Another big year to come, and we're still reeling from the quality of Season 2002. We saw an epic Grand Final between Gold Coast and North Melbourne, the rise of sides such as Parramatta and Canberra, and the fall of sides such as Perth, Sydney, and Central Coast. Who will win it this year? Can North Melbourne do it again? Or will a new face rise to challenge the dominance of Gold Coast?

*ADELAIDE ATTITUDE*
The Attitude were dominant all year, but struggled towards the season's end, and will need to work on their stamina if they want to really threaten as a premiership side. Have the skill, especially in the forwards, to be a real force.
GAINS: Nathan Friend, Doug Howlett (NZRU) and Bryan Riley (Rookie).
LOSSES: Corey Pearson.
KEY PLAYER: Sean Long.
WILD CARD: James Lowes.
RISING STAR: Harry Prince
VETERAN: Stephen Kearney.
ASSESSMENT: Could be their on Grand Final day with a fit squad.

*BRISBANE BULLS*
Were good all year, but have shown in the last few months that they lack the ability to really dominate the league. Have some real quality, but until they can learn to focus, will never be a threat to sides such as Gold Coast and Carnarvon.
GAINS: Wayne Pryce, Tomas Larsson (Rookie), Brett Mullins (Parramatta), Braith Anasta (Port Moresby) and Tony Martin.
LOSSES: Matthew Burke (Port Moresby) and Scott Donald (Central).
KEY PLAYER: Braith Anasta.
WILD CARD: John Hopoate.
RISING STAR: Kandy Tamer.
VETERAN: Allan Langer.
ASSESSMENT: Won't be there come finals time, unless they can gain some consistency.

*BROOME WARRIORS*
It's always hard to judge a new entity, especially when they've proved so unpredictable in the Cup. Were thrashed by Central, but had little trouble with a lacklustre Parramatta lineup. Have an OK squad, and could surprise a few sides.
GAINS: New squad.
LOSSES: New squad.
KEY PLAYER: Darren Rogers.
WILD CARD: Abderezak Elkhabuki.
RISING STAR: Joven Clarke.
VETERAN: Michael Roberston.
ASSESSMENT: Won't trouble many sides, but could cause a few upsets.

*CANBERRA CHARGERS*
Surprised everyone by almost qualifying for the finals last year, and will be hurting after being denied on a draw. The Chargers have a very good side, but their depth is questionable, and they'll need to find adequate replacements should injuries or the rep season hit them hard.
GAINS: John Cross (Sydney), John Carlaw, Joel Caine (Darwin), and Chris Logan (Rookie)
LOSSES: None.
KEY PLAYER: Jonny Wilkinson.
WILD CARD: Jonah Lomu.
RISING STAR: Chris Logan.
VETERAN: Scott Logan.
ASSESSMENT: Will be supremely strong when in form, but woeful without key players.

*CARNARVON COWBOYS*
Have shown us that they are a side to be taken seriously, taking out last year's Minor Premiership and making it to the quarter finals of the Bob Fulton Cup. The Cowboys were hit hard by retirements last year, but have recruited strongly, and should be there again.
GAINS: Michael Vella, Brad Drew, John Stankevitch (Sydney), Justin Morgan, Jamie Venebles (Rookie), and Freddie Banquet (France).
LOSSES: David Riolo (Retirement) and Ben Kennedy (Sydney).
KEY PLAYER: Jason Taylor.
WILD CARD: Brad Drew.
RISING STAR: Johnathon Thurston.
VETERAN: Iestyn Harris.
ASSESSMENT: Will undoubtedly go in as the biggest threat to Gold Coast.

*CENTRAL COAST FALCONS*
Had a woeful year last year, especially with Anthoni Magro's comings and goings. The Lebanese coach has promised a turn around however, and definately has the squad to do it. Have been scintillating in the Bob Fulton Cup, and will entertain all year in Second Division.
GAINS: Phillipe Bernat-Salles (France), Sebastian Azema (France), Brian Tabuli (Rookie), and Solomon Haumona.
LOSSES: Paul Harrogan and Craig Polla-Mounter (Retirement).
KEY PLAYER: Nigel Vagana.
WILD CARD: Gunter Franz.
RISING STAR: Brian Tabuli.
VETERAN: Hazem El Masri.
ASSESSMENT: May well prove to be the dominant side in Division Two.

