Please note my ladder prediction is by no means accurate. Read the prediction, but bear in mind how hard it is to accurately predict where twenty sides- some of whom are brand new- will finish. Look at the general area of the ladder, not at specific positions. This means you Magro.

While most fans will be watching Premier League with a keen eye, there’ll be a big following for the twenty team Division Two competition this year. After a rash of controversy regarding the late withdrawals of Tonga, North Adelaide, Hong Kong, Freemantle, Logan, and Hong Kong- the ASRL has assured that Division Two is not being turned into a ‘circus’ and that it will produce the same quality that saw it rival Premier League on several occasions last season.

It seems fitting that we show our dedication to Division Two be giving it an equally extensive look in our official preview.

AUCKLAND MARLINS
2003 Performance: The Marlins stunned a lot of people by narrowly missing the finals and employing a strategy based solely around aggressive defence.
Noteable Gains: Alois Bunjiara (Capetown), Robbie Ross (Newcastle), and Mills Muliana (Draft).
Noteable Losses: None.
Captain: Robbie Ross. The former Newcastle custodian has been given the role of turning the Marlins into a chance of promotion, and should relish in the task.
Key Player: Elton Flatley. Had a quiet debut year in Rugby League, but we’re expecting big things of the superboot.
Wildcard: Mangus Reece. A really talented AA/TSI hooker, Reece played a lot of lock under the eye of Wellington’s Nathan Hoy, and will be hoping for a chance to play his favoured position.
Player to Watch: Miguel Detreaux. The plucky Frenchman is at his third club in as many years (the others being Manly and Capetown), but has yet to make a real impact. Look for him to do it this year.
Prediction: The introduction of new coach Tim Voegeli may disrupt things over in Auckland, and the side really hasn’t improved much. Look for them to finish lower than they did in their debut year.

CANBERRA CHARGERS
2003 Performance: After relegating in the two game wildcard series against Premier League disappointments, Wollongong, the Chargers struggled to find any form.
Noteable Gains: Braam van Straaten (Capetown), Darrell Trindal (Fairfield), Solomon Haumona (Hawkesbury), Michael Smith (Wellington), and Todd Polglase (Cairns).
Noteable Losses: Yaccine Dekkiche, and Paul Smith (Released).
Captain: Sean Towers. The inspirational Queenslander has lead ever since the departure of former captain, Scott Logan.
Key Player: Sean Towers. He has got to get a look in for a QLD jersey after being Canberra’s finest last season. Has kept Allan Langer out of the Maroons’ squad, and could do it again.
Wildcard: Solomon Haumona. How well Haumona adjusts to a side without Hawkesbury’s winning culture will be a huge factor in Canberra’s go forward.
Player to Watch: Todd Polglase. The talented fullback showed us what he could do at the now defunct Cairns side, and watch for him to continue in that trend.
Prediction: Have a side capable of a finals berth, and the introduction of former Hawkesbury mastermind Michael Sparrow can’t hurt their chances. Will pressure for the eight.

CHRISTCHURCH CARNAGE
2003 Performance: Were awful in Premier League, and are deserving of their return to Division Two.
Noteable Gains: Aseri Laing, Ed Knaggs (Draft), Jaiden Love (Rookie), Jonathon Thurston (Carnarvon), Olivier Sarramea (Suva), Matt Rua (North Sydney), and Terry Hill (Central).
Noteable Losses: Matt Seers and Sean Rutgerson (North Sydney).
Captain: Yet to be named. Expect Stuart Spruce and veteran Terry Hill to fight it out for the honour.
Key Player: Olivier Sarramea. The dangerous Frenchman will be required to really stand up if his side is going to achieve.
Wildcard: Terry Hill. After languishing on the bench at Central, Hill has a chance to claim a starting spot and return to glory days. Will he do it?
Player to Watch: Jonathon Thurston. He’s been understudy to the likes of Iestyn Harris, and Thurston has enormous potential. He’s a dangerous runner of the ball, and will be expected to deliver the goods for the struggling Carnage.
Prediction: The Carnage have recruited well, but whether they can bounce back from last year’s demoralising Premier League debut is another thing. They should push for a spot in the eight, but fall short.

