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Greg Alexander’s NRL 2017 scouting report: Every club’s chances rated

FOX Sports NRL expert GREG ALEXANDER rates every NRL club’s chances ahead of season 2017 in his comprehensive scouting report.

HE’s an NRL great, a former Dally M medallist and Fox Sports analyst so it’s safe to say Greg Alexander knows a bit about rugby league.

The Panthers legend sat down on the eve of the 2017 NRL season and rated the chances of every team in the premiership race.

This is Brandy’s scouting report for every club ahead of season 2017.

Greg Alexander reveals his predictions for the 2017 NRL season.
Greg Alexander reveals his predictions for the 2017 NRL season.

JUMP STRAIGHT TO THE CLUB YOU WANT TO VIEW BY CLICKING ONE OF THESE LINKS: Dragons, Knights, Eels, Rabbitohs, Cowboys, Broncos, Titans, Storm, Bulldogs, Warriors, Sea Eagles, Sharks, Raiders, Roosters, Panthers, Tigers.

KNIGHTS

NEWCASTLE fans should be prepared for more pain following their worst season in the club’s history. With only one win and a draw recorded in 2016, times were tough in the Hunter. owever, the fans remained hopeful and kept turning out despite the lack of success. Plenty of players made their NRL debuts last year and with another off-season under Nathan Brown the potential for improvement is there. What won’t make that a given is that last year’s roster has lost a lot of experience; Jeremy Smith, Robbie Rochow and Jarrod Mullen among others. There have been half-a-dozen new players added by Nathan Brown to the squad. The pick of those are Jamie Buhrer, who becomes the club captain, and Rory Kostjasyn. Buhrer brings experience and is a very good running back-rower who will give Trent Hodkinson an option on the edge. Kostjasyn is a hardworking, tough dummy-half who can play in the middle of the field if Brown wants to use a utility off the bench.

The Knights look set for the wooden spoon again.
The Knights look set for the wooden spoon again.

While some players are locked in to the starting side, with so many youngsters you would imagine Brown will continue to tinker with his side as he searches for his best 17. Jaelen Feeney, Brock Lamb and Jack Cogger all had a handful of NRL games last year and will fight out for the chance to fill the void left by Mullen. Sione Mata’utia made a successful switch to the back-row last year and adds punch on the other side of Buhrer.

Dane Gagai spent time at fullback last year with mixed results, but he is their trump whether it’s at the back or in the centres. Ken Sio returns to the NRL and he and Nathan Ross are noted try-scorers on both flanks. Even though it’s a young squad short on experience, Brown had them playing a good style of footy last year. You can see that transferring into wins if some of those young players can improve rapidly. But it’s a big jump.

DRAGONS

THE Dragons forgot how to play football last year, such was the blinkered, structured style they played. The Gareth Widdop-Benji Marshall combination didn’t gel but Widdop is too good a footballer to have another year like last season. Gone was the footwork and talent that made him a very good playmaker. The Dragons seemed so consumed with what set play was coming up, they forgot the importance of reacting to any defensive deficiencies. The examples of this were never more evident than the big losses to Manly and the Titans. Coach Paul McGregor must somehow make their attack work despite already receiving a setback with the season-ending injury to Drew Hutchison, who was to fill the vacant No.7 jumper. What might help is the signing of Paul Vaughan, the return of Mose Masoe from injury and the development of Luciano Leilua. Along with Russell Packer, there must be a platform for whoever is in the halves.

The Dragons still look unlikely to score points.
The Dragons still look unlikely to score points.

These four players will need their best seasons to give the Dragons any hope of scoring enough points to be competitive. Desperate times require some tough decisions and not necessarily safe ones. Jai Field is a brilliant young player and while there might be concerns about his size, his ability with the ball makes him a must for the No.7. Form in the NYC competition doesn’t always transfer to the NRL, but from what I’ve seen of him it’s worth the risk. The experiment around Dugan at fullback or centre won’t happen this year, but I can understand McGregor’s thinking. The coach was desperate to have a ball-playing No.1 but Kurt Mann only lasted two games before he reverted to Dugan. So the Dragons face a similar problem — an outstanding running fullback but no passing game. Taane Milne looks a talent with the ball, while his centre partner Euan Aitken is a powerful runner but has a limited passing game. Cameron McInnes joins the club and the jury is still out about what he can bring to the Red V.