*CENTRAL PHOENIX*
As always, the Phoenix are a capable side, and with some good recruiting, could go that one step further after two fairly disappointing seasons. Have absolutely hammered sides in the Bob Fulton Cup, and with a full strength side they could do it all year.
GAINS: Justin Murphy, Barrie McDermott, Romian Gagglizio (France), Chris Morley, Scott Donald (Brisbane), Sean Rudder (Surfer's Paradise), Tyler Durden (Rookie), and Karle Hammond (Gold Coast).
LOSSES: Jamie Peacock (Surfer's Paradise), Matthew Johns (Gold Coast), and Jim Dymock (New Zealand).
KEY PLAYER: Clinton Schifcofske.
WILD CARD: Craig Wing.
RISING STAR: Justin Murphy.
VETERAN: Gorden Tallis.
ASSESSMENT: Will prove to be a real force in the Premier League, and could go the distance.

*CHRISTCHURCH CARNAGE*
Were absolutely crushed in their opening ASRL fixture, but are stronger than the result showed, and will not be as poor as punter's think.
GAINS: New squad.
LOSSES: New squad.
KEY PLAYER: Carlos Spencer.
WILD CARD: Stuart Spruce.
RISING STAR: Latham Tawai.
VETERAN: Adam Connolly.
ASSESSMENT: Have a fairly good mixture of veterans and youth, and could put together a strong challenge for the title.

*COFFS HARBOUR WYRMS*
Have been a real surprise packet in the Bob Fulton Cup, and along with Eastwood, are the only two Division Two sides to make the quarter finals. The Wyrms have a very talented side, and if coach Jelly Adams can strike a winning combination, they'll be a force in Division Two.
GAINS: Nime Kapo, Paul Franze, and Brendan Williams.
LOSSES: None.
KEY PLAYER: Stirling Mortlock.
WILD CARD: Ryan Sheridan.
RISING STAR: Francis Meli.
VETERAN: Luke Priddis.
ASSESSMENT: Can be a real threat to complacent sides, and will rely on this to earn them a finals berth.

*DARWIN CYCLONES*
Had the best attack last year, but still only just qualified for the Premier League due to their poor win/loss ratio. Will need to improve on their consistency if they are ever to challenge the top sides like Carnarvon, Adelaide, Central, and Gold Coast.
GAINS: Richie Blackmore (Sydney), Lee Penny, and Steven Hughes.
LOSSES: Joel Caine (Canberra).
KEY PLAYER: Angel Withers.
WILD CARD: Morton Weatherall.
RISING STAR: Angel Withers.
VETERAN: Kevin Campion.
ASSESSMENT: Will need to improve their record against the higher ranked sides, but will scare plenty of sides along the way.

*EASTWOOD PUMAS*
Have surprised a lot of sides, including Gold Coast, on their run towards a clash with Coffs Harbour. The side has always been strong, but negligent coaching has hurt then, and I'm sure the faithful are hoping Christopher Harrison can spark something of a turnaround.
GAINS: Lance Hohaia, Todd Byrne, Joseph Nutley (Rookie), and Motu Tony (North Melbourne).
LOSSES: None.
KEY PLAYER: David Furner.
WILD CARD: Motu Tony.
RISING STAR: Xander Travis.
VETERAN: Matt Adamson.
ASSESSMENT: Will surprise a lot of sides in the second division, and could well be meeting some Premier League sides next year.

*FREEMANTLE ACES*
The Aces put on a good show against North Sydney, but are something of an unknown entity in the ASRL, as they played away from home and were fielding an injured captain. Only time will tell.
GAINS: New squad.
LOSSES: New squad.
KEY PLAYER: Matthew Rodwell.
WILD CARD: Elton Flatley.
RISING STAR: Willie Manu.
VETERAN: Matt Cooper.
ASSESSMENT: Could surprise some sides, but definately won't be contenders for promotion.

