The 2020 NRL season is just around the corner, and there are still a plethora of burning questions about the upcoming year that many fans are debating over.
Who will be the first coach sacked? Can the Roosters make it three in a row? How will Latrell go at fullback?

There's plenty to be excited about this year - the return on Valentine Holmes, some big off-season moves for clubs like Parramatta and South Sydney, and as always State of Origin.

And with so much excitement around about the return of the NRL, many fans and experts are making their big predictions for 2020 - so we thought, why not join in on the fun.

1. Valentine Holmes addition won’t equal finals for Cowboys
He's the big signing that the North Queensland Cowboys have been waiting for - but sorry, fine people of Townsville, Valentine Holmes isn't going to change your fortunes too much.
The 24-year old departed the NRL for a shot in the NFL with the New York Jets, but pulled the pin after one season in the practice squad to return home.
While he is a brilliant player and has X-factor, the Cowboys' issue is depth - and the fact they have a third of their salary cap devoted to three players doesn't help.
The Cowboys may well improve from their 2019 finish of 14th, but a top eight berth won't be on the cards this year.


2. Sharks to miss the finals for the first time since maiden premiership
Many said they would miss the finals in 2019, but Cronulla scraped their way in only to be bundled out by Manly in week one. This time around, they might not be so lucky.
The loss of Paul Gallen may prove bigger than some would think, and the rumours about unrest with some players at the club don't appear to be going away.
They won't be far off the top eight, but it could be a tougher year for the lads from The Shire in 2020.


3. Paul McGregor to finally be sacked as Dragons coach
He's the most under-pressure man heading into the 2020 season, and don't expect Paul McGregor to be given much leeway for results.
If the Dragons start their campaign poorly - which is a very strong possibility - Mary will be on the chopping block.
They have added Shane Flanagan as an assistant coach - but he is unable to be a head coach again until at least the 2022 season so he will not be able to replace McGregor.
Peculiar signings in Trent Merrin and Issac Luke definitely don't help his cause, and the lack of quality outside backs means the Red V are likely to struggle again this year.


4. Geoff Toovey to return to coaching scene
This could almost be point '3A' because with McGregor's potential axing, it opens the door for a coach to take the reins. Enter Geoff Toovey.
The Manly legend has been vocal in the past about wanting to return to coaching, and he could be exactly what the Dragons or another team could need.
Unfairly dumped by Manly in 2015, Toovey's coaching credentials are there to see with a winning record of almost 60% and his passionate, old-school mentality could still have success.


5. Broncos centre pairing to become competition’s best
Kotoni Staggs and Jack Bird on their day are two of the most destructive ball-runners and exciting players in the NRL - and in 2020, expect that to click into gear more consistently.
At just 21 years of age, Staggs is already in the top five centres in the game and is only going to improve this season after a breakout 2019.
And while Bird missed a large chunk of last season with injury, he was looking the goods prior to that and if he can stay fit, he could find himself back in a NSW Origin jumper.
With the dynamic duo of Joey Manu and Latrell Mitchell split up after the latter's defection to Souths, the Broncos look to have the game's best centre pairing now.


6. Major changes to the NSW and QLD lineups
Luke Keary, Latrell Mitchell, Payne Haas, Valentine Holmes - there are four huge names right off the bat that are no doubt going to come into Origin calculations.
You would think that if Keary can continue the form of recent years and stay fit, he will earn a spot in the halves for NSW, while Latrell should be an automatic selection if he's firing early for Souths.
QLD will no doubt want to make changes after two consecutive series losses, and Holmes will likely slot onto the wing.
Players like Jaydn Su'a, Reed Mahoney and Kurt Capewell may be knocking on Kevin Walters' door if they can start 2020 with some big games as well.


7. NSW to make it three in a row
While there might be some big name changes for both sides, it doesn't change the fact that the Blues currently have an amazing crop of players to choose from.
QLD have depth in the halves with Cherry-Evans, Munster, Hunt, Norman, Milford, Morgan and so on all worthy names - but NSW have it over them everywhere else.
Brad Fittler is getting the best out of all his players, and 2020 should see the Blues' reign continue and perhaps a new dynasty beginning in rugby league's biggest arena.


8. Melbourne to finally slide – somewhat
No, they aren't going to miss the finals - but there is a pretty solid chance that Melbourne will finish outside the top four in 2020.
They've lost quality players in Will Chambers, Curtis Scott and Brodie Croft and are clearly lacking a bit of depth - in the centre positon especially.
They'll probably still be a hard side to beat and will make the finals, but it might be the beginning of a tough few years for the Storm.


