I have consulted my trusty (some may disagree and call it rusty) crystal ball to give my insightful opinion on how teams will perform next year based on changes in their roster.
Storm
Gains: None of note
Losses: Matt Duffie, Kurt Mann
Pros: Big 3, second best coach in business
Cons: Injury to Cronk or definitely Smith could have them struggling
Make the 8: Probable
Warriors
Gains: Isaac Luke, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
Losses: Chad Townsend
Pros: Quality signings
Cons: Consistency of performance, halves pairing, coach
Make the 8: Probable
Knights
Gains: Trent Hodkinson
Losses: None of note
Pros: None
Cons: Poor roster and coach
Make the 8: No
Cowboys
Gains: None of note
Losses: None of note
Pros: Jonathan Thurston, stable roster, good coach
Cons: Also Thurston as if injured they will struggle, second year syndrome after winning g/f
Make the 8: Definitely
Eels
Gains: Quality and quantity, Kieran Foran
Losses: Joseph Paulo
Pros: Have recruited extremely well with probably the most backup coverage of any club in NRL
Cons: Defence, if the coach cannot improve it he will have to go with the squad assembled
Make the 8: Probable
Panthers
Gains: Trent Merrin
Losses: Adam Docker, Nigel Plum
Pros: None
Cons: Injury to their aging halves could cause problems
Make the 8: Probable
Souths
Gains: Sam Burgess
Losses: Isaac Luke, Dylan Walker (?)
Pros: Big strong pack
Cons: Backs lack class (except GI) if Walker goes
Make the 8: Probable
Roosters
Gains: None of note
Losses: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, James Maloney
Pros: Big strong pack, quality backs
Cons: Will Ferguson be successful at fullback, will their halves be successful
Make the 8: Definitely
West Tigers
Gains: None of note
Losses: Martin Taupau, Keith Galloway
Pros: None
Cons: Can Farrah stop being a divisive force, are the team behind their coach
Make the 8: No
Broncos
Gains: None of note
Losses: None of note
Pros: Stable roster, best coach in business
Cons: Injury to any of the halves could be detrimental
Make the 8: Definitely
Raiders
Gains: Aiden Sezer
Losses: None of note
Pros: Halves
Cons: Thin in front row stocks, Stuart
Make the 8: Probable
Bulldogs
Gains: None of note
Losses: Frank Pritchard
Pros: Huge forwards, stable roster
Cons: Will the halves perform, Reynolds always one game away from brain explosion
Make the 8: Probable
Sharks
Gains: James Maloney, Chad Townsend
Losses: None of note
Pros: Big experienced pack, good halves
Cons: Can Bird perform in the fullback or centre spot
Make the 8: Probable
Titans
Gains: Nathan Friend, Ashley Taylor
Losses: Nate Myles, Adian Sezer
Pros: Roberts looks like he is staying
Cons: Young halves could struggle, coach
Make the 8: No
Manly
Gains: Quality and quantity
Losses: Kieran Foran, most of their good young backup players
Pros: Improved forwards, experienced quality backs
Cons: Who will partner DCE and will they be successful, few quality backup players, rookie coach
Make the 8: Probable
Dragons
Gains: Kurt Mann, Mose Mosoe
Losses: Trent Merrin
Pros: Improved roster
Cons: Will the halves maintain their good form of 2015
Make the 8: Probably
Do you agree or disagree with my assessment?
Replies
They are definite bottom 4 candidates, and if they think Marty Mose & Kurt Mann are notable signings, they're kidding.
They are shit.
The spoon wouldn't surprise. Their captain is a whinging disgrace.
Chief, Mann & Masoe are great signings for the Dragons.
Mann is a player I'd have loved to have at the Eels. He may not be the biggest player but he has determination and ticker, and is incredibly versatile as a player.
His strengths lie in his quick play from dummy half and his deceptive strength. He'd be a welcome bonus to any side and the Dragons have him.
As for Masoe, he's a big bopper, and a powerful one at that.
He finished up a few years ago in the NRL strongly and continued that at St Helens. They were disappointed to see him go such was the impact that he made.
The Dragons have made some strange signings, but Mann & Masoe are not that by any means.
Did you watch Mann in the semi finals. He's a fekkin turnstile in defense, the worst I've seen ib a while.
He's not great.
Bellyache ousted him.
Enough said.
They are both below average & are definitely not " Great signings " as you've stated.
Would you want him at the Eels ?
Who would this "great" player replace.
Just name one, pleeeeassss.
Actually, Masoe left the Panthers on his own accord. Not because Gus gave him the flick. He wanted a new challenge, headed to the SL, and continued his good form there.
Yes, I've seen Mann. A lot of him actually, going back to his younger days.
He's quality and would have been a handy addition.
Just because a player joins another team, Chief, no matter what team that is, doesn't mean they're all shit.
They're both quality players & I'd have them both in the Dragons side come Rd 1.
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