Adelaide Attitude
After finding some maturity and consistency in the 2004/2005 season, the Adelaide Attitude look to be one of Premier League’s big sides for the season to come. Perhaps lacking the star power of the likes of Sydney, Northern, or the Gold Coast- they make up it with a lethal backline.
Strength
Adelaide’s backline depth is arguably the finest in the ASRL, boasting an all-star backline and three top quality replacements in Doug Howlett, Gary Coleman, and Daisaku Ohata.
Weakness
Where they have an abundance of backline talent, Adelaide possess one of Premier League’s weakest forward packs- particularly in the dummy half and front row.
Key Player: Elton Flatley. The Union convert was their finest in 2004/2005, and will shoulder a great deal of responsibility this season as well. Although the captaincy role has been given to Mortlock, expect Flatley to continue to run the show.
Wildcard: Rupeni Caucau. Has yet to really show rugby league fans what he is capable of doing, despite playing in successful Gold Coast and Adelaide sides in previous years. One of the world’s biggest and strongest wingers, he could be a real danger for opposition defensive lines.
Player to Watch: David Raimes. Although Raimes has been around for two years already, expect for 2005 to be his year for maturing. A lock by trade, Raimes has played in dummy half for the Attitude so far this year, and looks to have found his niche.
Prediction: The Attitude certainly don’t have the star power or depth to be a top four side, but the coaching ability of Anthony McElroy cannot be underestimated. Expect for the Attitude to continually match it with the top sides, but finish in the lower half of the top eight.
Brisbane Bulls
If any side in this year’s Premier League can be considered a sleeping giant, the Brisbane Bulls are that side. Despite possessing one of the finest sides in the ASRL, Brisbane have yet to achieve much since the new look ASRL was brought about in 2001/2002. This year, with a newfound commitment, could be the year.
Strength
Across the park, Brisbane are every bit as dangerous as premiership winning giants such as Gold Coast and Wellington, and this is, obviously, their greatest strength. Whether or not they can mesh as a unit, is an entirely different story.
Weakness
Brisbane, in years gone by, have failed to make an impact because of a lack of confidence and team unity. If Josh Hussey can somehow work out that ‘X-Factor’ that will get his side performing at the level they should be, then Brisbane will be a top four side without doubt.
Key Player: Trent Barrett. Has not enjoyed the same level of achievement since leaving Wellington, but Barrett remains one of the game’s most influential players.
Wildcard: Josh Hannay. Bringing a winning culture with him from several years at Surfers Paradise, Josh Hannay may just be the spark that is needed to get Brisbane moving. Hannay also brings the club a specialist goal-kicker, a facet it has missed in recent years.
Player to Watch: David Stagg. The defensive workhorse was so impressive in Wests Panthers’ 2004/2005 RSC campaign that he has been given a start in Brisbane’s back row. Watch for him to break through onto the rep scene if Brisbane perform.
Prediction: It’s hard to nail down precisely where Brisbane could finish. If Hussey can work out what’s been holding them back, expect a top four finish. Without it, expect them to struggle like they have in recent years.
Capetown Ravens
After capturing a miraculous premiership against Wellington last year, Capetown made the bemusing decision to hire a new coach. Can Ian Waldie continue Capetown’s winning trend? Or will a change of coach be exactly what the doctor didn’t order?
Strength
Andrew Johns has lead Gold Coast to three premierships, and now leads Capetown in what could be his fourth premiership as a captain.
Weakness
What was formerly a devastating backline has become somewhat weaker with the departure of Rooney, Lima, and Ross. Waldie will need to find a new avenue of scoring, since his backline doesn’t possess its original flare.
Key Player: Andrew Johns. As stated above, Johns’ abilities are proven at every level of the game, and with Andy Farrell moving on- Johns will shoulder both the captaincy and the goal-kicking.
Wildcard: Leon Pryce. After several seasons ‘in the wilderness’ at Division Two club, Newcastle, Pryce moves to Capetown to fill their vacated lock position. Pryce is an attacking freak, and will be looking to form a dangerous combination with Johns.
Player to Watch: Derek Gateshead. Had an astounding rookie year in 2004, but was quiet last season. Gateshead this year aims to form a combination with Johns, and has so far shown that he’ll recapture the form that saw him play for England.