9. Bulldogs to be the competition’s big improvers
They finished the season in sublime fashion, but in 2020 the Bulldogs need to start their season playing good, tough footy in order to make a big improvement.
Canterbury may not have the cattle that a lot of other top-tier sides do, but one thing you can't question is their heart.
Another pre-season for some young players like Reimis Smith and Lachlan Lewis and some luck going their way could certainly see them as a finals smokey.


10. Cleary combination to come under fire as Panthers struggle
Let's come right out and say it - Penrith are going to struggle in 2020 and they are clearly lacking leaders in their squad despite some nice additions in Api Koroisau and Zane Tetevano.
The fact that 22-year old Nathan Cleary has been tossed up as a potential captain shows just how much experience they are missing, and that is going to hurt them.
A youthful squad is fantastic when you surround them with a few big names and looking through their roster, they don't have that.
Expect the father and son duo of Nathan and Ivan Cleary to come under the microscope plenty of times this year.


11. Warriors to battle with combinations and finish bottom four
So much talent at their disposal yet so little in ways of results for the lads across the ditch.
There's no doubting that the likes of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Chanel Harris-Tavita are exciting, but their combinations across the board have come under question.
The lack of a quality NRL hooker is also a big question mark, with Nathaniel Roache, Karl Lawton and new recruit Wayde Egan looking to be the front-runners for the No.9 role.


12. Mid-season transfers aplenty
It wouldn't be the NRL without some mid-season releases before the June 30 deadline, would it?
Names like Alex Johnston, Matt Dufty and Lachlan Lam could look for a fresh start as they appear to have dropped in the pecking order at their respective clubs.
Others who are on the move for 2021 may seek early releases - looking at you, Jai Arrow - while clubs are always looking to free up cap space if they are going poorly.


13. Latrell to keep Souths in top four
Expect there to be a few cobwebs in the early days for Latrell Mitchell at fullback - but be patient, because the former Rooster is going to shine.
At 22 years of age, he has already done it all in the game but in 2020 he links up with Souths under the greatest coach of all time and will be playing in his favoured position of fullback.
He will keep the Bunnies in the top four picture this season, and if Brad Fittler is wise he will mend any fences and bring him back into the NSW lineup as well.


14. Very little to change under Holbrook as Titans finish last again
Justin Holbrook appears to have all the makings and credentials of a successful NRL coach - but he isn't going to fix the glaring issues on the Gold Coast in a hurry.
They say it takes two years for a coach to mould their ideal squad, but in this case it could take longer as the Titans have so many gaping holes in their playing roster.
Underperforming stars on big coin that Holbrook didn't sign is not exactly a good start for the coach, but he is going to have to make do with it for now.
Enjoy the wooden spoon again, lads.


15. Pressure to mount on Ponga as Knights miss finals
Kalyn Ponga is a brilliant player and has a ridiculously bright future in the NRL, but with high expectations comes high pressure when your side isn't performing.
And a new coach and uncertainty over the five-eighth position could impact Ponga's influence on the side.
No one player should ever be pinpointed for a team's success or failures, but everyone in Newcastle and abroad are looking to KP as the man to bring the Knights a title.


16. Isaako to have breakout year at fullback
Since he debuted in 2017 and earned Rookie of the Year honours in 2018, there has been something really promising about Jamayne Isaako - and this year he gets a crack at the No.1 jumper.
The 23-year old has all the makings of a great fullback and will get his opportunity after Darius Boyd was told he will be either on the wing or in reserve grade for season 2020.
If the forwards can get a roll on and the halves gel, look for Isaako to have a massive year at Red Hill.


17. Campbell-Gillard to get back to his best at Parra
It was a rollercoaster ride for Reagan Campbell-Gillard at the Panthers, but he has been let go very early into a six-year contract to link up with the Eels for 2020 and beyond.
On his day, RCG is one of the game's premier front-rowers but a broken jaw and some poor form have seen him slide well down the pecking order in rep footy conversations.
A fresh start under a quality coach in Brad Arthur and a team well and truly on the rise, expect the 26-year old to return to his best footy.


18. Tigers to finally break the 9th-placed curse
One of the big running jokes in the NRL is the Wests Tigers missing the finals and finishing in 9th spot on the ladder - but in 2020 that looks like it could change.
The signatures of Joey and Luciano Leilua as well as Adam Doueihi have some fans very excited, and it will be Michael Maguire's second year as coach.
If their forwards can get a job done and their halves fire like they did in 2019, the Tigers will be back in the finals for the first time since 2011.


