Part One

Adelaide Attitude
The 2004/2005 season was one of unfulfilled potential for the Adelaide Attitude, who ended the season disappointingly and will be looking to do much better in the season to come. Having signed heavily pursued Union convert Daniel Carter, the Attitude are preparing for what should be a boom year for the club
Strength
Once again Adelaide have one of the most potent attacking backlines in their division, boasting such noted attacking stars as Lote Tuqiri, Ma’a Nonu, Rupeni Caucau, and Stirling Mortlock. These men, supported ably by Sailor, Latham, and Johannsen mean that the club won’t have trouble scoring points in the season to come.
Weakness
The Attitude’s forward pack is one of the weakest in the Premier League, with the likes of Waugh and McCaw the sole shining lights in an otherwise Division Two quality pack. If opposition sides can dominate this pack, no amount of attacking flare from the backs will save the Attitude.
Key Players: Daniel Carter. Eating up a record $1.5 million of the Attitude’s salary cap, Carter had best win them a lot of games to justify his hefty pricetag. Carter struggled to show fans what he’s capable of in his unhappy year at Port Moresby, and will be hoping that the Attitude’s Union culture will better nurture his considerable talents.
Wildcard: Wendell Sailor. Having made the jump to the Premier League after a season of good performances for Tamworth City, can Sailor match the pace and intensity of the big boys? Surely he’s had the experience at clubs such as Brisbane in the past, but how Wendell handles his return to the big league will be an interesting tale.
Player to Watch: Piri Weepu. The gifted young halfback is expected to form a lethal halves combination with Daniel Carter in the future – but will have to content himself with playing understudy to Matt Giteau this season.
Prediction: The Attitude again have a solid outfit, but perhaps not one capable of reaching any great heights. Expect them to cause their share of upsets, but ultimately fall short of the top eight once again.

Auckland Pirates
Auckland have a team in the Premier League? Well, now they do. The Pirates take over from the now defunct Coffs Harbour Wyrms, and with a new coach, will be something of an unknown entity in 2005.
Strength
Carlos Spencer’s presence in the squad is one of few shining lights for the latest induction to the New Zealand league scene.
Weakness
There’s a distinct lack of ‘stars’ in the Pirates’ outfit, with a number of its players really only of RSC quality. How well they can cover for these weaknesses could decide the club’s fate.
Key Player: As mentioned earlier, Carlos Spencer will need to be a miracle worker to do much with a fairly weak looking Pirates’ outfit.
Wildcard: Koru Tirohara. The ‘Japanese Buzzsaw’ as he has been affectionately dubbed by fans, Tirohara is one of the game’s most damaging returners of the ball in broken play. Whilst not at the peak of his form, Tirohara can still turn a game on its head with an incisive return.
Player to Watch: Phil Bailey. Has had a few quiet seasons since the heady days of being a representative player. A change of coach may just inspire Bailey to return to his vintage form.
Prediction: Share the dishonour of being one of the three sides most likely to relegate, alongside Hornsby and newly promoted Wagga. Anything better than relegation should be seen as an achievement by the club.


Brisbane Bulls
The Bulls showed last season that they’re capable of winning the big games, and will be hoping that 2005 brings about a new era of domination for the glamour club. Boasting stars such as Prince, Webcke, and Bowen – the Bulls should surely be a side to beat in 2005.
Strength
Like Adelaide, the Bulls possess a lethal backline containing plenty of explosive players. The likes of Matt Bowen and Scott Prince are likely to cause plenty of headaches for opposition defensive lineups this season.
Weakness
It’s hard to find a weakness in the world class outfit the Bulls have put together. In years gone by the Bulls’ only weakness was inconsistency, and the club seemed to have amended that when last season came to a close. Can Josh Hussey handle the weight of expectation placed on his club?
Key Players: Scott Prince. Quality halfbacks win premierships, and whilst he’s no Johns – Prince is definitely a player to watch in the years to come. Prince is one of those players who is always dangerous, and placed alongside fellow Queenslander Jonathon Thurston, should prove a real handful for opposition teams.
Wildcard: Matt Bowen. Bowen dominated for the East Coast Tigers in 2004/2005, but will have to tackle the increased pace and quality of the Premier League if he’s to make the same impact for the Bulls.
Player to Watch: Leon Bott. The mercurial young winger has huge wraps on him heading into his debut season of ASRL action, and looks to have slotted right into the backline to partner Hannay or Bowman. With blistering speed and a maturity well above his age, Bott will undoubtedly prove a superstar in 2005.
Prediction: The Bulls have a top four squad, and should be there again in 2005. If Josh Hussey can hold onto the magical formula that made Brisbane such a lethal outfit in 2004/2005, they could very well make it to the big one.