COFFS HARBOUR WYRMS
2003 Performance: Choked in the last half of the season to miss the finals, after being tipped as Division favourites earlier in the year.
Noteable Gains: Syrian Kor (Central Coast), Andrew Miller (Draft), Amahl Singh, Tom Bowman, Steve Kefu, Kevin Campion, Angel Withers, Bill Rhyven (Darwin), David Niu, and Matt Giteau (Wollongong).
Noteable Losses: Stirling Mortlock (Port Moresby), Tana Umaga, and Justin Hodges (Darwin).
Captain: Kevin Campion. The veteran hardman from up north will face tough opposition from American, David Niu.
Key Player: Andrew Miller. The Japan born New Zealand resident has a potent kicking game, and will be key to Coffs Harbour’s dreams of success.
Wildcard: Amahl Singh. The freakish Indian goal-kicker struggled under the pressure at Darwin, and will be hoping to improve at Coffs.
Player to Watch: Syrian Kor. The incredibly promising Central Coast junior will play a valuable utility role for the side. He’s in the same mold as CraigWing.
Prediction: The side definitely has what it takes to push Fairfield, and with new coach Anthony McElroy, should be a top four certainty.

COLOMBO HARLEQUINS
2003 Performance: The side is a new and untried entity.
Noteable Gains: Shane Millard (Draft), Ross McKinnon (Capetown), Graham Appo (Free Agent), Anthony Himmler (Hawkesbury), and Aaron Moule (Manly).
Noteable Losses: None.
Captain: Felipe Contempone. How well the Argentinian will adjust to the thirteen a side game will be crucial.
Key Player: Graham Appo. The veteran fullback has been dominant for the Harlequins in their trials, and as the side’s only goal-kicker, will be called on in some pressure situations.
Wildcard: Aaron Moule. After spending his entire career at dominant clubs, Moule will be forced to adjust his game to accomodate the Wyrms.
Player to Watch: Zane Clarke. The Papua New Guinean winger is said to be the fastest in the league, and should he get in the clear, he’ll be a valuable asset to the Harlequins.
Prediction: The side looks good on paper, but new coach Chris Colombo is an untried entity. They should be able to emulate Auckland’s debut season, pushing for the eight but never being a threat.

EASTWOOD PUMAS
2003 Performance: Had a lacklustre season, but managed to squeeze out of wooden spoon contention with some late form.
Noteable Gains: Damien Doust (New England), Jason Smith (Central), and Rowland Rockachelli (Townsville).
Noteable Losses: Motu Tony and Lance Hohaia (Brisbane).
Captain: David Furner. The veteran goal-kicker may have lost a bit of his sting in defence, but he still has a level head.
Key Player: Jason Smith. Can Smith continue his good form after leaving the elite Central Phoenix? The ability of the former Australian lock to adapt will be telling.
Wildcard: Cedric Debrosse. Dangerous on his feet and quick to boot, the Frenchman will have big shoes to fill now that Kiwi sensations Motu Tony and Lance Hohaia have moved on to greener pastures.
Player to Watch: Rob Burrow. The diminutive halfback has the weight of expectation on his shoulders, but has shown that he has plenty of talent.
Prediction: The side, after years of lacking starch in key areas, looks the best it ever has. However, Eastwood need to shrug off their losing culture if they’re to ever be a competitive side. Watch for them to have pink patches, but fall short again.