*GOLD COAST CRUSADE*
The Crusade are still stinging from their Grand Final loss, and have actually strengthened their side in the off season with some good trades. Will be there again at season's end, as long as they can keep Johns fit.
GAINS: Julian O'Neill (New Zealand), Mat Toschak, Matthew Johns (Central), Christian Walker (Rookie), Steve Simpson (New Zealand), Gary Connolly (Wollongong), Damian Driscoll (Ireland), and Michael Beuttner (Parramatta).
LOSSES: Tony Fabri, Paul Gallen (Wollongong), Caleb Ralph, Wairangi Koopu, Waisale Sovatabua (New Zealand), Stuart Spruce (Christchurch), Karle Hammond (Central), Nathan Fien (Newcastle), Brian Carney (Gold Coast), Dane Carlaw (Surfers Paradise) and Matthew Rodwell (Freemantle).
KEY PLAYER: Andrew Johns.
WILD CARD: Kris Radlinski.
RISING STAR: Tommy O'Reilly.
VETERAN: Gary Connolly.
ASSESSMENT: Will be the benchmark of season 2002/2003, but will need to solve their sometimes worrying form slumps.

*HAWKESBURY MAVERICKS*
Missed the finals narrowly last year, and may find themselves in Division Two next year, after a horror bout of retirements left them as a shell of a side. Didn't even qualify for the BFC, and really won't compete in Premier League.
GAINS: Steve Prescott, Lance Rats (Rookie), Fabian Devichi (France), Christian Hill, Christopher Williams, Danny Lima, Dick Cassidy, Christian Lambert, and Josh Stuart.
LOSSES: Matthew Ridge, Ricky Stuart, Nathan Brown, David Fairleigh and Tony Butterfield (Retired).
KEY PLAYER: Brad Fittler.
WILD CARD: Lote Tuqiri.
RISING STAR: Christian Hill.
VETERAN: Steve Renouf.
ASSESSMENT: Will struggle to compete all year, but with the right strategies, could prove a dark horse.

*MANLY CANNONS*
Were good last year, and look to get better this year with a more focussed squad. The lineup hasn't changed much, but a few well known faces have been replaced with youth. Will the change of tactics help or hinder? Only Kermitt Krokett can tell.
GAINS: Brian McDermott, Patrick Varune (PNG), and Kit Walker (Rookie).
LOSSES: None.
KEY PLAYER: Stacey Jones.
WILD CARD: Stanley Tepend.
RISING STAR: Kit Walker.
VETERAN: Steve Menzies.
ASSESSMENT: Will be a quality side, but without the glamour of more reknowned clubs, won't be a threat to the minor premiership.

*NEW ENGLAND FERRETS*
Were abysmal last year, dropping from 3rd in 2001/2002 to a shocking 25th overall in 2002. The squad hasn't changed much, but hopefully it can achieve Rowland Kelly's ambition of a return to the Premier League.
GAINS: Brad Baker, Brian Leauma, Olivier Sarramea, Naipolioni Kuricibi, Daniel Ferris (Rookie), Shane Elford, and, Tangiia Tongia.
LOSSES: Ben Ikin (North Sydney).
KEY PLAYER: Lee Briers.
WILD CARD: Brian Leauma.
RISING STAR: Brian Leauma.
VETERAN: Chris Joynt.
ASSESSMENT: If they play to their ability, New England will be unstoppable in Division Two, however if they play like they did last year- it could be another year of dissapointments.

*NEW ZEALAND COUGARS*
Can a new name and squad change Hobart from perennial finalists to a Grand Final winning side? Coach Nathan Hoy has done an awesome job of forging a top side- one capable of snaring a premiership in its maiden year.
GAINS: Graham Luana (Rookie), Richard Goddard, Jim Dymock (Central), David Vaeleki (Sydney), Clinton Toopi (Wollongong, Caleb Ralph, Wairangi Koopu, Waisale Sovatabua (Gold Coast), Jeremy Paul (Sutherland), Sonny Nickle, Matteo Gionetti, Brad Watts, and Timana Tahu (Surfer's Paradise).
LOSSES: Steve Simpson (Gold Coast), Tony Fabri (Wollongong), Jackson Marrick (Wollongong), Graham Bond (Wollongong), Luke Ricketson (Sydney) and Francis Cummins (Toowoomba).
KEY PLAYER: Trent Barrett.
WILD CARD: Jeremy Paul.
RISING STAR: Graham Luana.
VETERAN: Jim Dymock.
ASSESSMENT: The Cougars, although qualifying sixteenth, will finish much higher than that with the squad they've got. Are definately big premiership contenders.

