• GURUS HINTS AND TIPS • 2014 TEAM OF THE YEAR • TOP PLAYERS BY POSITION • LEGENDS OF LEAGUE Wrap Up • • TEAM PROFILES • 2014 STATISTICS • PLAYER GAINS & LOSSES • CLUB POINT SCORING ANAYSIS • BYE ANALYSIS •

NRLCEO

2015 SEASON GUIDE

40 0+ 100 PLAYER STATISTICS TOP PLAYERS LISTED

16 TEAM PREVIEWS

$7.95

Fellow NRLCEO Coaches,

Thanks for coming back for yet another season. We’re bloody excited about this Now onto the questions that really matter this year: season and by purchasing this guide, I’m sure you are too!

- Can shine again for the Sharks? Or will he hit Northies? We now move onto our seventh season running publicly, our second season in partnership with TheBench and we couldn’t be happier. I think you will all agree - Will Tim Grant get the minutes at the Bunnies to be a workhorse again? that last year was the best year of NRLCEO yet. - Will Rick’s Raiders avoid the spoon? The site ran smoother than a Craig Bellamy training run and some of the new features were great. Those of you in paid leagues would likely have taken - Will fly home mid-season? advantage of the rolling lockout which brought a fun new element to weekends. - Will the 2015 9’s top scorer shine again ala Radradra 2014? So what’s new in 2015? - Will the Broncos return to glory days? Well our developer has been working harder than George Rose’s baker in the off season to get things ready for another big year. - Will Sandow remain at the Eels?

The first big inclusion is the Waiver Wire. This will mean that if you are in a league - Will once again be the NRLCEO MVP? that includes school teachers who work 6 hours a day including 3 lunches and 4 …and most importantly – who will you pick in Round 1 of your draft? spare lessons for a whole 16 weeks a year you won’t need to spend your day in the office toilet watching for an opportunity to pick up another teams spuds. More With the countdown to round one well and truly on, our attention is now solely information about the waiver wire on the next page. on the initial (and arguably the most exciting) phase of NRLCEO - the Draft.

Many of you will be super excited. Captains are back! This means that you will Please get in touch with us at [email protected] if you have any questions or have the ability to select a Captain to score double points once again like we had feedback. We love hearing from you - much more than those annoying SEO on the old site. Check our blog at www.nrlceo.com to find out how to implement it for your competition. Good luck in the 2015 season and we hope you enjoy the NRLCEO Season Guide.

There is also a fresh update to the iPhone App. A new interface looks clean and The NRLCEO CEO modern and allows users to follow the draft on the app too.

We will also have a version of our game in 2015, so if you dabble in the Rah Rah make sure you check it out. We needed to reduce the workhorse qualification from 40 to 20+ for these lazy pricks. Other than that it is virtually exactly as the same as NRLCEO minus Line Break Assists and 40/20’s.

Copyright © NRLCEO 2015 This Season Guide may not be reproduced without prior permission from the owners. HINTS FROM THE GURUS

Two tabs make for the best drafting experience Using the Waiver Wire

When you start your draft, a new page appears and you are directed The Waiver Wire is used to stop that trigger happy nerd in your competition who towards the Draft Manager page. The current drafting method is to then spends every waking minute on the Internet. type in a player’s name to draft him. As well as doing this you should open It stops them from picking up replacement players as soon as an injury happens another tab in your web browser and click the Players menu item to allow and allows the players at the bottom of the table to climb back up the ladder. It you to scroll through and find out who is left and use the filters. will also help stop the loophole of players being dropped for a few minutes on a bye weekend until teams are locked in and then picked up straight away.

In our game, the Waivers are a way to better manage the drafting and dropping of players during the season. At the most simple level, it works like this:

1. If a Player is dropped from a Squad, they cannot be immediately drafted by another Club.

2. Instead, the Player is listed on the Waiver Wire where all Clubs are able submit a request to draft the Player.

3. After 24 hours on the Waiver Wire, requests are processed in reverse ladder order. The result is the lowest ranking Club’s request will be accepted and the player drafted and all other requests for the same player are rejected. 4. If there are no requests for the Player, the Player returns to the free agent pool and can be drafted by anyone at any time.

In addition to dropped players being placed on the Waiver Wire, from the start of the first game of the Round to approx. 24 hours after the last game of the Round, Use our “suggestions” all players will be included on the Waiver Wire and so will require a Waiver It may be due to the terminology used, but the “Suggest For” links on the Request to be drafted.

Players page is highly underutilised. If you click a positon link it will show you The Waiver Wire has been enabled by default but Competition managers can the best available players in order of the points they scored last year. This disable from their League Edit page. Look out for a follow up article on list updates to only show available players, so make sure you check it out! www.nrlceo.com with more details about using the Waiver Wire feature.

HINTS FROM THE GURUS

Don’t leave blank spots Prelist before you draft

We don’t mean on a weekly basis. We know you’re not stupid… The new addition to drafting prelists this year will really benefit a prepared

coach. You can now create and save multiple lists which will be updated as What we’re talking about here is utilising the Rolling Lockout to your advantage. players are drafted. The godfather recommends creating a list for each position We received many questions last year about why users couldn’t swap a player before your draft. I.e. Fullbacks, Wingers, Centres etc and one more for into a blank position even though they hadn’t played yet. The short answer is that miscellaneous.Get there by clicking “Prefences” from the home page (pictured you can only swap a player for a player (when they both haven’t played or their below left) team hasn’t played) – not a blank spot.

There are many reasons why we can’t allow blank positions to be swapped including a cheat loophole which can be used. So instead we encourage you to always pick a player in a position if you think you want to be able to swap someone into it later. You can even pick up a Free Agent during the weekend and swap them into a positon – obviously if you have a selected player to swap.

The tech savvy can bulk load a list of players from their spreadsheet or players

can be added one at a time (the newest player goes to the bottom of the list so add in best to worst order)

What makes these lists really powerful is that you can also set when you want these lists to be used (pictured above left). For example if you are certain you are going to be getting the best available in round 1 select and save that and the top player available from your list will be chosen in that round automatically.

I fancy myself as a draft trendsetter rather than a follower so I wouldn't set up more than one round in front because you may miss the last diamond in another position but prelists keep the draft moving and allow you to be thinking ahead rather than worrying about which of your top two players you will get while captain slow coach in front of you has his bubble bath instead of drafting. 2014 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE WRAP

CLYDE FROWGS LET THEIR

TEAM DO THE TALKING The Champions League is the most prestigious NRLCEO

public competition made up of qualifiers from the Legends of League competitions. It pits the best of the best against each other in a no holds barred grudge competition. 2015 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE TEAMS The Clyde Frowgs were the dominant force all season

cruising to the Champion’s League Minor Premiership. On the back of star recruits Thurston, Inglis, Segeyaro 2014 Qualification Result Champion and McGuire, the Frowgs didn’t have it all their own way, losing in week two of the finals and having to go st 1 Champions League Clyde Frowgs the long way to the Grand Final. nd 2 Champions League Wallalong Emus After a tense start to the Grand Final weekend, the “There is no doubt the new guys will do it tough. Frowgs piled on the points and were crowned the 2014 What they may have in enthusiasm, they lack in 3rd Champions League The Gurus* Champion of Champions and will automatically return experience. This title will be won by one of the in 2015 to defend their title. returning coaches from 2014!” said the Gurus 4th Champions League The Fighting Mongooses Coach. Grand Finalists, the Wallalong Emus were disappointed 5th Champions League Aussie Pistons with their falter at the final hurdle but can be Overall, it was another successful Legends of st commended on not only talking plenty of talk, but League Season with all competitions very 1 Injury Brigade walking the walk as well. As the runner-up, they will eagerly contested with glory and promotion on st also return in 2015 to try and go one better. the line. 1 Spider Pigs

st Rounding out the top 4, The Gurus and The Fighting The Qualifying Competitions were also hotly 1 Arthur Beetson Blockers Bunch Mongooses II return and will keep the Emu’s smack talk contested with many teams showing they have st in check and give the title a good shake themselves. what it takes to mix it in the Legends of League 1 Globo Gym Purple Cobras The new breed of challengers look strong and after Competition. These invites will be sent out as st winning their respective Legends of League the season gets closer with the new recruitment 1 The Wendells* Competitions, the challengers will have to focus even method – the Quick Draw returning to NRLCEO st harder if they hope to cope with the rise in class. in 2015! 1 The Gurus*

* Denotes NRLCEO Gurus (The Original Owners/Creators)

2015 LEGENDS OF LEAGUE

THE NEXT CHAPTER

How good was the Legends of League in 2014? Some great battles once again and a fantastic turnout in total competitors. CHAMPIONS This year the Quick Draft (aka Free for All) returns LEAGUE which will make this competition even more fun for everyone. Each team will have one pick every two LEGENDS OF LEAGUE (Winner Promoted to CL, bottom 4 relegated to Qualifying) minutes and there will be no manual process like last year. Wally Andrew Clive Allan Arthur Mal Lewis Johns Churchill Langer Beetson Meninga Just drafting mayhem!

This tournament will be run utilising a promotion and QUALIFYING LEAGUES (Top 4 promoted to Legends of League) relegation system with 3 tiers of competitions. Each tier will have the same set of rules and scoring system Hazem Darren Anthony Matt Sam Stacey and at the end of the season, a number of successful El Masri Lockyer Minichiello Bowen Burgess Jones teams will be promoted while some strugglers will be relegated.

Below is an outline of each ‘Tier’ of Competition with a diagram on the next page explaining it even further. 3 TIERS OF TROPHIES GLORY 106 PROMOTION & $10 FOR EACH The Top Tier is the Champions League Competition PLACES TO BE RELEGATION ENTRY COMP where 10 victorious Legends of League teams will vie WON! for the honour of becoming the ultimate Champion of

Champions. The top four will be automatically invited to have another crack at the itle.

The Third Tier is made up of six Rookie Qualifying As there are now incumbents in all of the The Second Tier is made up of six Legends of League Competitions. Each of these have been renamed competitions, there will be limited positions available

competitions where eight teams in each competition after NRLCEO superstars of yesteryear. to new entrants. will compete for a solitary position in the Champions League. The four lowest ranked teams will be relegated In each of these competitions, all four finalists will The entry fee for coaches to enter Legends of League while the remainder will be invited back the following progress to the Legends of League Competitions Competitions (Tier 2) and the Qualifying Leagues year for another shot with the champion obviously where they will take on seasoned NRLCEO Coaches. (Tier 3) is $10 per team. defending their title.

THE NYC GRADUATES

The Raiders have a history of producing quality juniors Sadly we’ve lost the services of our good friend Mitch but they haven’t been able to retain then. After from NYC Report, so instead you’ll have to stick with the naming Junior Kangaroo Tevita Pangai in their CEO Gurus instead. Auckland 9’s squad many will be keeping a close eye on how he goes. There are a number of backrowers in Our Holden Cup fantasy bolters article is always extremely their squad but only Fensom and Papalii are popular. When you’re in a competitive league, being the guaranteed a spot, so expect to see the giant first to sniff out a gun rookie can be the difference backrower in the top grade at some stage this year. between making the finals and sitting at home in your undies crying into your bourbon and coke with nothing to In the front row, there is one young player whose do during finals but listen to your mates bragging. motor will attract more attention than any others. We all know how valuable it can be to grab a workhorse Last year our preview unearthed several young stars who Born in , Waqa might play first grade early on if late in the draft and this guy could just be your man. went on to make their NRL debuts including , can’t get over his back injury and rest You might remember him as the c##t who wrote just , Charly Runciman, , Mitch assured he will be a genuine try scorer. that on his wristband in the 20’s game. Cornish, , , Matt Lodge and In three NRL games last year Matt Lodge (pictured . So let’s look at this year’s picks. Centres are always a tough position to fill and the Dragons might just have a rookie starting there in below) averaged 1.26 involvements per minute which Jake Mamo was the NYC Players’ Player of the Year last Round 1. The fittest player at the Dragons in means he needs just 32 minutes to chalk up a season and leading tryscorer with 22 tries. The Knights are preseason, (pictured above) has workhorse. With a distinct lack of workhorses in the Tigers pack and big Keefy only getting older, he’s pretty flush for outside backs with Uate, McManus and impressed all the right people and seems set for a big the Mata’utia brothers all regular try scorers so he will career. He played in the and a First worth a punt. spend a bit of time in reserve grade, but once he gets his Grade debut is inevitable, it’s just a matter of when. At 112kg and 186cm, already has the chance the tries will come. This Eel might already have nine NRL games under his size to play NRL and he’s just 19. The Broncos are set

They already have a relatively young backline at the foot belt, but he’s still a graduate and many CEOs will have to unleash him during the Auckland 9’s so we’ll get a of the mountain, but keep an eye out for the name their eye on when they think it’s appropriate to draft good look at his motor. He ran for 200m in his last two (pictured below) if he gets a start in 2015. . With three workhorses and three tries games of the Holden Cup season, but it’s a different The usual comparisons to have been made, but to his name in nine games he’s certainly one to draft. story against boys. the rangy centre has speed to burn. Just don’t go too early.