FAIRFIELD STALLIONS
2003 Performance: Finished third in the regular season before being hammered in the Grand Final. They opted not to play the wildcard game against Adelaide, and instead remain in Division Two with a salary cap exemption.
Noteable Gains: Christian Cullen (Suva), Craig Greenhill (Newcastle), Dane Dorahy (New England), Steve Williams (Capetown), and Willie Poching (Brisbane).
Noteable Losses: Matt Kennedy, Rupeni Caucaunibuca (Gold Coast), and Matt Crowther (Retired).
Captain: Tony Price. The 22 year old New Zealander lead the Stallions with plenty of gusto and sportsmanship last year, and should retain the captaincy.
Key Player: Scott Magro. Was the linchpin in every one of Fairfield’s successes in 2003, and should be the same again.
Wildcard: Christian Cullen. The immensely talented Union convert has yet to adjust to Rugby League after an ordinary season at Suva last year. If he can really exert himself, Fairfield will be there again.
Player to Watch: Habib El Naj. The Lebanese hardman has plenty of wraps on him from several Sydney league pundits. He should be an asset in the Fairfield forward pack
Prediction: While the side has been in good form, the late change of coach from Michael Magro to Englishman, Gareth Warke may hinder Fairfield’s chances a little. They’ll be in the eight for sure, and should even be in the four again.

HOBART SHADES
2003 Performance: A new club. The last Hobart franchise (the now defunct Devils), made the quarter finals in their final year.
Noteable Gains: None. Key players will be Darren Smith (North Sydney), Bill Peden (Perth), and Richie Barnett.
Noteable Losses: None.
Captain: Billy Peden. The Perth veteran and local hero has come out of retirement to lead the Shades, and should be an admirable leader. A lock at heart, Perth’s Andrew Young conducted a very successful experiment with him in fullback.
Key Player: Darren Smith. The flexible hardman will be asked to plug holes all over the Hobart squad, and after his experience at the successful North Sydney Newbloods, he should be capable of doing so.
Wildcard: Richie Barnett. The talented Kiwi and Queenslander has been out of the game for two seasons now, but makes his return with the Shades. He used to dominate play for the Brisbane Bulls, and will be hoping to reclaim that form.
Player to Watch: Jared Anderson. A goal kicking centre with a knack for being in the right place to receive a desperation pass, expect Anderson to make an impact when injuries strike the Shades.
Prediction: They have a quality squad, but coach Murray Norris (former Hobart Devils’ head-man) hasn’t found a winning formula yet. If he can, they’ll be quality all year- but if not, they’re a chance of a spoon.

NEW ENGLAND FERRETS
2003 Performance: Experienced their third straight poor year after being close to a grand final berth in 2001/2002.
Noteable Gains: Aaron Erbs (Rookie), De Wet Barry (Draft), Rory Powers (Gold Coast), Gael Tallic (Surfers Paradise), and Toori Tatu (Capetown).
Noteable Losses: Andy Farrell (Capetown), Dane Dorahy (Fairfield), Michael Beuttner (Penrith), and Bryan Fletcher (Surfers Paradise).
Captain: David Peachy. One of the nicest guys in league, Peachy takes the helm now that Andy Farrell has moved to pursue a Premier League career.
Key Player: Lee Briers. The dangerous Welshman hasn’t really found his footing at New England, but early trial form shows he’s expecting a boom season.
Wildcard: Gael Tallic. It’s been a while since Tallic has been compared with the likes of Tallis and Kennedy, but he is a player capable of such accolades. After some quiet years at Surfers, can he reclaim his former glory alongside the likes of Chris Joynt?
Player to Watch: Toori Tatu. The goal-kicking Namibian was spotted by Capetown scouts, but joins the Ferrets to make up for the loss of Andy Farrell.
Prediction: The Ferrets may have finally found a winning formula in realising they can’t rely on a few stars to win them games. Their pre-season form is promising, and watch for the Ferrets to contest their first finals series since 2001/2002.

