While the majority of fans will be tuning their televisions into Channel Nine’s coverage of the Premier League, a large number of fans will be watching Division Two with greater intent- hoping that their side can be the next to make the step up to the top level. Last season saw the most competitive year in Division Two’s short history, and if last year was anything to go by, 2004/2005 will be impossible to predict. The ASRL Weekly Magazine’s David Harris has chosen to give it a try all the same.
AUCKLAND CHIEFS
To Win: 3.50
Top Eight: 2.50
Wooden Spoon: 50.00
New Faces: Matt Bowen (Port Moresby), Eron Bates (Brisbane), and Aaron Gorrell (Brisbane)
While the name is almost the same, it’s important to remember that the new Auckland entity contains the best of both the Auckland Marlins and Christchurch Carnage- both of whom folded in the post season. The recruitment campaign has been intensive, with Wests Panthers’ duo Gorrell and Bates both expected to tie down run on spots.
Pre Season Form: Were knocked out of the BFC by Melbourne, and otherwise enjoyed a decent start to their life as a Division Two club.
Star Player: Matt Bowen. A lot of people questioned Bowen’s sanity when he left newly promoted Port Moresby to try his fortunes at Auckland, but there is little doubt that the livewire fullback’s form will rule Auckland’s fortunes.
Rising Star: Eron Bates. Bates finished just behind Birchgrove’s Trent Pariah in Player of the Year polling last season, and as expected, attracted plenty of interest in the post season. A talented halfback and goal-kicker, Bates’ ability to adapt to first flight football will be a major factor in Auckland’s dreams of success.
Wildcard: Tommy Martyn. At well over thirty years of age, there’s a question mark over Martyn’s ability to match it at this level anymore. But critics need only to look back at last season to see that Martyn, who took out five eighth of the year, was a major player in Port Moresby’s promotion.
Prediction: The recruitment campaign by new CEO Josh Hussey has done the club the world of good, but it remains to be seen whether they can shrug off Hussey’s ‘underachiever’ tag and perform at the top level.
CANBERRA CHARGERS
To Win: 4.20
Top Eight: 2.00
Wooden Spoon: 35.00
New Faces: Christophe Lamaisson (Pacific) and Brandon Costin (Hobart).
While the recruitment campaign by new management doesn’t seem particularly energetic, fans may not realise that the Chargers’ player base has matured greatly in the off-season, with the likes of Ben Hornby, Paul Whatuira, and Reece Simmonds all likely to impress this season.
Pre Season Form: Were unlucky enough to encounter Adelaide in their opening game of the BFC, but should be encouraged by their performance in a 14-6 away loss to the Premier League side.
Star Player: Ben Hornby. Big things are expected from this unassuming fullback in the season to come, with insiders hinting he may be an outsider for State of Origin if Canberra can perform.
Rising Star: Matthew Gafa. The goal-kicking winger has been hanging around at Canberra for several years, unnoticed by the former management, but should get a real shake at a first grade spot this season.
Wildcard: Sean Towers. It doesn’t seem like that long ago that Sean Towers was keeping the likes of Alan Langer and Shaun Berrigan out of the Queensland squad, and if Towers can recapture the form of seasons past, he’ll be a major factor in Canberra’s success this season.
Prediction: A change of coach and a shake-up in the side may just be what’s needed to elevate the club back to Premier League after an arduous two year spell in the lower grades.
COLOMBO HARLEQUINS
To Win: 12.00
Top Eight: 6.00
Wooden Spoon: 12.00
New Faces: Luke Phillips (Free Agent), Fourcade Abasse (Christchurch), and Damien Fields (Auckland).
It may seem odd to see a side just as likely to finish last as take out the premiership, but Colombo are one of those sides that prove week in and week out that they can’t be predicted. For a long time last season they looked certainties for the wooden spoon, only to find a second wind and cruise into 14th position on the back of some big upsets in the final rounds. A solid recruitment campaign should help their chances of finishing in the top half, however.