NEWCASTLE FEAR
The Fear were shock winners in Round One of the Bob Fulton Cup, but definitely do have a squad capable of causing a few upsets. Few remember that this same side was one of 2001/2002’s best defensive units- and only needs to mesh again to return to that form.
GAINS: Graham Cartwright (Rookie), Michael Smith, Lee Oudenryn, Kyle Bryant, Matt Daylight, and Nathan Fien (Gold Coast).
LOSSES: None.
KEY PLAYER: Brad Mackay.
WILD CARD: Michael Smith.
RISING STAR: Jamie Feeney.
VETERAN: Kevin McGuinness.
ASSESSMENT: May not be ready for the jump into the Premier League, but can definitely make a positive start by putting together a strong season.

NORTH MELBOURNE MAULERS
The Maulers are the reigning premiers, yet go in as fourth favourites to take out the competition. The Maulers have many critics, some claiming the Grand Final win was a fluke, and the side will be out to disprove such claims in 2002/2003.
GAINS: Paul Marquet (Surfer’s Paradise), Ben Kirchner (Rookie), Silvain Houles, Leon Pryce, and Clayton Lyons (Victoria).
LOSSES: Tawera Nikau (Parramatta) and Rhys Wesser (Surfers Paradise).
KEY PLAYER: Paul Sculthorpe.
WILD CARD: Andrew Walker.
RISING STAR: Clayton Lyons.
VETERAN: Paul Wellens.
ASSESSMENT: May not have what it takes to make it two in a row, but will definitely be there again in the exciting end of the season.

NORTH SYDNEY NEWBLOODS
Like Hawkesbury, the Newbloods were struck hard by retirements, but have put together a recruitment policy to ensure they aren’t one year wonders. The ‘Bloods’ could be there again, provided they don’t have too many injuries.
GAINS: Nathan Wood, Chev Walker (New Zealand), Timothy Rice (Rookie), Ben Ikin (New England), Michael DeVere (New Zealand), Vila Mautatia, and Keith Wood.
LOSSES: Tim Horan, Gary Larson, Daryl Halligan, Billy Moore, and Geoff Toovey (Retirement).
KEY PLAYER: Brett Kimmorley.
WILD CARD: Nathan Wood.
RISING STAR: Timothy Rice.
VETERAN: Vila Mautatia.
ASSESSMENT: With a young squad, the Newbloods may struggle under big match expectations, but will play the same innovative defense and attack that earnt them a semi final berth last year.

PARRAMATTA VIKINGS
After a stellar 2002 season, the Vikings will be out to emulate their feats, but will be doing it without inspirational veterans such as Mullins and Beuttner. A solid recruitment policy may be the answer to Parramatta’s finals drought.
GAINS: Raif McCallin (Rookie), David Ferriol, Tawera Nikau (North Melbourne), Brett O’Farrell (Wollongong), Laurent Carrasco, Tana Umaga (Union), Brent Webb (Gold Coast), Craig Fitzgibbon (Surfer’s Paradise), Jason Moodie (Brisbane), Lee Jackson (Townsville), Jye Mullane, and Jamie Lyon (Perth).
LOSSES: Brett Mullins (Brisbane), Quentin Pongia (Townsville), and Michael Beuttner (Gold Coast).
KEY PLAYER: PJ Marsh.
WILD CARD: Tana Umaga.
RISING STAR: Marcus St Hilliare.
VETERAN: Steven Price.
ASSESSMENT: With this side and that coach, the Vikings will definitely threaten for a finals berth all year. They showed a little trouble in downing higher placed sides last year, and will need to improve that if they want a premiership.

PENRITH HIGHLANDERS
Another new entity, the Highlanders looked anything but impressive in their first hit out, but could be a surprise packet in the Division Two finals should they work out a solid combination.
GAINS: New squad.
LOSSES: New squad.
KEY PLAYER: Martin Gleeson.
WILD CARD: Dennis Moran.
RISING STAR: Lee Ralleigh.
VETERAN: Stuart Kelly.
ASSESSMENT: Will definitely not push any of Division Two’s ‘good’ sides, but could hurt a few lower placed sides with their unpredictability.