NEWCASTLE FEAR
2003 Performance: Under the guidance of English coach Mark Fowler, the side really began to emerge as a quality entity, but struggled to string together wins.
Noteable Gains: Brad Commins (Central Coast), Paul Anderson (Hawkesbury), Eric Grothe Jr (Townsville), Richard Moore (Rookie), and Tomas Leullai (Draft).
Noteable Losses: Craig Greenhill (Fairfield).
Captain: Sean Rudder. The former Phoenix utility has found a home in the captain’s role at the Fear.
Key Player: Nathan Fien. It’s a lot of pressure to put on a young halfback, but so far Nathan Fien has thrived under it, and should continue to do so.
Wildcard: Willie Mason. He’s the fan favourite down in Newcastle, but he never seems to deliver for the side. If he can do so, there’s no end to what he’ll achieve.
Player to Watch: Tomas Leullai. Tipped as the next man to play outside Stacey Jones, Leullai has an immense amount of talent in all facets of the attacking game.
Prediction: The Fear continue to follow Fowler’s resurrection plan, and while it’s yet to produce results, and may not in 2004, it is proving effective. Watch for 2004 to lay the foundation for a very successful Fear side in the future.

NORTH QUEENSLAND DOLPHINS
2003 Performance: An emalgalamatin of Cairns (who almost made the finals) and Townsville (who struggled all season), 2003 has no effect on this essentially new entity.
Noteable Gains: Entirely new squad built from Cairns and Townsville. Key players will be Kris Radlinski, Brooke Martin, and Adam Dykes.
Noteable Losses: None.
Captain: Linden Drummond. The loyal and talented goal-kicker has maintained his Townsville captaincy.
Key Player: Kris Radlinski. The former Gold Coast custodian and current English fullback should be the key to North Queensland experiencing footballing success.
Wildcard: Brooke Martin. The only female in Rugby League, Brooke Martin took advantage of injuries late in the season to seize a spot in the joint venture. Aggressive and fast, Martin is a superstar in the making.
Player to Watch: Ben Black. He’s been said to have a kicking game that rivals those of Andrew Johns and Brent Sherwin, and 2004 will be Ben Black’s chance to prove such claims.
Prediction: They were awesome in the trials, and Troy Haines has done a magnificent job of gelling the two sides. Look for the joint venture to make an appearance in this year’s finals.
PACIFIC SHARKS
2003 Performance: A new side.
Noteable Gains: New squad. Key players will be Tim Brasher, Paulie Bhatan, Stephen Jones, and Bryce Edkins (Canberra).
Noteable Losses: None.
Captain: Tim Brasher. The veteran and former Kangaroo has been jerked around by both Freemantle and North Adelaide, but seems settled in his new role as Pacific Islands custodian.
Key Player: Paulie Bhatan. The Lebanese superstar has been a revelation for the Cedars, and will be looking to show the ‘skippies’ what a choco can do.
Wildcard: Brian Lima. The Samoan is known for his aggressive defence, and he’ll need to do plenty of it looking at the lacklustre defence of the Sharks’ backs.
Player to Watch: Chad Randall. After being dumped by the Suva Suns, Randall was looking at a year of work as a tradesman until he got a call from the Pacific Islands board. The young hooker has been compared to incumbant Australian hooker, Danny Buderus.
Prediction: The Sharks have one of the better debuting sides, and it would be no surprise to see them pressuring the eight. The inclusion of several locals in favour of better players may harm their chances.

PENRITH HIGHLANDERS
2003 Performance: Were woeful, as has been expected of the side since their inception.
Noteable Gains: Ben Roarty (Hawkesbury), Evarn Tuimavarve (Surfers Paradise), Karl Te Mata (Draft), Michael Vella (Central Coast), and Shane Rua (Central).
Noteable Losses: Stuart Kelly (Surfers Paradise).
Captain: Daniel Wagon. Has played Premier League at Adelaide and Central, and will be required to use his experience if Penrith wish to succeed.
Key Player: Brett Firman. The super-talented young gun is likened to Allan Langer, and will be pivotal in Penrith’s 2004 campaign.
Wildcard: Michael Vella. The ‘Maltese Rambo’, and former enforcer for the Falcons will be the centre of the Highlanders’ defensive line.
Player to Watch: Karl Te Mata. Has big wraps on him from the New Zealand media.
Prediction: The Highlanders are building a solid squad, but coach Marshal Boyd seems to be cursed. They’ll upset some along the way, but may not have the culture to make a finals appearance.