TITANS

WHAT an amazing job Neil Henry did on the Gold Coast last season. Many thought the Titans were destined for the bottom of the ladder, particularly when they lost Kane Elgey before it all started. To make the eight with all that was stacked against them was a remarkable effort. That was achieved off the back of a number of rookies and some more than handy mid-season signings which included Jarryd Hayne. An off-season of fitness and coaching from Henry will certainly benefit two of their attacking spearheads in that man Hayne and Konrad Hurrell. Obviously underdone when he joined last year, Hayne looks in shape and ready to amaze. The hype surrounding his return won’t be at fever pitch like it was, which should make it easier to focus on his game. To assist Hayne in his endeavours to become one of the game’s best again will be two of the best young halves in the game. Elgey is ready to go after missing all of last season. He had all the old halfbacks nodding their heads in agreement of his skill in his 16 games the previous year.

The Titans will struggle to reach the heights of last year.
The Titans will struggle to reach the heights of last year.

He’ll join Ash Taylor, Dally M rookie of the year an outstanding talent and together they’ll pose a dual threat for opposition teams. The Titans are very capable of having another successful season with the squad they’ve put together. Their focus should be to turn Cbus Super Stadium, with renewed interest from locals, into a tougher place for opposition teams to win at. Only two wins against top-eight teams last year will need to improve if they’re to be involved in the finals. Apart from Hayne and Hurrell, Nathan Peats, in the all-important dummy-half role will also be more aware of teammates’ nuances having an off-season behind him. Gold Coast player of the year Ryan James, leads an unheralded but effective pack that’s been bolstered by the signing of Kevin Proctor and Jarrod Wallace. Little known before last year, Agnatius Passi and Leivaha Pulu offer skill and speed in the middle to complement James.

Jarrod Wallace is also very strong over the advantage line. Zeb Taia and Chris McQueen proved good options on the edge while Tyrone Roberts gives Henry the potential for him to fill a number of roles.

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TIGERS

THE time has come for the Wests Tigers to deliver. They were close to the mark last year in falling one win short of the finals. However, this year the distraction of the Farah saga is no longer, and their young players have another season under their belt. While Robbie is no longer there in body he’s still taking a large chunk of the salary cap, which means there hasn’t been the scope to bring in new players. There is some quality back-up but not nearly as much as a lot of the clubs. All sides to varying degrees have to cope with injuries through the year, but the Tigers have a roster that can afford very few before it affects their season. The management also has to handle contract talks with a number of their high-profile players. James Tedesco, Mitch Moses, Luke Brooks and captain Aaron Woods are all off contract at the end of the year. If not handled correctly, that could be a negative for the club and team. At times last season the Tigers looked like they could match any team in the competition. But they also suffered some horrific losses and with a full strength line-up were the only side to lose to Newcastle.

Tigers have locked down their big names but it won't help them.
Tigers have locked down their big names but it won't help them.

No doubt Jason Taylor is working on his side performing at a more consistent level. The brilliance of Tedesco, not just his speed or evasive skills but also his catch and pass, resulted in him playing Origin last year. You also have the authority of Aaron Woods in the middle and then there is the continued development of Mitch Moses, who for the second half of the season was the equal of any half in the competition. In essence it will be those three who decide the fate of the Tigers this year. Luke Brooks has the potential to join them in importance, and while he did some brilliant things, there are times in a game when he could be more forceful and demand the ball. If he has his best year yet, the Tigers will be in good shape. Jamal Idris adds size, not just to the backline but a team that is a bit short in that department. He also offers some starch defensively. It will be interesting to see whether JT opts for the youth and speed of Jacob Liddle or the experience of Matt Ballin at dummy half.

