NRL 2016 Predicted Line-Ups

[Big Pete]

Wrote up a similar one last year, mostly just spit-balling to kill time. Find myself in a similar predicament, so without further ado, I'll select the best 17s for each side.

Brisbane Broncos
1. Darius Boyd 2. Corey Oates 3. Jack Reed 4. Dale Copley 5. Jordan Kahu
6. Anthony Milford 7. Ben Hunt
8. Josh McGuire 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Adam Blair 11. Alex Glenn 12. Matt Gillett 13. Corey Parker
14. Jarrod Wallace 15. Sam Thaiday 16. Joe Ofahengaue 17. Kodi Nikorima

Canberra Raiders
1. Jack Wighton 2. Edrick Lee 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Joey Leilua 5. Sisa Waqa
6. Blake Austin 7. Aidan Sezer
8. Paul Vaughan 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Frank-Paul Nuuausala 11. Sia Soliola 12. Josh Papalii 13. Shaun Fensom
14. Kurt Baptiste 15. Elliot Whitehead 16. Luke Bateman 17. Shannon Boyd

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
1. Brett Morris 2. Curtis Rona 3. Josh Morris 4. Tim Lafai 5. Sam Perrett
6. Josh Reynolds 7. Moses Mbye
8. Aiden Tolman 9. Michael Lichaa 10. James Graham 11. Josh Jackson 12. Tony Williams 13. Greg Eastwood
14. Sam Kasiano 15. David Klemmer 16. Shaun Lane 17. Lloyd Perrett

Cronulla Sharks
1. Valentine Holmes 2. Sosaia Feki 3. Gerard Beale 4. Jack Bird 5. Jacob Gagan
6. James Maloney 7. Chad Townsend
8. Andrew Fifita 9. Michael Ennis 10. Chris Heighington 11. Luke Lewis 12. Wade Graham 13. Paul Gallen
14. Jayson Bukuya 15. Sam Tagataese 16. Anthony Tupou 17. David Fifita

Gold Coast Titans
1. James Roberts 2. David Mead 3. Nene McDonald 4. Josh Hoffman 5. Anthony Don
6. Kane Elgey 7. Ashley Taylor
8. David Shillington 9. Nathan Friend 10. Luke Douglas 11. Zeb Taia 12. Ryan James 13. Greg Bird
14. Kierran Moseley 15. Eddy Pettybourne 16. Lachlan Burr 17. Nathaniel Peteru

Manly Sea Eagles
1. Brett Stewart 2. Tom Trbojevic 3. Peta Hiku 4. Steve Matai 5. Jorge Taufua
6. Jamie Lyon 7. Daly Cherry-Evans
8. Jake Trbojevic 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Nate Myles 11. Lewis Brown 12. Feleti Mateo 13. Jamie Buhrer
14. Matt Parcell 15. Darcy Lussick 16. Tom Symonds 17. Brenton Lawrence

Melbourne Storm
1. Billy Slater 2. Richard Kennar 3. Will Chambers 4. Cameron Munster 5. Marika Koroibete
6. Blake Green 7. Cooper Cronk
8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cam Smith 10. Jordan McLean 11. Kevin Proctor 12. Tohu Harris 13. Dale Finucane
14. Kenny Bromwich 15. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 16. Tim Glasby 17. Christian Welch

Newcastle Knights
1. Jake Mamo 2. Akuila Uate 3. Dane Gagai 4. Sione Mata'utia 5. James McManus
6. Jarrod Mullen 7. Trent Hodkinson
8. Kade Snowden 9. Tyler Randell 10. Korbin Sims 11. Tariq Sims 12. Robbie Rochow 13. Jeremy Smith
14. Danny Levi 15. Joseph Tapine 16. Chris Houston 17. Sam Mataora

North Queensland Cowboys
1. Lachlan Coote 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Justin O' Neil 4. Kane Linnett 5. Antonio Winterstein
6. Michael Morgan 7. Johnathan Thurston
8. Mat Scott 9. Jake Granville 10. James Tamou 11. Gavin Cooper 12. Ethan Lowe 13. Jason Taumalolo
14. Rory Kostjasyn 15. John Asiata 16. Scott Bolton 17. Ben Hannant