Jack Bird has ticked all the right boxes. He represented NSW at under 15, 16, 18 and 20s level. After a move to the Sharks in the off season he has the opportunity to stamp his mark on the NRL. He has played most of his junior career in the back row but the Sharks seem keen to play him in the centres. For a youngster he will probably score more points in the backs until he works on his motor anyway.

SUPER LEAGUE SCOUTING

There are 10 players moving to the NRL from the Super Of the returning players will probably League this year. Three of those are English and the rest make the most waves. The experienced former are former NRL players returning down under. Rooster scored 10 tries in last year’s and could become a handy edge runner the Raiders (pictured below) is probably the most require to support . high profile of the Super League signings. Despite not After a highly successful stint in the Super League being a household name, he recently debuted for scoring 34 tries in 77 games, Storm signing Blake in the Four Nations and made headlines after Green (pictured below) could get a start alongside the barging through a door drunk. The Raiders were Big 3 which is great for him, but no one scores points outside of those three. See Ben Roberts. Avoid. struggling to attract players and they finally got their man from overseas. He should walk in to their starting At the Dragons, returns to after lineup but his minutes will be determined by who Ricky only eight appearances for Hull KR before getting decides to play as a utility on the bench. Hull KR’s top homesick. He could scrap a bench spot but he will tackler for 2014 could become a handy workhorse if he hardly be fantasy relevant unless number one rake can get used to the pace of the NRL after struggling gets injured. Broncos recruit will struggle to crack the slightly in the Four Nations. Broncos’ starting side for Round 1 but will contend to Eddie Pettybourne is the other returner who should be the Broncos’ Mr Fixit off the bench. The Pom has get a start at the Titans, but that doesn’t mean much struggled in the heat so far so will take a while to find in NRLCEO. He was lazy in the past and will be lazier now. Avoid. his feet. After being likened to there is a lot of pressure on the kid, but a year training with the squad will do him a world of good. Won’t see much first grade this year.

Ben Crooks (pictured above) is an interesting signing.

Unlike Eden and Hodgson, there hasn’t been a lot of fanfare about his decision to leave his home country as a 21 year old to try his hand at the NRL. In 44 appearances for Hull KR he has scored 32 tries and kicked 26 goals. If gets dropped and Crooks is in the side then he will likely step into the kicking role over the inconsistent . He still has to nudge ahead of experience campaigners , and .

Top Players from 2014

# Name Club GAMES TRIES GLS FG 40/20 WH TA LB LBA SB Overall Points* 1 Warriors 24 13 13 11 16 116 2 Eels 24 19 3 15 1 98 3 Sea Eagles 23 13 4 9 6 13 99 (107) 4 Raiders 24 18 64 5 13 3 98 (226) 5 Broncos 24 16 3 18 2 90 6 Cowboys 22 10 82 4 29 9 22 133 (297) 7 Broncos 24 13 20 1 19 20 18 132 (172) 8 James Graham Bulldogs 24 4 29 4 3 139 9 Robbie Farah Tigers 18 5 1 24 9 6 7 148 10 Josh McGuire Broncos 23 2 23 1 1 2 105 11 Broncos 20 10 10 5 9 4 1 101 12 Josh Jackson Bulldogs 24 4 16 6 6 7 105 13 Roosters 19 9 12 1 11 2 99

Points in this guide are: Try=4 | Work Horse=4 | Double Work Horse=4 | Field Goal=1 | Try Assist = 2 | Line Break = 1 | Line Break Assist = 1 | Sin Bin = -4 | Sent Off = -6 (Brackets includes Goals) Top Players from 2014

FULLBACKS FIVE EIGHTHS BACK ROW Player Team TR TA LB TOTAL Player Team TR TA LBA TOTAL Player Team TR WH DWH TOTAL S. Tomkins NZL 13 13 11 116 J. Thurston NQL 10 29 22 133 J. Jackson CNT 4 14 2 105 A. Milford CBR 12 14 16 111 J. Soward PEN 7 19 15 93 M. Gillett BRS 10 10 0 101 M. Morgan NQL 9 20 12 108 J. Maloney SYD 4 21 21 91 B. Cordner SYD 9 12 0 99

B. Stewart MAN 8 22 10 106 G. Widdop STG 4 20 20 80 C. Parker BRS 0 20 2 97 M. Moylan PEN 8 17 10 97 K. Foran MAN 6 9 8 57 S. Mannering NZL 9 11 0 96

T. Merrin STG 2 17 2 91 WINGERS HALF BACKS S. Fensom CBR 2 16 3 88 Player Team TR TA LB TOTAL Player Team TR TA LBA TOTAL J. Buhrer MAN 5 12 1 87 S. Radradra PAR 19 3 15 98 B. Hunt BRS 13 19 18 132 T. Sims NQL 6 14 0 84 D. Copley BRS 16 3 18 90 C. Cronk MLB 5 23 16 89 S. Thaiday BRS 4 15 0 82 P. Hiku MAN 17 2 14 89 S. Johnson NZL 9 12 15 88 J. Paulo PAR 1 16 0 80 S. Waqa CBR 17 3 13 89 M. Pearce SYD 6 19 16 88 W. Graham CRO 5 12 0 76 J. Nightingale STG 16 3 16 88 T. Roberts NEW 9 12 13 78 A. Watmough PAR 1 15 1 75 A. Johnston STH 17 1 15 87 B. Thompson NZL 6 10 0 72 M. Vatuvei NZL 17 1 15 85 HOOKERS A. Guerra SYD 5 10 0 72 A. Winterstein NQL 15 2 17 82 Player Team TR WH TA TOTAL B. Morris STG 14 3 16 79 R. Farah WST 5 24 9 148 FRONT ROW J. Mansour PEN 14 0 12 69 C. Smith MLB 2 23 8 131 Player Team TR WH DWH TOTAL J. Segeyaro PEN 10 17 1 127 J. Graham CNT 4 22 7 139 CENTRES J. Friend SYD 3 23 6 126 J. McGuire BRS 2 22 1 105 Player Team TR TA LB TOTAL A. McCullough BRS 3 23 3 117 A. Woods WST 4 17 2 97 S. Matai MAN 13 9 16 99 J. Bromwich MLB 2 18 0 94 J. Croker CBR 18 5 13 98 KICKERS A. Tolman CNT 2 15 4 86 D. Walker STH 11 12 13 95 Player Team Goals Attempts % G. Burgess STH 2 15 0 73 BJ Leilua NEW 11 12 12 93 J. Maloney SYD 106 127 83.4 M. Scott NQL 3 13 0 69 K. Hurrell NZL 12 8 19 90 A. Reynolds STH 95 120 79.1 S. Moa SYD 5 8 0 63

T. Lafai CNT 11 11 12 87 J. Thurston NQL 93 121 76.8 B. Lawrence MAN 2 13 0 62 W. Chambers MLB 11 5 15 74 J. Lyon MAN 71 99 71.7 N. Myles GLD 0 14 1 57

S. K-Dowall SYD 10 7 12 72 C. Smith MLB 68 96 70.8 P. Vaughan CBR 7 5 0 54 M. Jennings MLB 11 5 9 70 J. Croker CBR 65 77 84.2 B. Creagh STG 3 9 0 51 G. Beale STG 10 5 10 70 S. Johnson NZL 63 83 75.9 C. Houston NEW 1 11 0 51

Top Players from 2014

TOP 10 WORK HORSES

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 DWH Total James Graham 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 2 0 - 2 2 1 0 2 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 6 29 Robbie Farah 1 2 2 2 2 2 - - - 2 - - 1 - - 1 - 2 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 7 24

Cameron Smith 1 1 1 - 2 2 1 2 1 2 - 1 1 - 0 1 - 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 4 23 1 0 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 - 1 1 - 1 1 1 - - 1 1 - 4 23 Andrew McCullough 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 2 - - - - 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 23

Josh McGuire 0 1 - 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 - 1 2 - 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 23 Corey Parker 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 - 0 1 - - - - 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 22 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 - 1 1 - 1 2 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 - 2 22

Nathan Friend 1 0 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 - 1 1 - 1 1 1 - - 0 1 - 3 21 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 - - 1 - - 1 - 1 0 1 0 1 0 2 1 1 2 19

TOP 10 TRY SCORERS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Avg Tot Semi Radradra 3 1 2 1 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 2 1 0 0 0.79 19 - - Jarrod Croker 1 2 1 1 0 1 0 1 2 1 1 0 0 - 1 1 - 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 0.75 18 Peter Hiku 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 4 1 0 - 0 1 - 0 2 0 2 0 2 1 1 0 1 0 0 0.71 17 Sisa Waqa 2 1 1 0 2 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 1 4 1 0 0 0 0.74 17 - - - Alex Johnston ------1 2 2 0 - - 2 - 0 0 3 2 2 3 1 0 1 0 1 1.06 17 1 - 0 1 1 1 1 0 2 0 0 2 0 - 0 1 - 0 0 0 3 1 2 0 0 1 0.71 17 Dale Copley 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 2 0 2 2 0 0 1 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0.67 16 - - 0 0 1 2 0 0 1 0 - - - 0 0 2 0 1 3 - 1 1 0 0 2 1 1 0 0.80 16 1 0 1 0 0 0 - - - 0 0 1 1 - 1 1 2 - 1 1 0 2 1 1 0 1 0.79 15 0 1 2 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 ------0 1 1 1 3 1 0 1 0.88 14

Top 100 from 2014

Rank Name 2014 Rank Name 2014 Rank Name 2014 Rank Name 2014 1 Robbie Farah 148 26 96 51 A. Winterstein 82 76 65

2 James Graham 139 27 Billy Slater 95 52 82 77 65 3 J. Thurston 133 28 95 53 80 78 63 4 Ben Hunt 132 29 Greg Inglis 95 54 Joseph Paulo 80 79 63

5 131 30 94 55 Brett Morris 79 80 63 6 127 31 93 56 78 81 62 7 Jake Friend 126 32 93 57 78 82 Glen Buttriss 62 8 A. McCullough 117 33 93 58 A. Watmough 75 83 Chris Sandow 62 9 Sam Tomkins 116 34 James Maloney 91 59 74 84 Michael Gordon 61 10 111 35 91 60 George Burgess 73 85 60 11 Michael Morgan 108 36 Dale Copley 90 61 S. Kenny-Dowall 72 86 60 87 59 12 Brett Stewart 106 37 90 62 72 13 Josh Jackson 105 38 Peter Hiku 89 63 72 88 Ryan Hinchcliffe 59 14 Josh McGuire 105 39 Sisa Waqa 89 64 Michael Jennings 70 89 59 15 104 40 89 65 70 90 58

16 Matt Gillett 101 41 Jason Nightingale 88 66 70 91 58 17 Steve Matai 99 42 88 67 69 92 57 18 Boyd Cordner 99 43 88 68 Jack Reed 69 93 57 19 Semi Radradra 98 44 88 69 69 94 57 20 Jarrod Croker 98 45 Alex Johnston 87 70 Matthew Scott 69 95 57 21 Mitch Rein 98 46 87 71 68 96 57 22 Matthew Moylan 97 47 87 72 Daly Cherry-Evans 68 97 56 23 Aaron Woods 97 48 86 73 67 98 R. Tuivasa-Sheck 56 24 Corey Parker 97 49 Manu Vatuvei 85 74 66 99 55 25 Matt Ballin 97 50 84 75 Tinirau Arona 66 100 55