Pre Season Form: Were humbled by The Entrance in the Bob Fulton Cup, but shouldn’t be phased after their trial form was quite impressive.
Star Player: Matt Dawson. The Union convert proved last season how influential he can be, and his fitness will be imperative to the Harlequins’ premiership aspirations.
Rising Star: Damien Fields. At the age of twenty nine, Fields isn’t a spring chicken, but he only broke onto the scene two years ago- and has yet to really settle in at a club. At Colombo he’s been offered first shot at a back row spot, and his goal-kicking should keep him there.
Wildcard: Anthony Himmler. After a dizzying debut for the Central Phoenix a few years ago, Himmler has come down to earth and earned himself a reputation as a no-nonsense utility with a hard hit and no fear of the opposition. Was one of Colombo’s best last season.
Prediction: As we’ve said, Colombo are an unknown entity, but the second year of coaching for coach Chris Columbo should be enough to see them finish just outside the eight.
EASTWOOD PUMAS
To Win: 4.00
Top Eight: 1.70
Wooden Spoon: 60.00
New Faces: Mtombe Msabo (Tamworth City), John Hopoate (Brisbane), and Mick Van Der Wall (Capetown).
Eastwood shocked a lot of people last season by reversing their reputation as perennial losers to finish in the top four. Whether or not they are capable of repeating the feat now that everyone knows what to expect is another thing entirely.
Pre Season Form: Were pummelled in the BFC by the Northern Cannons, but won’t be too disappointed following a fairly strong trial hit out.
Star Player: Aurelion Cologni. The French powerhouse really came of age last season, and with the departure of Swiss sensation Verity Gunnarsson, Cologni will be free to reek havoc once again from his favoured position of lock.
Rising Star: Paul Stephenson. A product of the local junior clubs, Stephenson is a fast and talented centre who is destined to be the next big thing in Sydney.
Wildcard: Jason Smith. He may be a little older and a little slower, but Smith proved last year he’s still the same man who terrorised the best sides during his time at Central. He’s still playing out of position at hooker, but it doesn’t seem to have slowed him down.
Prediction: Should be there again at season’s end, but they’ve lost the element of surprise that made them such a danger last season. Top eight, but will need to find something special to make the top four two years running.
FAIRFIELD STALLIONS
To Win: 2.70
Top Eight: 1.50
Wooden Spoon: 100.00
New Faces: Brick Dury (South Melbourne), Slick Cupples (Manly), Brad Fittler (Wollongong, Asuki Miyamoto (South Melbourne), and Ben Kirchner (Melbourne).
The Stallions have embarked on another intensive recruitment programme, calling in the big guns in the form of former Australian captain Brad Fittler and ‘the Japanese buzz-saw’, Asuki Miyamoto. There are still doubts, however, about the side’s commitment.
Pre Season Form: Didn’t enjoy much success in the Bob Fulton Cup, but trial form was decent enough to point towards a successful season.
Star Player: Brad Fittler. While he hasn’t really recaptured the form that made him a legend in the late nineties, Fittler still has enough skill and league know-how to turn a game on its head.
Rising Star: Slick Cupples. Was kept in the shadow of Mat Rogers last season, and will no doubt relish the chance to play some starting football. Possesses an astute kicking game that would aid him in five eighth.
Wildcard: Asuki Miyamoto. Like Fittler, Miyamoto is a hot and cold player at best, rarely managing to string two good games together. Fairfield have taken a huge gamble in resting almost a fifth of their salary cap on the two players.
Prediction: The Stallions possess a powerful squad, but proved last year that it takes more than a few big names on paper. The general feeling is that they blew their chance after earning promotion in 2003, and time will tell whether the side can recapture the hunger required to lift them back up. Should make the finals.
GEELONG BENGALS
To Win: 50.00
Top Eight: 35.00
Wooden Spoon: 7.00
New Faces: Tony Gonzalez (Central Coast), David Razzle (Central Coast), Kit Walker (Manly), and Dwayne Alvarez (Auckland).