Parramatta Eels
1. Michael Gordon 2. Semi Radradra 3. Brad Takairangi 4. William Hopoate 5. Reece Robinson
6. Corey Norman 7. Kieran Foran
8. Tim Mannah 9. Nathan Peats 10. Junior Paulo 11. Manu Ma'u 12. Beau Scott 13. Anthony Watmough
14. Issac De Gois 15. Pauli Pauli 16. Danny Wicks 17. Tepai Moeroa

Penrith Panthers
1. Matt Moylan 2. Josh Mansour 3. Dean Whare 4. Jamal Idris 5. Dallin Watene Zelezniak
6. Jamie Soward 7. Peter Wallace
8. Reagan Campebell-Gillard 9. James Segeyaro 10. Trent Merrin 11. Tyrone Peachey 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. Elijah Taylor
14. Sione Katoa 15. Jeremy Latimore 16. Isaah Ye'o 17. Sam McKendry

St George Illawarra Dragons
1. Josh Dugan 2. Jason Nightingale 3. Euan Aitken 4. Kurt Mann 5. Peter Mata'utia
6. Gareth Widdop 7. Benji Marshall
8. Leeson Ah Mau 9. Mitch Rein 10. Mike Cooper 11. Joel Thompson 12. Tyson Frizell 13. Jack de Belin
14. Ben Creagh 15. Dunamis Lui 16. Russell Packer 17. Craig Garvey

South Sydney Rabbitohs
1. Greg Inglis 2. Alex Johnston 3. Dylan Walker 4. Kirisome Auva'a 5. Aaron Gray
6. Luke Keary 7. Adam Reynolds
8. George Burgess 9. Damien Cook 10. Tim Grant 11. John Sutton 12. Chris McQueen 13. Paul Carter
14. Cameron McInnes 15. Chris Grevsmuhl 16. Nathan Brown 17. Tom Burgess

Sydney Roosters
1. Omar Slaimankhel 2. Shaun Kenny-Dowall 3. Michael Jennings 4. Blake Ferguson 5. Daniel Tupou
6. Jackson Hastings 7. Mitchell Pearce
8. Jared Warea-Hargreaves 9. Jake Friend 10. Dylan Napa 11. Aidan Guerra 12. Boyd Cordner 13. Siosaua Taukeiaho
14. Jayden Nikorima 15. Kane Evans 16. Sam Moa 17. Mitchell Aubusson

Warriors
1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2. David Fusitua 3. Konrad Hurrell 4. Solomone Kata 5. Manu Vatuvei
6. Tuimoala Lolohea 7. Shaun Johnson
8. Jacob Lillyman 9. Issac Luke 10. Ben Matulino 11. Bodene Thompson 12. Ryan Hoffman 13. Simon Mannering
14. Thomas Leuluai 15. Albert Vete 16. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 17. Sam Lisone

Wests Tigers
1. James Tedesco 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Tim Simona 4. Kevin Naiqama 5. Marion Seve
6. Mitchell Moses 7. Luke Brooks
8. Aaron Woods 9. Manaia Cherrington 10. Suaso Sue 11. Curtis Sironen 12. Joel Edwards 13. Martin Taupau
14. Dene Halatau 15. Ava Seumanufagai 16. Michael Chee-Kam 17. Jack Buchanan

 

[Mister Wright]

I wouldn't be surprised if the top 4 consisted of Broncos, Sharks, Warriors, Cowboys.

 

[Unbreakable]

Some of these are completely different to what I'd start the season with. If I was in charge of the teams, Tom Trbojevic would start at Five-Eighth for Manly, Jack Bird would play Fullback for Cronulla, Cameron Munster would be Five-Eighth for Melbourne, Jackson Hastings would be Fullback for Sydney.

1. Stewart
2. Hiku
3. Lyon (c)
4. Matai
5. Taufua
6. Trbojevic
7. Cherry-Evans

1. Bird
2. Feki
3. Beale
4. Leutele
5. Holmes
6. Maloney
7. Townsend

1. Slater
2. Blair
3. Chambers
4. Kennar
5. Koroibete
6. Munster
7. Cronk

1. Hastings
2. Kenny-Dowall
3. Jennings
4. Ferguson
5. Tupou
6. Nikorima
7. Pearce

 

[Big Pete]

A few explanatory notes...

