NRL 2016: Buzz Rothfield reveals why the Cowboys can go back-to-back

PHIL “Buzz” Rothfield examines every team’s chances going into the NRL season - and there’s a surprise ranking for a much-fancied contender.

PHIL “Buzz” Rothfield examines every team’s chances going into the NRL season - and there’s a surprise ranking for a much-fancied contender.

Here are Buzz’s NRL power rankings for 2016 from 16 to 1.

Will Buzz’s predictions come true?

16 TIGERS

Another club desperate for the footy to start after the off season from hell, the Tigers are a mess on and off the field and I’ll be surprised if they don’t finish with the wooden spoon. Only superstar fullback James Tedesco can save them from that fate.

15 TITANS

First they missed Daly Cherry-Evans, then they lost James Roberts and now star youngster Kane Elgey is gone for the year — it’s been a disastrous build-up for the Titans and I can’t see them winning more than a handful of games with their mediocre squad.

14 KNIGHTS

Nathan Brown hasn’t got a lot to work with in his return to the NRL after several seasons in the UK. The Knights have lost many hundreds of games worth of experience and haven’t really replaced them with anything that excites me.

13 DRAGONS

Another club that has had little luck recruiting genuine talent despite throwing plenty of cash around over the summer. Too soft upfront last season and were hoping former Rooster and Panther Mose Masoe would add some fear factor — but he now has a long-term injury.

Benji Marshall in action for the Dragons.

12 RAIDERS

The Raiders still struggle to attract star power to the ACT, chasing a heap of players over the past 12 months but having little to show for it apart from former Titans playmaker Aidan Sezer. Will upset a few teams at home but struggle away.

11 EELS

Brad Arthur has come up with some key signings in Kieran Foran, Michael Jennings, Beau Scott and Michael Gordon. The Eels have a better-rounded squad but still don’t have the big men to dominate games upfront.

10 STORM

The big three are all in the latter stages of their careers — yet still eat up a huge percentage of the Storm’s salary cap and that is a worry for coach Craig Bellamy. Poorly balanced squad that struggles due to lack of depth at Origin time.

9 BULLDOGS

Des Hasler has the biggest pack in the game and, as a result, the Bulldogs could struggle with the reduction in the interchange this season.
A capable squad but after four straight years of finals footy, may do it tough.

8 BRONCOS

Did well to make the big show last year but are all a year older and to me, lack explosive power in the forwards. Justin Hodges is a big loss but James Roberts could shine in his place in such a talented backline.

Buzz has doubts about Brisbane’s ability this year.

7 ROOSTERS

I had them at number two a couple of months ago but the Mitchell Pearce saga and injuries to Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Boyd Cordner suddenly have the Tricolours looking shaky. Young halves Jackson Hastings and Jayden Nikorima are reason for optimism though.

6 RABBITOHS

Sam Burgess’ comeback should see the self belief return to Redfern after their poor finish to their title defence last season. Issac Luke is a huge loss but the talented Damien Cook looks to be a handy signing capable of filling the hole.

5 WARRIORS

Two massive signings — Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Issac Luke — should see the Warriors return to finals footy after four years in the doldrums. A big, mobile squad that only needs to find a little more consistency.

4 PANTHERS

Have had a horrendous run with injury in recent seasons and, if the football gods smile on them, will be my surprise packet. Matt Moylan will take his game to a new level as captain and he commands a bright young squad capable of upsetting some of the more fancied outfits.

3 SHARKS

You can accuse me of bias but this Sharks side has a great balance to it and the arrival of experienced halves Chad Townsend and James Maloney should see them have more direction in attack. Their pack is as good as any in the game.

Balance is the key for the Sharks this year.

2 SEA EAGLES

That old schemer Bob Fulton has given a tired Manly outfit a complete makeover, bringing in star power in the likes of Dylan Walker, Nate Myles, Martin Taupau, Lewis Brown, Api Koroisau, Darcy Lussick and Matt Parcell. Suddenly, the Sea Eagles are again a force to be reckoned with.

1 COWBOYS

Have managed to do something few premiers have been able to in the last 30 years — retain their entire grand final squad — giving them a huge chance to go back-to-back. If Johnathan Thurston stays healthy, they will be well on track.

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Originally published as NRL 2016: Buzz Rothfield reveals why the Cowboys can go back-to-back