PERTH CITY WOLVES
Not to be confused with the in form Taipans, Perth City were good against Hawkesbury, but woeful in their next outing against Tamworth City. This erratic form suggests an erratic year for the Wolves.
GAINS: New squad.
LOSSES: New squad.
KEY PLAYER: Gavin Clinch.
WILD CARD: Ben Duckworth.
RISING STAR: Miguel Detreaux.
VETERAN: Owen Finnegan.
ASSESSMENT: The Perth City side look slightly better than a lot of fledgling sides, and will enjoy enormous support from the Perth locals- especially those disillusioned by Perth’s winning ways in years gone by. May even push for a finals appearance.

PERTH TAIPANS
After a slow season last year, the Taipans have seized their chance in the Premier League in an iron grip, already casting aside a number of strong sides in the lead up to their much anticipated clash with Carnarvon.
GAINS: Mitch Healy, Daniel Abraham, James Wynne (Gold Coast), Nqobiztha Ncube,
LOSSES: Jamie Lyon (Parramatta).
KEY PLAYER: Darren Lockyer.
WILD CARD: Keith Senior.
RISING STAR: Daniel Abrahem.
VETERAN: Steven Larkhim.
ASSESSMENT: Will definitely be a finals contender if they can keep fit, as they lack depth. The Taipans are, and always will be, a quality outfit- and will look to prove it again.

PORT MORESBY POWER
Have been named as favourites for Division Two, but will need to make a solid start if they intend to earn the respect of veteran clubs such as Sydney, New England, and Central Coast. Have a solid squad, but lack discipline at times.
GAINS: Matthew Burke (Brisbane), Jamie Bloem, and Tiri Toa.
LOSSES: Braith Anasta (Brisbane)
KEY PLAYER: Matthew Burke.
WILD CARD: Adrian Lam.
RISING STAR: John Morris.
VETERAN: Marcus Bai.
ASSESSMENT: Aren’t really deserving of their Division Two favouritism, and will need to produce some special results to really sway my opinion. Will definitely be there come finals time however.

REDLANDS RHINOS
Another side looking to forge its name in the annals of ASRL history, but may lack the squad to do little more than scrape their name into a tree somewhere in the park. Did hold New Zealand out for most of the game, but I’d attribute that to a poor game on New Zealand’s part.
GAINS: New squad.
LOSSES: New squad.
KEY PLAYER: Brett Finch.
WILD CARD: Paul Sterling.
RISING STAR: Beau Mundine.
VETERAN: Daryl Cardiss.
ASSESSMENT: A youthful and inexperienced side led by a second string halfback might not be enough to push for a finals berth, but it could be enough to snare the Rhinos a few upset wins.

SOUTH MELBOURNE BLUES
Made a triumphant return to ASRL football after a 25 year absence, and will look to make this another year of celebration by making a finals series. Unfortunately, South Melbourne are one of the Premier League’s weaker squads, and will rely on sheer skill and luck to see them through.
GAINS: Edward Oaken, Nathan Sykes, and Paul Southern.
LOSSES: None.
KEY PLAYER: Tommy Martyn.
WILD CARD: Nihal Silvain.
RISING STAR: Uri Novavich.
VETERAN: Corey Parker.
ASSESSMENT: Will require some really hard work if they are to make the finals, but could do it should they win the majority of their home games. Definitely the weaker of Victoria’s sides.

SURFERS PARADISE WIZARDS
After twenty years on the Sunshine Coast, Surfer’s Paradise relocate in a bid to cash in on Gold Coast’s success. The Wizards are no second rate Gold Coast side however, and have a squad that could go all the way.
GAINS: Paul Mellor (Sutherland), Shane Walker (Central), Rhys Wesser (North Melbourne), Wise Katriverata, Jamie Bloom (Central), Brett Seymour, Dane Carlaw (Gold Coast), and Ichiro Nazuki.
LOSSES: Paul Marquet (North Melbourne) and Anthony Minichiello (Sutherland).
KEY PLAYER: Craig Gower.
WILD CARD: Brent Sherwin.
RISING STAR: Casey McGuire.
VETERAN: Clinton O’Brian.
ASSESSMENT: Will be relying on a very young halves combination to get them some success, but have a veteran forward pack and a super fast backline to back them up. With some training, the squad could oust Gold Coast as QLD’s #1 ASRL side.

