CDRL midseason review: Where they will finish

The Cairns District Rugby League has reached the halfway mark in the competition with the race for the minor premiership -and September - heating up.

THE Cairns District Rugby League has reached the halfway mark in the competition with the race for the minor premiership -and September - heating up.

Just three wins separates first from sixth, and while some clubs have struggled it’s now or never for them to make a move.

Cairns Post sports editor Matthew McInerney runs his eye over the 11 A-grade teams and delivers the verdict on where they will finish.

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ATHERTON ROOSTERS

Pos: 1st Record: 8-1

For: 298 Against: 130

Best players: Ty Grogan, Jermaine Pedro, Rod Griffin

The verdict: The blue, red and white wall has stood strong over the first half of the season, allowing just 14 points per game on their way to eight straight wins.

The Roosters have put together a stunning run on the back of their brilliant defence, and it’s hard to see that ending any time soon.

But beating Brothers in both clashes will be crucial.

Predicted finish: 1st.

BROTHERS

Pos: 2nd Record: 8-1

For: 310 Against: 162

Best players: Falcon Peni, Ernest Suavai, Tainela Ta’ufo’ou

The verdict: One of the most structured teams in the CDRL, Brothers takes immense pride in their entire squad being across the way they want to play

They have overcome injuries to key players to keep winning, and will be push for the minor premiership with two games against the Roosters still to come.

Predicted finish: 2nd.

Falcon Peni. Picture Emily Barker

MOSSMAN-PORT DOUGLAS

Pos: 3rd Record: 7-2

For: 308 Against: 182

Best players: Eddie Daniel, Matthew Gibuma, Robbie Amber

The verdict: The Sharks have hit their straps, riding a four-game winning streak with Daniel leading a side which has embraced its mix of tough but free-flowing rugby league.

Four of the Sharks’ remaining nine games are against teams in contention for the top five. They must win those to keep hold of that top three advantage

Predicted finish: 4th.

INNISFAIL

Pos: 4th Record: 7-3

For: 290 Against: 194

Best players: Aaron Jolley, Andrew Garrett, Tomasi Skelton

The verdict: Innisfail have one of the most well-rounded squads - tough, uncompromising forwards paired with flashy backs - and a coach who knows how to get the best out of his players.

Innisfail have a great run home with two byes and the majority if games against teams outside the top five. Leon Hallie will have them primed and ready for September.

Predicted finish: 3rd

Zane Knowles. Picture Emily Barker

IVANHOES

Pos: 5th Record: 5-3

For: 248 Against: 170

Best players: Zane Knowles, Jacob Wallace, Regan Herd

The verdict: The Knights have impressed in their first season under Lindsay Styles, but are in the middle of a five-game run which features the top four teams.

Having already had two byes, injuries will be the club’s Achilles heel but there is no doubting their heart.

Predicted finish: 5th

KANGAROOS

Pos: 6th Record: 5-4

For: 228 Against: 236

Best players: Daniel Woodhouse, Theo Majid, Ty Millard

Kangaroos’ Theo Majid. Picture: Brian Cassey

The verdict: There’s not too many teams who are better when things click, but a three-game slide earlier this season has really hurt their finals hopes.

Six of their remaining nine games are against top five teams; it might be too high a mountain to climb, but they’ll be ready to pounce if Ivanhoe slips.

But if any club can upset that prediction, its Kangaroos.

Predicted finish: 6th

SOUTHERN SUBURBS

Pos: 7th Record: 3-6

For: 192 Against: 238

Best players: Cephas Chinfat, Ritchie Lowe, Minjiluk McInnes

The verdict: Suburbs is team of promise who have shown they can mix it with the best teams in the CDRL, but just haven’t got those wins.

Close, competitive losses to Innisfail, Brothers and Kangaroos show that, but they need to beat those contenders to be a chance.

Predicted finish: 8th

Southern Suburbs’ Cephas Chinfat. Picture Emily Barker

YARRABAH

Pos: 8th Record: 2-7

For: 202 Against: 310

Best players: Ammiel Harris, Thauki Satrick, Hayden Golchert

The verdict: Poor discipline has cruelled the Seahawks this season.

They started a few players short of their main squad, and have lost far too many men to suspension throughout the season.

Yarrabah has the skill to beat every other team in the comp, but they have to keep it today.

Predicted finish: 9th

TULLY TIGERS

Pos: 9th Record: 3-7

Tigers’ Phil Nona Picture: Brian Cassey

For: 179 Against: 292

Best players: Col Wilkie, Abraham Waireg-Ingui, Phil Nona

The verdict: The Tigers have been a much-improved outfit this season and while there’s still recruits on the way, it’s tough to judge what hasn’t been sighted yet.

Based on previous form, Tully won’t move far, but two byes in the back half of the season is a bankable four-point improvement from where they are now.

Predicted finish: 7th

MAREEBA

Pos: 10th Record: 1-8

For: 166 Against: 375

Best players: Trezman Banjo, Hubert Elu, Caleb Dally

Mareeba’s Hubert Elu. Picture Emily Barker

The verdict: It only takes one or two injuries and the Gladiators are in trouble again.

The lack of spark in attack and the leaky defence, both of which are the worst records in the league, are not ideal.

Predicted finish: 11th

EDMONTON

Pos: 11th Record: 1-8

For: 186 Against: 318

Best players: Tyrell Anton, Liam Heidemann, Lee Kennedy

The verdict: Edmonton will move off the bottom of the table by the end of the regular season but it won’t be by too much.

They are a tough side who will prove to be a handful for the run home, but the points deduction will leave them near the bottom of the ladder.

Predicted finish: 10th

Follow @MMcInerney89

Originally published as CDRL midseason review: Where they will finish