PERTH CITY BLACKHAWKS
2003 Performance: None. Played in the 2002/2003 campaign as the Perth City Wolves.
Noteable Gains: Entirely new squad. Key players will be Adam Mills Jr, Bernd Mahrleim, and Keyshawn Johnson.
Noteable Losses: None.
Captain: David Frame. The experienced UK born hooker will be expected to lead by example by the new club.
Key Player: Craig Bowen. After several years of relative obscurity behind Adam Dykes at Townsville, Bowen will want to seize a starting jersey at the new club.
Wildcard: Brendon Reeves. In his final year of league, the former Manly fullback has vowed to ‘make an impact’.
Player to Watch: Adam Mills Jr. The only son of the outspoken former coach of Sydney has plenty of talent, and may yet develop into a Kangaroo hopeful.
Prediction: The Blackhawks, like so many of the new clubs, have solid squads- but none of the superstars that they’ll need to be genuinely competitive. Another also ran side.

PORT MORESBY POWER
2003 Performance: Weren’t as good as they were in 2002/2003, but still pushed all year, only losing fourth position in their final round loss to Hawkesbury.
Noteable Gains: Andrew Ryan, Craig Hall (Darwin), Christian Bai (Rookie), Deon Bird (Perth),
Noteable Losses: Stirling Mortlock (Coffs Harbour), Timothy Rice and Lote Tuqiri (Darwin).
Captain: John Morris. While Christian Bai has comparable leadership skills, look for the experienced hooker to lead the Power in 2004.
Key Player: Christian Bai. Immense pressure has been placed in the 21 year old cousin of Marcus Bai, and should he deliver, it’ll be a brilliant year for all Papua New Guineans.
Wildcard: Stirling Mortlock. After capturing a NSW Blues’ jersey in 2002, Mortlock seemed to rest on his laurels. Being sacked by his former club will hopefully renew his love of the game.
Player to Watch: Mixie Lui. The talented young centre from the Central Coast has been recommended to Jelly Adams by the Central Coast’s Anthony Magro.
Prediction: They’ve lost some talent, but have replaced it with good quality juniors and depth. Port Moresby should make three consecutive finals series.

REDLANDS RHINOS
2003 Performance: Were surprise top eight residents for the earlier portion of the season, but then seemed to remember themselves to fall into the lower half of the table.
Noteable Gains: Darren Senter (Wollongong), David Seage (Feeder), and Dennis Scott (Eastwood).
Noteable Losses: None.
Captain: Brett Finch. The halfback is the centre of all of Redlands’ promotional aspirations.
Key Player: Brett Finch. Redlands’ only real hope of a finals berth rests on the talented young halfback.
Wildcard: Nick Grahem. Had a fairly unsuccessful period at the Sydney Oilers, and will be hoping to rediscover his form at Redlands.
Player to Watch: David Seage. A local fullback with immense potential, Seage may be a solid back up to the flare and talent of Finch.
Prediction: Again, Redlands don’t seem to have the mystery ingredient they need to be a threat. They’ll cause some upsets, but disappoint again.

SOUTH MELBOURNE DEVILS
2003 Performance: Underperformed the already low expectations to finish last in their Division.
Noteable Gains: Luke Davico (Gold Coast), Andrew Dunemann (Capetown), Gary Connolly (Central), Chris Flannery (Surfers Paradise), and Anthony Quinn (Canberra).
Noteable Losses: Iafeta Pelea’easina (Sydney), Steve Witt (Central), and Danny Nutley (Gold Coast).
Captain: Gary Connolly. The veteran from Central should be more than capable of pulling together the motley crew.
Key Player: Chris Flannery. The Queensland representative had his season at Surfers Paradise cut short last year with injuries, but if he can stay on the park, will go a long way towards lifting the Devils.
Wildcard: Luke Lewis. The talented winger doesn’t have the support he needs to be world class, but he can still produce a try when it’s needed.
Player to Watch: Brick Drury. Will have to oust Gary Connolly as team fullback, but has plenty of defensive potential.
Prediction: The Devils have managed to keep their better players and create a solid threat to the Division Two title. If coach Scott Hardman can keep them focussed, they should be in the eight.

