The trials are done, the squads have been finalised, and a new look eighteen team Premier League is only weeks away from kicking off what should be an extraordinary season. Lead league journalist, Michael Archer, gives us his opinion on the season to come.
ADELAIDE ATTITUDE
2003 Performance: As is becoming the norm with the Attitude, the side again struggled despite its amazing squad, and only avoided relegation due to Fairfield waiving their chance at a wildcard game.
Noteable Gains: Corin Barry, David Raimes (Central Coast), Lewis Williams (Townsville), Martin Lang, Mark McLinden (Central), and Ryan Jones (Draft).
Noteable Losses: Sean Long (Wellington) and Paul Deacon (Central).
Captain: Stephen Kearney. The New Zealand international will find himself under pressure from young Corin Barry to retain the captaincy, especially if the Attitude continue to struggle.
Key Player: Matt Geyer. With the loss of superstars Long and Deacon, the Attitude now turn to their versatile veteran, Matt Geyer. Likely to play a key bench role, Geyer is more than adept at all facets of the game.
Wildcard: Henry Paul. He’s getting towards the end of his career, and Henry Paul has still failed to win a premiership in the ASRL after jumping from the now dead English league. Paul is a definate superstar, but needs confidence to really become a legendary player.
Player to Watch: Corin Barry. Attitude fans will be hoping the Central Coast junior does more in his debut year than disappointing Fijian, Joe Black did in his. A brilliant on field leader and ball-handler, Barry will add some enthusiasm to the Attitude’s aging back.
Prediction: While a change of coach and some new players may be what Adelaide needs, the sacrifice of two very talented halves may not be the answer. After having one of the finest squads for years, the Attitude are on the wane, and I can’t see them pressuring for a finals berth.
BRISBANE BULLS
2003 Performance: Brisbane proper dominated Division Two to earn their return to Premier League, but the two other sides making up the merger (South Queensland and Ipswich) both struggled to assert themselves as genuine contenders. Still, Brisbane make up most of the roster.
Noteable Gains: Agustin Pichot (Union), Barry Muir (Rookie), Henry Faafili (Hawkesbury), Iestyn Harris (Carnarvon), Lance Hohaia, Motu Tony, Trent Waterhouse (all Eastwood), Robbie Paul (Darwin), and Simon Woolford (Wollongong).
Noteable Losses: Adrian Mirhalov (Carnarvon),
Captain: Iestyn Harris. The Welsh captain and former Carnarvon sensation has the right level of experience to guide Brisbane back into Premier League without any hiccups.
Key Player: Iestyn Harris. As one of the few members of the squad with Premier League experience at the very top level, including a final last year, Harris will be key in any success Brisbane have.
Wildcard: Motu Tony. Kept back by the lower quality of his side in Division Two (Eastwood), Tony will be aiming to become a superstar in the top league. An attacking freak and utility, Tony will be deadly off of the bench.
Player to Watch: Trent Waterhouse. Arriving from Eastwood with big wraps on him, the young forward will undoubtedly gain plenty from playing alongside the likes of Talau and Thorne.
Prediction: Have the strongest squad of the four promoted sides, and should be able to emulate Central Coast’s feat of making the semi finals in a debut season.
CAPETOWN RAVENS
2003 Performance: The Ravens showed in 2003 just how lethal home ground advantage can be, losing only one game all year at Newlands Stadium. The best attacking and defensive team in Division Two’s short history.
Noteable Gains: Alan Watts (Darwin), Andy Farrell (New England), Jaco Van Der Westuizen (Union), Martin Gleeson (Penrith), Sebastian Mpofu (Rookie), Travis Elken (Suva), Jeremy Paul (Wellington), and Uri Novavich (Central).
Noteable Losses: Toori Tatu (New England), Joost van der Westuizen (North Sydney), Darren Rogers (Dropped), Dumisani Mpofu (Freemantle), and Hunter Tylerson (Central).
Captain: Andrew Mehrtens. The incumbent New Zealand five eighth and the man who steered Capetown to their promotion, Mehrtens will captain the side despite the presence of English captain, Andy Farrell.