Prediction: Capetown got their premiership when the going was good, and it may be time for fans to batten down the hatches and prepare for a tougher season than they’ve experienced so far. It won’t be a surprise if the Ravens miss the finals for the first time in their short Premier League history, but expect them to come close.
Central Coast Falcons
Have perhaps their strongest team ever, and will be looking to make the transition from contender to winner.
Strength
The Falcons’ possess a world class forward pack, with the likes of Sculthorpe, Fielden, and Davico a perfect blend of experience and raw talent. The Falcons just might challenge Sydney for the mantle of #1 forward pack.
Weakness
It’s tough to nail down a weakness in the Falcons’ outfit, and that’s a testament to what they’ll achieve in 2005.
Key Player: Paul Sculthorpe. ‘Scully’ has yet to really turn heads in the ASRL, and with time passing by, he’ll be intent on making a fist of the opportunity he’s been given at the Central Coast.
Wildcard: Hazem El Masri. Hazem continues to blossom into one of the ASRL’s most consistently damaging wingers, and his goal kicking will be fundamental in any success the Falcons enjoy this season.
Player to Watch: James Little. After enjoying a dominant season for The Entrance last year, Little has been promoted to the top twenty five, where he will be expected to fill a number of positions in the backline during the year.
Prediction: The Falcons, alongside the Crusade and Bulls, possess one of the most across the board quality sides in the competition. If they miss out on a top four berth, coach Magro should really question his abilities.
Central Phoenix
Every side experiences a decline, and this season may well be it for the formerly high flying Phoenix. The side has been fading in recent years, and looks to have reached a low this year.
Strength
The back seven for the Phoenix are every bit as dangerous as any other top side in the Premier League, and provided they remain fit, the Phoenix will be a constant threat to the top sides.
Weakness
Depth-wise, the Phoenix continue to struggle, with a number of RSC quality players being relied on to fill out the squad. Outside the starting thirteen, there’s precious little to like about the Phoenix squad.
Key Player: Iestyn Harris. One of the ASRL’s travelling entertainers, Harris will look to find some success at the Phoenix alongside fellow former Brisbane player, Preston Campbell.
Wildcard: Brian O’Driscroll. One of the world’s finest centres, the Irish superstar is the ‘centre’ of a dangerous Phoenix backline. His combination with fellow international, Luke Lewis, will be a lethal part of the Phoenix arsenal.
Player to Watch: Beau Rivers. Watch for the promising centre to continue on with the form that saw him represent his state in 2004/2005. Rivers has matured as an offensive force.
Prediction: The Phoenix, should they keep their top squad on deck, will be a constant threat. That said, if they suffer a few injuries, it could very well be a long and painful season for the Central faithful. Expect them to make the top eight, narrowly.
Coffs Harbour Wyrms
Possessing one of Premier League’s weakest squads, Coffs Harbour could be on their way back to Division Two after two years of miraculous escapes
Strength
Koru Tirohara and Carlos Spencer are two of Premier League’s most dangerous offensive players, and will be the staple of any success the Wyrms enjoy this season.
Weakness
The Wyrms will be fielding a number of inexperienced players in key positions this year, including Andrew Miller in the crucial position of five eighth. Their depth, also, lacks experience.
Key Player: Carlos Spencer. Spencer continues his long tradition of playing at weaker sides, and will be hoping he can turn Coffs Harbour into some sort of force, rather than having to move to another new club at season’s end.
Wildcard: Koru Tirohara. The Japanese sensation made the fullback position his own with a dominant season last year, and will be a constant danger to slow or staggered defensive lines this season.
Player to Watch: Cameron Davis. Not a young gun anymore, but Davis gets a chance to impress this season from lock forward. Possessing an astute kicking game, Davis may be a thorn in the side of unsuspecting sides.
Prediction: Coffs Harbour will be in a battle to avoid relegation this year, with the likes of Darwin and Port Moresby likely to be their opposition. There seems precious little fans can do but buckle down for a bumpy year.
Darwin Cyclones
If the Cyclones can avoid relegation for a third successive year, the football Gods will be expecting some kind of drastic offering. The side looks worse than it ever has.
Strength
An experienced and dangerous halves pairing in the form of Irishman Ronan O’Gara and former Wallaby, Stephen Larkhim.
Weakness
A number of untried players will be starting in the side, including the likes of Gagma, Rimini Reweti, and Ben Westwood. These players need to catch up to Premier League level, or risk being a liability for their side.
