NRL.com's fearless predictions

Wed 11 Jan, 2017, 6:00am
Staff writers, NRL.com

Which team will be the biggest improver?

Tony Webeck: Do the Eels count? They're a definite top-eight team for mine. Outside of that, expect a BIG bounce back from the Roosters.

Chris Kennedy: In terms of form/wins, the Roosters. Ladder-wise, Eels.

Dominic Brock: The Roosters will jump from 15th to a finals spot – they're just too good not to and will be desperate to bounce back from last year's derailed season.

Andy Bryan: In terms of games won, Newcastle will improve the most. But as far as ladder position, the Roosters will make the biggest jump after a disastrous 2016 campaign.

Martin Gabor: The Roosters won't finish 15th again any time soon. The Tricolours were aiming for their fourth straight minor premiership last season, but a combination of ill-discipline, injuries and a string of narrow losses had them rooted near the bottom of the ladder from the get-go. They will be much better in 2017 – maybe even a top-four side.

Adrian McMurray: You'd imagine the Roosters will make the biggest move up the ladder, while the Eels and Rabbitohs should also be in for a much better season.

Jack Brady: The Parramatta Eels. Obviously salary cap dramas ruined their 2016 season as they looked to make the top eight for the first time since 2009. The Eels will make the top eight in 2017.

Top try-scorer?

Tony Webeck: Can I just say they will be of Fijian heritage? Suliasi Vunivalu ahead of Semi Radradra.

Chris Kennedy: Jordan Rapana?

Dominic Brock: Jordan Rapana will probably start as the favourite for this but I'll go Bevan French. The guy is made for scoring rugby league tries and should get more game time this year, plus the Eels should be better.

Andy Bryan: I think the Eels will do well this year, so looking at Bevan French to score a lot of tries in blue and gold.

Martin Gabor: Jordan Rapana will take home the title with 24 tries next season, with James Tedesco and Blake Ferguson in equal-second with 19 four-pointers. Bevan French will score 17 tries.

Adrian McMurray: After making the move south to the Storm, I'm tipping Josh Addo-Carr to lead the try-scorers tally.

Jack Brady: If Bevan French can produce a whole season at the Eels then I envision him taking out the mantle.

"Absolutely, Mitchy. Pay, Dymock, Smith, McCracken—The Big Four—added class and steel. And without the SL war, they don't happen for us. IMO, without Walsh, who saved more tries than he scored, the Broncos probably don't win the 2025 GF."

"This is good for Iongi. May a far more high profile player; portaryed as 'violated', will hog the headlines and the NRL will need to be fair to he and Iongi when assessing any potential NRL sanctions. "

"Agreed, I also think when B Smith had that team in the 98 era (Pay / McCracken / Smith / Dymock) plus some others we had the steel; it was when they left for me that we softened a tad. I was at the minor semi againts Norths at Parra when we belted…"

Replies

Longfin Eel January 11, 2017 at 8:56pm

Wow positive news on the Eels!
Premier2018 January 12, 2017 at 2:50pm

Yes there is a definite expectation that the Eels will make the 8 this year.

They should do but, one thing I know as an Eels fan. Nothing is certain.
Michael Ericson January 12, 2017 at 4:03pm

We have a massive amount of backline talent assuming Semi is able to take the field and injuries don't cruel us I expect us to line up this way by mid season;

1, French

2. Radradra

3. Auva'a

4. Jennings

5. Hoffman

6. Gutherson

7 Norman

That's a frigging good back line with a massive amount of power and speed. If we are able to play an up tempo style of game and the forwards do their job we could rack up some scores.

This reply was deleted.

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