SEA EAGLES

THE Sea Eagles’ signing of Blake Green could be one of the most important in recent years. Green just might provide the experience and ball-playing ability to take the pressure off the best attacking weapon, Daly Cherry-Evans. Manly need DCE to find the running game that for the first five years of his career made him the best in that department. A more settled environment and the Green signing just might do the trick. After having a number of players wear the No.6 last year, depth in that area has also been addressed. Jackson Hastings, along with Cameron Cullen and talented Gold Coast junior Brian Kelly, have joined the club. The Trbojevic brothers are outstanding talents and both committed to the club long- term over the off-season. It’s exciting to think how good Tom will be after battling on last year with an ankle injury that required surgery. And Jake gives the Eagles an 80-minute player in the middle who is consistent every play and is one of the best front-on defenders in the game.

The Sea Eagles will still struggle despite huge changes.
The Sea Eagles will still struggle despite huge changes.

The signing of Akuila Uate, if he can find the form of two seasons ago, gives Manly a powerful back three. Depth in the centres is questionable, but with Dylan Walker back where he’s comfortable, Manly will be dangerous on the right. There has been a big turnover of players at the club and to move higher than last year’s 13th-placed finish, they’ll need some of those new forwards like Curtis Sironen to have their best season to date. Darcy Lussick produced his best in 2016, but front-row stocks are skinny. Impact forward Siosaia Vave has moved on and the great career of Nate Myles is drawing to a close. Even though Brett Stewart and Steve Matai played minor roles last year, their recent retirement along with the great Jamie Lyon means so much experience has left the club at one time. It’s the end of a golden era which they played a huge role in. Manly hope that 2017 is the beginning of a new one.

RABBITOHS

THE final month and a bit of last year went some way to rubbing out the memory of what was a disastrous season for the Bunnies. Injury and some questionable form from some of their best resulted in them hitting rock bottom in round 21 against the Raiders, who racked up 50 points. That was their eighth straight loss. A line in the sand seemed to be drawn and they finished with four consecutive wins. That attitude needs to be the standard this year. Cody Walker was the standout for the Rabbits. A couple of very good young halves came into the competition last year but the 26-year-old was not to be outdone. It’s the combination of Walker and Adam Reynolds which offers hope for this season. They only partnered each other in five games last year and Souths won them all.

The Rabbitohs were still off their best last year.
The Rabbitohs were still off their best last year.

Reynolds was brilliant over the last month and if the two can spend most of the year together in that sort of form, that just might be where the improvement comes from to play in the finals again. As a premiership-winning coach, Michael Maguire realised that there needed to be changes in his approach as he entered his sixth season at Souths. There has been a shift in philosophy, a change of assistants and better lines of commun-ication. Robbie Farah will be desperate to succeed at the Bunnies, which should mean he’ll be a real positive as long as he doesn’t overplay his hand. Damien Cook proved in the last month of 2016 that he is more than capable if Farah doesn’t work. I haven’t mentioned their two biggest names but it’s pretty simple; if they have seasons they’re capable of, Souths are a chance to be great again.

BULLDOGS

AFTER 12 straight final series, seven with Manly and five with the Bulldogs, never has there been as much pressure on Des Hasler. The Bulldogs, after an exit last year in which they lost their final four games, made a raft of changes to the back-end staff. It wasn’t so much the losing, but the manner in which they lost. The problem they had with their stuttering attack was most alarming. The Bulldogs were the most talked about team over that period when many Dogs fans were driven to distraction over their style of footy. An improvement in ball handling, which was the worst of any team over the final month last year, will go a long way to solving the problem. The real key will be what they have done to get Josh Reynolds and Moses Mbye playing like halves and in reducing the role the props have in the passing game. But they still have a squad that makes them a chance in any game.

The Bulldogs always make the finals but can they push on in 2017?
The Bulldogs always make the finals but can they push on in 2017?

And their big, powerful and skilful pack means they rarely lose the battle in the middle of the field. Their wildcard Sam Kasiano looks trimmer and ready for more minutes. Big Sam was the catalyst for a lot of the Dogs’ points last year. The Morris twins are still two of the most dangerous runners of the football, while Will Hopoate was strong at the back. Apart from those three, and with the loss of Curtis Rona, they do look thin on quality out wide. What also doesn’t help the Dogs in attack is the limited assistance the halves get from Michael Lichaa. He does a very good job closing down the middle defensively but doesn’t offer the ball playing or running game that’s needed from a side that is limited in other areas. But back to the keys to their season: Reynolds and Mbye. They must provide something different if the Dogs are to succeed. Des revolutionised the Bulldogs’ attack in 2012 and almost won a title. I’m sure he can conjure up something for this season that will make his side dangerous again.