Key Player: Andrew Mehrtens. When a man boots twenty one straight World Cup goals and sweeps the Division Two player of the year polling, he’ll always be key. His combination with Derek Gateshead is becoming formidable.
Wildcard: Andy Farrell. Farrell comes from New England, where losing his become a habit, and he’ll need to shake it off to avoid losing his starting spot to Lawrence Dallaglio.
Player to Watch: Sebastian Mpofu. A player billed as the next John Sitizien, Mpofu is the older brother of Freemantle bound, Dumisani. An electric attacking player and no slouch in attack.
Prediction: Like Brisbane, Capetown boast a very formidable squad, and should be able to push for a finals berth despite their inexperience at the top level.
CARNARVON GRIZZLIES
2003 Performance: Were ignobly hammered out of the finals by the eventual premiers, and performed a small miracle to even be there.
Noteable Gains: Adrian Mirhalov, Selwyn Corey (both Brisbane), Ben Tune (Wellington), Dennis Moran (Gold Coast), Brad Meyers (Parramatta), Gorden Tallis (Central), Howard Opan, and Jessie Kidman (both Darwin).
Noteable Losses: Iestyn Harris (Brisbane), Jason Taylor (retired), Brad Drew, Tevita Vaikona (Hawkesbury), and Matt Orford (Darwin).
Captain: Gorden Tallis. After co-captaining Central for the past few years, Tallis now has the full weight of responsibility on his shoulders.
Key Player: Graham Luana. Shared player of the year honours with Andrew Johns, and will doubtless continue his stellar career.
Wildcard: Jamie Venables. The youngest player ever to play for Queensland, Venables had a quiet year in 2003, and will be looking to step up now that Harris has left the backline.
Player to Watch: Jessie Kidman. The talented young US international has been misused at Darwin, and will thrive in a starting spot.
Prediction: Carnarvon, like Adelaide, are a side slowly aging and losing some of their spark. 2002 and their minor premiership seems an age away, and it will be a cold day in hell when Carnarvon achieve that feat again.
CENTRAL COAST FALCONS
2003 Performance: Stunned a lot of critics and naysayers by taking out third position behind the eventual grand finalists, and even lead the division for a time.
Noteable Gains: Brent Sherwin (Wellington), Brashen Trell, Tony Gonzales (Draft), Corey Hughes (Cairns), and Travis Norton (Sydney).
Noteable Losses: Corin Barry, David Raimes (Adelaide), Steve Reardon, Darren Britt, Jason Hetherington, and Barry Ward (all retired).
Captain: Steven Price. Price stepped in for Robbie O’Davis last year, and proved he is a more than capable leader.
Key Player: Brent Sherwin. The former Wellington maestro shocked a lot of people by leaving an established powerhouse club to try his hand at an emerging power. His kicking game, alongside that of Anasta, should be lethal.
Wildcard: Brashen Trell. The untried talent will step up to the plate in the forward pack, which is fast becoming one of the league’s finest. A good on field leader too.
Player to Watch: Steven Wild. The talented young Englishman will be looking to get a start after being unable to crack one at Newcastle. Plenty of talent.
Prediction: The Falcons should be able to replicate last season’s feats, but don’t expect them to be taking out a premiership this year. They still lack the all around class to be genuine contenders.
CENTRAL PHOENIX
2003 Performance: Suffered one of their worst years in recent memory, missing the finals and being a generally disappointing side when you consider they contested the Grand Final only the year before.
Noteable Gains: Aaron Mauger (Draft), Adrian Morley, Stuart Fielden (Parramatta), Ben Harris (Sydney), Danny Orr (Wollongong), Paul Deacon (Adelaide), Leigh Bush (Darwin), Aaron Barba (Feeder), and Scott Sattler (Gold Coast).
Noteable Losses: Brad Fittler (Wollongong), Mark McLinden (Adelaide), Lesley Vainakolo (Wellington), George Gregan (Perth), and Gorden Tallis (Carnarvon).
Captain: Clinton Schifcofske. Schifcofske has shown he’s an admirable leader at all times, and will be looking to guide Central back to their glory days.
Key Player: Paul Deacon. Has finally earned a starting spot after years languishing in Long’s shadow.
