Well, here we are again, ready for another season and what a ripper it promises to be. The overall standard of the competition has been improved by a number of rep players joining various clubs, including Daniel Isaac (Qld U15 2003) to Springwood, Matt Gillett (Sunshine Coast) to Redcliffe, Jamie Williams and Dylan Crisp (Southern) to Centenary, Josh Costello (Wide Bay) to Norths, and Alex Jagers (Central North NSW) and Tom Whalley (NT) to Arana. Below I have had a look at each team (in the order they finished in 2003) and "THE COMPUTER" has had a first pass at their odds to take out the 2004 crown. These odds will be updated weekly as the season progresses.
SPRINGWOOD: The defending premiers the Redlands Parakeets will appear in new garb this season having fled the bayside and moved to Tiger territory at Springwood. They have been the team to beat for the past three seasons with only their last gasp defeat in the 2002 Grand Final by Arana costing them a clean sweep of all the silverware on offer. This year they do however look a little vulnerable with the loss of key players Brian Paterson (Centenary) and Trent Iselin (Logan Bros) plus a number of support players looking set to impact their performances. They have picked up a class performer in Daniel Isaac who was a prolific try scorer with Beenleigh last year and he will be a thorn in the side of opposition teams. No doubt wily coach Ross Strudwick will have the odd trick up his sleeve and they will not be able to be underestimated particularly with arguably the player of the 2003 season Jay Aston on board.
"THE COMPUTER" STARTING ODDS: 3/1 ($4.00)
LOGAN BROS: Seemed to have the wood over Redlands last year until "the big one" when their game disintegrated at just the wrong time. Have had a reputation for not performing at their best at the business end of the season and they will be very keen to shake this tag. Have built up well in the off season with Trent Iselin (Redlands) and Mase Laulu (Souths) sure to add plenty of spark behind a forward pack strengthened by the inclusion (to be confirmed!) of Lagi Setu, one of the most talented and sought after rugby (league or union) players in the country. Have performed impressively in trials and will be certainly looking to go one better this year.
THE COMPUTER" STARTING ODDS: 2/1 ($3.00)
ARANA: Struggled with injury all season last year, even being forced to forfeit a game at one stage before returning to some semblance of their premiership defending form towards the end of the final series. Had Redlands on toast in the preliminary final before capitulating in the second half to end a topsy-turvy 2003. Have lost Jozey Stubicar to Norths, and one of the most exciting players in the comp, Alex Fresta to Redcliffe but have picked up some good recruits including two rep forwards (one from country NSW, one from NT) so should certainly be looking for a spot in the top 3. May struggle during mid-season with a high proportion of players from rugby schools, including Australian U15 rep Alex Tallon.
THE COMPUTER" STARTING ODDS: 7/2 ($4.50)
REDCLIFFE: The Dolphins have probably been the most underperfroming team of the past two seasons after being the dominant northside team through to Under 13s, but started to show glimpses of their true ability when they won through to last year's knockout semi where they were defeated by Arana. Have picked up a number of good players this year including Alex Fresta from Arana and Matt Gillett from the Sunshine oast, and under the coaching of the popular Craig "Trigger" Ingebrigsten are sure to be a well-drilled, disciplined outfit. Have performed well in the trials, particularly in defence scoring narrow wins over the Sunshine Coast premiers Nambour and local rivals Norths. There is always a heap of depth at the Dolphins and they coulld be the surprise packet of the competition.
THE COMPUTER" STARTING ODDS: 5/1 ($6.00)
SOUTHS: Unfortunately the Magpies have steadily been denuded of their star players over the past few years with five representative players moving on including Mase Lualu this year. Despite that they have continued to come up with enthusiastic replacements and well and truly exceeded most people's expectations last year with wins over both Grand Finalists during the season. Struggled in a trial against Arana, although this may not be a good indication as the Panthers have always been Souths "bogey" team, but it will be interesting to see if they can again step up in what is an improved standard over 2003.
THE COMPUTER" STARTING ODDS: 25/1 ($26.00)
EASTS: The Tigers were desperately unlucky not to finish higher than fifth last year with a last minute loss to Redcliffe in Week 2 of the finals at Suncorp Stadium finishing their season. Have played too tough trials this year against Logan Bros and Arana and despite being beaten in both showed that they will not take a backward step against any side, with their enthusiasm sure to have pleased new coach Rob Braun. (If any of his players are as fast as him, look out!). Unfortunately they have appeared to have lossed classy utility player David Tyrell for the season with a shoulder injury and they will certainly miss his penetration in attack, but have picked up a few handy players who are certain to improve as the season progresses. Visiting sides will certainly know they have visited Scott Park.
THE COMPUTER" STARTING ODDS: 15/1 ($16.00)
NORTHS: Struggled early in 2003 as their players came to grips with the increased pace of the "A" comp but ran into a purple patch mid-season winning three on the trot. Continued to struggle against the top teams, but have recruited well and look stronger this season, despite losing Clayton Hoet who was one of their best forwards last year. Have the exciting Josh Costello (an U15) playing for them and he and Jacob Fauid should from a dangerous combination. The year's experience in the comp should have done them good and they will be looking for a much improved 2004.
THE COMPUTER" STARTING ODDS: 5/1 ($6.00)
CENTENARY: 2003 promised so much for Centenary after reaching the preliminary final in 2002, however their season was shattered by injury and unavailability of key players and they ended up winning only 3 games. New coach Ivan Henjak and his assistant Peter Witt have recruited well however with rep players Jamie Williams and Dylan Crisp (Ipswich) and the non-stop worker Brian Paterson (Redlands) bolstering the talented side. They have lost Lagi Setu to Logan Bros however his loss is balanced by the fact that the talented prop Matt Marshall is back after a shoulder injury ruined his 2003 season. Have heaps of class all over the paddock, plus the possessor of the best kicking game in the comp Tim McIlwain to provide added impetus. If they can beat the injury curse of 2003 could be right in the reckoning come September.
THE COMPUTER" STARTING ODDS: 4/1 ($5.00)
Having seen the quality of football played and footballers playing in this competition this year, I reckon it will be an absolute ripper of a competition. I wish all players a great, injury-free season, and may the best team win!!!!
The Webmaster
8/3/2004
