NRL mid-season review 2017
Newcastle Knights
NRL ladder position: 16th
Newcastle wasn’t destined for great things this year according to the experts but to the Knights’ credit they managed to make an effort every week. The Novocastrians have only had wins over the Raiders and Gold Coast this year but they’re pretty much on par with Tigers, except Wests have recorded one more win. Newcastle has scored more points than the Tigers and have only let in five more points in defence. In a tough year, five-eighth Brock Lamb has been stand-out.
Projected finish - 15th
South Sydney Rabbitohs
NRL ladder position: 14th
Inconsistency from South Sydney will have coach Michael Maguire pulling his hair out (what hair he has left). The absence of Greg Inglis has been a real downer on the Bunnies with Adam Reynolds and John Sutton also struggling for form during the season. The one bright spot for the Rabbitohs has been Cody Walker, who has plugged gaps in their backline all year.
Projected finish – 12th
Canterbury Bulldogs
NRL ladder position: 12th
Canterbury has been accused of lacking spark in their backline and pressure has been building on coach Des Hasler all season. They came up with the goods against Dragons last round but Josh Reynolds’ departure from the club has sent the ‘Dogs into a spiral, leaving them in a confused state. Won’t be surprised to see them mount a challenge for the finals but not much more than that.
Projected finish – 11th
Canberra Raiders
NRL ladder position: 10th
The Raiders have been unlucky this year losing three golden point games. But at least Ricky Stuart’s team can hold their heads high for having a dig every game. Canberra have been served well by edge attackers Joey Leilua and Jordan Rapana but they need a bit more action from their halves if they want to make a bolt for the finals.
Projected finish – 10th
Penrith Panthers
NRL ladder position: 8th
Anthony Griffin’s side were tipped for big things this year but Penrith dropped their guard early in the season with captain Matt Moylan axed for breaking team protocol. The Panthers have been playing well the past few weeks but will miss out on the finals because of their lack of concentration during games.
Projected finish – 9th
Manly Sea Eagles
NRL ladder position: 6th
Manly has proved its doubters wrong this season and have played better every week since a loss to the Eels at home in week one.Without a doubt one of the biggest surprises of the season. Trent Barrett has shown positive signs with the clipboard and seems to be reaching his young side with Dylan Walker and the Trbojevic brothers giving them hope of playing finals football.
Projected finish - 7th
St George-Illawarra Dragons
NRL ladder position: 4th
Paul McGregor has just signed a new deal with the Dragons and it’s not hard to see why.This side has only lost to the other three sides in the top four - and the Eels. With a solid forward pack and Gareth Widdop in the halves for St George-Illawarra, the Dragons could cause some upsets when it counts.
Projected finish – 5th
Sydney Roosters
NRL ladder position: 2nd
Coach Robinson has done well to prop his side up with halfback Mitchell Pearce in good form. Some see a heavy presence in the NSW Origin team as a negative for the Roosters but if the Blues come away with a series victory, Boyd Cordner and teammates will be playing with confidence at the business end of the year.
Projected finish – 2nd
