NRL Team Breakdown Pt.2

I hope all you NRL heads enjoyed part one! Here is the final part of my team breakdown. Just reminded if you’re new around here, the categories I’ll be going through for each team are strengths, weaknesses/talking points, x factor players, and players to watch out for.

North Queensland Cowboys

Strengths

The Rise of Hamiso Tabuai Fidow -

The young utility back has come of age in the past couple of seasons in a struggling Cowboys side. Having started off on the wing, ‘The Hammer’ has found himself in every position in the back five whether it be on the wing, in the centres or at the back. After being one of the shining lights last year for the Cowboys, the young Queenslander was given a debut for the Maroons where he didn’t look out of place. With Tabuai Fidow getting the first crack in the number one jersey for the Cowboys this year. Todd Payten will be hoping ‘The Hammer’ can carry on his great form into the 2022 season, and continue to grow and develop his game.

A Young Squad -

The Cowboys have a decently young squad besides the likes of Chad Townsend, Kyle Feldt, Jason Taumalolo and Valentine Holmes. Their forward pack consists of a lot of young players with potential such as young back rowing pair Jeremiah Nanai and Helium Luki. Both featured for parts of the 2021 season, and looked very damaging with ball in hand. Then you have Reuben Cotter and Reece Robson, both young hookers who can also play that middle link role. The two young hookers still have plenty of growing to do in terms of game management and the likes, but the competition between the two will only get the best out of them. If we move into the halves, you’ve got Scott Drinkwater and Tom Dearden who have a couple seasons under their belt but having reached the heights many thought they would, but both still have heaps of time left in their career to prove people they can be solid players. Murray Taulagi is another player which I think had an amazing 2021 season. The young winger had his first season of consistent footy last year which resulted in him scoring ten tries. I think Taulagi may be locked in a wing spot alongside veteran Feldt after a great 2021. Overall, the Cowboys have a young squad with a lot of potential. Hopefully the club gives coach Payten some time to develop these young players.

Weaknesses/Talking Points

Inexperienced -

As I emphasised before the Cowboys’ have a very young and inexperienced team which may take time to develop into a solid squad. It will be up to the Cowboys’ board to be patient with Payten and allow him to create a brand of football with this young bunch. Therefore, the Cowboys might be in for a tough season if things don’t go their way. The main goal for Payten will be to try to find an identity or style of play for his side. Ever since Thurston retired the Cowboys haven’t really had any identity, and have struggled heavily in terms of the brand of footy they play.

Too Reliant on Taumalolo -

As I mentioned before, the Cowboys struggled to identify any sort of style. Too often they would just rely on Taumalolo to march them down the field, and try to run some sort of play off that. Now with many teams double teaming Taumalolo that same go forward has been limited which means the Cowboys of late have had no momentum making their attack ineffective. Previously the Cowboys had forwards such as Matt Scott, Gavin Cooper, and James Tamou who would all share the load with Taumalolo allowing him to be used more effectively. Nowadays with Taumalolo being the more experienced of the bunch the workload is becoming too much for Taumalolo. Meaning when the Cowboys are in the attacking zone, Taumalolo is just too gassed. Hopefully this year the workload can be shared around the pack so Taumalolo can be used more effectively.

X Factor

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow Fidow -

I’ve already expressed how I feel about ‘The Hammer’. And I’m guessing that we’re all hoping he can keep up his form and make the number one jersey his own.

Scott Drinkwater -

Surprisingly Drinkwater seems to be losing the race for a halves spot this year which surprises me. I thought that he was solid in 2021, and was the spark alongside Tabuai Fidow in terms of attack. Drinkwater being such an instinctive player makes him very dangerous, and would make him a perfect fit alongside Chad Townsend. I think he needs to be somewhere in the Cowboys 17 as his speed and attacking threat is what the Cowboys need.

Players to Watch

Jeremiah Nanai -

The young edge back rower had his first taste of NRL last season, and in only four games he looks like a solid player. In the little time he’s had in the NRL, Nanai has already had other clubs asking for his signature as he comes off contract at the end of the season. This just shows how highly regarded he is, and the Cowboys will be hoping they can lock him up for the future.