Premiership Odds: $10 8 12 8 3 Premierships: Six BRONCOS <2014------2011> Bye Rounds: 14 & 16

SOS UNCLE WAYNE SQUAD CHANGES:

Uncle Wayne is back and with his arrival comes 2015 Gains: Anthony Milford (Raiders), (Storm), expectations for season 2015. As always, nothing (Tigers), Greg Eden (Hull KR), (Knights), short of a deep finals run will be accepted by the 102 Attack v Defence 112 (Knights), () hierarchy and fans and on face value, the Broncos have a well-rounded if not better squad than the TRIES WORK last few seasons. HORSE 2015 Losses: (Titans), (Cowboys), (Cowboys), (retired), Martin Kennedy Much of the off-season talk has revolved around On the NRLCEO front, the Broncos have always (Roosters), David Hala (Titans), Ben Barba (Sharks) the Broncos recruitment – there are plenty of big been a team full of draft targets. Their forward name ins and outs. Gone are Hannant, Granville, pack represents value with Parker, McGuire and Barba and Hoffman. McCullough quite simply, top echelon picks. Matt Gillett is dangerous on the right edge and will BEST LINE-UP As the big name recruit, Anthony Milford looks like potentially be great value given 80 minutes. a genuine superstar ready to take the competition by the scruff of the neck but Broncos fans will be In the backs, the Broncos have try scoring quick to point out the disappointment that was potential on the flanks in Copley and Vidot, but in Ben Barba last season. They don’t want a repeat! the past, Bennett coached teams are very defence oriented early on in the season. A negative game The addition of Adam Blair is an intriguing one with plan won’t stop Ben Hunt from running the ball either Gillett or Thaiday likely to get some extra and his 2014 try scoring form was impressive and bench time as a result. This will of course impact will be even more so if he can repeat his heroics. of their workhorse numbers… With Darius Boyd out for an extended period of The Broncos starting side in 2015 looks to contain time, the guessing game has started as to who will fewer passengers than last year, although Adam fill that role for the first half of the season with Blair is no saviour and his soft hit ups and jersey Milford the likely option. If Bennett does go with grabs won’t strike fear into many opposition packs. Milford, his try scoring potential is much greater than if he plays tight in the front line in the halves. Bennett has indicated that he won’t be playing favourites (with the exception of love child Darius), Overall, much is expected of the Broncos this unlike axed coach Anthony Griffin, who took 20 season but combined with an aging forward pack, odd rounds to realise that Josh Hoffman is not a the question must be asked: are they a spent force 5/8’s arsehole and Ben Barba’s kick returns with Thaiday getting fatter and Hodges’ hammy resembled a tinman without a heart. on the brink of exhaustion...

BRONCOS

2014 STATISTICS

Player Position(s) GAMES TRIES GOALS FG 40/20 WH TA LB LBA SB TOTAL Ben Hunt HB (K2) 24 13 20 1 19 20 18 132 (172)

Andrew McCullough HK 22 3 1 23 3 2 4 117

Anthony Milford FB, FE (K1) 24 12 3 2 14 16 17 111 (117)

Josh McGuire FR 23 2 23 1 1 2 105

Matt Gillett BR 20 10 10 5 9 4 1 101

Corey Parker BR, FR (K7) 21 55 22 2 5 97 (207)

Dale Copley WG, CT 24 16 3 18 2 90

Sam Thaiday BR 18 4 15 1 3 1 82 Jack Reed CT 23 11 5 9 6 69

Alex Glenn BR 24 5 6 4 5 2 59 CT 16 2 13 3 16 53

Daniel Vidot WG 22 7 3 7 2 43

Adam Blair BR, FR 24 10 1 42

Darius Boyd FB 15 3 5 4 7 33 Lachlan Maranta WG 16 5 1 5 1 28 BR 20 5 4 24 Todd Lowrie BR 18 1 1 1 9 Travis Waddell HK 10 1 1 8

Jordan Kahu WG, CT 2 1 1 5 James Gavet FR 12 1 4 FR 16 0 Mitch Garbutt FR 6 0 FR 1 0 FB 0 0 Greg Eden FB 6 4 16

With Ben Hannant and Martin Kennedy leaving, surely that means The Broncos have way too many backrowers. With Parker, Gillett and Josh McGuire will get enough minutes to give a Double Workhorse a Thaiday all doing their best work under plenty of minutes, surely that shake each week. means that Alex Glenn will be on the pine getting splinters...

NOT! HOT!

Premiership Odds: $7.50 7 6 1 9 Premierships: Eight

BULLDOGS <2014 ------2011> Bye Rounds: 12 & 17

No Better SQUAD CHANGES: Even the most one-eyed Doggies supporters 2015 Gains: Michael Lichaa (Sharks), (Cowboys), wouldn’t have backed their team to make the decider last year and despite keeping a Brett Morris (Dragons), Jarrod McInally (Easts Tigers) 80 Attack v Defence 68 sameness about their squad this season, it is tough to see them go one better this year. TRIES WORK 2015 Losses: Michael Ennis (Sharks), Mitch Brown (Sharks), HORSE (), (French rugby), Of course, the major loss for Dessie Hasler is (Titans), John Sila (Tigers), (Storm) their Captain and Chief Grub, Michael Ennis. The Bulldogs will definitely miss his leadership and As has been the trend under Coach Dessie, the on-field niggle and maybe even a sense of pack other forwards with the exception of Josh Jackson, mentality leaves as well. tend to be rotated often. The big bodies of Kasiano, Pritchard and Eastwood need refuelling Brett Morris is the marquee signing and despite often so that means the likes of Jackson prosper BEST LINE-UP popular belief, it is hard to see him slotting in at accordingly. Off the back of a Kangaroos Squad . More likely is seeing double trouble on selection, Jackson looks primed for an Origin the left flank where he will join brother, Josh in a jersey and that alone could see his NRLCEO value very dangerous partnership. diminish significantly….

This left hand combination spells trouble for the In the backs, the Dogs tend to share the tries NRLCEO coach for more reasons than one and around with and Tim Lafai temporarily not knowing which Morris brother providing a dangerous right edge. A smokey to has scored is an issue that has only one solution look out for could be Curtis Rona who when injury – draft them both! free looks to be an exciting prospect who was snaffled from the Cowboys. For the NRLCEO coach, the Dogs value is epitomised by James Graham. The Pommy Polar Overall, the Dogs boast an exciting blend of Bear is simply an epic player and will rarely let NRLCEO talent and nuffies. you down. His high work rate combined with massive minutes is customised perfectly for Despite being 2014 Origin incumbents, halves NRLCEO and a round 1 or 2 draft pick. Hodkinson and Reynolds are really nothing out of the ordinary in NRLCEO. That is, unless the Complimenting Graham up front is the ever Bulldogs can rediscover their scoring ability where reliable Aiden Tolman. Like Graham, he has an Hodkinson’s accurate boot could become a unwavering work ethic and is a high priority pick. reliable kicking option.

BULLDOGS

2014 STATISTICS

Player Position(s) GAMES TRIES GOALS FG 40/20 WH TA LB LBA SB TOTAL James Graham FR 24 4 29 4 3 139

Josh Jackson BR 24 4 16 6 6 7 105 Tim Lafai CT (K1) 21 11 11 12 11 1 87

Aiden Tolman FR 18 2 19 1 1 86

Brett Morris WG 18 14 3 16 1 79 Corey Thompson WG 20 9 1 13 1 52 HB (K7) 21 4 62 2 9 5 7 48 (172) Josh Reynolds FE 15 2 1 1 1 8 3 11 1 42 Tony Williams BR 23 3 1 4 4 6 34 Curtis Rona WG 7 6 2 4 32

Sam Perrett FB 20 2 5 4 5 27

Chase Stanley CT (K1) 9 5 3 2 25

Josh Morris CT 15 3 3 4 1 23 FR 14 3 1 3 3 20 BR 20 3 1 2 18 WG 5 3 3 15 Moses Mbye HK 8 2 1 3 8 Michael Lichaa HK 15 2 3 7

Tim Browne FR 17 1 1 6

Frank Pritchard BR 6 1 1 5 FR 19 1 4 HK 1 0 Harlan Alaalatoa BR 1 0 Antonio Kaufusi FR 0 0 Jacob Loko CT 0 0

James Graham must be fuelled by vasoline and seeing it’s not on his His try scoring was down last year and it’s only a matter of time legs anymore, it’s no surprise what he is putting on his sandwiches - before Josh Reynolds does something stupid and is suspended for a this guy is an unstoppable force! long time by the judiciary. Surely he is not untouchable this year.

HOT! NOT!

Premiership Odds: $11 5 6 5 7 Premierships: Nil COWBOYS <2014 ------2011> Bye Rounds: 14 & 18

A THREAT NOW THAT SQUAD CHANGES: HAYNE HAS GONE… 2015 Gains: Jake Granville (Broncos), Ben Hannant (Broncos), (Eels), Justin O'Neill (Storm), (Nth Pride) The Cows have declared themselves as a real title threat in 2015 especially so with Hayne 91 Attack v Defence 60 gone. Not Jarryd Hayne – but perennial finals TRI ES WORK 2015 Losses: (retired), Tariq Sims (Knights), nemesis, referee Shane Hayne! HORSE (), Curtis Rona (Bulldogs), (released), Anthony Mitchell (released), Ricky Thorby (released) With recent finals campaigns something to forget, coach Green has got the ship well and is more than solid but plays without truly pointed in the right direction for this aggression so much will be placed on Jason season. Once again on paper, the Cowboys look Taumalolo’s considerable shoulders. like world beaters. Depth galore, combined with marquee skippers Thurston and Scott should see Taumalolo is a genuine sleeping beast and if Green BEST LINE-UP the boys from the north figure come finals time. can unlock the shackles of the big fella, he could be anything and single handedly guide the Cows The recruitment office has not seen as much deep into the season. action as other clubs but the troops coming in have got some serious game. Added to the In the backs, the Cows flanks are always starting team are Ben Hannant and Jake profitable. Antonio Winterstein will have the left Granville – two Broncos who will be well edge covered, but on the right, it could come received by the northern cousins. down to a trials shoot-out between Matt Wright, , and new recruit from the The addition of Hannant should see James Storm, Justin O’Neill. Tamou relegated to the bench which will fill the hole left by Ashton Sims. Granville will be a Whoever gets the gig, there are certain to score dynamic addition at hooker and his arrival spells tries. Let’s be honest, Ash Graham made a career curtains for some hooking experiments of years out of it on that right wing. past – Kostjasyn, Thompson and King will all be playing second fiddle to the afro boy. Overall, the Cowboys squad makes for a goldmine of draft options. Thurston’s kicking in 2014 was a The loss of Tariq Sims is a big one for the Cows minor concern but is still a factor when looking for and who will replace his aggression is a question the best kicker draft option. Michael Morgan is that will need to be answered if the pack is to be also a smokey and is pretty good at sweeping considered one of the best in the competition. around and assisting for those tries.