SUTHERLAND SUNS
A wild card in Division Two, Sutherland were up and down all last year. They’ll only get worse in the absence of level-headed Ettingshausen, but will still push for promotion.
GAINS: Barry Eaton, Russell Bawden, Ronan O’Gara, Anthony Minichiello (Surfer’s Paradise), Willie Swann, Demetrius Lichtenstein (Rookie), Declan Danaher, Sam Harris, and Brian Carney (Gold Coast).
LOSSES: Paul Gallen (Surfers Paradise) and Paul Franze (Freemantle).
KEY PLAYER: Asuki Miyamoto.
WILD CARD: Anthony Minichiello.
RISING STAR: Demetrius Lichtenstein.
VETERAN: Brian Carney.
ASSESSMENT: Have a good squad on paper, and with a premiership winning coach at the helm, could upset a lot of higher paid sides to sneak into Premier League.

SYDNEY OILERS
With their squad, the Oilers have every right to be favoured in Division Two. That said, the squad rarely performs at a decent level, and this is compounded by coach Bossert’s inability to respect his opposition. The Oilers should be dominant, but probably won’t be.
GAINS: Marc Calderwood, Ben Kennedy (Carnarvon), Luke Ricketson (New Zealand), Matt Bickerstaff, Scott Geddes, Adam Hughes, George Gatis, and Dominik Bush (Rookie).
LOSSES: Michael Vella, Brad Drew, John Stankevitch (Carnarvon) and John Skandalis.
KEY PLAYER: Anthony Mundine.
WILD CARD: Ali Lauititi.
RISING STAR: Dominik Bush.
VETERAN: Ben Kennedy.
ASSESSMENT: The squad could take down any Premier League side, but until Bossert learns to channel their energies, the Oilers will never be anything other than disappointing.

TAMWORTH CITY TITANS
The leading side when it comes to knock-out competition, Tamworth City finished above their New England rivals last year, and will look to steal a Premier League spot this year.
GAINS: Jamaal Lolesi, Brian O’Driscoll, Mtomba Msabo (Risk Prize), Keith Mason, Mark Corvo, Toutai Kefu, and Shane Marteene.
LOSSES: None.
KEY PLAYER: Toutai Kefu.
WILD CARD: Kurt Gidley.
RISING STAR: Justin Ryder.
VETERAN: Byron Kelleher.
ASSESSMENT: Have the side to push even the best Division Two side, but has an abysmal record away, which must be remedied if the Titans want a boom year.

TOOWOOMBA CLYDESDALES
The Clydesdales look impressive, but will need to show some better form if they are to be considered a threat. Are probably the best of the fledgling sides.
GAINS: New squad.
LOSSES: New squad.
KEY PLAYER: Matt Geyer.
WILD CARD: Francis Cummins.
RISING STAR: Damien Fields.
VETERAN: Travis Norton.
ASSESSMENT: A level headed captain and a lot of talented youngsters could prove a winning formula for the newest Queensland side.

TOWNSVILLE DOLPHINS
The Dolphins rode into the ASRL with plenty of coverage after their BFC success, but didn’t do much all year, and will be trying to make amends to a jaded fan-base north of the border. A new coach and some new strategies may be what the doctor ordered.
GAINS: Dale Fritz, Rowland Rockachelli (New England), David Wong, Linden Drummond (Victoria), Quentin Pongia (Parramatta), and Daniel Gartner.
LOSSES: Lee Jackson (Parramatta).
KEY PLAYER: George Smith.
WILD CARD: Brooke Martin.
RISING STAR: Brent Tate.
VETERAN: George Smith.
ASSESSMENT: Have what it takes to really surprise some of the Division Two sides, and with a good coach, could even be in the Premier League next year.

WOLLONGONG DESTRUCTORS
Formerly Country, a new look Wollongong side could be the recipe for success in southern NSW.
GAINS: Tony Fabri, Paul Gallen (Gold Coast), Graham Bond, Jackson Marrick (New Zealand), and Cedric Desbrosse.
LOSSES: Clinton Toopi (New Zealand) and Gary Connolly (Gold Coast).
KEY PLAYER: Danny Orr.
WILD CARD: Howard Opan.
RISING STAR: Jackson Marrick.
VETERAN: Darren Senter.
ASSESSMENT: Are one of four sides I’m expecting big things out of this year- along with Central Coast, Sydney, and New England.