Heilum Luki -

Another one of the Cowboys’ young edge back rowers, Luki is another one who came onto the scene in 2021. Scoring three tries in his eleven appearances. One of the highlights of his 2021 season was when he chased down Reece Walsh, and almost pulled off one of the trysavers of the season by showing his rapid pace. The Cowboys will be expecting Luki to continue to grow as a player with more game experience.

Parramatta Eels

Strength

No Big Changes to 2021 Squad -

2021 was a great season for the Parramatta Eels, one win away from a prelim final appearance. After losing to the Panthers last year in a nail biting contest which went down to the death. The Eels are in a good spot come round one. Without their key player Reed Mahoney, the Eels were able to go toe to toe with eventual Premiers in an epic match. With their squad looking almost identical to the one from 2021, and a whole preseason the Parramatta side will be looking to win it all in 2022. During the preseason Brad Arthur would have highlighted the period in the 2021 season which resulted in the Eels dropping out of the top 4 come finals. This will not be the case in 2022, with the spine of Gutherson, Brown, Moses and Mahoney hungry to stake their claim as one of the more dangerous sides in the league. I think the Eels are a real threat this year and will be in the hunt for a grand final berth come finals time.

Weakness/Talking Point

Pressure to Perform -

The Eels in the past have had some very good squads but have failed to succeed. This year will be no different, with a stacked side, many will expect Parramatta to be contenders come round one. As they say with pressure comes expectation, something Parramatta has failed to overcome in the past. Especially with Reed Mahoney leaving at the end of 2022, the Eels’ premiership window may be closing. Hopefully, the Eels are able to turn this pressure into diamonds, and stamp a huge mark in the league in 2022.

X Factor

Will Penisini -

The young Parramatta centre came onto the scene very late in the 2021 campaign, and had a huge finals series. Penesini showed a lot of ticker during the finals being able to handle his own against some of the best in the league. Not only was Penesini a threat on attack but was very solid on defense keeping the likes of Morgan Harper and Stephen Crichton reasonably quiet. The Eels will be looking for Penesini to continue to develop with many seeing shades of Michael Jennings in the young centre.

Players to Watch

Bailey Simonsson -

With Maika Sivo and Haze Dunster out for a decent amount of time to start the season off, the ex Canberra winger is a lock on the wing come round one. Simmonson will be looking to revive his career at the Eels after a tough season at a struggling Canberra side. The young kiwi was electric when he first came onto the scene and will be looking to find some of that form at the Eels. I can expect to see Simmonson on the end of a lot of the Parramatta tries in 2022.

Dylan Brown -

I think Dylan Brown is one of the more underrated five eights in the league, and cops a lot of unnecessary hate from the NRL community. The young five eight has been the glue to the Parramatta spine since debuting a couple of seasons ago. Without being flashy Brown is a very solid defender with great support play awareness, whilst possessing a great short kicking game. Brown will be looking to have a standout season and taking his game to the next level in 2022.

Penrith Panthers

Strengths

Nathan Cleary -

The young half has achieved almost everything an NRL player could dream of, and he is still only 24. Cleary is arguably the best player in the league at the moment, and doesn’t look like he’s going to get worse. Kicking, game managing, tackling, the kid has it all. The Panthers will be looking for Cleary to have another Dally M type season which will hopefully put them on track to go back to back in 2022. The future is very bright for Cleary as he is on track to become one of the greatest of all time.

Threats Across the Pitch -

If you look at the Panthers’ team from one to thirteen there are just threats everywhere. The shifting man at the back Dylan Edwards always seems to break his first tackle, and catches us off guard. Then Staines and Brian To’o on the wings, that just screams speed and tries. Then you’ve got the two young centres in Tago and Crichton, both dangerous in their own ways. The halves are balanced with the composure and game management of Cleary, and the dangerous ball runner Luai who also has a touch of class to him. Then you’ve got Koroisau probing out of dummy half with Fisher Harris and Leota off his shoulder steaming down the field. If you look at their edges with both Kikau and Martin who will run lines all night, with Yeo connecting it all together. That is one hell of a team with danger through the whole team. This definitely looks like a team that can go back to back, tell me otherwise.