COWBOYS

2014 STATISTICS

Player Position(s) GAMES TRIES GOALS FG 40/20 WH TA LB LBA SB TOTAL Johnathan Thurston FE (K7) 22 10 82 4 29 9 22 133 (297)

Michael Morgan FB 24 9 20 12 20 108

Antonio Winterstein WG 21 15 2 17 1 82

Matthew Scott FR 18 3 13 5 69

Kane Linnett CT 23 11 4 9 5 66

Robert Lui HB 23 4 13 9 12 63

Jason Taumalolo BR 23 6 6 6 54

Gavin Cooper BR 15 3 7 3 3 3 52 Matthew Wright WG, CT 17 9 1 5 2 1 43

Ben Hannant FR 20 2 8 2 1 43

James Tamou FR 19 1 9 1 1 43

Kyle Feldt WG (K1) 8 7 7 35

Rory Kostjasyn BR, HK 23 2 4 2 2 3 33 CT 9 3 4 3 4 27

Ethan Lowe BR 7 1 4 5 1 25 (33)

Ray Thompson HB, HK 19 1 2 2 1 3 20

Jake Granville HK 8 2 1 1 2 16 Glenn Hall BR 21 2 1 2 14

Scott Bolton FR 24 3 1 13

Joel Riethmuller BR 5 1 4

John Asiata BR 6 0

Kelepi Tanginoa BR 4 0

Cameron King HK (K1) 2 0

Lachlan Coote FB (K1) 0 0

Will there ever come a day where Jonathan Thurston doesn’t give With hands like feet, Kane Linnett is being compared to Shaun Kenny- 110%? If there is, we don’t want to see it . He’ll be gold again in 2015 Dowall with his inept handing at times. With a plethora of speedy centres, where you can expect a similar points return! maybe Kane should be spending his off-season placing the ball over the line! HOT! NOT!

Premiership Odds: $41 11 14 9 5 Premierships: One

DRAGONS <2014 ------2011> Bye Rounds: 11 & 14

Jail House Dragons SQUAD CHANGES:

Dragon’s fans have been publically critical of 2015 Gains: Eto Nabuli (Panthers), George Rose (Storm), Adam their clubs recruitment process which has seen a Tuimavave-Gerrard (Warriors), (Warriors), Heath mass exodus of players whilst the incoming L'Estrange (Roosters), (Titans), Kris Keating (Hull KR) names include the likes of George Rose, Kris 64 Attack v Defence 58

Keating and Dane Nielsen – hardly a reason to TRIES WORK get excited there! HORSE 2015 Losses: Brett Morris (Bulldogs), Sam Williams (Raiders), (retired), (Sharks), Gerard Beale (Sharks),

In more troubling news, Dragon’s gun forward , Willie Mataka, Shane Pumipi, Matt Groat and NRLCEO favourite Trent Merrin, seems Mitch Rein was a handy back up hooker choice in (), (Knights), Kyle Stanley (Sharks) intent on testing his value on the open market. 2014 but it remains to be seen whether the coach If Merrin’s form lapses and he becomes will keep putting him on the bench for the middle disinterested, coach McGregor certainly has his 30 minutes of the game with Keating or Garvey work cut out for him in 2015. BEST LINE-UP providing support. The Dragons seem to have a tough year ahead In the backs, Jason Nightingale hit purple patches with prodigal son and try scorer, Brett Morris off at stages last year and he is always a mid-draft the Dogs as well as Stanley, Beale and Bird option to fill a hole. Josh Dugan provides the class leaving for the Sharks. and looks likely to slot back to the custodian role in his goal to fill Jarryd Hayne’s vacant SOO Much will rely on the halves pairing of Gareth position. Widdop and Benji Marshall but it is hard to see how they can possibly play well behind the pack Dugan’s move means the Dragons will be that the dragon have. scrambling to fill a number of backline positions with Eto Nabuli a possible replacement for Morris. For the NRLCEO Coach, the forwards are The centre pairing of Nielsen and Farrell look to be uninspiring with the odd workhorse candidate. their best and is as uninspiring as their forward Trent Merrin is the gun but McGregor used him pack. There are others who will push for a starting sparingly last season. spot in the backs and more will be known once the Captain, will resume this season as trial form takes stage. the Tim Mannah of the Dragons while guys like Overall, the Dragons squad looks pretty ordinary are 50 percenters when it comes and a bottom of the table scrap looks likely for to scoring in CEO. ‘Team Merge’ in 2015...

DRAGONS

2014 STATISTICS

Player Position(s) GAMES TRIES GOALS FG 40/20 WH TA LB LBA SB TOTAL Mitch Rein HK 22 3 17 5 4 4 98 Trent Merrin BR 21 2 19 1 3 2 91

Jason Nightingale WG 22 16 3 16 2 88

Gareth Widdop FE (K6) 24 4 60 3 20 1 20 80 (200)

Josh Dugan FB, CT (K2) 18 10 3 9 4 1 57

Benji Marshall HB (K2) 15 3 13 7 12 57

Ben Creagh BR, FR 22 3 9 3 51

Joel Thompson BR 23 3 4 2 5 2 39 FB 14 3 7 3 9 38

Tyson Frizell BR, FR 15 3 4 1 1 30

Jack De Belin BR, FR 21 1 6 1 29 Mike Cooper FR 23 1 5 1 25 Charly Runciman CT 4 3 5 17 Dane Nielsen CT 13 3 4 2 12 CT 6 1 1 2 1 9 Nathan Green CT, BR 1 1 4

Craig Garvey HK 1 1 4 Will Matthews FR 15 2 2 Beau Henry HB (K1) 3 3 1 1 (7) FR 11 0 George Rose FR 8 0 Etonia Nabuli WG 0 0

Heath L'Estrange HK 0 0

Adam Tuimavave-Gerrard CT, BR 0 0

Throwing a dart at names would be easier here but we think Josh Seeing as it would be rude to say ‘the whole team’, we think that Dugan’s return to fullback could be a good one for him. A little more anyone who thinks Benji Marshall is back needs a lobotomy. We room to move should see him score a few more pies than last year... respect Benji for what he was – not what he now is!

HOT! NOT!

Premiership Odds: $34 10 16 16 14 Premierships: Four

EELS <2014 ------2011> Bye Rounds: 15 & 18

No Hayne, No Chance SQUAD CHANGES: Few teams could afford their top player to just 2015 Gains: (Sea Eagles), Richie Fa'aoso (Sea pack up and leave and in 2015 the Eels face that Eagles), Brad Takairangi (Titans), (Raiders), Danny prospect without Jarryd Hayne. Whether he Wicks (Jail), Beau Champion (Rabbitohs), (Titans) makes it in the NFL or not, the Eels go into 2015 70 Attack v Defence 57 at a huge disadvantage. TRIES WORK HORSE 2015 Losses: Jarryd Hayne (NFL), Willie (Catalan Dragons), However, their loss could also be their gain with (), Ben Smith (retired), Kelepi Tanginoa

Will Hopoate likely to flourish with the extra (Cowboys), Liam Foran (), Lee Mossop (Wigan room that playing the position of fullback In the front row, Tim Mannah is the king of 39 and Warriors), (Leigh) entails. Hopoate will become a much more will be drafted only by the desperate. There are dangerous weapon in 2015 and he will definitely no real other front row workhorse certainties be an improvement on his successes at centre meaning Arthur will rotate what he has got often! last season. BEST LINE-UP In the back, Semi Radradra was on fire but will the The Eels have recruited a number of players in loss of Hayne’s cut out pass mean big Semi goes the off-season, none with a bigger name than cold? On the other side of the field, new recruit Anthony Watmough. In a coup, Watmough Reece Robinson may snatch a starting spot ahead leaves bitter rivals, the Sea Eagles and will look of other tried and tested performers. to rejuvenate his motivation under Coach . The Eels centre pairing is an intriguing one with no certainties. Will it be Morgan? Champion? For the NRLCEO Coach, the Eels forwards consist Takairangi? The new Pom Crooks? This will be the of possible draft targets but much will depend concern for Arthur with a gluttony of injury prone on how Arthur chooses to rotate his bench. Gun centres on the books. running hooker, is a top notch draft option but after sustaining a serious injury Overall, the NRLCEO value in the Eels appears to in 2014, Arthur will be tempted to carry Issac De be in the forwards. The halves in kicker Chris Gois on the bench. This will impact on Peats’ Sandow isn’t a top shelf option and double workhorse achievability. is an enigma who rarely delivers in the pivot position. In the backrow, Watmough is a weapon and he has some possible workhorse buddies. Ma’u, Some coaches (and Eels supporters) will be Moeroa, and Paulo are all hard workers given keeping a close eye on the NFL this season with a the minutes. Hayne Plane return mid-season on the cards if things go pear shaped in the US...

EELS

2014 STATISTICS

Player Position(s) GAMES TRIES GOALS FG 40/20 WH TA LB LBA SB TOTAL Semi Radradra WG 24 19 3 15 1 98 Joseph Paulo BR (K1) 24 1 3 16 2 8 80 (86) Anthony Watmough BR 19 1 16 1 3 2 75 Chris Sandow HB (K6) 21 1 53 1 7 15 7 15 1 62 (168)

Reece Robinson WG 18 10 2 1 11 53 (57) Nathan Peats HK 10 3 8 2 2 3 53 FB, CT 19 4 8 6 8 46 Corey Norman FE (K1) 24 3 2 6 7 10 41 (45) Vai Toutai WG 10 8 7 39 Manu Ma'u BR 13 1 6 4 2 34 Brad Takairangi CT 21 3 5 4 4 30

Ryan Morgan CT 13 4 2 6 26 Tepai Moeroa BR 9 3 3 2 26 Pauli Pauli BR 17 3 3 4 3 25 David Gower FR 22 3 1 1 2 17

Ken Edwards BR 18 1 1 1 2 2 14 Tim Mannah FR 22 3 12

Bureta Faraimo WG 2 2 2 10

Junior Paulo FR 16 1 1 2 8 Luke Kelly FE 5 2 2 1 7

Beau Champion CT 2 1 1 5 BR 21 1 1 5 Cody Nelson BR 8 1 4 Justin Hunt WG (K1) 1 1 1

Jarryd Hayne for the Detroit Lions? No. Will Hopoate will relish the We’ve said it before (2014) and we’ll say it again – Joseph Paulo is extra room at fullback and will be much more dangerous. Here’s a call – ordinary. Surely, with an influx of young talent and new signing

he is a bolter for the NSW fullback! Watmough, Joseph’s days in the sun are numbered…

HOT! NOT!

Premiership Odds: $29 12 7 12 8 Premierships: Two KNIGHTS <2014 ------2011> Bye Rounds: 14 & 17

A Good Knight’s SQUAD CHANGES: sleep 2015 Gains: Tariq Sims (Cowboys), Jack Stockwell (Dragons), (Warriors) Tinkler gone – check! Boyd gone – check!

Bennett and his boring game plan gone – check! 72 Attack v Defence 63 TRIES WORK 2015 Losses: (), Michael Dobson The Knights have plenty to look forward to in HORSE (Salford), Matt Hilder (retired), Travis Waddell (Broncos), Josh 2015 and if they can finally rid themselves of the Mantellato (Hull KR), (Sea Eagles), Brayden Williame myth that is Kurt Gidley, they will give the title a (Sea Eagles), Zane Tetavano (sacked), Darius Boyd (Broncos) Centres and Joey Leilua are both real shake! But brother and CEO Matt Gidley will never let that happen… dangerous when presented with quick ball and

under Stone, they should profit from a more Across the park, the Knights seem to be quite attacking focus in the game plan. BEST LINE-UP strong, especially in the backs with the epic rise of the Mata’utia boys. Sione will feature in the In the forwards, the Knights have typically starting team (most likely at fullback) and if presented the CEOs with some draft options. Chanel can force his way in there too, that could Houston, Rochow and Snowden have all been spell the end for either Uate or McManus. If the solid workhorses but only Snowden looks likely to knights are a chance to get them to reneg on get a start. their bulldogs contracts they will need to get plenty of game time. Tariq Sims is a coup recruitment and will be dangerous running wide for 80 minutes. When he Much of the Knight’s season will depend on the had his head on, he was dynamic at the Cowboys fitness of playmaker Jarrod Mullen – he runs the and he seems to be the attacking spark while the show and apparently he’s the only guy who can rest of the forwards are a combination of kick in general play. Hopefully, return coach Rick journeymen and relative rookies. None look like Stone will give Tyrone Roberts a kicking licence top draft picks based on previous performances. as well so the Knights attack doesn’t remain one Overall, there appears to be plenty of question dimensional! marks when trying to predict the starting Knights For the NRLCEO Coach, the Knights could line-up. Where Kurt Gidley plays will affect a CEO potentially rain tries and if they do, the wingers Coach’s thinking. normally benefit from their fast shifts to the flanks. Expect a rejuvenated Uate and McManus One thing is for certain, Gidley will not go through to fire on the back of more competition. the season uninjured so that makes Roberts a handy back-up kicker if your competition rules

allow it... KNIGHTS

2014 STATISTICS

Player Position(s) GAMES TRIES GOALS FG 40/20 WH TA LB LBA SB TOTAL Joseph Leilua CT 22 11 12 12 13 93

Tariq Sims BR 19 6 14 4 84

Tyrone Roberts HB (K5) 24 9 20 12 7 13 1 78 (118)

Kurt Gidley HK (K5) 23 2 39 12 3 2 3 1 65 (143) Akuila Uate WG 15 12 1 12 1 63

Robbie Rochow BR 24 3 8 2 4 3 55 Dane Gagai CT 24 7 1 5 10 5 53 (55)

Beau Scott BR 20 5 4 3 8 1 51 Chris Houston FR 18 1 11 2 1 51

Jarrod Mullen FE 16 3 1 0 8 4 7 40 Kade Snowden FR 17 8 32

Chanel Mata'utia WG 7 6 5 25 Adam Clydsdale HK 20 2 1 2 2 5 23 BR, FR 20 2 3 2 22 James McManus WG 16 4 4 20 Jeremy Smith BR 17 2 2 3 19

Jake Mamo WG 7 2 4 12 Carlos Tuimavave FE 1 1 1 5 Jack Stockwell FR 12 0 BR 6 0 Chad Redman HK 0 0 David Fa'alogo FR 0 0 Pat Mata'utia CT 0 0

Sam Mataora FR 0 0

Tariq Sims’ missus is outstanding and on the footy field, expect Tariq to Kurt Gidley. Injury prone and Danny Wicks back in circulation can’t lead the Knights pack by example and score plenty running off Mullen be a good thing. Expect Kurt to play 1/3 of the season if that.

on the crash ball line.