Capetown Ravens
A nightmarish 2004/2005 season meant that plenty of big changes had to be made in the off season, and Mick Treacy has ensured that happened with an offseason that saw the very foundations of the South African club shaken. With a side that scarcely resembles last season’s motley crew, can Capetown return to the form that saw them take South Africa by storm?
Strength
The Ravens have one of the finest ‘across the park’ outfits in the Premier League, boasting talent from the fullback right through to the likes of Bryan Fletcher and Joe Galavao on the bench.
Weakness
There’s really no weakness in the Capetown outfit, save for Nathan Blacklock’s suspect defence and the lack of a top quality hooker. Whilst Leon Pryce is expected to deputise, the lack of a genuinely world class hooker is the Ravens’ sole weakness.
Key Players: Stephen Larkhim. The veteran Union convert has been at plenty of big clubs in his time, even participating for Perth in their heart-breaking 2001/2002 grand final loss. Whilst Larkhim is no longer one of the world’s foremost players, his level head and experience will benefit the Ravens immensely as they seek to rebuild their club.
Wildcard: Cameron Way. Joining Mike Treacy from The Tassie Devils, Way has huge wraps on him and is expected to be one of the front-runners for this year’s Dally M award. Possessing a flawless field and goal kicking game, Way could prove to be a real find for the Ravens.
Player to Watch: Brett Seymour. Whilst he’s behind Larkhim in the halfback pecking order, Seymour’s a halfback of the future. Possessing a remarkable footballing mind for his age, Seymour wouldn’t look out of place in any side’s starting thirteen – but will have to content himself with playing impact off the bench.
Prediction: Should join the likes of Central Coast, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Wellington, and Sydney at the top of the Premier League pecking order.

Central Coast Falcons
The emotion of a grand final victory is still apparent in the Falcons’ as they train for their first ever premiership defence, and coach Anthony Magro hasn’t rested on the laurels of last season – working hard to improve his side for the season to come.
Strength
A forward pack that rivals the great Oilers’ pack of years gone by, the Falcons ‘English Wrecking Crew’ is likely to terrorise rival packs all year long.
Weakness
Whilst there’s no doubting Brent Sherwin’s immense abilities as a field kicker and general, the dimunitive half is certainly not of the calibre of Johns, Prince, Orford, or Jones – the kind of players you picture leading their side to grand final victory. He did it last year, but can Sherwin do it again in 2005?
Key Players: Paul Sculthorpe. The veteran Englishman was a revelation for the Falcons in their first ever premiership win, and he’s expected to fulfil the expectations of thousands of Central Coast fans as they head into a new season.
Wildcard: Jordan Capri. A late inclusion in the Falcons’ squad, Capri comes from Port Macquarie with huge wraps on him as a devastating attacking unit in the same mould as Tuqiri and Sailor. Capri’s fiery temperament may land him in trouble with the powers that be, however.
Player to Watch: Reni Maitua. Touted as the ‘next big thing’ in the world of centres, Maitua is expected to burst onto the scene in 2005, even if it means acting as a reserve forward until an opportunity to adopt his favoured position arises.
Prediction: Back to back is certainly not out of the question, but it won’t be easy for the Falcons. The likes of Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Sydney are all out to knock them off their perch, and in recent years, no side has successfully defended its premiership win.