Broncos: Are straight forward as anything. Just give me Joe Ofahengaue before James Gavet because I believe Joe has a better trajectory and I'm not a fan of Gavet's loose cannon approach.

Raiders: Dying for a prop forward here. Seems like Vaughan is the only player who can really start at this stage, and even then, I think he'd make a better lock than Fensom who had a really forgettable 2015. I've just thrown FPN in there, but that could easily be Boyd as well. Would like to see Pangai Jr get a shot at some point, I think he could make a real difference coming on.

Bulldogs: Fairly straight forward. I think Lichaa needs some support but can't think of anyone who can get the job done. Bench could do with better balance, as 3 big boppers coming in for two work-a-holics isn't ideal but I'd have to look at their backrow stocks before I could select any of them over their current crop.

Sharks: Only one concern here for me, play Holmes at fullback. The kid is a superstar, don't stimy his development by playing him on the wing, invest in his abilities and play him in his natural position and watch him play. Don't experiment with Bird and don't waste time trying to ressurect Barba's career. In fact, it's time to move Barba on.

Gold Coast Titans: It's time to take James Roberts game to the next level and select him at fullback. He probably should have played there last year, but like Henry, I would have been hesitant to give the guy so much responsibility. However, he handled centre like a champion and now it's time to give him more ball and really terrorise the defence all across the park. Otherwise, damn this was a tough squad to pick. So many holes in the forwards and backs, depth is basically non-existent and really their best hope is that their spine can come up with some big results.

Manly Sea Eagles: Get Trbojevic into the side. Lyon at 6 is usually the way they've gone about it, so I'm cool with that option. There's still a lot to like about that roster, but they're all getting up there in age and I question whether they'll be able to get their best side on the field more times than not. Also question Barrett's coaching ability. He had access to one of the best Rugby League nurseries, yet struggled to do anything of note with Penrith in the NYC? Did he seriously get the job because he could bring in Brown and Koroisau or something?

Melbourne Storm: Business as usual. Munster into the centres to basically play like Kurt Mann, and the rest continue to do what they do. Only areas where I struggled with were wing and the bench. Kennar played there mid-way through the year and I liked the look of him but I'm not convinced he's got the job locked down. Wouldn't be surprised to see Vunivalu or Tomusa make it their own or something. Bench probably needs better balance too. 3 middle possibly 4 middle players isn't ideal so they may bring through a Dean Britt or Joe Stimson to help give them some thrust out-wide. Still, I like the look of them, would have to think 2016 will be the last real shot these players have at a premiership.

Newcastle Knights: Gee, I really wanted to select Gagai at fullback but who else can play centre? They don't really have many other options, I've even got Mata'utia there so it's certainly an area Brown needs to look into. Fairly easy side to pick, cut and paste for the most part. Bench is a little dicey, I'd like to see more impact but the most important thing is that Levi and Tapine get the faith they need to become the players they can be. Newcastle was built on local talent, they need to back it more.

North Queensland Cowboys: Copy paste 1-17. Just hope they give Hess, Mosby-Gela etc. a taste.

Parramatta Eels: I hear Reece Robinson is on the outer? I haven't read anything yet, but if he's gone, I'd give Folau a shot on the wing - I saw something in him to think he deserves more of a shot. Is it just me, or do they look like a middle of the road team? Lack of props and some of those backs just turn me off. I think it's time they start blooding some NYC talent like Twal and Fuimaono among others. Too many journey-men, time to take Parra back and make it about local talent.

Penrith: I'll admit it, I really rate Penrith. Any side that's strong in all three grades gets a lot of appreciation for me and I know that they had a disasterous 2015, but I have no doubt injuries robbed them of a Top 8 spot. Kind of think this year is a transitional year. There's a couple of players there that have been around too long and really haven't achieved a lot. Also a lot of players who are footballers and try to score on every play when you need a few work-a-holics to help set it up. I really want to tinker with their pack and for their sake hope a Kikau, Saunders, Clarke etc. step up but it remains to be seen.

St George Illawarra: If Packer is cleared, bring him in. St George surprised everyone in 2015 and showed what early season form can do for your season, but if they're going to be consistent, they need more than just 13 or 14 guys who can do a job.

Souths: I'm giving Sutton the first shot, but if he continues to be a dud, I'd make a statement, drop him and go with a Kyle Turner. Souths were very lackadaisical last season and they need to hit the ground running to remind everyone that they are one of the best teams of this era.