HOT! NOT!

Premiership Odds: $10 4 10 15 12 Premierships: Two PANTHERS <2014 ------2011> Bye Rounds: 11 & 14

NO LONGER UNDER SQUAD CHANGES:

THE RADAR 2015 Gains: (Rabbitohs), Tupou Sopoaga (Sharks) The Panthers cruised through 2014 under the

radar to secure of top 4 ladder position. Much 84 Attack v Defence 61 2015 Losses: Tim Grant (Rabbitohs), (retired), Ryan of the success has been thanks largely to the TRIES WORK Simpkins (Titans), Wes Naiqama (London Broncos), Matt Robinson blend of young guns and experienced recruits, HORSE (Titans), Eto Nabuli (Dragons), (Titans) assembled by mastermind Gus Gould.

This season, the men from the mountains will Up front, Tim Grant has left for the premiers but not be able to surprise anyone and will again to was left out of the team for most of 2014 anyway. rely on their young guns to provide some serious Plum and McKendry are the likely starters and flair. The likes of Cartwright, Moylan and with Kite, they provide some good go forward but BEST LINE-UP Peachey are superstars in the making. their NRLCEO effectiveness is sporadic. In recruitment, Api Koroisau is the only big name In the backs, the Panthers exude speed and to join the club. He should provide some serious versatility. Josh Mansour is a beast on the left strike power off the bench and back up to the wing and should feature prominently on the try livewire, James Segeyaro. scorers list again. On the other side, young gun Watene-Zalezniak should get the starting nod over Seggy was dynamic all season, making tackles, the aging Dave Simmons. Whare and Idris along running metres and scoring tries. If Koroisau with fullback Moylan are dangerous on their day doesn’t take minutes away from him, Segeyaro but don’t really score tries consistently to be will again be an NRLCEO match winner. Coach genuine top draft priorities. Cleary could throw a curveball though and train Koroisau as a half. With Jamie Soward battling In the halves, Wallace and Soward lead the pack injury, this could be the scenario to start out the around the park but again, there are better draft season. targets. If the Panthers attack clicks, kicker Soward could be a good choice as kicker but his In the forwards, Elijah Taylor leads the charge accuracy hasn’t been the same since his glory days scoring workhorses at will. The rest tend to get at the Dragons. rotated with a strong bench. Once again, Cartwright and Peachey will be prominent but Overall, the Panthers have quite a few draft the question about enough minutes will be in targets and headlining the show is their hooker the CEO Coach’s mind. Segeyaro who can score double workhorses at will. PANTHERS

2014 STATISTICS

Player Position(s) GAMES TRIES GOALS FG 40/20 WH TA LB LBA SB TOTAL James Segeyaro HK 22 10 17 1 14 3 127 Matthew Moylan FB (K1) 24 8 7 3 17 10 18 97 (111)

Jamie Soward FE (K6) 23 7 58 3 19 9 15 93 (209) Josh Mansour WG 20 14 12 1 69 Dean Whare CT 24 10 8 7 6 69 Elijah Taylor BR 17 2 15 1 1 67 Jamal Idris CT 20 4 7 3 4 37 Adam Docker BR 20 2 6 5 37 FR 22 2 6 2 34

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak WG 8 6 1 5 31 David Simmons WG 11 6 1 5 31 Tupou Sopoaga BR 15 7 1 1 31 BR 14 3 1 3 4 2 28 Lewis Brown BR 20 3 2 1 1 22 FR 22 1 4 1 21 Apisai Koroisau HK 13 1 2 1 2 3 19

Peter Wallace HB (K2) 14 1 1 4 3 3 1 17 Bryce Cartwright BR 7 1 1 2 2 14 CT 9 2 1 1 10 FE 3 1 1 5 Will Smith FE 6 1 1 1 4 Sam McKendry FR 22 1 1 FR 17 0 BR 21 0

No – not – talk about over rated! James Segeyaro is the is getting old and injuries are starting to plague him. man and although he may not have as good a season as last year, he’ll Api Koroisau could be the halfback come finals time... still lead the Panthers with his jinking runs and wicked dummy!

NOT! HOT!

Premiership Odds: $6 3 2 3 10 Premierships: 21 RABBITOHS <2014 ------2011> Bye Rounds: 15 & 18

No SAM – NO Chance SQUAD CHANGES:

After finally breaking their premiership drought, 2015 Gains: (Sea Eagles), Tim Grant (Panthers), the confidence is high at Redfern. With Rusty Cody Walker (Storm), (Schoolboys Rugby) Crowe dribbling their praises in between making crap movies, the Rabbitohs will once again be 73 Attack v Defence 45 title aspirants in 2015 - but history says that it is TRIES WOR K 2015 Losses: (), Ben Te'o (rugby union), near impossible to go back to back. HORSE Beau Champion (Eels), Apisai Koroisau (Panthers), (retired) With the dominant Sam Burgess chasing a Rugby

World Cup berth, the Rabbitohs’ chances in 2015 The Bunny backline is headed by the dynamic Greg may have headed to Bath with him. Many would Inglis who will again carry the expectations of suggest that he is too big a loss to overcome– doing something brilliant every time he steps onto such was the quality of the man and the season the field. GI is obviously a top draft choice and it BEST LINE-UP he had on the way to premiership glory. is great when he scores, as they usually come in doubles or triples. He’s also good for try assists, The Bunnies have moved quickly to find a commonly setting up Johnston in that left corner. replacement, but Glenn Stewart is no Sammy Boyle. With Ben Teo also leaving the code, there Dylan Walker is another who will attract the appears to be a lack of aggression in the pack attention of CEO Coaches. Despite a pretty inept now. This could turn the Rabbits into easy beats Four Nations Tournament, Walker is still a class up the middle of the ruck…. act at NRL level and his acceleration off the mark and willingness to get involved is all one can ask For the NRLCEO Coach, the Rabbit’s forward pack for when looking for a centre. is still strong with Isaac Luke and George Burgess constantly going forward. They appear to be the In the halves, Reynolds and Keary could be only consistent workhorses with McQueen or anything. Reynolds’ kicking is irresistible at times Turner required to pick up some slack. and Keary loves a try despite only being a relative rookie in the NRL. Both are more than solid draft In the backs, the retirement of should targets. mean another young gun gets a chance to do what Alex Johnston did last year. However, Overall, the Rabbitohs won’t find this season so Coach McGuire could be tempted to go back to ‘easy’ but any team possessing the quality that the well with either or Bryson they have should go deep into the finals. Goodwin on the right wing – a sickening thought However, the loss of Sam Burgess cannot be over for Rabbits fans! stated and he’s a massive hole that needs to be filled by someone...

RABBITOHS

2014 STATISTICS

Player Position(s) GAMES TRIES GOALS FG 40/20 WH TA LB LBA SB TOTAL Dylan Walker CT 21 11 1 12 13 14 95 (97) Greg Inglis FB 21 10 13 15 14 95

Alex Johnston WG 15 17 1 15 2 87 George Burgess FR 20 2 15 1 3 73 Adam Reynolds HB (K9) 23 4 78 3 3 13 4 6 58 (214) Issac Luke HK (K1) 16 5 7 9 1 10 57 (67) John Sutton BR 19 1 2 12 2 15 53 Kyle Turner BR 22 6 2 1 6 40 Chris McQueen BR 17 4 2 2 6 1 35

Luke Keary FE 9 2 6 6 26 Joel Reddy WG, CT 6 5 4 1 25 BR 17 1 1 5 1 -27 David Tyrrell FR 24 2 2 2 18 Jason Clark FR 19 2 2 1 17 WG, CT (K1) 13 3 4 3 15 (23) Thomas Burgess FR 14 1 2 1 13

Glenn Stewart BR 6 3 1 13 Tim Grant FR 11 2 1 9 Cameron McInnes HK 7 1 1 2 7 Nathaniel Neale BR 1 0 Aaron Gray CT 0 0 Chris Grevsmuhl BR 0 0 Cody Walker FE (K2) 0 0

Ed Murphy WG 0 0

George Burgess will miss his brother so much that he’ll decide to go on Glenn Stewart can’t have a worse season than last year but he’ll still be a 26 round tear running 200m and making 35 tackles a game – he’ll carrying mental scars into 2015. We can’t see him getting back to his have to, to make up for the loss of Sam. best and he won’t be the only one missing a brother!

HOT! NOT!

Premiership Odds: $101 15 13 6 15 Premierships: Three

RAIDERS <2014 ------2011> Bye Rounds: 14 & 17

The Cattle to SQUAD CHANGES:

Contend? 2015 Gains: Sisa Waqa (Storm), Iosia Soliola (St Helens), Frank-Paul Nuuausala (Roosters), Josh Hodgson (Hull KR), (Tigers), New year, new players, new philosophy, same (Storm), Sam Williams (Catalans) coach! is back and despite his 80 Attack v Defence 58 outlandish excuses last season, he still remains in TRIES WORK charge and on the hunt for Origin quality players. 2015 Losses: Anthony Milford (Broncos), Reece Robinson (Eels), HORSE (retired), Tom Learoyd-Lahrs (Storm), Sami Sauiluma Just like seasons past at the Eels, Stuart has (Sharks), Matt Allwood (Warriors), Lagi Setu (Roosters), Matt Despite consistently putting up big tackle counts, wielded the axe and the incoming recruits aren’t McIlwrick (Roosters), (Hull KR) household names. However, in Stuart’s favour is Fensom has a habit of getting injured in the back his young and talented squad who finished well end of the season – the money time for NRLCEO last season after predominantly, a season to coaches. This is a concern when he’s your forget. marquee draft pick and tackling so much has to BEST LINE-UP take its toll eventually! Jared Croker is the newly appointed captain and In the backs, the Raiders have some exciting is a conundrum himself for the NRLCEO coach - he always seems to score well despite the youngsters but it will be interesting to see whether any of them can lock down a starting Raiders struggling to cross the stripe. He is always going to be a try sneak given that he spot for themselves. Sisa Waqa and are seemingly can’t pass from right to left… the obvious choices for the flanks and should get first crack if they can stay fit. Most of the 2015 Raider recruits appear to be depth signings but Ricky has been known to pull Up front, the forward pack boasts some questions some random selections from his bag of tricks. of its own with most positions up for grabs. The Whatever, he decides, one thing is for certain – hooker spot looks likely to go to new recruit Josh the Raiders will miss their livewire sensation, Hodgson while Fensom and Papalli appear to be Anthony Milford who has headed north to the the only others worthy of draft consideration. The Broncos. signing of FPN is surely a dagger in the back of Joel Edwards’ career and barring injuries, Edwards and For the NRLCEO coach, the Raiders have Shaun his fumble hands should be nowhere near a Fensom who will become NRLCEO royalty if he starting spot in 2015! can manage to run 120m more regularly. Doing so, will see him become the Double Workhorse Overall, the Raiders players aren’t exactly a King, taking over Corey Parker and Paul Gallen as favourite for NRLCEO coaches. In saying that the premier backrower of all time. though, the young talent is there and maybe, just maybe, there is a diamond in the rough for the shrewd drafters... RAIDERS