Central Phoenix
After a disappointing 2004/2005 season, it was refreshing to see the Phoenix make the necessary changes to their side. Their trial and Bob Fulton Cup form has been ominous, and who knows, perhaps 2005 will mark another finals’ appearance for the Alice Springs club.
Strength
The Phoenix halves are impressive to say the least, boasting current Queensland halfback Sean Towers, and current Irish five eighth, Ronan O’Gara. Very few clubs can boast a halves pairing of this calibre, and it will certainly put Central in good stead for a sterling 2005 season.
Weakness
The Phoenix pack is at its weakest in recent memory, with only Luke Priddis and Jonny Maquina really of Premier League quality. If the likes of Catic, Vagana, and Synn can make the step up that’s required of them – it could be a very fruitful year for the Phoenix.
Key Players: Jonny Maquina. The Brazilian sensation has made the move north from Melbourne in hopes of achieving something great, and is certainly in a team capable of achieving great things. Maquina will shoulder the burden of goal kicking for the club, one that he has shown in recent years that he is more than capable of bearing.
Wildcard: Sean Towers. The veteran halfback had a brilliant year for Canberra in 2004/2005, but hasn’t seen Premier League action since the Chargers relegated a few seasons ago. How well the aging half handles the rigours of first grade will go a long way to determining the Phoenix’s chances.
Player to Watch: Ben Rogers. A talented young forward prospect, Rogers isn’t expected to see much game time this year, but will certainly provide valuable depth to the club.
Prediction: The Phoenix have a squad capable of finishing in the lower half of the eight, but anything beyond that will rely on Brian Randell being able to find and use an ‘x-factor’ that the club currently lacks.

Darwin Cyclones
Dropped off late in the season to miss the eight, and will be smarting from the disappointment of another season of ‘what ifs’. The recruitment has certainly been solid, and Darwin go into this season in good stead to make a finals appearance.
Strength
A truly ominous back row pairing of Steve Menzies and Andre Bowen is expected to prove one of the most damaging back row pairings in the competition – and certainly has plenty of try scoring potential.
Weakness
Whilst both Brett Stewart and Adam MacDougall are top quality players, both currently fall short when it comes to the club’s need for a genuinely top shelf fullback. Stewart’s future is bright, but for 2005, the club will find itself relying on deputising wingers to provide a truly dangerous #1.
Key Players: Michael Monaghan. The organised halfback comes to Darwin from Canberra, hoping to get a feel for starting football after several seasons of playing second fiddle to Capetown bound Sean Towers. How well he combines with untried half, Eduardo Carera, is crucial to the club’s chances.
Wildcard: Eduardo Carera. The fast and agile Brazilian five eighth has not yet lived up to the wraps he had on him when he debuted, but will undoubtedly benefit from the level headed play of Michael Monaghan.
Player to Watch: Brett Stewart. A future kangaroo, Stewart has been improving steadily since making his debut at the Gold Coast several seasons ago. 2005 may well be the year in which he makes the step up to become one of the game’s top fullbacks.
Prediction: Darwin have a solid squad, but it currently lacks that ‘special something’ that could elevate them into the Premier League’s upper echelon. Watch for them to pressure the eight, but reach no real heights.

Gold Coast Crusade
Fell short in 2004/2005, but will be confident of going one better in 2005 after another solid off season recruitment drive.
Strength
The Crusade possess star players in spades. Whether it be Andrew Johns in #7, Danny Buderus in #9, or Ben Kennedy in #13 – there’s certainly no lack of gamebreakers in the club’s starting thirteen.
Weakness
The quality of the Crusade’s starting outfit means their depth will be sorely tested in 2005, and the likes of Louis Anderson and Clint Newton will really need to step up if the club is to go to the grand final.
Key Players: Andrew Johns. The maestro and the game’s greatest player returns to the Crusade after a fruitless year at Capetown. Johns was the man who lead the Crusade to three premierships in the last seven years, and will be keen to do it all over again in 2005.
Wildcard: Ben Kennedy. The devastating lock forward has been on the Crusade’s shopping list since 2001/2002, and finally joins the club from Sydney. ‘BK’ as he is known by fans is one of the game’s most damaging forwards – and will look to form a combination with Johns as soon as possible.
Player to Watch: Milton Thaidy. The explosively fast and dextrous Union convert will look to become a ‘lethal weapon’ from the Crusade bench this year, deputising for Julian Santarakista at the back.
Prediction: The Crusade aren’t the best squad in the competition, but one cannot underestimate the abilities of coach Chris Walker-Bush. The Crusade will again be a team to beat in 2005, and could easily claim their fourth premiership.