Wildcard: Danny Orr. After Fittler failed to deliver the goods, the Phoenix called in underrated Wollongong starter, Orr, to fix things. Whether he fires or not will be crucial.
Player to Watch: Leigh Bush. The Phoenix have been sending life lines to under-performers from weaker clubs, and Bush is another classic example. Unable to really click at Darwin, the youngest playing son of coach, Tony Bush, will add some spark to the backline.
Prediction: The Phoenix, without doubt, have the finest team on paper, and also possess what looks to be the strongest feeder club. If Central were ever going to win another premiership, this would be their ideal year to do it.
DARWIN CYCLONES
2003 Performance: Were as everyone expected them to be- substandard. Darwin, like so many other former great sides, are currently struggling to keep their stars.
Noteable Gains: Barry Liverpool (Rookie), Blaze Wilson (Wellington), Jim Dymock (Wollongong), Justin Hodges, Tana Umaga (Coffs Harbour), Lote Tuqiri, Timothy Rice, (Port Moresby), Patrick Varune (Hawkesbury), Matt Orford (Carnarvon), and Tonie Carroll (Parramatta)
Noteable Losses: Leigh Bush (Central), Kevin Campion (Coffs Harbour), Jason Cayless (Gold Coast), Jessie Kidman, and Howard Opan (both Carnarvon).
Captain: Matt Orford. Will be battling Hawkesbury’s Patrick Varune for the spot, but his experience at a finalist side should see him take the role out.
Key Player: Matt Orford. One of the few players at the club to have tasted finals football, Orford’s kicking game and raw talent will decide Darwin’s chances.
Wildcard: Blaze Wilson. After turning heads at Brisbane and scoring points at Wellington, the big question is: how long can Wilson keep playing well when he never gets to settle in?
Player to Watch: Richard Villasanti. Although he’s not young, Villa has more ability then he’s shown so far in his career, and he’ll be keen to make good on his coach’s faith in him.
Prediction: Darwin have actually improved, thanks largely to coach Jelly Adam’s butchering of Coffs Harbour and Port Moresby in the name of depth. Despite this, Darwin still lack a real superstar, and until they get that- the best they can aim for is a finals berth. Even that’s being ambitious.
GOLD COAST CRUSADE
2003 Performance: Dominated all comers (except Wellington, who they beat only once), and shattered attacking records to claim their second minor premiership/premiership double.
Noteable Gains: Danny Nutley (South Melbourne), Jason Cayless (Darwin), Rupeni Caucaunibuca (Fairfield), and Steve Bell (South Queensland).
Noteable Losses: Luke Davico (Central Coast), Scott Logan (Central), Luke Priddis (Wellington), Rory Powers (New England), and Sammy El Hajij (Central Coast).
Captain: Andrew Johns. Joey captained them, NSW, and Australia faultlessly- and will be out to do it again.
Key Player: Andrew Johns. The tag ‘best player in the world’ doesn’t come easy, and Johns will be out to keep it around his neck.
Wildcard: Rupeni Caucaunibuca. Was dominant for Fairfield last season, and how well he slots into a fully professional side will show whether or not he has what it takes.
Player to Watch: Shannon O’Reilly. The younger brother of Tommy, Shannon will be playing a bench role for the club, but his attacking flare may seem him pressure big brother.
Prediction: It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Gold Coast back up last season’s performance, but at the very least they’ll be fighting it out from the top four come season’s end.
HAWKESBURY MAVERICKS
2003 Performance: Were solid in Division Two, and promoted courtesy of the promotional tournament.
Noteable Gains: Brad Drew (Carnarvon), Brendan Dean, Craig Kenniwell (rookies), Brian Urlacher (draft), Dylan Adams Jr (Coffs Harbour), Matteo Giocometti (Surfers Paradise), and Tevita Vaikona (Carnarvon).
Noteable Losses: Patrick Varune (Darwin), Jack Isaac (Suva), and Henry Faafili (Brisbane).
Captain: Brett Hodgson. One of the few players who remembers the glory of a premiership appearance on the side, he’ll be an inspiration.
Key Player: Matteo Giocometti. Possessing one of the finest tactical kicking games in the league, Giocometti may be the balm to Hawkesbury’s half woes.
