable of doing in the 2020 Origin series when he was half hungover. Just imagine the things he can do when he is fully fit, healthy and sober. I think the Melbourne five eight is in for a huge season, and could be a smokey to win the Dally M. As we’ve seen previously when Munster is on, the Storm are on. I’ll be looking for Munster to finally take that step, and becoming the best player in the league in 2022.

Weakness/Talking Points

Departing Players -

With the Storm it's hard to find a weakness but with so many departing veterans you would have to think it may play a part on the squad. I don’t think it will happen but there is a possibility that it could create some distractions. With there being a few younger players in the Storm squad who looked up to the likes of the Bromwich brothers and Brandon Smith. They may look at them now and think differently, and possibly lose some respect but at the end of the day NRL is a business. Again, I am getting a bit too deep here, and don't think this will happen but you never know.

X Factor

Cam Munster -

I have already spoken about Munster previously but yeah I think you get the memo. Munster is in for a HUGE season.

Players to Watch

Xavier Coates -

The ex Brisbane winger has come to the Storm on a cheaper contract in hopes of taking his game to another level, and holy moly I am excited. By the end of the 2022 season I think Xavier Coates will be the best winger in the game alongside Brian To’o. We’ve already seen the rapid pace and aerial ability of Coates. With the coaching of Bellamy and the Storm system, Coates is in for one hell of a season. We’ve already seen what Bellamy has done for the likes of Addo Carr, Vunivalu, and the likes in the past. Coates will be the next one on the list which Bellamy will turn into a world class winger.

Nick Meaney -

Nick Meaney is another one who has probably taken a pay cut in hopes of learning off the best in the business. With the departure of Nicho Hynes, I think Meaney will play a similar role for the Storm, and just pop up anywhere he is needed. The ex Bulldog winger already has lightning pace but Bellamy will be looking to unlock some untapped potential which may turn Meaney into a great first grader.

Knights

Strengths

Kalyn Ponga -

The main guy Kayln Ponga is going to need to have an absolutely huge season if the Knights are to have any chance of making the finals. The Knights fullback will be at the forefront of everything the Knight will be doing this season. With the departure of Mitchell Pearce, Ponga will have an added responsibility of trying to lead his team around the park with the new look inexperienced Knights halves. Now being named captain I think Ponga will relish the added responsibility and have a heck of a season. It will be up to the rest of the Knights squad to give Ponga a hand if they are to succeed this season.

Centre Pairing -

The Knights centre pairing of Bradman Best and Dane Gagai is very slept on to start the season off. The young Knights centre and Queensland Maroon representative will have to be at their best to ensure some weight is taken off Ponga. Best’s 2021 season was burdened by injury but will be looking to bounce back and have a steller 2022 to prove he is still one of the leagues brightest talents. Gagai on the other hand returns to Newcastle having become a more developed and experienced player. Being one of the more experienced players in the squad Gagai will be looking to lead by example in hope the other youngsters follow suit.

Weakness/Talking Point

Lack of Experience in Spine -

The departure of Mitchell Pearce and season ending injury to Jayden Brailey has not only left a big void in the Knights spine, but has left them with a very inexperienced spine. Other than Kayln Ponga who is only 23, the likes of Jake Clifford, Phoenix Crossland, Adam Clune, and Chris Randell all have had limited footy time. This may result in poor decision making at key stages of the game. It may be up to Ponga to possibly give the halves a hand during the match and take some pressure off them in terms of steering the team around the field. My take is that if the Knights’ spine starts to struggle I think it is going to be a tough season for the Newcastle side.

X Factor

Kalyn Ponga -

It is simple really. KP is x factor

Players to Watch

Phoenix Crossland -

With Adam Clune the front runner to pair Jake Clifford in the halves. If the ex Dragon half struggles with form to start the season. I would expect that Phoenix Crossland will get the nod to fill the void. The young Knights half is yet to really get a full taste of first grade, having been in and out of the starting side for a few years now. If given the opportunity I think Crossland could show us some of the potential we all saw in him at a young age.

Edrick Lee -

The Knights’ winger career has been burdened with multiple injuries. With Lee resigned for 2022 he will be looking to have a great return to prove to everyone he is still a class first grader. Although Lee might not be in the Knights’ side come round one, I think we will see him feature at some point of the season.

That is a wrap team, thanks for taking the time to read my blog. Part two coming soon!