WARRIORS

ANOTHER pre-season full of hope and potential, surely the signing of Kieran Foran and coach Stephen Kearney are the missing pieces to the puzzle that is the Warriors. After making the decider in 2011, the Warriors have failed to make the finals in the following five seasons. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck’s injury and Issac Luke’s indifferent form didn’t help their 2016 campaign, but they still had a chance to make the finals coming into the last month. Inexplicably they lost their last four games. The last two were against Wests Tigers and Parramatta at Mt Smart Stadium. They finished only three points out of the eight. That sort of scenario is all too familiar. With that in mind, when you look at the squad for 2017, which is an outstanding list of players, there is still that nagging doubt that they can get the job done. With Foran joining, it gives the Warriors an all-Kiwi spine. I’ve got little doubt about Foran returning to his best once he does get on the field. Still in his prime rugby league years, he’ll add that steely resolve, toughness and ability to create space for his runners that could be the key.

A formiddable spine but still no finals for the Warriors.
A formiddable spine but still no finals for the Warriors.

The other big signing, Kearney looks to be a good fit. Success as the Kiwi coach, assistant to Bellamy and Bennett and two years as head coach of the Eels. hose two years might have taught him more about what’s in front of him than the 10 years as an assistant. It will be crucial that the coach can instil resilience, discipline and consistency in their performances. Basically, what has been missing at crucial times in their seasons. The attacking ability of the backline led by the genius of Shaun Johnson means it’s the best side they’ve been able to field since their inception. Size, speed and skill in abundance across the remainder of the backline. Add the footwork of RTS from the back and the Warriors should have plenty of points in them. Two players they would hope for better seasons from are Luke and Ben Mautilino. Luke needs to recapture his running game while it was a rare, quiet year for Mautilino who is regarded as one of the best in the game. Ryan Hoffman and Simon Mannering will work tirelessly and some promising young forwards give them a pack to at least match the opposition. If the Warriors show some steel in defence, they should be back in the finals.

EELS

THE Eels’ efforts last year were remarkable considering the turmoil that surrounded the team. Those issues that the Eels went through have been well documented, but there didn’t seem to be a week in 2016 that Parramatta weren’t in the headlines as the club lurched from one disaster to another. What amazed most was their commitment each week despite knowing their efforts weren’t going to be rewarded with a spot in the finals. Yet they won enough games in the end to be part of the eight. I’m sure they learnt plenty about each other, and what a job Brad Arthur did in keeping focused on training and the 80 minutes each week. With every excuse in the world to give up, they went on giving everything, which was highlighted by them winning the final two games of the year. You would think without those distractions and the effort put in they’d be a shoo- in for the top eight this year. I’m not sure about that, but they’ll certainly be in the mix. The key for the Eels is Corey Norman. He has developed into one of the game’s best players. Not many move as well as him, and there’s not a rugby league skill that he doesn’t possess.

The Eels will look to make the finals after last year's disappointment.
The Eels will look to make the finals after last year's disappointment.

They have outstanding outside backs with Josh Hoffman joining the club, and coach Arthur has a number of options for how they line up. Whether it’s the offloading of Brad Takairangi or the speed of Michael Jennings, the Eels are dangerous on the edges. Much will be expected of Bevan French (19 tries in 13 games). A move to fullback would mean he is more involved, which is another exciting prospect. New signings Siosaia Vave, Suaia Matagi and Nathan Brown strengthen the front- row rotation. All three are mobile and will add some thrust in the middle. A partner for Corey Norman in the halves continues to be an issue after Keiran Foran walked out last year. Clint Gutherson played the last eight rounds there while Norman was suspended. Options are limited and Arthur must have seen enough in those performances to give him a chance to nail down the spot. While the Eels’ home ground is under construction, playing at ANZ Stadium will be another thing they have to get accustomed to quickly. With no Michael Gordon, the kicking duties look like going to either Norman or Gutherson. Both kicked goals full-time in the under-20s.

