Pressure... Are the Knight's in for it in 2010?

Well we’re days away from the start of the National Rugby League calendar for 2010, and as we count down until Friday night, we here at Injury Time are predicting how we think the ladder might look come September.  I caught up with those Aussie hooligans Johnno and Gordon to find out their thoughts on the upcoming season.

So who’s getting the spoon lads?

Johnno – I’m going for a shock here, Newcastle Knights. They have the squad to suggest a much higher finish, however after such a pre-season, if you can call it that, I think it will affect the team as a whole. A lot of pressure is on captain reliable in Kurt Gidley and if continues to pick up injuries it could be a disaster.

Gordon – I like the Sharks for the spoon in 2010. They were horrendous last year, and I can’t see it getting much better. Barrett is past his prime and Gallen is getting on too. They also seemed to lose more ‘bigger’ names than they brought in so I think this might be the last time we see Ricky Stuart coaching in the NRL.

What about second from bottom?

Johnno – Canberra Raiders have this one in the bag. If they played all their games at home, they might actually go close to winning the thing. But the fact is, they hardly even turn up away from home, so it’ll be another wasted season for the men from the capital.

Gordon – Going for the Warriors here. They’ve lost the inspirational Stacy Jones and Denan Kemp is heading home. They have brought in Bret Seymour, but I doubt he will have much impact. They’ll have a strong forward pack as usual and cause the odd upset, but their creative in and around the halves might cost them.

Okay, next is 14^th and I believe you have gone for a big shock here, Johnno?

Johnno – Not much of a shock to me mate! You can whinge all you want Brisbane-ites, but you simply no longer have a team that is enviable. Some grunt lost through David Taylor and Tonnie Carroll, meanwhile Karmichael’s trade to shorter shorts means they have no genuinely feared full back. Sorry lads, Lockyer will have as big an impact as Ivan Henjak’s hair loss treatment and you’re going to need some rebuilding.

Travel Sickness... Raiders need to perform away from home.

Gordon – I’m going to go for the Raiders. They are the Central Coast Mariners of the NRL. Continually written off, but surprise the pundits each year. But after a terrible recruitment in the pre-season, I can’t see them competing away from home consistently. However, they have some good young players so keep an eye out for the likes of Dugan and Waddell.

13^th then?

Johnno – Cocka Doodle Do Son! That’s what I’ll be saying when Braith Anasta and the Roosters gets pumped every game this season. I’ll back Toddy Carney making a strong return, Perrett and Kenny-Dowall to be consistent. But that’s it. Nate Myles is overrated for me. Big time. They’ll be better than last year by a whisker.

Gordon – An upset of my own here, I’ll go for the Cowboys. The men from the north really have the potential to do better, but way to much is on JT’s back. Bowen and co. are dangerous when they have confidence, but I can’t see many of their influential players being on the field for long stints. Willie Mason, well, I don’t rate him in honesty. His time was up last season.

We’ve reached a quarter from last, who’s the pick for 12^th?

Johnno – The Warriors will take twelfth this year. They have a strong pack and they’ll be the backbone of the squad as usual. Steve Price to provide some inspiration in what I think might be his last year in the league. They’ll lose more than they’ll win, and it’ll be the same old, same old, across the ditch.