2014 STATISTICS

Player Position(s) GAMES TRIES GOALS FG 40/20 WH TA LB LBA SB TOTAL Jarrod Croker CT (K7) 24 18 64 5 13 3 98

Sisa Waqa WG 23 17 3 13 2 89

Shaun Fensom BR 18 2 19 3 1 88

Glen Buttriss HK 24 1 8 9 1 7 62 Paul Vaughan FR 23 7 5 5 1 54

Josh McCrone HB, HK 24 5 1 1 1 6 2 10 49 Blake Austin FE (K1) 19 7 3 3 10 4 48

Jack Wighton FB, CT, FE 20 6 1 5 7 6 48

Jarrad Kennedy BR 20 1 8 1 4 2 44

Josh Papalii BR 19 3 4 2 5 1 38 Joel Edwards BR 20 6 1 2 1 29

David Shillington FR 17 6 1 1 27

Bill Tupou WG 10 3 1 5 19

Dane Tilse FR 24 1 1 2 2 1 15 WG, CT 4 3 2 14

Edrick Lee WG 7 2 3 2 13

Mitch Cornish HB 8 3 3 9

Frank-Paul Nuuausala BR 23 1 1 1 1 5 Jeremy Hawkins CT 3 1 1 5 FR 21 1 1 5 FB 2 1 4 Sam Williams HB (K1) 2 1 1 3 Josh Hodgson HK 23* 10* 11* 51*

Iosia Soliola BR 10* 7* 28*

He’ll continue to be hot as long as he refuses to pass the ball to his Josh Papalii’s days of a work horse were short and seem well and truly winger. Jarrod Croker always scores 8 points a game and in our eyes, behind him – did you see the size of his thighs in the Four Nations!! that’s as good as it gets for the Raiders. Surely, he is destined for shorter stints in the core.

HOT! NOT!

Premiership Odds: $6 1 1 13 11 Premierships: Thirteen ROOSTERS <2014 ------2011> Bye Rounds: 11 & 17

BRILLIANT BOOKEEPER SQUAD CHANGES:

The Roosters will continue their period of being 2015 Gains: Martin Kennedy (Broncos), Abraham Papalii serious title contenders with their squad largely (Warriors), Lagi Setu (Raiders), Matt McIlwrick (Raiders), unchanged for the coming season. While they 88 76 have lost few players, their best recruitment Attack v Defence Blake Ferguson (Contract registered) over the years has to be the bloke doing the TRIES WORK books. HORSE 2015 Losses: (rugby union), (retired), Frank-Paul Nuuausala (Raiders), Remi Casty Even with Sonny Bill making the move back to (Catalan Dragons), Tautau Moga (Cowboys) Rugby Union, the Roosters have strategically The Roosters speed men generally spread the pies replaced him with another big name in the around with Michael Jennings the main strike troubled ex-Raider, Blake Ferguson. He has weapon. Daniel Tupou, SKD and Ferguson are all been out of the game for a year, banished for his more than dangerous on their day and in a firing BEST LINE-UP lewd behaviour, but if he can get his head right, Rooster’s team, will go well in 2015. the Roosters will profit from the Raiders’ loss. At the back, and with the heart of the Roosters – When looking at the 2012 premiers, there Anthony Minichiello - retiring, RTS finally gets his doesn’t appear to be any weakness in their chance to show what he’s got. With glimpses of squad. At a stretch, they could a bit light on up his ability demonstrated in attack at fullback last front but JWH will carry a big workload with season, RTS seems to be more of a try assister Sam Moa, and Martin Kennedy the rather than a try scorer – something to think backup enforcers. about when looking for a fullback draft target.

While the NRLCEO quality is not there up front, In the halves, Mitchell Pearce and James Maloney it is in the rest of the squad where the draft love sniffing out a four pointer with Maloney’s targets start to show their faces. boot generally on song with plenty of opportunities. Although anything can happen, In the backrow, Cordner and Guerra are always both look to have lost their State of Origin jerseys dangerous and despite being ostracised by us a to the Bulldog’s halves so that makes these guys a few years ago, has more value commodity than they were in 2012. reinvented his game under Coach Robinson.

Hooker Jake Friend has also taken his game to a Overall, the Roosters are a goldmine of NRLCEO new level and scores double workhorses when talent and barring major injuries to key personnel, given the full 80 minutes. they will be a strong title contender again this season.

ROOSTERS

2014 STATISTICS

Player Position(s) GAMES TRIES GOALS FG 40/20 WH TA LB LBA SB TOTAL Jake Friend HK 21 3 1 23 6 2 7 126 Boyd Cordner BR 19 9 12 1 11 2 99 James Maloney FE (K9) 24 4 95 1 21 11 21 91 (281) Mitchell Pearce HB 23 6 2 19 8 16 88

Shaun Kenny-Dowall WG, CT 24 10 7 12 6 72 Aidan Guerra BR 21 5 10 2 6 2 72 Michael Jennings CT 18 11 5 9 7 70 Daniel Tupou WG 16 12 2 14 2 68 Sam Moa FR 24 5 8 1 5 4 63 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck FB 23 7 5 15 3 56 Mitchell Aubusson BR 23 5 5 1 6 1 49

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves FR 23 1 10 1 2 1 46 Dylan Napa FR 23 5 1 21 WG 7 3 1 3 2 19 Nathan Stapleton WG 4 4 2 18 Issac Liu FR 20 2 2 1 11 Martin Kennedy FR 15 2 1 9 Matt McIlwrick HK 7 1 1 8

Kane Evans FR 8 0 HK (K1) 1 0 Willis Meehan BR 1 0 FE 1 0 Blake Ferguson CT 0 0 Lagi Setu FR 0 0

Boyd Cordner is brilliant on the left edge, scoring tries and flopping his There’s big wraps on Roger Tuivasa-Sheck but quite simply, he doesn’t way to a workhorse. Expect Boyd to do the same job, running off Pearce score enough! He can set up as many tries as he wants but ultimately, and wreaking havoc for the tri-colours. pies are what the fans want!

HOT! NOT!

Premiership Odds: $12 2 4 4 2 SEA EAGLES Premierships: Eight <201 4 8 ------2011> Bye Rounds: 11 & 14

SOMEHOW STILL A SQUAD CHANGES: FORCE... 2015 Gains: (Cowboys), Sosaia Vave (Sharks), Attack v Defence (Warriors), Brayden Williame (Knights), Despite being genuine title contenders for what 91 60 seems like forever, the Sea Eagles continue to Willie Mason (Knights) WORK keep a quality squad together – a testament to TRIES HORSE their recruitment policy and commitment, 2015 Losses: Anthony Watmough (Eels), Richie Fa'aoso (Eels), Glenn Stewart (Rabbitohs), Jason King (retired), Daniel Harrison The loss of Anthony Watmough, Glenn Stewart Up front, much is expected of Brenton Lawrence and Jason King should hurt the silver spoons but (London Broncos) but he failed to deliver in 2014. Big units with on paper, they look as strong as ever! small engines like should mean Lawrence plays more minutes, but that was not The recruitment of Feleti Mateo and Willie necessarily the case last season. Mason are intriguing ones but with plenty to BEST LINE-UP prove, securing their signatures could be a In the backs, Jorge Taufua will be looking to forget deadest masterstroke! Mateo in particular has a horror 2014 while on the other side not shown any destructive form for years and will want more of the same. Brett Stewart loves this may be just the move that he has craved. sweeping around the back to set up his outside man so expect whoever is named on the wings Again, much of the Sea Eagle’s title fortunes will this season to prosper. If Taufua can’t recapture revolve around their injuries specifically to strike his form, Clint Gutherson looks like a superstar in weapons Brett Stewart, Daly Cherry-Evans and the making. Steve Matai. DCE was carrying an injury for much of season 2014 and expect him to be Much of the Sea Eagles’ success can be attributed much better this season - a worry for other to their consistency and Kieran Foran and Jamie teams considering how he was playing on just Lyon are two of the best in this category. While one leg! neither will set the NRLCEO scores alight, both are more than acceptable draft targets. In the forwards, the Sea Eagles boast some excellent NRLCEO prospects. It will be Overall, if the Sea Eagles have settled their off interesting to see how Jamie Buhrer returns field internal differences, they could go all the way from injury as his work ethic in 2014 was in 2015. It’s always good to have Sea Eagles in outstanding. Tom Symonds looks like he will your NRLCEO roster, especially when they carve complete the backrow taking Watmough’s up a weaker team at Brookie. Like fellow silver starting position. spoons the Roosters, the Sea Eagles exude draft quality and there could also be the odd diamond in the rough if the Wolfman finds his way back from the wilderness...

SEA EAGLES

2014 STATISTICS

Player Position(s) GAMES TRIES GOALS FG 40/20 WH TA LB LBA SB TOTAL Brett Stewart FB 21 8 22 10 20 106 Steve Matai CT 23 13 4 9 16 13 99 (107)

Matt Ballin HK 23 22 3 3 97 Peter Hiku WG 24 17 2 14 3 89 Jamie Buhrer BR 23 5 13 2 6 5 87 Daly Cherry-Evans HB (K1) 21 3 3 3 2 12 9 9 68 Jamie Lyon CT (K7) 22 6 65 10 8 13 65 (195) Brenton Lawrence FR 22 2 13 2 62 Kieran Foran FE 20 6 9 7 8 57

Jorge Taufua WG 15 10 2 12 56 Tom Symonds BR 18 5 4 6 2 44 BR 21 4 1 3 1 24 WG 7 4 1 4 22 Clinton Gutherson FB, WG 3 3 2 4 1 21 Feleti Mateo BR 19 1 4 3 6 21 Jesse Sene-Lefao BR 23 1 2 1 1 15 FE 5 1 1 3 4 12 Josh Starling FR 24 3 12 Luke Burgess FR 17 1 1 1 1 1 9 Willie Mason FR 21 1 3 1 8 FR 17 1 1 1 6 FR 19 1 1 5 David Williams WG 7 4 4 Siosaia Vave FR 15 0

Injury aside, Daly Cherry-Evans will be back and looking to make amends Brett Stewart will be pining for his lost brother and will have new for a disappointing season. Setting up and scoring tries is his specialty contracts deals with the Raiders in the back of his mind. The Prince of Brookie will be no more! and his form early in the season will be irresistible!

HOT! NOT!

Premiership Odds: $26 16 6 1 9 Premierships: Nil

SHARKS <2014 ------2011> Bye Rounds: 11 & 14

TIGER SHARK DRAGONS SQUAD CHANGES: Fans will be looking forward to this season. The 2015 Gains: Michael Ennis (Bulldogs), Mitch Brown (Bulldogs), Sami ASADA investigation farce is behind them, Coach Flanagan is back at the helm and their roster Sauiluma (Raiders), Jack Bird (Dragons), Gerard Beale (Dragons), Jayson should be fresh and injury free, come round 1. 80 Attack v Defence 86 Bukuya (Warriors), Ben Barba (Broncos), Kyle Stanley (Dragons) TRIES WORK In the off-season, Cronulla management seems HORSE 2015 Losses: (Catalans), Michael Lichaa (Bulldogs), Sosaia to have moved on from their ‘recruit Tiger’s Vave (Sea Eagles), John Morris (retired), Beau Ryan (retired), Bryce players at all costs’ mentality and have instead needs to stay fit so he can show us Gibbs (retired), Jonathan Wright (Warriors), Tupou Sopoaga (Panthers) fixed their sights on head hunting disgruntled what he has got while Jack Bird is a player with Dragons. New to the squad are Gerard Beale, massive wraps. Kyle Stanley and Jack Bird – all handy!