BRONCOS

AFTER losing the 2015 grand final in a golden-point thriller, the Broncos were the dominant team for the first half of the season using the motivation to go one better. But a lack of punch in the middle and a decline in the form of Anthony Milford and Ben Hunt meant they won only two of nine games during the representative season. And the early-season form was never recaptured. One player who didn’t lose form during any stage of the year was Darius Boyd. Now the captain after the retirement of Corey Parker, his class and ball-playing ability will again be an inspiration to his teammates and a key to the Broncos’ attack. Milford was the standout player for the first 10 rounds last year, but he suffered like Hunt from the lack of go forward from the pack during the second half of the season. These three will be pivotal in what success Brisbane have with the ball this season. One area both halves need to improve in is their general kicking. They need to put more thought into what type of kick, where they are on the field and what is the situation of the game.

The Broncos might only scrape into the eight this year.
The Broncos might only scrape into the eight this year.

The lack of penetration in the middle at times last year must be of concern to Wayne Bennett. The rep season definitely took its toll on the pack. That burden is unlikely to change this season. With Corey Parker and Jarrod Wallace no longer at the club, the doubt over the middle doing the job over 26 rounds remains. To compensate those losses, Bennett will need the emerging forwards, Joe Ofahengaue, Tevita Pangai Jr, Herman Ese Ese and the talented Jaydn Sua, to come on quickly. David Mead’s signature provides the Broncos with another quality winger to go with State of Origin incumbent Corey Oates. I’m not sure what role Benji Marshall will play. Cover for backline positions or off the bench seem likely. I can’t see Benji having a huge say in the Broncos’ fortunes. James Roberts seemed to go through stages last year when he saw very little ball. They’ll need to rectify that. Jordan Kahu will play left centre, which gives the Broncos plenty of strike on both sides of the field.

ROOSTERS

WHEN assessing a team’s season, circumstances must be taken into account and those circumstances couldn’t have been any worse for the Roosters last year. They had a disastrous start without a number of big names in a season that didn’t get a whole lot better as they finished in 15th place. I’m thinking this was a blip rather than a systemic problem with the club and they will be the big movers this year. Michael Gordon and Luke Keary join the club to solve two problem areas. James Maloney’s importance was underestimated and while there is no doubting Connor Watson is a dangerous runner of the ball, he’s still a bit away from having the game to be starting in the halves. That will come. Keary is a great signing for the Roosters — a clever, ball-playing style to complement Mitchell Pearce. Apart from Gordon’s direct running, he will give the Roosters an 80 per cent goal- kicker, which was another oversight in the decision not to fight harder to keep Maloney from Cronulla’s clutches. A team needs to be flexible over a long season and there’s plenty of scope with the back five.

The Roosters are tipped to have a big year.
The Roosters are tipped to have a big year.

Latrell Mitchell had an outstanding rookie season, and can play all three outside back positions, but might start in the centres. Shaun Kenny-Dowall and Blake Ferguson are also interchangeable. Then there is the exciting Joseph Manu to keep everyone on their toes. I’m sure Paul Carter has himself sorted out off the field because there has never been a doubt about what he can do on it. He will be very handy throughout the season either filling a hole for coach Trent Robinson or for the energy he brings every time he takes the field. The pack is strong, led by Boyd Cordner and two quality front-rowers in Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Dylan Napa. The player who might find his position under threat is Aiden Guerra unless he can find another gear. Not many stats read well when you finish second last but defence was a real problem throughout the season. The Roosters gave up almost double the tries the Storm did. After three straight minor premierships, last year the Roosters got out of the habit of winning. I think they can regain that feeling.