One of several new sides taking part in this year’s premiership, Geelong are to be under the guidance of Surfers Paradise’s Chris Maunder. Not a lot is expected from the new boys in Melbourne, however.
Pre Season Form: Caused an upset or two along the way, but there’s no reason for fans to get excited just yet.
Star Player: David Razzle. After tearing up the field at The Entrance last year, the pacy centre moves to Geelong in hopes of taking the next step towards representative honours. Knows his way to the try line, and should do so plenty of times this season.
Rising Star: Kit Walker. After playing a handful of seasons behind Stacey Jones at Manly, Walker left last season to pursue starting football, and now finds himself as the main man at Geelong. Has proven in previous games that he is the most talented of the Walker brothers, and should be an astute by for the Bengals this year.
Wildcard: Tim Donnelly. Another Union convert, Donnelly will be taking a crash course in league over the first few rounds.
Prediction: Would be favourites to take out the wooden spoon in their maiden season were it not for the presence of Shanghai and Wagga.
HAWKESBURY MAVERICKS
To Win: 2.75
Top Eight: 1.40
Wooden Spoon: 60.00
New Faces: Adam Dykes (North Queensland).
After a less than successful return to Premier League last season, Hawkesbury are back in Division Two and will be eager to get the hell out as soon as possible. Having relegated, there wasn’t much room for recruitment, but the Mavericks still look strong enough to bounce right back.
Pre Season Form: Poor at best, but the new look side (including a handful of players from Hornsby) will need time to gel.
Star Player: Jaco van der Westhuizen. The departure of the likes of Fittler has left a yawning hole in Hawkesbury’s line, but the South African fullback should be capable of stepping up and turning Hawkesbury around.
Rising Star: Adam Woolnough. The big front rower attracted plenty of interest when he was named off contract by the club, but chose to stay on at the club that gave him a chance. A solid prop prospect, and should play rep football sometime this year.
Wildcard: Inoke Ratudina. The big Islander was the go to man in Hawkesbury’s promotional year, and a lot of their chance rests on whether or not he can summon the enthusiasm to do it all over again.
Prediction: Possessing a backline that would not look out of place in Premier League, the Mavericks have one of Division Two’s strongest squads, and should be confident of a return to the big league.
LAKE HEIGHTS LIGHTNING
To Win: 25.00
Top Eight: 7.50
Wooden Spoon: 15.00
New Faces: Phil Bailey (Brisbane), Jason Stevens (Manly), Sean Rudder (Newcastle), Jason Ferris (Christchurch), and Nihal Silvain (South Melbourne).
Another of the new sides in the league, Lake Heights have benefited from the enthusiasm of a new coach who has gone out of his way to ensure they’ll have a competitive squad this season. While they’re a long way from being contenders, they’re also a long way from being one of the ‘walkover sides’.
Pre Season Form: Upset local rivals Wollongong, but a more realistic view of their ability was presented in the Bob Fulton Cup.
Star Player: Jason Stevens. The experienced prop was left out of Northern’s merger plans, and finds himself taking on the captaincy for the new club. His experience should be invaluable in a largely inexperienced pack.
Rising Star: Anthony Toopu. The ball-playing back rower was hot property in the pre-season, and shocked a lot of people by joining a fledgling club in favour of one of the bigger sides.
Wildcard: Luke MacDougall. Really came into his own towards the end of last season, and has earned a reputation as a genuinely dangerous backline player.
Prediction: The Lightning have the advantage of an enthusiastic staff getting in and doing the hard yards, and while this won’t be enough to make contenders of them, it should be enough to make them competitive and give them a foundation for 2005.
NEW ENGLAND FERRETS
To Win: 10.00
Top Eight: 5.00
Wooden Spoon: 25.00
New Faces: Akido Li (North Sydney).
For a side that took out the Division Two wooden spoon last season, the Ferrets haven’t done much to amend the many problems at the once great club. Confidence at the club, however, is quite high- and that’s one thing that has been lacking in recent years.