ST GEORGE BREAKERS
2003 Performance: A completely new entity.
Noteable Gains: New squad. Key players will be Adrian Lam (Hawkesbury), Dan Hills (Surfers Paradise), Eddie Paeia (Rookie), Harris Knofke (Cairns), and Nathan Blacklock (Carnarvon).
Noteable Losses: None.
Captain: Demetrius Lichtenstein. He’s represented his country, and also captained the Suva Suns in a number of fixtures. The young German will be an asset to a new club.
Key Player: Adrian Lam. The aging halfback didn’t produce any miracles at Hawkesbury last year, but he still has a powerful boot and a good passing game.
Wildcard: Quentin Pongia. Was one of the finest props last season, and whether he can back the season up with another will be crucial to St George’s go forward.
Player to Watch: Brent Kite. The talented second rower didn’t get a chance at North Sydney, and will revel in the opportunity to start.
Prediction: The Breakers have a solid side, and in Chris O’Keefe, a solid coach. After coaching Cairns achingly close, O’Keefe wouldn’t be overconfident in tipping a top eight finish.

SUVA SUNS
2003 Performance: Made their debut finals appearance, and did pressure some very solid sides.
Noteable Gains: Jack Isaac (Hawkesbury) and Lance Rhodes (Penrith).
Noteable Losses: Christian Cullen (Fairfield) and Olivier Sarramea (Christchurch Carnage)
Captain: Barry Eaton. The level headed prop and goal kicker should be able to fend off the assaults of other inexperienced leaders.
Key Player: Tim Clark. The immensely talented halfback will be a crucial ingredient in Suva’s campaign for promotion.
Wildcard: Lance Rhodes. If Rhodes can adjust from the losing culture at Penrith and fill the void left by Cullen, the Suns will be laughing.
Player to Watch: Sam Harris. The centre/second rower has a lot of wraps and an equal amount of potential.
Prediction: The Suns will be one of the big sides in 2004, and it wouldn’t be overly ambitious to put them in your top four. JD Marskell has recruited soundly, and the side should be stronger because of it.

TAMWORTH CITY TITANS
2003 Performance: Had a miraculous late charge for the grand final after being unexpected finalists.
Noteable Gains: None.
Noteable Losses: None.
Captain: Justin Ryder. The most unlikely ASRL captain, Ryder has been the level head in a very young side.
Key Player: Brian O’Driscroll. When you have arguably the greatest centre in the world in your squad, it’s hard for him not to play a key role in all you do.
Wildcard: Kurt Gidley. Being groomed as a replacement to Byron Kelleher, Gidley is every bit as talented as his Australian representative brother.
Player to Watch: Scott Ella. Everyone’s hearing good things about the boy and his famous name.
Prediction: The Titans have not recuited at all in the off season, and it remains to be seen whether their young side can benefit from the experience of last year. They should be close again, but everyone knows what they’re capable of now.

PREDICTED LADDER
Fairfield Stallions
North Queensland Dolphins
Suva Suns
Coffs Harbour Wyrms
New England Ferrets
Port Moresby Power
St George Breakers
Pacific Sharks
Tamworth City Titans
South Melbourne Devils
Newcastle Fear
Canberra Chargers
Penrith Highlanders
Colombo Harlequins
Christchurch Carnage
Eastwood Pumas
Redlands Rhinos
Perth City Blackhawks
Hobart Shades
Auckland Marlins