ANTICIPATION OF A NEW SEASON

Anticipation Of A New Season – 2023

Here we are just 2 weeks before our first trial against Manly on the Central Coast. The excitement and anticipation of a new season is upon us.

What can we expect this season? Is this the year that we get 22? 

This is the time of year when so many League fans have high hopes for their teams. Some have expectations of a premiership, others making the finals and then there are those just hoping that their team becomes competitive.

Expectations in 2023

So where do we see us finishing this season? 

After the finish to last season I see us as one of the teams that will be pushing for a premiership. Finishing in the top 4 is important. 

With only minimal changes to our squad a top 4 finish is very much expected. I also see us as one of very few teams that has the squad to win it. 

Our Biggest Threats

You can’t go past the Panthers as being the biggest threat. They have lost a couple of big name players that will bring them back to the field a bit. Winning back to back premierships they will really want to be the first team since the Eels in the early 80’s to win 3 in a row. 

I know not many will like hearing this, but the Roosters are another that will be up there. As much as we hate to admit it they are a very good side.

At the moment we have the wood over them. Let us see if that continues this season. 

You can never write the Storm off. Just when we think they are on the way down they are back up there. They have lost a fair bit of talent in the forwards. As we have seen so many times though they keep producing quality players. 

The last one is the Cowboys. They came from nowhere last year to make it to the preliminary final. I expect them to be up there again this year. 

Rookies

Over the last few years we have had players come in and step up. From the likes of Murray, Graham and Koloamatangi. Last year it was the likes of Tass and Ilias. 

We have quite a few young kids ready to make the step up. Who will be the ones to watch out for? 

Izaac Thompson is expected to get the first shot at that right wing. He certainly has size about him. We did get to see some glimpses of what he can do last season. 

Josiah Karapani is one I expect to see first grade this season. Unlucky last season with his infection.  There is certainly much to like about Josiah. I can see him taking his opportunity with both hands when he gets it. 

Tallis Duncan keeps impressing. Another I expect to make his debut this year. No doubt he will be called on during the origin period. 

There are a few others to look out for this season. Ben Lovett and Terrell Kalo Kalo are a couple of others who could see time in first grade during the season.

The one I’m most excited about, although I see him more for the following season, is Tyrone Munro. Just have to look at the footage of him last weekend on Bunnies TV and the speed he possesses.

Players To Watch

As a new season approaches you wonder what player will step up? What player will improve on the previous season. 

After the success of the World Cup I think we will see Campbell Graham go to the next level. Off the back of his best season I think he will only get better. 

Keaon Koloamatangi is another who really stood up in the World Cup. 

Lachlan Ilias had the hardest job last season. Taking over from Adam Reynolds. Although it wasn’t all smooth sailing I think it’s safe to say he got a pass mark. 

Now that he has had a full season in first grade will he be able to build on last season? Will he be able to improve on his kicking game? 

Spots Up For Grabs

Most of our 17 is set. There are very few spots available right now. 

The biggest debate is the number 14. Last couple of seasons we have gone with Marshall and Nikoroma. Will JD go down the same track this year and go for a utility? 

If he is, the front runner would be Blake Taaffe. By all reports he is really impressing at training. The other options could be Peter Mamouzelos, Michael Chee Kam or Jed Cartwright.

Would it be beneficial for the team to give Cook a break during games? 

Right wing spot is an area we haven’t been able to settle on the last couple of seasons. Between Paulo, Mansour and Milne nobody really grabbed their opportunity. 

With Milne (the current) suspended it is expected that Thompson will get the first shot. We also have both Karapani and Kalo Kalo pushing for a spot. 

The 4th prop is another spot up for debate. Burgess, Tatola and Sele will take up 3 spots. That leaves one spot. 

Davvy Moale would be the obvious choice. The coaching staff have been taking their time with him. Will he be ready now? 

You also have the likes of Suluka-Fifita, Shaq Mitchell and Liam Knight who will be coming back from that terrible injury. It’s certainly one area we have a bit of quality depth. 

Possible Line-Up

Here is a possible line-up I see for round one against the Sharks. 

1. Latrell Mitchell
2. Alex Johnston 
3. Isaiah Tass
4. Campbell Graham
5. Isaac Thompson 
6. Cody Walker 
7. Lachlan Ilias
8. Junior Tatola
9. Damien Cook 
10. Hame Sele
11. Keaon Koloamatangi 
12. Jai Arrow
13. Cameron Murray (c)
14. Blake Taaffe
15. Jacob Host
16. Davvy Moale
17. Tom Burgess 

Anticipation Of A New Season

By Josh Kemp for Bunnies TV.