Wildcard: Tevita Vaikona. Has tasted premiership success with Gold Coast, and premiership defeat with Brisbane. One of the side’s most experienced players, Vaikona is as dangerous as ever.
Player to Watch: Craig Kenniwell. Another superstar in the making, Kenniwell will be the go to guy in the Hawkesbury backline.
Prediction: The Mavericks have rushed to put together a competitive side for the 2003/2004 season, but I can’t see them being able to match the big guns. They may avoid relegation, but even that is a risky bet.
MANLY CANNONS
2003 Performance: Had another outstanding year, being eliminated by the eventual premiers, and being competitive all season long.
Noteable Gains: Edward Hoartshire (Rookie), Koru Tirohara (Draft), and Johnny Lawless (Draft).
Noteable Losses: None.
Captain: Steve Menzies. The loyal leader of Manly enjoyed one of his finest seasons last year, and heading towards the twilight of his career, he’ll be hoping to have another solid season.
Key Player: Stacey Jones. A quality halfback is required to be a real premiership contender, and Jones is definately quality. Possessing a dangerous step and outstanding kicking game, Jones is the key to Manly’s hopes of premiership success.
Wildcard: Mat Rogers. Like Menzies, Rogers had an outstanding year in 2003, and will be out to retain his Australian and Queensland wing spots. His goal-kicking will be key.
Player to Watch: Koru Tirohara. The unpredictable Japanese fullback will be putting immediate pressure on Italian, Slick Cupples. His defence is suspect, but when you can slip through the line at will, who cares?
Prediction: Despite not recruiting very strongly, the side still looks competitive. In recent years the Cannons have been something of a dark horse, and expect to see them doing it all over again.
NORTH MELBOURNE MAULERS
2003 Performance: Underperformed, but still managed to sneak into the finals and produce an entertaining clash with the Wellington Cougars.
Noteable Gains: Anton Oliver (Draft), Carlos Ricardo (Rookie), and Shane Ata (Feeder).
Noteable Losses: Anthony Mundine and Luke Phillips (Retired).
Captain: Robbie Kearns. The veteran hard man has been leading from the front, but will need to step up this season and really muscle if the side is expected to perform.
Key Player: Dominik Bush. After unsuccessful stints at Sydney and Surfers Paradise, Bush has found his niche and an Australian jersey after playing for the Maulers. The attacking, tactical kicking, and goal-kicking go to man.
Wildcard: Shane Ata. The exciting New Zealander looks to be the most dangerous North Melbourne back since Andrew Walker’s dominant days back in 2002.
Player to Watch: Carlos Ricardo. The little known Spaniard has big wraps on him from former test forwards Paul Harrogan and Mark Carroll, and will be out to make a name for himself and his nation.
Prediction: Still possess one of the most daunting sides on paper, but have lost two very high quality players in Mundine and Phillips. Should be a top eight contender, at the very least.
NORTH SYDNEY NEWBLOODS
2003 Performance: Like Manly, the Newbloods played above and beyond expectations to contest the finals race. They were never a threat to the top four, but consistently performed.
Noteable Gains: Brett Dallas (Newcastle), Frank Miranda, Trevor McCracken (Rookies), Joost van der Westuizen (Capetown), and Frederic Michalak (Draft).
Noteable Losses: None.
Captain: Keith Wood. The aggressive Irish international is retiring at the end of the season, and would like nothing more than to claim some Rugby League silverware before he goes.
Key Player: Joost van der Westuizen. While he played second string to Derek Gateshead at Capetown, Joost will be the go to man in the Newbloods’ lineup this season. How well he handles the pressure in his swansong year will be key.
Wildcard: Jonah Lomu. Was pitifully quiet after joining the Newbloods from Canberra, and while he has talent, he hasn’t got much time left in his career to prove it.
Player to Watch: Trent Pariah. Playing for the North Sydney Youngbloods, the soccer convert has a kicking game to be marvelled at, and once he gets some maturity- he could be a real ace in the Newbloods’ hand.
Prediction: They’ve recruited quite well, and retained two veterans who would otherwise have hung up the boots- but something is missing in the Newbloods’ lineup. They’ll definately be top eight contenders, but whether they have the X-factor required for a premiership win remains to be seen.