No one will deny that the forwards are where the BEST LINE-UP The Sharks also circled for Wayne Shark’s strength lies – their starting pack and

Bennett’s dregs and once it was apparent that depth is up there with the best in the comp. The Ben Barba was going to have to work hard for a sledge factor has also been bolstered with the position, he fled back to . His signing unimaginable happening - Michael Ennis and Paul could be rocks or diamonds for the Sharks with Gallen joining forces in the same team!!! fans excited by his arrival. But NRLCEO Coaches will be very wary of picking up Barba especially NRLCEO favourite, had a season to so when 5/8 appears to be his position. forget and hopefully this season, now that he has realised that he actually hasn’t accomplished With plenty of fresh blood in the water, the everything in the game, Andrew will let his footy Sharks should be able to turn their horror 2014 do the talking. Wade Graham is quality and will be season around. The backs look much more his usual dangerous self on the left edge. If Luke capable and with some quality around him, Mick Lewis can get fit and play in cotton wool, the Gordon may actually return to his devastating Sharks boast quite an exciting and creative pack. best at the back. Overall, all the Sharks want is for skipper Paul The competition for the outside backs is also an Gallen to stay on deck for the entire season. intriguing one. Jacob Gagan and Valentine Unfortunately for them, he seems passionate to Holmes are superstars in the making but Sosia repeat his usual Origin antics and that spells Feki and Mitch Brown will want a piece of the trouble for his durability in the back end of the starting pie. In the centres, no Wright (or Sharks’ season. Is he a first round draft pick these fumble hands Pomeroy for that matter) is days? refreshing!

SHARKS

2014 STATISTICS

Player Position(s) GAMES TRIES GOALS FG 40/20 WH TA LB LBA SB TOTAL Michael Ennis HK 24 4 1 1 15 5 1 5 93 (95) Wade Graham BR 19 5 12 1 4 4 78

Gerard Beale FB, CT 24 10 5 10 10 70 Tinirau Arona BR 21 3 12 3 3 66 Michael Gordon FB (K6) 24 6 50 8 13 8 61 (161) Paul Gallen BR 9 2 10 2 2 5 59 Ben Barba FB, FE 24 7 6 8 6 54 Andrew Fifita FR 12 11 2 2 1 51 HB 19 4 11 3 9 50

Sosaia Feki WG 20 9 1 10 1 49 Mitch Brown WG 20 9 1 9 47 BR 19 9 2 5 43 BR 18 2 6 2 1 1 38 Matt Prior FR 10 7 28 Ricky Leutele CT 23 2 2 7 5 24 Jacob Gagan WG 7 5 2 22

Valentine Holmes WG 6 3 1 5 1 20 HK 9 1 2 1 2 1 17 FR 18 3 4 16 BR 8 1 1 1 1 2 13 Sami Sauiluma WG 8 2 3 1 12 CT 16 1 1 4 10 BR 7 1 1 1 2 9

Kyle Stanley HK (K2) 9 1 1 1 7

With the peptides well and truly out of his system, we’ll go out on a There is no way that Ben Barba can turn his horror season around this limb and suggest that Paul Gallen will play 20 games for the Sharks quickly. For all we know, he’ll probably get home sick again and want to move back to (and why wouldn’t he?). this season. The 12 point games could come thick and fast!

HOT! NOT!

Premiership Odds: $12 6 3 2 1 Premierships: Two* STORM <2014 ------2011> Bye Rounds: 11 & 17

NEED BIG 3 INJURY FREE SQUAD CHANGES:

Much like their arch-rivals Manly, the Storm have 2015 Gains: Tom Learoyd-Lahrs (Raiders), Shaun Nona (Northern lost plenty of men going into this season but with Pride), (), Dale Finucane (Bulldogs) the new recruits, they appear to still have a strong 73 Attack v Defence 78 side on paper. TRIES WORK 2015 Losses: Ryan Hoffman (Warriors), Sisa Waqa (Raiders), Justin Like previous seasons, the Storm’s chances will HORSE O'Neill (Cowboys), (retired), Rhys Kennedy (Raiders), rely solely on the fitness of the Big 3 – Smith, George Rose (Dragons), Ben Roberts (Castleford), Mitch Garbutt Slater and Cronk. All are coming off injuries from (Broncos), Junior Moors (Castleford), Cody Walker (Rabbitohs) last season with Smith in particular struggling to In the backs, the Cronk and Slater show will once be fit for the start of 2015. again define the Storm attack. When playing

together they are brilliant, but when one is absent The Storm’s secret to success is a tried and tested the other is relatively non-existent. Both staying BEST LINE-UP one where they build a team around the three injury free is essential to the cause and their guns recruiting unwanted players from other NRLCEO value. clubs. This is where the signings of Tom Lehroyd- Lahrs, Blake Green and Dale Finucane appear to The other backs include Will Chambers who is one be good ones. of Cronk’s go to men on the right. Fonua,

Koroibete and probably Duffie (if fit) make up the With the shock departure of Ryan Hoffman to the backline and if they click, tries will rain down. Poor Warriors, there is a spot on the left edge for a Duffie was highlighted last year in our feature on worker with some ball playing skills. the NRL’s most injury prone players and we just could be that man and has shown workhorse hope the Kiwi can get back on the park and into traits when given the minutes. Finucane should the same try scoring form that has netted him 33 be a perfect fit for the Storm, doing his work in tries in 53 games so far. the core and capable of big minutes and numbers. All in all, the Storm appears set for another strong Up front, Jesse Bromwich is arguably the best season but like most teams, injuries to key players prop in the world and his work in 2014 was will halt their premiership push. For the NRLCEO outstanding. The only problem in recruiting the Coach, there are the obvious draft targets with the big Kiwi is Bellamy’s tendency to not risk him in potential bolter as well. One thing is for certain, the final 10 minutes when the game is already the Storm needs Cameron Smith to reinvent his won or lost. This could be the difference between running game if they are to feature deep in the a workhorse and nothing! finals in 2015.

The other big men are rotated methodically around Captain Smith. Jordan McLean could find himself starting and if he gets around 45 minutes, then he is a workhorse chance. STORM

2014 STATISTICS

Player Position(s) GAMES TRIES GOALS FG 40/20 WH TA LB LBA SB TOTAL Cameron Smith HK (K8) 22 2 68 1 1 23 8 2 11 131 (267) Billy Slater FB 21 12 12 13 12 1 95

Jesse Bromwich FR 23 2 18 4 2 4 94 Cooper Cronk HB 18 5 3 23 4 16 89 Will Chambers CT (K1) 21 11 1 5 15 5 74 (76) Kevin Proctor BR 24 5 9 2 8 2 70 Mahe Fonua WG, CT 19 10 4 9 3 60 Ryan Hinchcliffe BR, HK 24 2 11 1 4 1 59 WG 10 6 1 6 2 34

Dale Finucane BR 23 8 32 CT 8 6 2 26 Tohu Harris BR 24 2 5 1 2 2 26 (30) FE 11 2 1 4 2 3 25 WG 14 3 2 3 19 BR 18 2 2 1 1 18 Jordan McLean FR 15 3 2 14

Tim Glasby FR 12 2 1 2 14 Dayne Weston FR 6 0 FB 1 0 Blake Green FE 9* 5* 20* Matthew Duffie WG (K1) 0 0 Tom Learoyd-Lahrs FR 0 0 CT 0 0

Travis Robinson WG 0 0

Jesse Bromwich is the best prop from Kiwiland and will once again take Kevin Proctor is no good in fantasy football and his spurts of effort control in the middle third of the field. After signing a mega-contract, he’ll are just not good enough. Sure, he’ll crash over for the odd try but be pumped for another massive season! it’s workhorses that he needs in order to be respected! HOT! NOT!

Premiership Odds: $26 13 15 10 4 Premierships: One 3 TIGERS <2014 ------2011> Bye Rounds: 12 & 18

TIGER TALES SQUAD CHANGES: It all went pear-shaped for the Tigers in the back- 2015 Gains: Chance Peni (Knights), (London end of 2014. The marriage between the Magpies Broncos), (Panthers) and Tigers was on the rocks and the Captain and 63 Attack v Defence 48 Coach were supposedly not seeing eye to eye.

TRIES WORK 2015 Losses: (retired), (retired), With a clean out of some key board members, HORSE (Salford), James Gavet (Broncos), Adam Blair coaching staff and the head coach, the Tigers are (Broncos), Jarred Farlow (French rugby), Blake Austin (Raiders), looking to put a tumultuous season behind them Jy Hitchcox (Featherstone Rovers), Bodene Thompson (Warriors) and concentrate of what they do best – scoring Although he didn’t set the world on fire, tries and winning games. Thompson was a genuine workhorse in the second half of the season and someone, perhaps Curtis Unfortunately for them, the squad depth leaves a Sironen will need to man up. Blair on the other lot to be desired. Hopefully, with the hand, the Tigers will be happy to see the back of. BEST LINE-UP appointment of new coach Jason Taylor, comes a As you can see on the next page, only two players gun medical team where rehabs aren’t twice as returned more than two workhorse in the squad. long as other clubs and Leuko, the major sponsor. The Tiger’s backs look much more encouraging but In the forwards, Robbie Farah is a Captain who again, they need to stay fit. Nofoaluma, Simona, has league fans divided. He clearly has his critics Brooks and Tedesco all have big careers ahead of but on the NRLCEO field he is a gun. The Gordon them - if they can play in bubble wrap. CEOs will Tallis Saga definitely affected Robbie’s mindset on be hoping Simona will live up to more than just the field late in 2014 and the Tigers really need promise in the try scoring category. their Captain to be back and firing on all cylinders. On the left wing, is a kicker where his

Up front, Aaron Woods is a dead set plodder but value is in the eye of the beholder. Chris his NRLCEO value makes him an asset to any Lawrence has been terrible since his hip injury team. That is where it appears to end in terms of from years ago and fans are calling for his head – draftable Tiger’s forwards as the rest are either unless he has gained 4 yards of pace in the rookies or has-beens. offseason and learnt how to break a tackle.

The backrow could consist of anyone, especially Overall, even the most loyal Tigers/Magpies fans with Bodene Thompson heading across the ditch would suggest that the squad looks pretty and Adam Blair finding greener pastures. ordinary. The young forwards will need step up like they haven’t before and Robbie Farah needs to keep a clear head, especially post Origin.

TIGERS

2014 STATISTICS

Player Position(s) GAMES TRIES GOALS FG 40/20 WH TA LB LBA SB TOTAL Robbie Farah HK 18 5 1 24 9 6 7 148 Aaron Woods FR 21 4 19 0 4 1 97 Luke Brooks HB 21 6 1 2 12 3 8 1 60 Pat Richards WG (K6) 20 9 54 1 12 49 (157)

James Tedesco FB 8 6 5 5 5 44 David Nofoaluma WG 15 7 10 38 Kevin Naiqama WG 8 7 1 6 36 FE 10 1 2 9 2 10 34 (38) Chris Lawrence CT 21 4 2 3 4 27 Keith Lulia WG 12 5 4 24 FR 24 3 6 1 19

Tim Simona CT 14 3 4 2 18 BR 13 2 1 1 1 13 (15) BR 8 2 8 BR 18 2 8 Sitaleki Akuola BR 8 1 2 1 7 FB 8 1 2 2 6 HK 6 1 1

Ava Seumanufagai FR 23 0 FR 19 0 Jack Buchanan FR 4 0 FR 3 0 Tim Moltzen FE 0 0 Josh Drinkwater HB (K1) 8* 11* 22*

Robbie Farah currently has nothing to whinge about and unless he gets a It’s only a matter of time before someone punches Aaron Woods in the 12 week injury to that nose of his, he’ll be on fire this season, running for teeth and this could be the year. Either that or he could stub his toe

double workhorses and scoring tries as well. He’ll also probably take over from running so slow – forcing him out for an extended period... the kicking duties and drive the team bus as well!

HOT! NOT!