COWBOYS

LIKE many defending premiers before them, there were times last year when the Cowboys looked a class above the rest and would be able to go back-to-back. Particularly during the first part of the season when they were able to keep their 2015 grand final side on the field. Origin, injuries, expectation and two tough years of footy were too much to overcome in the end. They bowed out one win short of having a shot at the title. It’s impossible to keep the same group together after success and the departures have begun with James Tamou, Rory Kostjasyn and Ben Hannant. That knocks around the depth in big men. New signing Ben Hampton could fill that utility role if that’s the way Paul Green wants to go. Despite the losses it’s still an outstanding roster led by Johnathan Thurston. Jason Taumalolo will be as destructive as ever. Some of his second-half stints last year were remarkable and he’ll reconfirm this year that he’s the best middle forward in the game.

Is this the last chance for JT and the Cowboys?
Is this the last chance for JT and the Cowboys?

One of the keys to premiership success in 2015 was the emergence of Jake Granville. That season he had the best running game of all the hookers in the competition. Those runs dried up last year, and although they nearly got the job done anyway, Thurston needs those around him to be at their best. The high level of Thurston’s skill and effort doesn’t look like waning. He played the role of conductor beautifully last year, directing the team and producing a consistent level of ball playing that continued to stun opposition players and fans. If his combination with Lachlan Coote and Michael Morgan continues at the level it has operated over the past two years, the Cowboys will be around the mark again. Justin O’Neill had a standout season and will again be a go-to man on the edge. Cohen Hess should be a permanent member of the line-up this season after finishing the year in the back-row. Big and mobile, Hess has been developing nicely in the lower grades and looks ready to make his mark.

SHARKS

NO Ben Barba and no Michael Ennis as the Sharks attempt what no club has been able to do since the Broncos of 1992-93 — defend a premiership. Before the Sharks captured their maiden title, the three previous premiers — the Cowboys, Rabbitohs and Roosters — all looked likely to get the job done in the following year but fell at different stages through the final series. None of those premiership clubs went into the following season without two players who were as influential as Ennis or Barba. That alone should say the Sharks won’t achieve what has become the game’s new Holy Grail. But trends are there to be broken and Cronulla will be in the battle. Without Barba, the immensely talented Valentine Holmes gets his chance at fullback. A big reason the Sharks won the title was their potency in attack. Even though there is no doubt that Holmes will be a huge hit in the No.1, Barba’s absence does detract from their overall strike power. Ennis offered the Sharks plenty on the field with his in-your-face determination, but also much that can’t be measured.

The Sharks should do well again in 2017.
The Sharks should do well again in 2017.

A player with the influence to have a group of footballers become a team isn’t easily replaced. Of his replacement Manaia Cherrington, he will give the Sharks speed out of dummy half, which will be a much- needed asset as they look to be as great a threat in attack as they were last season. The buy of last year was James Maloney. He more than any other player changed the fortunes of the Sharks. He turned them from a grinding outfit to a side that could come up with points when needed. Chad Townsend got a bit shaky towards the end of last season but had done some good things up until that point. We’ve seen a number of players excel past the age of 30 and Luke Lewis is another of those. The Clive Churchill Medal winner still possesses the speed and footwork that has made him such a good player over his career and he doesn’t look like being deserted by his talent yet. He, along with Andrew Fifita, Wade Graham and Paul Gallen, provide the Sharks with the skill and toughness required in the pack.

RAIDERS

SIZE and strike power is what stands out for me when thinking about the Raiders’ 2016 campaign and their chances this season. No side scored more tries than Canberra last year. What made them so hard to handle was their potency from sideline to sideline. The combination of Joey Leilua and Jordan Rapana or the line breaking runs of Blake Austin on the right. Aidan Sezer and Jarrod Croker on the left. Josh Hodgson (the game’s best ball-playing dummy half) in the middle or Jack Wighton sweeping around the edges. They provided record attacking numbers. A powerful pack led by 120kg props in Shannon Boyd and Junior Paulo provide the space or speed of the play-the- ball for Hodgson or the halves to play off. Their edge forwards Josh Papalii and Elliott Whitehead provide great options for the three playmakers.

Can the Raiders push one match further in 2017?
Can the Raiders push one match further in 2017?