Weakness/Talking Point

Pressure of Going Back to Back -

The Panthers are a very hard team to find weaknesses is especially after just winning a grand final. But if there was a slight weakness I guess this could be it. Again, I’m scraping at the bottom of the barrel here…

X Factor

Stephen Crichton -

What a grand final performance from the 21 year old. From the moment Crichton debuted in the NRL we all knew he was going to be something special. Whether it be at fullback, wing or centres Crichton has shown how much of a threat he can be. The young Panther will mostly start the season in the centres but I wouldn’t be surprised if we see him at fullback at some point during 2022, as I think the time and space he gets at the back is perfect for him. It also wouldn’t shock me if we see Crichton in the Blues number 14 jersey come Origin time.

Players to Watch

Izack Tago -

The young centre/backrower debuted last year and played a handful of matches during the Origin period, and looked solid. Tago in his limited matches was powerful with ball in hand considering his small stature with a physique similar to Brian To’o. The young Panther will be looking to lock down a spot in the 17 in 2022.

Taylan May -

Younger brother of Tyrone May, Taylan similar to Tago debuted during the Origin period. In that one game Taylan didn’t look out of place. He was very solid, and handled the physical side of things very well. Having played alongside Tago in NSW Cup, Taylan May will be looking to form that combo again in the NRL this year.

Spencer Leniu -

The 21 year old front rower had his first consistent season in first grade last year, and will be looking to push for a starting spot in 2022. The powerful front rower was great coming off the bench for the Panthers last year providing them with great impact and aggression in the middle third of the field. I think Spencer Leniu is in for a breakout season which will see him eventually earning a starting spot alongside James Fisher Harris.

St George Illawarra Dragons

Strengths

Young Core -

The Dragons have a very similar young core to the Panthers in terms of many of them having come through the juniors together. The likes of Jayden Sullivan, Junior Amone, Tyrell Sloan, and Cody Ramsey have all come through the Dragons’ system together, and have had a lot of success. Very similar to the likes of Nathan Cleary, Jarome Luai, and Brian To’o at the Panthers. It may take some time for the young core to develop into something like the Panthers but it is a great place to be at. Junior Amone and Tyrell Sloan have shown us in the trial matches this year that they are very handy players. If you look at the other young talent in the Dragons squad, players like Zac Lomax, and Moses Suli are proven first graders who are early in their NRL career, and will be looking to take their game to another level this year. Then if you look outside of the young core you have seasoned veterans like Ben Hunt, Andrew McCullough, and Tariq Sims who will provide the experience which is needed to balance out the Dragons’ squad.

Experience of Ben Hunt & Andrew McCullough -

The two ex Broncos are in a very young Dragons squad, and will have to play a huge part if the team is to succeed in 2022. Add Tariq Sims and Josh McGuire, the four more experienced players in the squad will look to guide and set an example for a lot of the younger players in the squad. Anthony Griffin will be looking for these players to step up in the big moments, and take the game by the scruff of the neck.

Weakness/Talking Point

Young Core not Living up to the Hype -

As I mentioned before there are a lot of young, inexperienced players in the Dragons squad. These young players will only grow with game time but will take time to perfect their game. Especially with Sloan and Amone who are the more younger ones in the Dragons’ spine, when it comes to crunch time, they may weaken with pressure which is completely fine. It will be up to Anthony Griffin to be patient with his young players, and allow them time to learn their craft. On the other hand the Dragons young core could come out in 2022 and be fantastic which is what many are hoping they can do.

X Factor

Zac Lomax -

The threatening Dragons’ centre is becoming one of the more elite centres in the NRL. Lomax was one of the Dragons’ best last season providing a lot for the side on attack. Many have called for Lomax to get an Origin berth but with the likes of Trbojevic and Latrell Mitchell the incumbents for the NSW centre pair, he will have to do a lot to get the nod. Lomax will be hoping to have another great season where he can take his game to a new level, and finally get the recognition he deserves.