PARRAMATTA VIKINGS
2003 Performance: Were ‘the other Central’, possessing a monster side but unable to fire when the time came. Choked big time to lose their top eight spot to the Carnarvon Grizzlies.
Noteable Gains: Chris Thorman (Feeder) and Luke Burt (Adelaide).
Noteable Losses: Stuart Fielden (Central).
Captain: Nathan Cayless. He’s done it once at the Gold Coast, and Cayless would love nothing more than to captain the Vikings to a premiership.
Key Player: Craig Wing. The outstanding utility has played for NSW and Australia, but has been quiet in the past season, and will need to click with the rest of his side if they’re to perform.
Wildcard: Brent Webb. The talented Queenslander may be the answer to Parramatta’s fullback dilemma, which has been well documented since Brett Mullins hung up the boots.
Player to Watch: Chris Thorman. He’s come over from the UK with huge wraps on him, and how he can handle the pressure of the world’s top league will be telling.
Prediction: They definately have the side on paper to push for a minor premiership, but expected more of the same from the Vikings in 2003/2004. Flashes of brilliance followed by brain explosions.
PERTH TAIPANS
2003 Performance: Finished fourth, never really pressuring the top three sides but never really pressured by the bottom four.
Noteable Gains: Anton Roarke (Rookie), George Gregan (Central), Michael Beuttner (New England), and Toa Koh-Love (Christchurch).
Noteable Losses: Mark McLinden (Adelaide) and Deon Bird (Port Moresby).
Captain: Darren Lockyer. The world’s greatest fullback wears the captain’s mantle again in 2003/2004.
Key Player: Darren Lockyer. Like Gold Coast, the Taipans rely on their biggest star to see them through the big games. Their goal-kicker as well as leading field kicker.
Wildcard: Keiran Cunningham. Has had some quiet seasons in recent years, and needs to get back into the form of 2001/2002 if the Taipans want to be a big gun side again.
Player to Watch: Toa Koh-Love. Has blossomed since leaving the struggling Carnage, scoring a handful of tries in the Taipans’ first few trial hit-outs. With Deon Bird moving on, it’s up to Koh-Love to fill the backline void.
Prediction: Perth, like so many other big sides, are on the way into a cool period from which they’ll need to rebuild. That’s not to say they won’t be in the eight, just that they are far from the side that dominated all comers in 2001/2002.
SURFERS PARADISE PUNKS
2003 Performance: Were middle of the range throughout the year, sometimes upsetting the big names, and sometimes tripping over the small ones.
Noteable Gains: Bryan Fletcher (New England), Kyle Bryant (Sydney), Carlos Spencer (Christchurch), Ruben Wiki (Wellington), and Deiter Fisher (Suva).
Noteable Losses: Gael Tallic (New England), Chris Flannery (South Melbourne), and John Skandalis (Sydney).
Captain: Ruben Wiki. After leading from the front at Wellington/New Zealand for the last two seasons, Wiki has come to the sunny coast hopeful of creating another dynasty.
Key Player: Rhys Wesser. When you’ve got a fullback as elusive and entertaining of Wesser, it’s hard (not to mention stupid), not to let him be the focus of your attack.
Wildcard: Jimmy Watts. The English international was far more dangerous in the few games he played at halfback then he ever was at hooker, and if he can fire in the halves again, the Punks will be dangerous.
Player to Watch: Josh Hannay. The goal-kicking utility will play for Queensland this year, short of a season ending injury.
Prediction: As good as it would be for Premier League for another powerful side to emerge, it’s hard to see the Punks being that side. They definately have the talent on deck, but when injuries set in, will Surfers struggle like they did last season?
SYDNEY OILERS
2003 Performance: Alongside Hawkesbury, the Oilers are the least deserving members of Premier League, winning through in a tournament after finishing seventh in Division Two and being humbled by the Ravens.
Noteable Gains: Benji Marshal, Robbie Farrah (Feeder), Craig Gower, Iafeta Pelea’easina (Gold Coast), Monty Betham (Penrith), Jason Death, John Skandalis (Christchurch), Joe Rokocoko (Draft), Richard Swain (Parramatta), and Willie Beaman (Rookie).