Key Player: Ronan O’Gara. Like Coffs Harbour’s Carlos Spencer, O’Gara will try to resuscitate yet another struggling club, adding Darwin to a list that includes Coffs Harbour and the now defunct Suva franchise.
Wildcard: Caleb Ralph. Was one of Premier League’s finest wingers last season, and will be key to any success the Darwin backline enjoys this season.
Player to Watch: Gagma. The Papua New Guinean flyer was a constant star for the Rabaul Rangers last year, and has moved to Darwin in hopes of cracking first class football.
Prediction: Darwin and Coffs Harbour are the clear favourites for relegation this year, and it will take a marvellous job from the coaching staff to change my estimation.
Gold Coast Crusade
The Crusade look set to continue their long history of being Premier League’s benchmark side, with the side currently in the BFC semi finals and looking to go one better than last year’s major semi final loss.
Strength
Gold Coast’s greatest strength is an across the board quality that only Brisbane have managed to match. Whether they’re attacking through their world class backline, international pairing in the halves, or unbreakable forward pack- the Crusade will be a consistent performer.
Weakness
The price of such a star-studded first thirteen is that depth is down on previous years, in terms of current quality. That said, the depth is all potential, and will undoubtedly rise to the call.
Key Player: Andy Farrell. The man who ruled Capetown’s fortunes for two years (including a premiership last year) will be captaining the Crusade this season, seeking to fill the big boots of three time premiership winner, Andrew Johns.
Wildcard: Scott Hill. Injury prone Hill has been ‘stranded’ in Carnarvon for several seasons, and it remains to be seen whether or not he still has what it takes to play top class football. If he can form a combination with Matt Orford, the Crusade will be hard to stop.
Player to Watch: Shaun Briscoe. Although he will be playing out of position on the wing, Briscoe is expected to be a focal point of the Crusade attack in 2005. His ability to drop into fullback should Brent Webb leave the field is not to be underestimated.
Prediction: The Crusade look good for a fourth premiership, but will face tough opposition in the likes of Brisbane, Sydney, and the Central Coast. If they miss the top four, I’ll be stunned.
Hawkesbury Mavericks
Earned a recall to the Premier League after a dominant year in Division Two, but Hawkesbury’s recruitment may not have been enough to assure them another year in the Premier League
Strength
The back row of the Mavericks is one of the strongest in Premier League, and is adequately supported by a top quality front row. If they can lay a decent platform, Hawkesbury will cause a few heart palpitations.
Weakness
Surprising as it may seem, Hawkesbury possess one of the most ill-disciplined squads in Premier League, with penalties likely to be the biggest thorn in their side during this season. In particular watch for the likes of Graham Poweta, Brendan Dean, and Paul Khan to concede stupid penalties.
Key Player: Jaco Van Der Westhuyzen. Like Darren Lockyer last season, Jaco has made the transition from fullback into the halves, and how well he adjusts to the playmaking role will go a long way to deciding whether or not Hawkesbury can compete in the top league.
Wildcard: Borris Ahmed. The unassuming Russian utility was a powerful tool in Northern’s 2004/2005 success, but how well he handles starting football will be a major factor in the quality of Hawkesbury’s backline. Ahmed’s goal-kicking ability sees him start in the centres ahead of more recognised threequarters such as Tevita Vaikona and Trent Clayton.
Player to Watch: Barry Berrigan. The talented young hooker will undoubtedly be involved in interchanges with Adam Perry, creating a dangerous hooking situation at the Mavericks.
Prediction: The Mavericks don’t have what it takes to contest this year’s finals, but their squad is solid, which is more than can be said for a number of established Premier League sides. For them to relegate again would take some horrendous injuries to key players.
Melbourne Executioners
A big off-season recruitment program has so far failed to change anything at Melbourne, but the coaching staff will be hoping that their many high profile signings can bring with them a winning culture that Melbourne has sorely lacked since their 2002 premiership win.
Strength
The Executioners have gamebreakers in spades; with Billy Slater in fullback, the halves pairing of Horne and McLinden, and rookie sensation Jonny Maquina in loose forward. This gives them ample attacking options should injuries arise.
Weakness
Melbourne’s depth is a real issue for them, with potential certainly there, but current quality not particularly promising. Aside from Michael Wainwright and Lincoln Withers, the Executioners lack any real talent when it comes to reserves.