Tyrell Sloan -

Sloan looks to have secured the number one jersey for round one after great performances in the All Star and trial matches. The young Dragons’ fullback possesses a lot of speed and can evade defenders with ease. His sleight of hand and ball playing ability makes him a threat to opposition. Sloan will look to lock down the Dragons’ number one jersey for 2022 and beyond.

Players to Watch

Moses Suli -

The ex Manly centre was very powerful for them at the backend of the 2021 season being a handful for his opposing centre. After signing with the Dragons for 2022, and more than likely getting a starting spot in the centres. Suli will be looking to fulfill the potential many of us saw in him when he first broke into the league.

Junior Amone -

The young five eight had his first taste of NRL last year, and was very dangerous with ball in hand. After having an impressive couple of trial games, Amone looks to have won the race to partner Ben Hunt in the halves. Hunt is the perfect player for Amone as he will be able to learn from him as the season goes on. Amone will be looking to put his hand as one of the NRL more exciting young halves in 2022.

South Sydney Rabbitohs

Strengths

Latrell & Cody Walker -

Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker will have to be at their very best if they’re in hopes of making a run in the finals this year. The two will have added responsibility with the departure of Adam Reynolds, and take over the role that he played. Reynolds handled a lot of the kicking and game managing whilst at the Rabbitohs, and it will be up to Walker to take the reins and steer the team around the field come round one. The combination between Walker and Latrell is one of the more dangerous duos in the league possessing a mixture of both speed and power. The Rabbitohs’ fan base will be hoping both Latrell and Walker have big seasons as they try to maintain their place on the ladder without the likes of Reynolds and Gagai.

Forward Pack -

The Rabbitohs have one of the more versatile forward packs with a mixture of power and speed. The front row consists of the two power houses Tom Burgess and Jai Arrow who are both workhorses in terms of tackles and metres. Then on the edges you have the strong power man in Keon Koloamatangi, with the very versatile Michael Chee Kam on the other side. Through the middle you have the man who just does it all Cam Murray. The starting forward pack itself is probably one the best in the league. Add the likes of Junior Tatola, Siliva Havili, Mark Nicholls and Liam Knight off the bench which will provide a similar punch. What a pack, is all I can say!

Weakness/Talking Point

No Adam Reynolds -

The departure of Adam Reynolds is huge for the Rabbitohs. Reynolds allowed the likes of Cody Walker and Latrell Mitchell to just come in and out of the game whenever they wanted the ball, and play what was in front of them. They didn’t have the pressure to kick corners and steer the team around the field as Reynolds did the majority of that. Without Reynolds a lot of this responsibility will fall onto Cody Walker. The added responsibility may prevent Walker from doing all the flashy stuff as his focus will be on filling the void left by Reynolds. Also at times Walker’s emotions can get the better of him in heated moments, and that is not what you want from your number one half in crucial stages of the match. Rabbitohs fans will be hoping the club don’t take a backwards step following the departure of Reynolds.

X Factor

Latrell & Cody -

It’s simple really. If Cody and Latrell are firing the Rabbitohs will go well.

Players to Watch

Lachlan Ilias -

The young half looks set to be the man to fill Adam Reynolds big shoes. At such a young age this is a lot of pressure for Illias but many will be hoping he can live up to the hype. It may take some time for Illias to build up his game, and lets hope he forms a great partnership alongside Cody Walker.

Keaon Koloamatangi -

The young edge back rower had a breakout season last year providing a lot of threat on the edge. This great form got him the call up into the NSW Blues squad as depth. This would’ve been a great experience for Koloamatangi getting to learn off all the elite players in camp. Koloamatangi will be looking to have another great season and solidify himself as one of the premier edge back rowers in the NRL.