Premier League Preview

Here at the ASRL Weekly Magazine, who know just how hard it can be to select a winner each week. One minute your side is languishing in the wooden spoon, the next they're pushing for a finals berth. Pulling a Canberra or Parramatta can throw your betting into chaos, especially when sides pull a New England at the same time.

So, we've put together our idea of where every side in the Premier League will finish, and why.

#1- Central Phoenix
Have taken out the Bob Fulton Cup two years in a row, and if they can keep a healthy side, could be on their way to a premiership. Have the most intimidating forward pack around, and if you handle them they've got a lethal backline and halves combination.

#2- Gold Coast Crusade
Were unlucky not to snatch a victory in last year's Grand Final, but are still the side to beat by all accounts. Possess the finest overall squad and depth in the ASRL, but have a habit of choking- which could cost them the minor premiership.

#3- Perth Taipans
Pushed Central to the limit after a sloppy 2002 season. Have players such as Darren Lockyer, Keiran Cunningham, and Steven Larkhim- and will always prove dangerous to their opposition.

#4- Carnarvon Cowboys
Were early second choice side of many, but slipped away with a poor Bob Fulton Cup showing. Have a tough squad, as long as they can keep it fit.

#5- Adelaide Attitude
Still haven't managed to shake off the chokers tag that has dogged them for years, adding to their reputation with Warren Tricker's ill fated 'We've already secured the minor premiership'.

#6- North Melbourne Maulers
The Maulers were deemed by many as 'lucky' in 2002, and will be out to prove these claims wrong. However, they aren't as strong as their rival clubs- and back to back may be out of the question.

#7- New Zealand Cougars
The other side to be boosted into the Premier League, New Zealand have the kind've squad that could lift them to a premiership in their maiden year.

#8- Brisbane Bulls
Runners up in Division One last year, Brisbane just don't look like the same squad that won so many games last year. However, they are an unknown entity in the ASRL, and may well be there comes finals time.
Whilst retirements haven't hit this side too hard, the Cannons just don't look to have the same killer instinct that had them in the Grand Final Qualifier last year.

#9- Darwin Cyclones
They know how to attack, and God help the team who they play when the figure out how to defend like other Premier League sides. The Cyclones are dangerous on their day, and woeful when they aren't on.

#10- Parramatta Vikings
May surprise a lot of people by appearing this high on my list, but have strengthened their sides after a brilliant 2002 season.

#11- Canberra Chargers
Were achingly close to a place in the finals last season, and have named an almost unnamed squad for this season. The Chargers are unpredictable in the extreme however, and could finish 1st or 16th.

#12- North Sydney Newbloods
Were a real shock appearance in last year's finals, and we're confident it won't be a return appearance for the Newbloods. Coach McElroy performed a minor miracle last year, but the sting of retirement may be the end of North Sydney's time in the sun. Could be a disappointing year.

#13- Manly Cannons
Whilst retirements haven't hit this side too hard, the Cannons just don't look to have the same killer instinct that had them in the Grand Final Qualifier last year.

#14- Surfer's Paradise Wizards
The Wizards were surprising in their form last year, and will be looking to duplicate it this season. Could finish higher with some solid away performances, but a finals berth may be wishful thinking.

#15- South Melbourne Blues
The Blues may narrowly avoid relegation, or they may push for a finals spot. They are a good squad, but showed last year that they don't click as well as they should.

#16- Hawkesbury Mavericks
The Mavericks are a tough squad, and although they were hit be injuries, still have the nucleus of a premiership winning side. 2002/2003 will be a year of rebuilding, and if they can avoid relegation, they could create a strong squad.

MAGRO'S PICKS
1- Central Phoenix
2- Gold Coast Crusade
3- Perth Taipans
4- Darwin Cyclones
5- Carnarvon Cowboys
6- New Zealand Cougars
7- Adelaide Attitude
8- North Melbourne Maulers
9- Brisbane Bulls
10- Canberra Chargers
11- Parramatta Vikings
12- South Melbourne Blues
13- North Sydney Newbloods
14- Surfer's Paradise Wizards
15- Manly Cannons
16- Hawkesbury Mavericks

Division Two Preview

Whilst most of the focus is on Premier League for 2002/2003, it can't be forgotten that eighteen other sides are below them battling it out for a chance to crack the Premier League and claim the ultimate prize in Rugby League. The two Grand Finalists from Division Two get promoted at the expense of the two lowest placed Premier League sides? So, who will it be? Will Sydney finally click? Or will shock favourites Central Coast storm home?