Key Player: Jonny Maquina. The Brazilian ‘freak’ has signalled his intentions to play for NSW and Australia this season, and this drive should see the goal-kicking lock find an extra gear and lift his side accordingly.
Wildcard: Billy Slater. The exceptionally talented fullback has been made the centre of Melbourne’s plans for success in 2005, and who can blame the club? Possessing a running game that many envy, Slater is a constant danger to lazy defensive lines.
Player to Watch: Toori Tatu. Playing for Hawthorn in the RSC, the South African lock has been likened to Maquina on many levels, and is expected to be the key to any success the Hurricanes enjoy this season.
Prediction: Melbourne have a solid team, but should injuries hit, they’ll be hard pressed to form a competitive seventeen. Their key players need to find form if the side is to have a hope of contesting the finals, a hope that may be beyond their reach for now.
Northern Cannons
For several years it’s been a case of ‘always the bridesmaid, never the bride’ for the Northern Cannons, who have missed almost every Premier League grandfinal by just one win. For them, it’s not a matter of players, but a matter of commitment that will help them shed their ‘chokers’ tag.
Strength
The Northern Cannons are the definition of quality depth, possessing perhaps the finest bench in the Premier League. Beyond this is a core of reserves that many other clubs would envy, making injuries a non-event for the Cannons.
Weakness
Like all of the contenders for the Premier League title, there really is no weakness in the Northern Cannons lineup. If one had to find one, it would be the lack of genuine quality in the halves, with Frederick Michalak paired with relative unknown, Jason Hooper.
Key Player: Mat Rogers. The gifted Queensland fullback has long been the focal point of Northern’s attack, and whilst this has changed in recent years, much of Northern’s success still rests on his shoulders.
Wildcard: Frederick Michalak. The Frenchman was one of Northern’s best last year, and will be better this year for the time he has already spent with former Wollongong reserve, Jason Hooper.
Player to Watch: Trent Pariah. The RSC sensation was an inspiration last year, and was the Cannon’s best in their short Bob Fulton Cup campaign this season. Watch for the goal kicking winger to really damage opposition defensive lines with his size and strength.
Prediction: The Northern Cannons perhaps lack the superstar power to be a top four side, but for them to finish anywhere outside the top six would be an insult to the quality of roster their currently in possession of.
Parramatta Vikings
The Parramatta Vikings’ squad consists of two distinctly different elements. On one hand they possess a forward pack that top sides would kill to have, on the other, they have perhaps the weakest halves’ pairing in the entire division. If they’re to enjoy any success, their forwards need to lay one hell of a platform for their halves.
Strength
As already mentioned, the Vikings’ possess a world class forward pack including such superstars as Craig Fitzgibbon, Nathan Hindmarsh, and Luke Bailey- men who are the core of the NSW State of Origin pack.
Weakness
The halves problem at Parramatta has been well-documented in recent years, and the Vikings this year find themselves pairing PJ Marsh (a hooker by trade) and their original half, Newcastle outcast Nathan Fien, in hopes of forming some sort of combination.
Key Player: Craig Fitzgibbon. Not only does Fitzgibbon bear the role of goal-kicker on his broad shoulders, but he is also a core member of Parramatta’s dominant backrow.
Wildcard: Matt Sing. Making the move from Port Moresby, Sing brings a new level of attacking ability to a Parramatta backline that was beginning to look like something more at home in Division Two. Sing’s experience should be invaluable to the likes of Gasnier and Lyon.
Player to Watch: Ralph Herdoffer. Should Craig Fitzgibbon go down, this German goal kicker may very well get a callup to the Parramatta top squad. Defensively sound, Herdoffer has been affectionately nicknamed ‘butterfingers’ by his team mates, a trait that could easily hinder his career.
Prediction: Parramatta will be another ‘also ran’ in the 2004/2005 premiership, and this will continue to be the case as long as they make their back row the focus of all of their ambitions. It takes more than two eighty minute second rowers to win a premiership.
Perth Taipans
After narrowly avoiding relegation last year, the Taipans’ management were intelligent enough to realise something needed to change, and did plenty about it. Their form in the Bob Fulton Cup bodes well for the season to come.
Strength
A powerhouse forward pack including new recruits Tony Puletua, Willie Mason, and Schalk Burger should lay the ideal foundation needed for Jonny Wilkinson to work his magic.
Weakness
The Perth bench is one of the eclectic benches you’ll ever see, with the usual layout including a fullback, a lock, and a five eighth. This is a bench just begging for a front row injury.
