The NRL is about launch into another season with the 2016 premiers, Cronulla Sharks – that will take a bit of getting used to – hosting the Brisbane Broncos next Thursday.
Just when you think something will be there for ever, bang, it’s gone.
For 40 years they were the joke of the league, as epitomised by Jack Gibson’s declaration that “waiting for the Sharks to win the comp is like leaving the porch light on for Harold Holt’’.
Every true leaguie knew that Gibson yarn, but that’s it, no more, it’s all over red rover.
But the show must go on and here we are with a brand new season around the corner.
The bookies have been out in force, even before a ball has been kicked in anger.
But what do they know when compared to a true fan, whose loyalty may be blind but at least comes from the heart and not the wallet.
That’s why our Top 5 for the 2017 NRL season ignores logic and the betting agencies:
Number 1. South Sydney, of course, now that they have the number two hooker in the game in their ranks. Robbie Farah thinks he’s better than Cam Smith, but he’s the only one who does.
Number 2. St George Dragons. They got rid of Benji and will pay a price for that and that price is first place and the minor premiership.
Number 3. Wests Tigers. See how fair I am? I could have had them in first place, but this is objective analysis at its very best. As for Timmy Simona, my money’s on him not making much of a contribution to the Tigers’ success this season.
Number 4. Manly. That’s right, we all love Manly these days, it’s the Roosters we love to hate.
Number 5. The North Sydney Bears would be a shoo in if they were still around, but they’re not, so their spot will be taken by the slippery Eels.