Sydney: Who the heck can they get to replace RTS? I've gone with Slaimankhel, supposedly the best fullback in NSW Cup who was something of a star in his NYC days but it could be anyone. Rest basically picks itself.

Warriors: A lot of their depth signings worry me because they could easily come into the side for whatever reason. McFadden needs to back the talent, go with his strongest 17 and try to win his side a maiden premiership. No more excuses, no more gambling on ESL guys, just do it.

Wests Tigers: Taylor's No Farah challenge makes this awfully difficult. If I'm a Fantasy Coach, I'm taking note of this side, because surely they're going to have to bring through a few depth players to help score points.

 

[Unbreakable]

Manly's roster is so strong for next season, I can't believe how much an already good roster has improved over one season.. As long as Barrett isn't a complete flop and knows how to manage his players and interchange, while having a game plan that unleashes all his attacking weapons, and Trbojevic or Lyon (Whomever they start at 6) does a reasonable job, they should realistically be in the grand final come September 2016.

1. Stewart
2. Hiku
3. Lyon (c)
4. Matai
5. Taufua
6. Trbojevic
7. Cherry-Evans
8. Trbojevic
9. Parcell
10. Myles
11. Brown
12. Mateo
13. Taupau

14. Koroisau
15. Buhrer
16. Lawrence
17. Lussick

 

[Big Pete]

Hmmm, I wouldn't go that far.

As you've already highlighted, they don't even have a recognised five-eighth. Lyon can play there, Trbojevic maybe thrown in there but neither of them are naturals and really they're nothing more than stop-gaps. Their forward pack isn't THAT great and their backline isn't getting much younger either.

A few teams would have to topple over for them to make Top 4.

 

[Alec]

Anything can happen, but I can't see Manly finishing above 7th right now.

 

[Unbreakable]

I guess we'll just have to wait and see, I'm reasonably confident they'll finish the regular season top 4.

Storm continuing to slowly age, whilst losing Hinchcliffe & Mann
Roosters losing Maloney and Tuivasa-Scheck
Rabbitohs losing Luke, Stewart and potentially McQueen & Walker
Bulldogs are inconsistent and are losing Hodkinson & Pritchard
Panthers lost their coach and are losing several notable players

This would be my predicted top 4 in no particular order -

Broncos
Cowboys
Sharks
Eagles

Bottom half of the top 8, no particular order -

Roosters
Rabbitohs
Bulldogs
Warriors / Panthers / Dragons / Eels

 

[Danoz Direct]

Manly's roster is so strong for next season, I can't believe how much an already good roster has improved over one season.. As long as Barrett isn't a complete flop and knows how to manage his players and interchange, while having a game plan that unleashes all his attacking weapons, and Trbojevic or Lyon (Whomever they start at 6) does a reasonable job, they should realistically be in the grand final come September 2016.

1. Stewart
2. Hiku
3. Lyon (c)
4. Matai
5. Taufua
6. Trbojevic
7. Cherry-Evans
8. Trbojevic
9. Parcell
10. Myles
11. Brown
12. Mateo
13. Taupau

14. Koroisau
15. Buhrer
16. Lawrence
17. Lussick

Now that's buying a premiership.

 

[xratedrattice]

For mine there is a few teams about to enter their premiership window with broncos and cowboys still firmly in theirs for a few years yet,

Premiership window

Broncos - will be hungry to avenge the loss this year with virtually the same team minus hodges plus mcguire

Cowboys
Same strong team again but loss of motivation or fatigue may play a roll late

Warriors
So much to like about this lineup, will make for great watching for any league fan, window opens this year for the warriors if they can keep the spine fit prepare for a tilt

Sharks
On the up right now after a horrid few years on and off the field, great young players that will only get better and a quality half in maloney which is exactly what they need.

Times up

Roosters
Still an extremely good lineup but the losses of maloney and tuivasa sheck will see them begin a slight decline

Melbourne
Window is well and truly over i believe, smith cronk and slater are getting older and i get the feeling if one goes down a premiership is out of the question

Rabbitohs
Had their 3 years and got their premiership but the loss of burgess and teo were huge and now isaac luke is gone, adam reynolds looked a shell of the player from last year