Key Player: Jonny Wilkinson. He wasn’t able to work any miracles at Darwin last season, beyond a promising BFC campaign, but behind good forwards this kicking maestro should work wonders for Perth.
Wildcard: Rhys Wesser. The gifted QLD fullback has struggled with poor form in recent years, but his pace should make him an ideal candidate for chasing deft Wilkinson kicks into the in goal. Look for Wesser to enjoy a year of try-scoring.
Player to Watch: Daniel Abraham. After making his NSW debut last year, the utility goal kicker will only improve in an improved Perth lineup. Whilst he is slow for a winger, Abraham should fill a number of gaps in the Taipans’ lineup this season.
Prediction: Perth have done enough to avoid a repeat of last year’s nightmare season, and will push for a top eight side if they can keep their best players on the field. A new attitude seems to have brought with it a rejuvenated confidence, and this can only be a good thing.
Port Moresby Power
Are one of this season’s wildcard sides, a side capable of either shocking a lot of punters, or disappointing their fans and coaching staff with a woeful season.
Strength
The Power have an astute kicking game, and a number of players capable of doing the kicking. Whether it be their halves or Lebanese sensation Mohammed Zian-Ali, Port Moresby should never lack for a decent kicking option on the last.
Weakness
The Power are a real mouth-watering prospect for potent attacking sides, with their defence across the park questionable at best. Only Umaga, Tallis, and Wiki are decent defenders, with the rest of the side likely to leak a bucketload of points. To counter this, they’d better be scoring like crazy.
Key Player: Mohammed Zian-Ali. Whilst the lock may not be as classy as Kimmorley or Carter in the halves, his tenacity and commitment to the Power cannot be questioned. When all else fails, the Power will be able to rely on Zian-Ali to hit it up strongly.
Wildcard: Brett Kimmorley. Can the former Australian halfback put the disappointment of being sacked from Sydney behind him and perform for the Power? Kimmorley’s best football is most definitely not behind him, and he just needs to recapture some form and the Power could be a real force.
Player to Watch: Ryan Cross. The young centre is destined for representative football, and with the Power backline looking better than ever, he’ll have plenty of opportunities to show off his wares to NSW and Australian coaching staff.
Prediction: The Power certainly have a team capable of making the top eight and upsetting a few giants, but whether or not Jelly Adams has the ability to coach them there is another matter. In his time as a coach, Adams has exhibited an inability to sow a winning culture.
Surfers Paradise Punks
Were perhaps lucky to compete in last year’s finals, and with their coaches’ confidence at an all time low after an embarrassing Bob Fulton Cup loss to Berlin, it could be a bad year for the Punks.
Strength
The halves pairing at Surfers Paradise is one of the best in Premier League, with Darren Lockyer this year joined by Englishman, Paul Deacon. These two will rule the fortunes of the Punks.
Weakness
Cruel as it is, the real weakness of Surfers Paradise is the lack of confidence shown by coach Chris Maunder. If anything is going to crush the spirits of a team, it’s hearing their coach write them off before every major game they play.
Key Player: Darren Lockyer. You don’t get the tag of best player in the world for your good looks (which is good, because Lockyer ‘aint pretty). Lockyer’s field kicking and attack in general play are superlative, and this will be key to the Punks’ premiership aspirations.
Wildcard: Keith Senior. The former #1 centre in the world hasn’t got much time left to win another premiership, with his best football behind him. Senior is one of the game’s most experienced and consistent centres, and he has proved that this year, behind only Paul Deacon on PoM standings.
Player to Watch: Tyrone Pau. The fleet of foot islander has proven himself a prolific try-scorer so far, and he’ll undoubtedly continue this trend as long as Lockyer keeps the ball going in his direction.
Prediction: The Punks have a top quality side, no doubt, but like the Brisbane Bulls, have a long history of disappointing their fans with a lack of belief in their own ability. Unfortunately, this doesn’t look like changing this year, so watch for the Punks to miss the eight by the narrowest of margins.
Sydney Oilers
The side most likely to break the four year status quo and force one of the big four out of the top four, the Oilers contest their first ever Bob Fulton Cup final this afternoon against a red hot Gold Coast side.
Strength
The power of Sydney’s forward pack has long been the club’s sole strength, and it is an indication of how well management has performed in the off-season that this is no longer the case. The forwards are ably supported by a world class backline.