Sydney Roosters

Strengths

The Return of the Injured -

The Roosters were without a few big guns for decent parts of 2021 and still had a reasonable finish to the year. The return of the likes of Luke Keary and Lindsay Collins who were out for nearly the whole 2021 season will be very welcoming. It will also be good to get Joey Manu and Joseph Sualli who missed the back end of the season. Welcoming back all these players only makes things better for the already strong Roosters squad. In 2021 the Roosters still made a semi final with a much weaker side to the one which will be running out in round one. The Roosters will be a side to watch in 2022 if they can get all their new combinations sorted out. They will be a real premiership threat come finals time.

Young Blood Gaining Experience from 2021 -

Due to a heap of injuries in 2021, Trent Robinson was forced to blood more youngsters that he would’ve intended at the start of the season. All the match experience that young players would’ve gained from these games would be huge. If called upon due to injuries in 2022 a lot of these youngsters would have adapted to the environment in the NRL, and will have no problem performing at NRL level. I think the likes of Sualli and Sam Walker will be in for huge seasons after getting a taste of NRL level footy in 2021.

Weakness/Talking Point

No Excuses -

The Roosters are a hard team to find weaknesses in as their squad is so high quality. Therefore 2022 will be a season with no excuses. With all their troops back, many expected the Roosters to make a deep run in the finals, and be in the premiership conversation.

X Factor

James Tedesco -

With Luke Keary back a lot of the added responsibility that Tedesco had in 2021 which didn’t allow him to be his elusive self will be lifted off him in 2022. Tedesco will be back to his best come round one after a subpar season in terms of his standards in 2021. I think Tedesco is in for a huge season and will be looking to take back the reins of being regarded as the best fullback in the NRL.

Player to Watch

Joseph Suaalii -

After getting his first taste of NRL footy last year at the age of 17, Sualli will look to lock down a spot in the Roosters lineup in 2022. At such a young age Suaalii has more than handled himself in the NRL arena, and has shown glimpses of the great potential he has. Currently Suaalii looks to have possibly gotten a starting spot in the Roosters lineup for round one, and will be looking to make it his own for the 2022 season.

NZ Warriors

Strengths

The Return of SJ -

Ever since Shaun Johnson left the Warriors it just never felt the same. The return of Johnson is exactly what the Warriors need, a level headed and game managing half. Johnson’s biggest goal will be to stay injury free in 2022, and if he can the Warriors will be pushing for the eight come finals time. In a squad with a lot of inexperience, Johnson is the perfect player the likes of Reece Walsh and Chanel Harris Tavita can learn off. After finally having a great forward pack, Johnson will be getting a lot of front foot ball which only makes it easy for him to work his magic. Johnson will be looking to lead the Warriors to the finals this year as they’ve yet to experience finals footy since the departure of him in 2018.

Depth Galore in the Forwards -

The Warriors seem to have a reasonable amount of depth in their forward pack for the first time in a while. With the likes of Lodge, Fonua Blake, and Curran basically locks for round one. The likes of Eli Katoa, Euan Aitken, Bailey Sironen, Jack Murchie and Ben Murdoch Masila will have to battle it out for the two edge spots with one or two of them missing out on the 17. Then you have the dalema in the middle with Pene, Jazz, and Bunty all fighting for spots on the bench, and with the return of Tohu Harris after a few rounds. This only makes it hard for Nathan Brown to name his forward pack. With all this depth it will only get the best out of the boys as many will be fighting for spots week in week out.

Weaknesses/Talking Point

Lack of Depth & Experience in the Outside Backs -

If you look at the Warriors back five, Dallin Watene Zelezniak is the only player with experience. The likes of Walsh, Berry, Montoya and Arthurs are yet to have a consistent amount of NRL games under their belt. The lack of experience may get the better of them in crucial stages of the game, and could force mistakes to occur in their game. The young back five will still be learning their trade in terms of making defensive reads, and may take some time to become solid first graders. Then if you look at the depth in the outside backs a lot are very young with near to no NRL experience. If injury were to hit the Warriors may have problems finding a replacement which can handle the NRL. We can only hope that the young Warriors backs can find their feet in the NRL and become solid players.