Pre Season Form: Should be encouraged by their defence over the first few games of the season, but need to work on their attack.
Star Player: Akido Li. After sacking long term fullback, David Peachy, the Ferrets hired a fullback in the same mould as the Dubbo flyer. Li’s enthusiasm is incomparable though, and should be a positive step for the ailing club.
Rising Star: Daniel Ferris. Was North West’s finest player in a solid RSC season for the side, and makes the step up to first grade with the weight of both play-making and goal kicking on his shoulders.
Wildcard: James Harrison. The last of a once monstrous forward pack, Harrison is a key player when it comes to team confidence. If he can put aside recent failures and look positively at the season, it could be a major step towards rebuilding.
Prediction: Every year I get on board and back the coming year as the one that will see New England return to form, and this year I’m doing the same. Their pre-season form has again been ominous, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them in the eight at season’s end.
NEWCASTLE FEAR
To Win: 4.50
Top Eight: 1.80
Wooden Spoon: 60.00
New Faces: Matthew Petersen (Parramatta), Brett Firman (Parramatta), and Tyran Smith (Lake Heights).
The Fear showed last year that a lot can be achieved with a solid supporter base, plenty of passion, and confidence in the players. The Fear may not have recruited heavily in the off season, but their buying has been astute, and all signs point towards another boom year for the Novocastrians.
Pre Season Form: Didn’t last long in the Bob Fulton Cup, but showed enough in the trials to indicate another good year is on the way.
Star Player: Leon Pryce. Was the target of intense campaigns from both Capetown and Northern in the pre-season, but rejected big offers to take on the pivot role at the Fear.
Rising Star: Ben MacDougall. Like brothers Luke and Adam, Ben has developed a reputation as one of the game’s finest young centres.
Wildcard: Thomas Leullai. Has gone from a weekly starter to an impact player from the bench, and it remains to be seen how the young Kiwi handles the role.
Prediction: The Fear have improved on a side that showed last year it had what it takes to win a premiership, their dream ended in a thriller against Eastwood. They should be able to do it all again this season.
NORTH QUEENSLAND DOLPHINS
To Win: 1.50
Top Eight: 1.10
Wooden Spoon: 200.00
New Faces: Andrew Mehrtens (Capetown), Pierce Connery (Wollongong), Ed Knaggs (Christchurch), and Rodney Howe (Perth).
The feat of luring two time five eighth of the year Andrew Mehrtens to the club puts the Dolphins ahead of the pack of sole contenders for promotion this year, especially considering they were one win away last season.
Pre Season Form: Were out-gunned in an epic qualifier against Port Moresby in the BFC, but the loss should give the Dolphins heaps of confidence.
Star Player: Andrew Mehrtens. Has ruled Capetown’s fortunes for two seasons, and is likely to do the same at North Queensland.
Rising Star: Brian O’Keefe. After being shunned by his own father when he formed the St George Breakers, O’Keefe found a new home and father figure in Dolphins’ coach Troy Haines. His partnership with Mehrtens will no doubt cause opposition defence nightmares.
Wildcard: Ben Black. The bench halfback may not be a household name, but his kicking game is astounding, and will work brilliantly in conjunction with those of the run on halves.
Prediction: The Dolphins are the benchmark this season, and should have what it takes to follow last year’s grand final opponents, Coffs Harbour, into Premier League.
PENRITH HIGHLANDERS
To Win: 2.80
Top Eight: 1.50
Wooden Spoon: 75.00
New Faces: Steve Bell (Gold Coast), Talea Fuimaoano (Hawkesbury), Willie Peters (Wellington), and Seamus O’Grady (Wollongong).
Were another side who last season challenged the generally accepted opinion of them by producing a watermark year for the club. While the buying campaign hasn’t been particularly vigorous, a few astute buys have covered for the loss of a number of key players.
Pre Season Form: Hold the record of being the Division Two side to make it furthest in this year’s Bob Fulton Cup, knocked out by Darwin in the quarter finals. This alone is enough to give fans plenty to hope for.