#1- Central Coast Falcons
Have earnt their favouritism in Division Two with a stellar Bob Fulton Cup showing, and will be tough to oust if they can maintain their form for twenty six rounds.

#2- Sydney Oilers
Have one of the strongest squads in the ASRL, so should be a certainty for Premier League. However, Bossert can't find a winning formula, and if he doesn't- they won't even make the finals.

#3- New England Ferrets
Rowland Kelly's Ferrets will be out to make their first finals appearance since going within two points of the 2001/2002 Grand Final. Have a strong squad, but may not have the consistency.

#4- Port Moresby Power
Were early favourites for the Division, but will need to work some minor miracles if they are to overtake the above three.

#5- Eastwood Pumas
Might surprise you to see the Pumas so high, but they improved greatly during the Bob Fulton Cup and late 2002 season. Have the squad to push anyone, just need the belief.

#6- Sutherland Suns
New Zealand coach Nathan Hoy says 'I hate playing those bastards', and you can see why. One week their premiership winning material- the next they're playing like Under 8's. If they can capture the former, they'll be there next year.

#7- Wollongong Destructors
Have a bad case of the 'Sydney' syndrome, in that they have a good squad but never win. Two years running we've named them higher- this year we're playing it safe and saying they might make the finals.

#8- Coffs Harbour Wyrms
Like him or hate him, Jelly Adams has the makings of a good side at Coffs Harbour. Played well below themselves last season, and will avoid a wooden spoon this year.

#9- Townsville Dolphins
The Dolphins did little after making last year's BFC final, and will seek to improve on last year's poor showing. A new coach and a new lineup may be what they need to perform after three woeful years.

#10- Newcastle Fear
The Fear were the example of a side with plenty of grit and no flare in 2001/2002. They defend like animals, but play like baboons. If someone can teach them how to structure their attack, and work together, they could really shock some sides and might appear in the finals.

#11- Newcastle Fear
The Titans may be the masters of sudden death football, but can they survive twenty six rounds of grueling ASRL football and come out in the finals? They could, but they might not this year.

#12- Freemantle Aces
Brendon Meynell is a very vocal man, and he will be looking for plenty to talk about with a good debut year for Freemantle. Relocation to WA may be a positive first step, and abandoning tempermental captain Matt Cooper may be a good start.

#13- Toowoomba Clydesdales
The Clydesdales have the making of a future premiership winning team. They've got a pair of dedicated coaches, a quality young squad, and plenty of support. 2002/2003 won't be their year, but it'll be a positive step.

#14- Penrith Highlanders
The Highlanders may be Parramatta's weaker cousin, but don't tell that to the squad. They're tough, skillful, and eager to carve names for themselves in the ASRL.

#15- Perth City Wolves
Unfortunately for Perth City fans, this side isn't anything like the powerful Taipans and will struggle to string together wins this year.

#16- Christchurch Carnage
The Cougars will be the popular NZ side this year, as Christchurch just don't look like a side dedicated to playing football. Their 44-6 annihilation at the hands of Gold Coast showed this, and a change of attitude is needed to salvage some respectability.

#17- Redlands Rhinos
The Rhinos are probably undeserving of being so low, but it's always hard to rate a side which played only one game in the pre-season, and it was a scrappy loss to New Zealand. If they can push a side like NZ until the death- they'll be strong. But if it were a fluke, they're in for a long year.

#18- Broome Warriors
Always hard to pick a last placed side when there are so many new ones, but Broome just don't look like they're ready for the big league. However, they've got nothing to lose, and the experience may do them good.

MAGRO'S PICKS
1. Central Coast Falcons
2. Sydney Oilers
3. New England Ferrets
4. Port Moresby Power
5. Sutherland Suns
6. Eastwood Pumas
7. Coffs Harbour Wyrms
8. Wollongong Destructors
9. Newcastle Fear
10. Townsville Dolphins
11. Tamworth City Titans
12. Freemantle Aces
13. Perth City Wolves
14. Penrith Highlanders
15. Toowoomba Clydesdales
16. Christchurch Carnage
17. Broome Warriors
18. Redlands Rhinos