Noteable Losses: None.
Captain: Brett Kimmorley. Bossert’s golden boy was the man, alongside Covell, who lead the Oilers into the finals and Premier League last season. Can he go one better and lead them to a Premier League title?
Key Player: Brett Kimmorley. The Oilers’ attack is based around Kimmorley’s flat passing and short kicking, so he’ll be the focus of every raid.
Wildcard: Craig Gower. Was an absolutely stunning understudy to Johns at Gold Coast, and looks destined to play the same role at Sydney. How he handles the strike role will be crucial.
Player to Watch: Benji Marshal. The livewire Queenslander has enormous pressure on him to perform. With his amazing step, Marshal will play a strike role for the side.
Prediction: Not as strong as Brisbane or Capetown across the park, but possess stars in spades, and provided they stay healthy- the Oilers will push for a semi final appearance.
WELLINGTON COUGARS
2003 Performance: Were neck and neck with Gold Coast all season, and it was fitting that the two sides met in the big match. The Cougars lost it, but are out to make a new record by making three consecutive Grand Finals.
Noteable Gains: Colin Charvis (Draft), Lesley Vainakolo (Central), Luke Priddis (Christchurch), Paul Rauhihi (Surfers Paradise), Tomas Larsson (Brisbane), and Sean Long (Adelaide).
Noteable Losses: Brent Sherwin (Central Coast), Jeremy Paul, Mike Forshaw (Capetown), Blaze Wilson (Darwin), and Ruben Wiki (Surfers Paradise).
Captain: Kevin Sinfield. One of the finest talents that the Cougars possess, Sinfield will doubtless lead from the front all season.
Key Player: Sean Long. After poaching him from the struggling Adelaide Attitude, the Cougars would be insane not to give Long a chance to work the magic we know he possesses.
Wildcard: Anthony Minichiello. Was a real star for the Cougars as they rampaged towards the Grand Final, playing an unexpectedly active role in attack and defence. If he does so again this year, watch out.
Player to Watch: Jamie Peacock. An amazingly talented back rower, Peacock has yet to really blossom despite playing in one of the league’s most dominant packs.
Prediction: The Cougars, like Gold Coast, look even stronger than last season, and should be another team to beat. If they don’t win it, they’ll be there contesting it.
WOLLONGONG DESTRUCTORS
2003 Performance: Avoided relegation by sheer luck, and will be hoping the same miracle comes there way again.
Noteable Gains: Brad Fittler (Central), Adam MacDougall (Darwin), Cameron Smith (Gold Coast), Ian Hindmarsh (Carnarvon), Karle Hammond (Hawkesbury), and Dream Waters (Rookie).
Noteable Losses: Jim Dymock (South Melbourne), and Danny Orr (Central).
Captain: Brad Fittler. He never had the chance to captain Central, but was an inspirational leader for Hawkesbury, and will need to be if Wollongong are to survive another year of Premier League.
Key Player: Brad Fittler.Why else would you sign one of the league’s highest paid players? Fittler never fired at Hawkesbury or Central, and the Destructors’ fans will be hoping he can get his groove back.
Wildcard: Adam MacDougall. Heading towards the end of his career, ‘Mad Dog’ will want to monster his way to a memorable season alongside former Darwin team-mate, Jamie Ainscough.
Player to Watch: Dream Waters. A close personal friend of Perth’s Ardent Rivers, Waters has immense speed and upper body strength, making him a real prospect for the Destructors.
Prediction: Sadly, the Destructors will probably start the season as favourites for relegation. It will take a Fittler sized miracle for them to go any higher, and an almost unimaginable one to get them into the finals.
PREDICTED FINISH
Wellington Cougars
Gold Coast Crusade
Central Phoenix
Sydney Oilers
Central Coast Falcons
Manly Cannons
Brisbane Bulls
Parramatta Vikings
Capetown Ravens
Perth Taipans
North Melbourne Maulers
North Sydney Newbloods
Carnarvon Grizzlies
Darwin Cyclones
Surfers Paradise Punks
Adelaide Attitude
Hawkesbury Mavericks
Wollongong Destructors