19. Keary to claim first Dally M Medal
One of the big debates heading into every NRL season is 'who will win the Dally M Medal' - and a lot of the time, we get it wrong.
James Tedesco was a deserved winner in 2019 as the Roosters claimed their second consecutive title, and in 2020 don't be surprised if it's another Tricolours player claiming the coveted prize.
Luke Keary missed chunks of footy with concussion issues last year but if he can stay fit and steer the Chooks to another high-table finish, he will be right up there for the game's biggest individual honour.
Mitchell Moses, Cameron Smith and Damien Cook loom as other candidates to take out the gong this season.


20. Eels to win NRL premiership
Thought we'd save the best to last, right?
You start to get the feeling that something big is brewing at Parramatta after a big 2019 season and some major signings for 2020. Could league's sleeping giant be about to be woken up?
Excitement machines Dylan Brown and Maika Sivo will be in their second full year of grade, while Mitch Moses and Blake Ferguson are playing career-best footy.
The additions of former premiership winner Ryan Matterson and the aforementioned Campbell-Gillard are huge for the club, while Brad Arthur's respect from his players has never been clearer.
And another addition has gone under the radar - rugby league Immortal Andrew 'Joey' Johns will be mentoring the Eels halves in 2020 and that could prove a huge point of difference for them.
If they can consistently play at their best, Parra are going to be awfully hard to beat and the balance in their squad is the best its been in a loooooong time.

Eels fans, get ready - the wait could be over in 2020.

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  • Youuuuu beauuutyyyyy

  • 1) Without even taking into account the transition back to the NRL, I'm not convinced that Val Holmes is going to make a lot of difference for the Cows this year, I'm not even sure that he is a geniune fullback, he doesn't have great vision or hands. I really think he is purely a winger, albeit a great one.

    2) The Sharks are one of the big unknowns this year, but they are a tough bunch. One thing that will hamper them is the fact that they are playing their home games @ Kogarah for the next two years. The Shark Park advantage is significant for them.

    3) Dead man walking.

    4) Possibly, but unlikely given that the Dragons signed Flanno.

    5) Staggs is good, real good, not sure he is in the top 5 centres just yet, but he will eventually. Jack Bird just needs to stay healthy, this year is about recovery from his ACL. 2021 is the earliest we'll see the best of Jack.

    6) Agreed, but Luke Keary has to stay on the field for mine. If he has trouble doing so for the Chooks, I don't see how Freddie can risk him in Origin.

    7) Yep

    8) The Storm are like the San Antonio Spurs, everyone keeps predicting them to slide every year, but they never do. Eventually it will happen as it has for the Spurs this season, but the Storm are a long way from that stage yet. They may look like they lack depth, but watch Bellyache unearth a couple of young stars this season. I still have them winning the minor premiership & being there until at least the second last week of the finals.

    9) The Bulldogs surge at the back end of last season was fool's gold IMO. They had nothing to lose and played accordingly, but a new season is different. I don't think they'll finish last, but they'll definitely be bottom 4.

    10) Yep, but I still have them challenging for the 8th seed.

    11) Rinse & repeat.

    12) There'll be moves aplenty.

    13) Not convinced about Latrell playing fullback. Will be interesting to see how he goes.

    14) Sad but true. Still can't believe they didn't pull out all the stops to retain Jai Arrow, and now they've lost Ryan James to a second ACL.

    15) When you overpay for a teenager ....

    16) See Val Holmes. 

    17) Come on Reg

    18) The Tigers will do well to even get to 9th IMO.

    19) If he can stay on the field.

    20) Ding Dong ............

    • Agree with your comments on Holmes. He like Gagai like is a winger. They have paid a lot of money for a winger.

      The concussion issues for NRL players seem to linger. He has also had knee issues as well. I believe that Keary is high risk.

      Tigers are very short in the forwards. This is one of the reasons I believe that Utoikamanu has been poorly advised to sign with the Tigers . He will be a young forward leading an average pack in 2021. His progress may have been slower at the Eels but it would have a better ending 

  • This reply was deleted.
    • "If they can consistently play at their best, Parra are going to be awfully hard to beat and the balance in their squad is the best its been in a loooooong time." 

      This is true. The players need to believe that they can win the premiership, but gee it will take a lot of determination and guts. The problem Parra had last year was the lack of consistency. They came out and blitzed a few teams, but then lost badly in games they should have been competitive in. You don't see the likes of Melbourne do that very often. The players and coaching staff will no doubt have learnt from the past 3 seasons and should be ready to play at their best consistently - there is no room for complacency.

  • This is an excellent blog and an enjoyable read. I tend to agree with most of what you've written apart from naming Staggs and Bird as the best centre pairing in the comp. Staggs is an outstanding prospect for sure but Bird is recovering from an injury and will take time to get anywhere near his best. I'd take Jennings and Blake over these two at this point in the competition. Staggs and Blake however... 