X Factor

Reece Walsh -

After his debut season in 2021 Walsh will be looking to touch up the few holes he has in his game in 2022. Walsh was electric last season being the main man in attack for the Warriors with multiple try involvements week in week out. The young fullback's ball playing ability makes him a threat with his ability to find his winger. I think Walsh is in for a big season as he stakes his claim as one of the best young players in the league. He will be at the centre of the Warriors success, and a crucial part of their attack alongside Johnson.

Players to Watch

Josh Curran -

After a breakout 2021 Curran will be looking to take his game to another level this season. The versatile backrower was damaging on attack and defence last season making a real name for himself as one of the Warriors cult heroes. After just resigning with the Warriors, Curran is in for a huge season where I think he will be in the conversation for an NSW call up come Origin time.

Rocco Berry -

Berry had his first taste of NRL footy in 2021, and didn’t look out of his depth. With a few small holes in his game, Berry will be looking to develop his game this season, and trying to lock down a spot in the Warriors lineup. Coming from a rugby background, Berry’s defence surprised many with the way he handled the game physically. I think Berry is one of the more slept on young centres in the game, and has the potential to be very good.

Junior Ratuva -

Ratuva is a relatively new member of the Warriors squad, and is yet to make his NRL debut. During the Warriors trial match Ratuva looked great out on the wing with his tall roaming figure. I don’t think Ratuva will be on the Warriors round one team list but I wouldn’t be surprised if he features at some point during the season.

West Tigers

Strength

Addition of Jackson Hasting & Tyrone Peachey -

The addition of Jackson Hastings and Tyrone Peachey is only the start of the Tigers’ recruitment with more stars coming in 2023. Hastings provides the level head and experience the Tigers needed. After a few seasons in the Super League Hastings will be looking to bring that form to the Tigers as they fight their way up the table. Peachey brings the spark which the Tigers have lacked, the unorthodox footy that he provides is dangerous at times. Both these signings will look to have a big impact for the Tigers as they build towards their 2023 season where the heavy artillery arrives.

Weakness/Talking Point

Pressure on McGuire -

Michael McGuire is probably the coach with the most pressure on him coming into this season. The pressure for the Tigers to perform will be immense with all the media being zoomed in on every Tigers performance. This will be tough for the Tigers squad and may cause them to crumble under pressure as we saw in 2021 with their Tales of Tiger Town documentary. It will be up to the Tigers’ playing group to prove people wrong and rise to the occasion.

X Factor

Adam Doueihi -

Adam Doeuhi was fantastic for the Tigers last year, and probably their best. Wherever Doeuhi played he was a threat with ball in hand, and had his hands all over the Tigers attack. This year Doeuhi looks like he will be starting off in the centres, and will be looking to carry his form over from last year. Alongside Jackson Hasting, I think Doeuhi will be at the centre of the Tigers attack, and will have to be at his best for the Tigers to succeed.

Tyrone Peachey -

As I spoke about previously, Peachey’s unorthodox style of footy makes him such a hard player to defend. Peachey will be looking to bring that same style to the Tigers, and hopefully be given the license to pop up around the field making him very dangerous. Hopefully the Tigers are able to get the best out of Peachey as he can be one of the most dangerous players in the league on his day.

Players to Watch

Stefano Utoikamanu -

The young front rower had a great 2021 season which saw him called into the Blues Origin camp. Stefano was powerful for the Tigers last year, and will be looking to do the same this year. After having his first full season in the NRL with consistent game time, Stefano will look to take his game to another level which may see him get an Origin debut in 2022.

Luciano Leilua -

The Tigers’ edge back rower was very dangerous for them last season, and probably one of their best. With Leilua already signed with the Cowboys for 2023 many would’ve expected him to take a back season in 2022, but that does not seem the case after his performance in this year's trials matches. Leilua looks fitter and stronger than ever, and was a handful for his opposition. I think Leilua is in for a huge season, and will have to be at his best if the Tigers are to improve their position on the table.

That is all for my NRL team breakdowns, I hope you guys had a good read. Your support is much appreciated. Next piece of writing coming soon!