Hornsby Mavericks
Can the move from Hawkesbury into northern Sydney change the fortunes of the perennially struggling Mavericks? Only time will tell.
Strength
There are a few genuinely gifted players at Hornsby. The likes of Roff and Johnson will always try hard and put in good performances.
Weakness
The fact that the above two are the only real shining lights in Hornsby’s outfit is indicative of how far the club has fallen. Can new coach Chris Columbo unearth some talents and steer the side clear of likely relegation?
Key Players: Joe Roff. The weight of keeping the club in the Premier League rests with this world class back, who will also handle the goalkicking for the struggling club.
Wildcard: Vladimir Vlostov. The explosively fast and strong Russian lock forward adds plenty of impact to the Mavericks’, but does lack a lot when it comes to doing the hard yards in defence.
Player to Watch: Chris Thorman. A talented young English half, Thorman could well find himself in the starting squad should Van Der Westhuyzen or Jones fail to perform.
Prediction: One of three obvious choices for relegation, and easily the favourite of the trio. Hornsby’s stay in the Premier League may be short indeed.

Melbourne Executioners
One of several ‘also rans’ in 2004/2005, Melbourne will be hoping that a solid off-season recruitment drive can see them finish in the eight and show everybody what they’re capable of
Strength
A damn fine forward pack boasting a number of dangerous young forwards such as Joel Clinton and Anthony Tupou.
Weakness
The halves lack a certain special something, with Richard Horne the better of a fairly weak halves pairing.
Key Player: It’s a draw between Brian Carney and Billy Slater, arguably two of the game’s most potent attacking players. Both men will need to show plenty of flare to see Melbourne lift.
Wildcard: Terry Newton. The fiery English hooker has had several quiet seasons, and really needs to step up and provide good services to his halves and outside backs.
Player to Watch: Anthony Tupou. One of the most exciting young forwards in the game, Tupou is expected to start ahead of either Jason Cayless or Joel Clinton – a testament to just how good he is.
Prediction: Melbourne certainly have the cattle to contest this year’s finals, and finishing in the lower half of the eight is a definite possibility.

Northern Cannons
Were surprise grand finalists last year, and look set to continue a fine tradition of appearing in the finals and making a genuine impact. Didn’t recruit during the offseason, and could be guilty of resting on the laurels of last year’s runners up tag.
Strength
There are a number of top quality players in the Cannons’ outfit, but once again it is Mat Rogers who is the club’s single greatest strength. The finest fullback in the game today, Rogers will continue the trend he’s set in recent years.
Weakness
As good as last year’s side was, the lack of recruitment from the Cannons means they’re in danger of stagnating. If coaches didn’t figure out a strategy to beat the Cannons last year, they’ve got a season’s worth of footage to look at in planning for this season.
Key Player: Trent Pariah. It seems like only a few seasons ago we were calling Trent Pariah one of the most exciting young wingers in the world, and this year a lot rests on his talented shoulders. Already a contender for player of the year.
Wildcard: Dean Young. Making the shift to the hooking role, can Young be the first hooker at the Cannons to really stand out since the retirement of Keith Wood?
Player to Watch: Ben Creagh. A gifted back rower/centre, Creagh is expected to fill holes across the park in a Cannons’ side without a lot of depth outside their top seventeen.
Prediction: The Cannons are due for a quiet year, and 2005 could definitely be that season. Whilst you can’t write off last year’s runners up, their lack of recruitment means they’re in very real danger of being easily predicted by opposition teams.