  • Tigers are in massive trouble. Their forwards are reserve grade at best. Hard to see them winning many games with a pack like that. 

  • 1. Val Holmes will turn out to be a horrid signing. He will find his feet in time,  but will be shifted back to the wing beforehand. Way too much money for him. 

    2. Sharks won't miss the 8. Shaun J will kick better this year and they will be somewhere between 5 - 8. 

    3. Not sold on PM being sacked. I'm expecting Dragons to be this year's biggest improvers. They will come out of the blocks strongly,  as they seem to do most years.

    4. Nope. Toovs has his cards marked, unfairly,  but marked non the less. He didn't even get interviews last year. 

    5. Staggs is overrated. Solid, but not brilliant. Bird is brilliant,  hope he comes back from injury strongly. 

    6. Don't agree the suggested changes are major. Keary was all but confirmed last year before injury,  Haase played game 1, as did Mitchell, and Val Holmes will be lucky to play at all. Gagai will keep his spot and Corey Oates is pretty good.

    7. Yep.

    8. Agree. Fox and Suli want out and their centres are non existent. Their options at 7 are weak too. Also,  Smith could easily dip in form/ get injured. 

    9. Bulldogs are no hope of making the 8. Worst roster of any team, bar none. 

    10. Not convinced. Cleary can coach. He showed that at the Tigers and beforehand. Also, I think their additions have flown under the radar. They recruited very well. Korosau, Tetevano and Capewell. 

    11. Absolutely. Kearny will be sacked. 

    12. Yep.

    13. Agree, but will be interesting to monitor his progress.

    14. Titans will improve. I don't think their roster is as bad as people make out. R James injury will hurt them though. 

    15. Can't agree. Mitch Pearce is still their main man and having Klemmer on the roster eases pressure too because he is so dominant around the ruck and takes on a leadership role. 

    16. Agree. I really rate Issako. 

    17. Definitely.

    18. I think so. They will be better off if they play Reynolds and Parker, both of whom played a fair bit of reserve grade last year. 

    19. Maybe, but it's such a wide open race.  Jack Weighton for a smoky...

    20. No. We will come close then win in 2021. 

  • There's plenty of pressure this year - these are the one's that hold the most intrigue for me;

    Val Holmes: He was a flop in the NFL - it will be interesting to see whether he can actually regain his NRL form or even get close to the level he was at before he left - it's not easy - especially when you're going to a club that is relying on you to single handedly turn their fortunes around.

    Anthony Siebold: This bloke needs immediate results and i'm not sure it's going to happen for him. He has a bunch of big, fast, flashy ball playing forwards but they ain't real smart, and whose going to do all the tackling? I reckon if other clubs starve the Broncs of possession early on Siebold could be gone by June.

    Cam Smith: Surely he is going to hit the wall this year. The bloke's played over 400 games and still appears to be at the top of his powers. Surely questions have to be asked if he doesn't start struggling big time soon - he's got Lance Armstrong written all over him.

    Cleary father and Cleary son: This is supposedly going to be the Penrith Coach/Captain combination. You can't have a professional footy team being run by Dad and Son - it's not Bing Lee. This is already a monumental disaster and when you factor in thier shit roster I can't see things improving at all.

    Kalyn Ponga: It's now or never for him, if he has another poor year his value will quietly plummet even more than it already has. If he put himself on the market for a milion bucks or thereabouts right now he'd get as many takers as Latrell Mitchell did (zilch - maybe the Titans.). I'm not sure he has the size or mental fortitude to make it to the elite level. 

    Chanel Tavita-Harris: Not under pressure, along with Dyl Brown he's one of the top two best young spine prospects in the game I reckon. Pity he's at the Warriors I really hope they don't wreck what should be a wonderful career. He has talent AND he's eager to listen and learn - a rare commodity these days. He could be a superstar by the end of 2020.

    Parramatta: Healthy doses of good form and good luck couild see us hoist it for the first time in a while :)

     

    • Thats a classic Kram about Bing Lee; made me laugh big time. Good points about Siebold to me he should have huge pressure on him considering he has one of the largets bases of juniors....Penrith too they could be in all sorts if things do not rock and roll. 

      Parra just need to worry about themselves and nothing else. Keep their heads out of those cumulonimbus clouds.

    • Bennett set the 2019 team up for the Broncos. I thought before the season began that they were light on for experience. Relying too much on youth can not end well. 

      I tipped the Broncos to miss the eight last year. I was wrong but I was not far off. Bennett let a lot of experinced forwards go.

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