Star Player: Mark Riddell. The ‘pig’ was one of the best on show last season, and is likely to do the same again this season.
Rising Star: Karl Temata. Another impressive Kiwi forward in the same mould as Tuimavave, Temata has already played a game in centre, proving his versatility.
Wildcard: Talea Fuimaoano. Many league pundits have argued that Hawkesbury’s Brian Randell didn’t use Fuimaoano correctly last season, and the halfback’s performances so far this season would seem to indicate he’s definitely more than just a bench strike weapon.
Prediction: The Highlanders, like Eastwood, have lost the benefit of surprise they had last season. However, unlike the Pumas, the Highlanders possess a good mix of upcoming talent and experienced first graders.
PERTH CITY BLACKHAWKS
To Win: 55.00
Top Eight: 35.00
Wooden Spoon: 10.00
New Faces: Deiter Fisher (Suva), Amahl Singh (Coffs Harbour), Stuart Kelly (Penrith), Franco Luullai (Fairfield), Sean Hoppe (Newcastle), and Laurent Frayssinous (Christchurch).
Despite enjoying a better than predicted debut season, the Blackhawks sacked a lot of players and their inaugural coach (Adam Mills) in the pre-season, with former Freemantle head-man Brendon Meynell taking the reins
Pre Season Form: Poor at best, and it doesn’t look likely to improve much.
Star Player: Keyshawn Johnson. One of the few players to survive the culling post-season, Johnson was one of the Blackhawks’ standouts last season.
Rising Star: Anthony Farrell. A talented back rower with a lot of potential, Farrell joins the Blackhawks after short stints at RSC clubs Sunshine Coast and Northern Territory.
Wildcard: Meynell is Hoppe’s self-confessed ‘biggest fan’, and is infamous for using the #2 draft pick to snare the aging winger a few seasons ago. The love affair continues at Perth City, with Hoppe being handed a wing spot alongside captain, Stuart Kelly.
Prediction: Long time fans of the ASRL will remember Meynell’s last unsuccessful stint in the ASRL, coaching the Freemantle Aces in a forgettable debut season. Whether or not Meynell’s eccentricities can turn around Perth City remains to be seen.
PORT ADELAIDE CORSAIRS
To Win: 16.00
Top Eight: 6.50
Wooden Spoon: 20.00
New Faces: Shane Mongta (Gold Coast), Jerrie Muller (Hawkesbury), and Oliver Magne (Free Agent).
The first South Australian based club to enter since Adelaide in 1916, Port Adelaide couldn’t have hoped for a better start- with Premier League big wigs Nathan Hoy and Chris Walker-Bush assisting in recruitment for the club. Ousted Perth City coach Adam Mills takes the reins, and should be confident of a big year after a promising pre season.
Pre Season Form: Provided one of the upsets of the BFC’s history when they knocked Wellington out in a 17-16 thriller. Enjoyed one of Division Two’s best pre seasons.
Star Player: Oliver Magne. The big, experienced lock will no doubt be the rock in Port Adelaide’s defensive line all season. His fitness will be a big factor in the Corsairs’ chances.
Rising Star: Shane Mongta. Was Sunshine Coast’s best last season, in a year that saw the Rising Star Conference produce a lot of talented backs. After being rejected by New England in his debut year, Mongta finally gets a chance for first grade football.
Wildcard: Mark Hair. Another man from Sunshine Coast, the tall and aggressive back rower is in the same mould as Ben Kennedy. Coming off the bench, he could prove a real handful.
Prediction: The side is definitely good enough to push for a surprise finals’ berth, but the inexperience of both the playing roster and the coach may prove their undoing.
REDLANDS RHINOS
To Win: 4.70
Top Eight: 2.30
Wooden Spoon: 45.00
New Faces: Jamie Venables (Carnarvon) and Shannon O’Reilly (Gold Coast)
Complete the list of clubs who turned it around last season to make shock finals’ appearances. Redlands, after enjoying a dominant start to last season, showed a lack of commitment when they dropped off in the second half of the season. The recruitment of O’Reilly and Venables, however, gives them plenty of firepower in the backs.