Parramatta Vikings
Have had the side to do great things for several years now, and showed a little of what they’re capable of with a top eight appearance last season.
Strength
Who can go past that world class back row combination of Hindmarsh and Fitzgibbon? Add Tonie Carroll to the mix, and you’ve got a truly damaging back row.
Weakness
Once again the halves are lacking, and whilst Tim Smith is bound for big things, for now the side really lacks direction with a stop-gap replacement in former centre, Jamie Lyon.
Key Player: Tim Smith. A lot rests on the head of this inexperienced young halfback, who is being touted as the next Peter Sterling. He’ll certainly have his work cut out for him.
Wildcard: Jamie Lyon. Lyon hasn’t had a strong season for some time now, and his move to five eighth provides an interesting halves pairing for the Vikings. How well the pair gel will rule the fortunes of the team.
Player to Watch: Tim Smith. Plenty of wraps are on this kid, and he’s certain to live up to them behind one of the game’s most dangerous forward packs.
Prediction: Parramatta’s side can certainly go the distance, but the coaching abilities of Marshal Boyd have been found wanting in previous years. If he can work out some solid attacking strategies, Parramatta could be a premiership dark horse.

Perth Taipans
Probably played above what many people, including the management, expected in 2004/2005. A more realistic 2005 beckons
Strength
The likes of Jonny Wilkinson and Andy Farrell provide the side with valuable experience and quality, but may find themselves not ably supported.
Weakness
With the exception of Lesley Vainikolo, the Taipans have one of the weakest backlines in the Premier League, and will struggle to post points against more skilful backlines.
Key Player: Jonny Wilkinson. Has never failed to produce a solid season in his years of ASRL football, and it should be no different in 2005.
Wildcard: Andy Farrell. Having lead Gold Coast admirably in 2004/2005, Farrell has come to the Taipans in hopes of playing in the front row. Is he suited to this position? Time will tell.
Player to Watch: Daniel Abraham. Has played for both his state and his country, but this gifted young utility still has room to improve. Named as this year’s first choice five eighth, it will be interesting how Abraham handles a more ‘hands on’ role than he’s used to.
Prediction: Unfortunately for fans in Western Australia, Perth could be bound for an ignoble stint in Division Two. The side has flashes of brilliance, but lacks an overall feeling of quality.

Surfers Paradise Punks
The off season recruitment has created probably the most dangerous attacking unit in the competition, but can Chris Maunder guide this destructive capacity to a premiership
Strength:
Punks’ fans are having wet dreams over what the halves pairing of Darren Lockyer and Preston Campbell can do. Such a devastating pairing has not been seen in the Premier League since the days of Johns and Wilkinson.
Weakness
The lack of a top quality hooker is a little concerning. Whilst Adam Perry is certainly reliable, the fact is he’s not up to scratch with the rest of the team.
Key Player: Darren Lockyer. Lockyer is due for a boom season, and he’s in an ideal position to achieve it, paired with explosive Phoenix import, Preston Campbell.
Wildcard: Rhys Wesser. Joins the club from Perth with hopes of doing what he was incapable of at the Western Australian club – winning the big one.
Player to Watch: Greg Inglis. There’s plenty of wraps on this electrifying young fullback/winger. A local boy, Inglis is sure to become a fan favourite this season.
Prediction: Certainly a dark horse for the premiership, and should finish in the top eight to cause some headaches.

Sydney Oilers
Had a decent 2004/2005 season, but will be expecting much bigger things from the club this year.
Strength
Who can go past that forward pack? In recent years Sydney have had the monopoly on the ‘world’s best pack’ moniker, but may have competition from Brisbane and Central Coast this year.
Weakness
Like all good sides, the Oilers really lack a weakness. Like the Gold Coast, their depth is wanting, particularly in the forwards, but if they can keep fit – they’ll be top four.
Key Player: Craig Gower. Will need to improve on last season’s woeful form if he’s to lead this club to the premiership it so desperately craves.
Wildcard: Benji Marshal. How well this young Kiwi can handle the pressure of being in a premiership contender remains to be seen, but he’s certainly one of the game’s most exciting young prospects.
Player to Watch: Robbie Farrah. Already being labelled the heir apparent to Danny Buderus and Craig Wing’s Australian #9 jersey, Farrah will play deputy to the likes of Wing and Tupanganga in 2005.
Prediction: If the Oilers finish outside the top four, they should consider 2005 a disappointing season.