The Englishman is very good at reading the intention of defenders and can make it look easy finding space to run into. On the other side, Papalii is mobile and destructive with ball in hand. You could mount a case that the Raiders had the best centres in the competition last year. Croker is an inspirational captain, scored a record number of points and any defensive deficiencies of the past weren’t evident. Leilua proved to be one of, if not the toughest, player in the NRL to bring down. The Raiders are nowhere near as structured as many teams in the NRL, which gives them the ability to play to what the defence offers. With the team that Ricky Stuart has put together, that makes sense. Allow the players to showcase their natural ability and skill. This season will be one of consolidation but that brings its own level of excitement after what was achieved last year.

PANTHERS

A SIXTH-placed finish last season and one of the best attacking performances in a finals match have the Panthers as one of the genuine contenders again. The style of football they adopted over the last two months of the premiership resulted in them winning their final six games. Matt Moylan adopted a more direct approach and the Panthers fullback became the most dangerous attacking player in the game over that period. We also saw the emergence of Nathan Cleary last season. Young halves that make the impact he did are a rare commodity. There is always pressure on a rookie to continue his first-season form, but one of his best attributes is his composure and unflappable nature, no matter what the situation. That allows him to see things that the average player doesn’t have time to. With Cleary’s impact and the success of the team, the forgotten player for the Panthers was Te Marie Martin.

The Panthers hope to go further in 2017.
The Panthers hope to go further in 2017.

He made his debut in round three and only got through six games before a shoulder injury rubbed him out for the season. There was definitely enough in those performances to suggest he can settle in the No.6 jumper. One of the strengths of Anthony Griffin’s squad is the options he has with a number of positions and the depth at the club. Phil Gould has done a great job assembling this group of players. Dean Whare and Peta Hiku return after missing the bulk of last season. Hiku can play centre, wing or fullback, which allows Moylan to shift to five-eighth (where he played Origin III) if required. With the return of the two Kiwis, it allows attacking weapons Tyrone Peachey and Bryce Cartwright to move back into the forwards. Peter Wallace looked at home the moment that he pulled on the No.9 jumper and was outstanding, while the recruitment of Mitch Rein again provides quality options. Marquee signing James Tamou joins Trent Merrin to give the Panthers’ pack an international feel.

STORM

THE Big Three will all turn 34 this year. I thought a couple of years ago that the form of these great players would start to slide. Not so much because of their date of birth, but more to do with the amount of football at the high intensity they’ve played over the last 15 years. Billy Slater has missed virtually the last two seasons and there still must be a question mark over him getting through this one. The other two, Smith and Cronk have just come through a year where their form has been as good as any they’ve had. Despite Slater being unavailable, the Storm were still able to win the minor premiership last season and go down by only two points in one of the great deciders. If Slater’s shoulder is good enough to get him through the year, I see no reason why the Storm won’t be near the top of the ladder again. It doesn’t matter how good a side went the previous year there must be improvement the following. The Storm are well placed to do that with Slater’s availability and Cameron Munster’s shift to five-eighth. Munster has shown what a class player he is over the last couple of seasons.

The Storm will continue their domination.
The Storm will continue their domination.

The move to five-eighth will be a challenge, but I’m thinking with them both on the field it makes the Storm a far more dangerous outfit. Munster’s strength is his running game, great ability to break a tackle and his footwork. I’m sure Craig Bellamy will keep his role as simple as possible. Cooper Cronk will play both sides and use Slater (who also ball plays) and Munster as his runners. Very similar to how Thurston, Coote and Morgan play at the Cowboys. Brodie Croft looks up to filling the five-eighth role if Slater’s shoulder doesn’t hold up and Munster will shift back to fullback. Along with Blake Green out of last year’s line-up are Kevin Proctor, Ben Hampton and Marika Koroibete have all moved on. Koroibete is the hardest to replace out of those four players, however Josh Addo-Carr will give them plenty of speed and likely grab the wing spot on the other side of the field to the sensational Suilasi Vunavalu. Defence and discipline are the Storm’s greatest attributes as a team. They offer their opposition very little and when asked to defend their line, they are the benchmark.

Originally published as Greg Alexander’s NRL 2017 scouting report: Every club’s chances rated

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