Pre Season Form: Were humiliated in a 10-8 defeat against Balmain, and also managed only an 8 all draw against Sunshine Coast. In both games commitment was the issue.
Star Player: Bobby Young. A lot rests on the ability of the twenty five year old sensation from outback Western Australia, who steps into the big shoes of Brett Finch.
Rising Star: Shannon O’Reilly. Was one of Premier League’s top try scorers last season, and will no doubt be eager to continue to trend in Division Two.
Wildcard: Jamie Venables. At twenty five, Venables is at the stage where he needs to find consistency or be resigned to always been an average footballer. While he has played several Origin games, the former sprinter from far north Queensland has never really managed to capture the form he’s capable of. Maybe a change of scenery is what it will take.
Prediction: Unfortunately for Redlands’ fans, it looks like last year was their best chance of promotion in a long time, and the departure of Brett Finch may signal a return to the form that saw the Rhinos consistently finish well outside the eight.
SHANGAI TRADERS
To Win: 150.00
Top Eight: 60.00
Wooden Spoon: 5.00
New Faces: Huia Edmunds (Suva) and Lee Hopkins (Penrith).
The ASRL’s first foray into mainland Asia may be a positive move, but there’s little that’s positive to be said about the Shanghai Traders who will take the field in 2004/2005. The side is made up predominantly of Australian born players, and poor ones at that.
Pre Season Form: Were never a chance against the Oilers in the BFC, and joined the ASRL too late to play trials.
Star Player: Lee Hopkins. After setting a few records in 2003 for being the highest bid on forward in ASRL contract history, Hopkins never amounted to much at Penrith- but will captain the Traders in their debut year.
Rising Star: Nathan Sutton. Sacked by the club that produced him, the talented young prop possesses a kicking game that most halves would envy.
Wildcard: Paul Smith. Was an inspiration for New England in their 2001/2002 semi final appearance, and has been out of action with a long term battle with bowel disease ever since. Returns to the field after a long hiatus this year, and will be hoping to recapture the form that made him a contender for lock of the year in 2001/2002.
Prediction: Are probably destined to take out a wooden spoon in their debut year, but it shouldn’t matter, most Chinese spectators won’t even know what’s going on.
TAMWORTH CITY
To Win: 7.00
Top Eight: 3.00
Wooden Spoon: 20.00
New Faces: None.
Coach Steve Simmons has continued a long trend of refusing to take part in the pre-season, and as a result, the Titans look set to take the field with a weakened squad after losing several of last year’s final making side.
Pre Season Form: Were absolutely crushed by Central in their BFC game, but shouldn’t be too fussed considering the Phoenix made last year’s Premier League grand final.
Star Player: Kurt Gidley. The up and coming half has shown in recent years that he’s a major player in Tamworth City’s squad, and it will be on his shoulders to produce the goods again this season.
Rising Star: Ricardo. There was a lot of speculation over this talented Colombian lock in the pre-season, after his career was threatened before it was started with drug trafficking charges. The charges were dropped, and the talented ball player is free to take his spot in the Titans’ squad- likely to be in the halves alongside Gidley.
Wildcard: Joseph Goldstein. The Poland born winger was a stand-out in Tamworth City’s finals’ berth last season, and should continue the trend this year despite the loss of partner in crime, Nigerian centre, Mtombe Msabo.
Prediction: Methinks Tamworth City’s refusal to get into the player market may come back to haunt them this year, much as it has done for their neighbours, New England, in recent years.
THE TASSIE DEVILS
To Win: 55.00
Top Eight: 18.00
Wooden Spoon: 11.00
New Faces: Paul Bowman (North Sydney), Lance Hohaia (Brisbane), and Marty Holah (Free Agent).