Weakness
The five eighth department used to be the Crusade’s weakness, but Sydney this year go into the season with a utility filling in, and with only Michael Sullivan in the top squad to deputise should Craig Gower or Grant Martin go down.
Key Player: Craig Wing. The handsome hooker seems to have found that extra gear this season, and that will go a long way to not only ending Buderus’ run at the top, but also Sydney’s run at the bottom.
Wildcard: Joe Rokocoko. The Fijian giant has been given first crack at the fullback jersey, and has so far impressed Oilers’ management with his powerful returns and excellent last ditch defence.
Player to Watch: Sonny-Bill Williams. The Kiwi backrower has undoubtedly been Sydney’s finest in a fine Bob Fulton Cup campaign, his enthusiasm and strength matched only by his raw talent. Should Bossert be able to refine his zeal, Williams will be a major player in this year’s Dally M awards.
Prediction: Sydney are going to be this year’s dark horse, and anyone who says otherwise is biased against their controversial and outspoken coach. They may not have the depth to crack a top four spot, but anything lower than the top six would be a major disappointment.
Wellington Cougars
After several years at the top, Wellington’s time may very well have come to an end, with the retirement of long standing coach, Nathan Hoy. Whilst Waikato’s Douglas Allen steps on, the squad has lost some of its sting, and may not be the machine it used to be.
Strength
The Cougars’ threequarter line boasts three incredibly gifted attacking players in the form of Vainikolo, Roberts, and Minichiello- a trio that no other side can come close to matching. Likewise, their forwards are as dominant as ever.
Weakness
An inexperienced coach (when it comes to Premier League) may hinder the Cougars for the early part of the season, and by the time he lifts his game, he may very well find it’s too late for the side to make an impression.
Key Player: Anthony Minichiello. Has been dubbed the game’s greatest current fullback, and it’s a deserved reputation. Minichiello combines flawless returns with great defence better than any other fullback doing the rounds.
Wildcard: Amos Roberts. The man responsible for Allen taking the coaching role at Wellington, Roberts continues his wandering career by taking a place on the Coguars’ wing. A superb attacking player, Roberts should score a bagload of tries this year.
Player to Watch: Sean O’Loughlin. Watch for this gifted five eighth to form a wonderful combination with Sean Long when he comes on off the bench for Danny Orr.
Prediction: The Cougars are still a powerful side, nobody’s doubting that, but whether or not they’ll perform really hinges on how well the side adapts to the coaching of Douglas Allen. They’ll probably make the eight, but if they don’t, they’ll be there next season.
Wollongong Destructors
Another ‘sleeping giant’ likely to improve in 2005, the Destructors have let their juniors mature and now find themselves in possession of a quality lineup.
Strength
Like many other sides in the Premier League, Wollongong’s strength comes from their halves, a combination of experience (Jones) and youthful exuberance (McGuire).
Weakness
Wollongong have depth across the park, and their sole weakness will be making the transition from perennial also-rans to genuine contenders. It’ll take hard work from Brent Douglas to find that near infallible strategy.
Key Player: Danny McGuire. The gifted five eighth has blossomed after several years of being baby-sat by the Destructors’ management despite big offers from rival clubs. He’s finally matured, and looks to be a real superstar.
Wildcard: Richie Mathers. Playing out of position on the wing, Mathers has yet to really find his groove, and will need to adjust quickly if the Destructors are going to make use of their right side attack.
Player to Watch: Danny Ward. The future English international makes his debut from the bench this season, and looks to be the real deal.
Prediction: Wollongong have a top quality squad, and that will go a long way to giving their side their debut finals’ series. That said, they have let us down in the past, and it would be no surprise if they did it again.
Predicted Ladder: Bearing in mind it is nigh on impossible to accurately predict a ladder. Anyone could finish up to 3 places higher or lower than I predict, quite easily.
1: Gold Coast Crusade
2: Sydney Oilers
3: Central Coast Falcons
4: Brisbane Bulls
5: Northern Cannons
6: Adelaide Attitude
7: Wellington Cougars
8: Capetown Ravens
9: Central Phoenix
10: Wollongong Destructors
11: Perth Taipans
12: Surfers Paradise Punks
13: Port Moresby Power
14: Parramatta Vikings
15: Melbourne Executioners
16: Hawkesbury Mavericks
17: Coffs Harbour Wyrms
18: Darwin Cyclones