Premiership Odds: $67 14 9 11 16 Premierships: Nil TITANS <2014 ------2011> Bye Rounds: 11 & 17

KING HENRY’S MEN SQUAD CHANGES: 2015 Gains: Josh Hoffman (Broncos), Matt Robinson (Panthers), Neil Henry will have to weave some serious magic if the Titans are to be a title threat in Ryan Simpkins (Panthers), Lachlan Burr (Bulldogs), David Hala 2015. On paper, it is hard to see where their (Broncos), Kierran Moseley (Panthers) 55 Attack v Defence 46 points are going to come from and one can expect them to play a grinding defensive style of TRIES WORK 2015 Losses: Brad Takairangi (Eels), (Hull KR), Maurice play. This won’t bring the fans through the gate HORSE Blair (Hull KR), Luke Bailey (retired), (retired), Mark and nor will the losses. Minichiello (Hull FC), Cody Nelson (Eels), Steve Michaels (Hull FC), The Titans were a gold mine of workhorses in Sam Irwin (Featherstone), Paul Carter (sacked) On paper, the Titans look pretty good but their aging bodies and stupid behaviour off the field years gone by but the era of Harrison and Bailey chalking up tackles appears well and truly over. isn’t helping their cause. From a CEO perspective a top point scorer of 57 points just continues to frustrate – working hard in BEST LINE-UP isn’t good enough. the first three games of the season, only to consistently play 80 minutes for the entire season Up front, Ryan James simply has to play this and not do enough for a workhorse. season. If he doesn’t, the Titans will really struggle to go forward. is a solid The Titans backs are fast but they will really miss player but he doesn’t bend the line at all. Albert Kelly’s explosiveness – like they did last Neither does Nate Myles who is a tough player year. Aiden Sezer will control the ship but he is but in the Aaron Woods mold of a plodder. fast becoming a player in the injury prone category. The hooker position is a strange one with neither Falloon nor Srama taking the bull by the With , James Roberts and David Mead, the Titans have the ability to finish off tries horns. In terms of NRLCEO, both have workhorse potential but neither play the from any part of the field. All are worthy of drafting but in a Titans team likely to struggle in minutes to warrant drafting. Mosely is another chance to fit into the backup role. the points department, there are plenty of better options.

With Paul Carter deciding an NRL contract is over-rated, the Titans have lost a bit of mongrel Overall, the Titans are expected to struggle and in the pack. While there has been quite an unlike last year, they will not get off to a flying exodus of players, it will remain to be seen start! For the NRLCEO Coach, you get what you whether the likes of Josh Hoffman, David Hala see with the Titans. Coach Henry is unlikely to pull many selection surprises which is a good thing if and Ryan Simpkins can provide of inspiration. you know what you want and what you need!

TITANS

2014 STATISTICS

Player Position(s) GAMES TRIES GOALS FG 40/20 WH TA LB LBA SB TOTAL Nate Myles BR, FR 18 15 1 2 57 David Taylor BR 19 7 2 3 6 3 51 Luke Douglas FR 21 1 9 1 1 1 44 Greg Bird BR 17 3 14 6 1 5 43 (71)

Anthony Don WG 14 9 1 1 5 43 (1) Kevin Gordon WG 18 7 15 2 2 1 35 (15) K6, FE 13 4 23 1 6 4 33 (23) HB 19 1 1 4 4 1 1 30 (32) James Roberts CT 12 5 1 5 27 David Mead WG 18 4 1 5 3 26 Josh Hoffman FB 20 1 5 6 1 21

Kalifa Faifai-Loa WG 9 4 2 18 FB 17 2 1 2 2 3 18 Beau Falloon HK 23 1 2 1 2 15 Matthew White FR 22 3 1 13 Brad Tighe CT 9 3 12 David Hala FR 7 2 2 10 Mark Ioane FR 8 2 1 9

Ben Ridge BR 5 2 8 Ryan James FR 4 1 1 5 HK 6 1 1 5 Matt Robinson FR 5 0 Caleb Binge FR 2 0 Ryan Simpkins BR 0 0

Check out the stats above. 57 points the top? Greg Bird is lucky to still have a contract after his police car episode. For the Titans first win in round 10 or so, expect Bird to party like no Hmmmm. Pass. tomorrow, grub it up at Hollywood Showgirls and be shown the door.

HOT! NOT!

Premiership Odds: $15 9 11 14 6 Premierships: Nil WARRIORS Bye Rounds: 11 & 17 <2014 ------2011>

WARRIOR WORRIES SQUAD CHANGES:

Plenty is expected of the Warriors this season 2015 Gains: Ryan Hoffman (Storm), Matt Allwood (Raiders), and rightly so – they have tremendous depth Bodene Thompson (Wests Tigers), Jonathan Wright (Sharks), and a starting team that is led by the recently 111 Attack v Defence 65 Api Pewhairangi (Wentworthville) appointed best player in the world. TRIES WORK Like recent seasons, the Warriors fans will feel HORSE 2015 Losses: Kevin Locke (Salford), Carlos Tuimavave (Knights), good about their team. They have gained the Feleti Mateo (Sea Eagles), Abraham Papalii (Roosters), experience of Ryan Hoffman while their losses (retired), Jayson Bukuya (Sharks) When fit, Hurrell is almost impossible to stop and are somewhat insignificant. coach McFadden would do well to buy the big

Across the field, the Warriors have attacking weapon Weight Watcher’s vouchers over the BEST LINE-UP weapons. Led by Shaun Johnson, the forwards offseason. If he comes back lean and mean, look play an exciting brand of footy with offloads out opposition! creating plenty of second phase play. Ben At the back, Sam Tomkins is a livewire and came Matulino is one man who has not yet played to his potential and 2015 could be his year to shine. into his own in the second half of the season. Together with Johnson, the Warriors exude speed There is a real competition for backrow spots and an ability to score from anywhere on the field. this year with captain Mannering likely to make Johnson’s halves partner , plays a way for Hoffman on the left edge. Mannering similar role to Kieran Foran - both are methodical could switch across to the right edge or play footballers who rarely have a bad game. Neither tighter in the middle with Bodene Thompson on are much NRLCEO value though! the edge. For the NRLCEO Coach, the Beast Manu, just keeps Hooker Nathan Friend continues to fend off the on scoring tries while on the right edge, whoever younger brigade and despite his position secures the wing will be a handy recruit. The seemingly under threat two years ago, he looks Warriors have some options for left centre – good to go for another season of big tackling Laumape, Allwood or even Henry could fill the numbers. ‘massive hole’ left by Dane Neilsen.

In the backs, the Warriors are big and fast. The Overall, the Warriors possess plenty of draft million dollar question surrounds the fitness of potential and if Johnson can kick them straight, his cannon ball, Konrad Hurrell. Four Nations form is hard to deny. The forwards generally aren’t big workers but the injection of some ethic from across the Tasman could hold them in good stead for 2015. WARRIORS

2014 STATISTICS

Player Position(s) GAMES TRIES GOALS FG 40/20 WH TA LB LBA SB TOTAL Sam Tomkins FB 24 13 13 11 16 116 Nathan Friend HK 24 2 21 3 2 4 104

Simon Mannering BR 24 9 11 3 7 3 96 Konrad Hurrell CT 19 12 8 19 7 90 Shaun Johnson HB (K7) 21 9 63 1 1 12 11 15 88 (214) Manu Vatuvei WG 23 17 1 15 85 Bodene Thompson BR 21 6 10 1 4 2 72 Ryan Hoffman BR 23 3 9 2 3 3 58 Ben Henry CT, BR (K1) 14 6 4 2 9 2 55

Chad Townsend FE (K1) 19 3 14 1 9 5 8 44 (72) David Fusitua WG 12 7 2 8 2 42 WG, CT 16 5 3 9 3 38 Glen Fisiiahi WG 5 7 3 31 FR 20 4 2 4 3 27 FR 24 6 1 25 Thomas Leuluai FE 12 6 1 7 20 FR 18 2 2 2 18 Jonathan Wright CT 17 2 1 2 1 13 Matthew Allwood CT 11 1 1 3 2 11 Sione Lousi BR 9 2 2 10 Sebastine Ikahihfo BR 18 2 1 1 7 CT 4 1 1 1 6 FE 3 2 1 1 6 FR 24 1 2 4

Konrad Hurrell will come back from Xmas weighing in at 115kg of pure Sam Tomkins is a grubby Pom and someone will lay him out very soon. muscle and ready to leave his opposite number in his wake. Big Konny That will shatter his confidence and he’ll head back to Engerlund in search of a Rugby World Cup contract... just needs to realise what he is capable of and that will be good viewing!

HOT! NOT!

ATTACK v DEFENCE

We all know how important Work Horses are to any NRLCEO side. Tackle hungry hookers and back rowers as well as barnstorming front rowers are key to winning a title. But just how does the breakdown work between each team in the NRL?

We’ve counted up all the points from tries from each teams squads in 2013 (GREEN) and compared it to all of the points from workhorse tries (RED) to give you an insight into which teams you should be looking at when drafting. Note that players leaving the NRL don’t count, so the Rabbitohs lose Sam Burgess’ stats in this graph.

Check out the power of the Warriors backline which featured Vatuvei (17), Tomkins (13) and Hurrell (12).

At the other end of the scale the Broncos always score well in the workhorse department starring McCullough (23), McGuire (23) and Parker (22).

120

100

80

60 WH

Tries 40

20

0

ANALYSING THE BYES

If you’re prone to going cross-eyed look away now! The reason this is at the end of the guide is that although it looks complicated and important, it’s just a quick guide for you to look out for when drafting. The main importance of this table is for your backup players. For example if you draft Cam Smith in Round 1 as your starting hooker and kicker, you might be looking for a backup hooker for when he has the bye. In this instance you would not select a Rooster, Titan or Warrior as they share two weeks (14 & 17) with the same Bye Round. Your best bet would be a Cowboys, Eels, Rabbitohs, Raiders, Sharks or Tigers hooker as they do not share a single bye week.

BRONC DOGS COWS DRAGS EELS KNIGHT PANTH RABBIT RAIDER ROOST EAGLES SHARK STORM TIGERS TITANS WARRI

BRONC 17 14 14 14 & 17 14 14 & 17 17 14 14 17 17 17

DOGS 17 17 17 17 17 12 17 17

COWS 14 14 18 14 14 18 14 14 14 18

DRAGS 14 14 14 11 & 14 14 11 11 & 14 11 & 14 11 11 11 EELS 18 15 & 18 18

KNIGHT 14 & 17 17 14 14 14 14 & 17 17 14 14 17 17 17

PANTH 14 14 11 & 14 14 14 11 11 & 14 11 & 14 11 11 11

RABBIT 18 15 & 18 18

RAIDER 14 & 17 17 14 14 14 & 17 14 14 14

ROOST 17 17 11 17 11 11 11 11 & 17 11 & 17 11 & 17

EAGLES 14 14 11 & 14 14 11 & 14 14 11 11 & 14 11 11 11

SHARK 14 14 11 & 14 14 11 & 14 14 11 11 & 14 11 11

STORM 17 17 11 17 11 11 & 17 11 11 & 17 11 & 17 TIGERS 12 18 18 18

TITANS 17 17 11 17 11 11 & 17 11 11 11 & 17 11 & 17

WARRI 17 17 11 17 11 11 & 17 11 11 11 & 17 11 & 17

KEY: Teams do not share a single Bye Round Teams share two Bye Rounds Teams share one Bye Round

MY SQUAD

…………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………. ………………………………………………………….

FRONT ROW FRONT ROW BENCH 1

…………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………. HOOKER BENCH 2

…………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………. BENCH 3 BACK ROW BACK ROW

…………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………. BACK ROW BENCH 4

…………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………. SQUAD MEMBER HALF BACK

…………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………. FIVE EIGHT SQUAD MEMBER

…………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………. SQUAD MEMBER CENTRE CENTRE …………………………………………………………. SQUAD MEMBER …………………………………………………………. ………………………………………………………….

WINGER WINGER …………………………………………………………. SQUAD MEMBER …………………………………………………………. FULL BACK …………………………………………………………. SQUAD MEMBER

NRLCEO 2014 SEASON GUIDE

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