Wagga Stallions
Premier League life may be short for the freshly promoted amalgamation of Wagga and Fairfield, with the side really not up to scratch. That said, it didn’t look like it in 2004/2005 either.
Strength
The undying optimism and faith that Theo Kamis has in his charges cannot be underestimated. The man has a way of making a no name play like an international.
Weakness
Aside from Scott Magro, the Stallions look like a top quality Division Two side, but little else. The Maltese Idol will need to work miracles to lift the side clear of relegation.
Key Player: Scott Magro. It all rests on the head of this still young forward, who has worked wonders at Fairfield in recent years. Can he guide a team of relative no names to victory?
Wildcard: Justin Marshall. Fresh off a premiership with the Falcons, Marshall joins the Stallions as their big name off-season recruit. His level head and experience at the top will be crucial to the side.
Player to Watch: Colin Best. One of the game’s finest finishers, Best is likely to push for a starting spot as the season goes on.
Prediction: Unfortunately for the Wagga faithful, 2005 might be a year best forgotten. A return to Division Two is not unlikely.

Wellington Cougars
Were one of the form teams in 2004/2005, and this season looks like being no different
Strength
A hard as nails forward pack promises a nightmare for teams visiting the ‘cauldron’ of Westpac Trust Stadium.
Weakness: There are a few defensive chinks in the Cougars’ armour, but like the other big sides, they’ve got a side that is certainly capable of taking out the title again.
Key Player: Matt Orford. Making the trek across the Tasman from the Gold Coast, Orford will need to form a dangerous combination with fellow former Crusader, Scott Hill.
Wildcard: Jerome Ropati. A talented young utility, Ropati will cause some headaches coming off the bench to chime into the backline.
Player to Watch: Cooper Cronk. With Orford and Hill both ‘veterans’ in the modern game, Cronk has a bright future, being trained by two of the game’s most influential halves.
Prediction: Should finish in the top four, and even the top two is not unlikely.

Wollongong Destructors
Showed everyone what they were capable of last season, and could certainly do it all over again in 2005
Strength
An experienced and defensively dominant forward pack was the foundation for much of last year’s success, and it will be the same this year.
Weakness
There are few weaknesses in the Destructors’ lineup, save for some defensive inadequacies in the backline.
Key Player: Danny McGuire. One of the game’s most explosive new faces, McGuire should eclipse veteran partner Stacey Jones this season.
Wildcard: Brett Hodgson. One of the game’s most underrated performers, Hodgson will have stiff competition at the back from English up and comer, Richie Mathers.
Player to Watch: Jaime Soward. Another of a crop of exciting young halves’ prospects, Soward is the likely replacement for an aging Stacey Jones.
Prediction: The top eight seems likely, but the Destructors are a solid chance of a top four berth if one of the big five falters.

Predicted Ladder
1. Wellington Cougars
2. Gold Coast Crusade
3. Sydney Oilers
4. Central Coast Falcons
5. Brisbane Bulls
6. Capetown Ravens
7. Wollongong Destructors
8. Surfers Paradise Punks

9. Melbourne Destructors
10. Northern Cannons
11. Central Phoenix
12. Parramatta Vikings
13. Darwin Cyclones
14. Adelaide Attitude
15. Perth Taipans
16. Hornsby Mavericks
17. Wagga Stallions
18. Auckland Pirates

Will there be a preview for Div 1, Chris???

Yeah, I'll try and have a Division Two preview up by Tuesday or so.

No world class hooker?

Matt Diskin 8,9 hehe.

that was great chris! quite enjoyed it, go the punks

God damn trials. Why wasn't he in your top seventeen!? :P

Will rewrite a new weakness for you. I think 'smart ass coach' will do nicely. :lol:

Smart arse coach is good hehehe.

But great preview...

after my two trials though...i'm doubting my ability a bit hehe.

Top preview Chris

I love it when you rank us low, we always prove ourselves to the highest standard!

Otherwise I fairly agree with everyone else, although Northern are a wild card, it's hard to write off the Grand Finalist.

I hardly call ranking you fourth 'ranking you low'...

We're the Premiers... we should be no#1 :stooge:

Yeah, the Bulldogs are a prime example of that! :lol:

haha classic.

:rock: , this is the year for wellington.


excellent read