Like Lake Heights, Tassie have benefited from an enthusiastic staff, but may find that a squad of twenty two won’t be enough to be competitive once injuries begin to set in.
Pre Season Form: Nothing special, but nothing to worry about yet either.
Star Player: Marty Holah. One more Union convert making the jump to league in hopes of making his fortune, Holah is the rose in a fairly unattractive Devils’ lineup.
Rising Star: Matt Hilder. A very promising utility prospect, ‘Waltzing’ Matt Hilder is expected to fill a lot of positions for the Devils this season- but has been named on the wing for their first game of the season.
Wildcard: Michael Sullivan. One of the game’s finest impact players, Sullivan can turn a game on its head just be coming onto the park and injecting his unpredictable style into the conflict.
Prediction: Probably don’t have the same quality as fellow newcomers, Lake Heights, but are far better prepared for the rigours of ASRL football than Geelong, Wagga, and Shanghai. As such, they should finish somewhere amongst the mob of also rans.
WAGGA REDBACKS
To Win: 100.00
Top Eight: 40.00
Wooden Spoon: 6.00
New Faces: Christian Walker (Gold Coast), Ben Tune (Carnarvon), Dean Bosnich (Souh Melbourne), and Mark Lennon (Sydney)
The Redbacks, having narrowly missed out on a start in 2001/2002, start off in the same boat as Shanghai- having rushed to get a squad together at the last minute. Some astute recruitment by new coach Ahmed A. has given them a slight advantage.
Pre Season Form: Progressed to the second round of the BFC with a strong win over Geelong, but are otherwise untested.
Star Player: Ben Tune. The powerful Union convert was forced out of Carnarvon by salary cap constraints, and becomes Wagga’s big name signing for the season to come.
Rising Star: Christian Walker. Has proven in what limited game time he’s been allowed at Gold Coast and Sydney that he’s a potential star, and finally gets a chance to prove it.
Wildcard: Shane Rua. Was a key player in Central’s 2002/2003 grand final appearance, but was forced out due to cap constraints shortly afterwards. Has spent the last two seasons playing for the DC Slayers in the USA, and is finally back to tackle first grade football.
Prediction: Should be glad for the presence of Shanghai, which should prevent them from getting a maiden wooden spoon.
WAIKATO BREAKERS
To Win: 4.50
Top Eight: 3.00
Wooden Spoon: 45.00
New Faces: Richie Barnett Sr (Hobart) and Richie McCaw (Wellington).
Look set to be the big improvers in this season, having moved from Sydney to Waikato and recruited deftly to fill out gaps in an already solid squad. The release of Amos Roberts is questionable, however.
Pre Season Form: Were bundled out of the BFC by Northern, but have otherwise enjoyed a fairly solid pre season.
Star Player: Andre Bowen. He may seem like a new face, but the goal kicking second rower is, in reality, the Reginald Bunce that turned heads last season. Bunce, who copped a lot of flack for his name last season, had it officially changed in the off season. A pre-season injury will see him miss the early rounds.
Rising Star: Ken Rogers. Was never really given a chance to shine at Wellington, and while he’s expected to start at RSC squad, Gisborne, he will be an invaluable resource when injuries smash the top squad.
Wildcard: Richie McCaw. Must feel a little out of his depth after playing all of his rugby league at Wellington, and will be expected to shoulder a lot of responsibility in an inexperienced forward pack.
Prediction: While improvements should see the Breakers go one step closer to attaining their premiership dream this season, it seems unlikely they have the big game experience to unseat the big clubs such as Fairfield, North Queensland, and Penrith.
Predicted Ladder
1. North Queensland
2. Hawkesbury
3. Fairfield
4. Penrith
5. Eastwood
6. Newcastle
7. Canberra
8. New England
9. Waikato
10. Redlands
11. Auckland
12. Tamworth City
13. Port Adelaide
14. Colombo
15. Lake Heights
16. Tassie
17. Geelong
18. Perth City
19. Wagga
20. Shanghai
