NRL Contenders and Pretenders

With just one regular season round to go, the NRL is primed for finals. But who will walk away with the Premiership? Nicholas Janzen evaluates the contenders and the pretenders.

Season 2005 has thrown up a few major curveballs.

The emergence of the Wests Tigers, and the disintegration of the 2004 premiers the Bulldogs have left the punters dumbfounded.

Brisbane has been the best team all year, but will struggle come finals time unless both Lockyer and Webcke are fit to play.

Parramatta has had their best season since 2001, led by rookie halfback Tim Smith. How he handles his first finals series determines how they fare.

St George-Illawarra has had a tremendous run into the finals, but the bye in Round 25 may have taken the wind out of their sails. Off-field dramas too, could affect their title aspirations.

The Tigers have had a season similar to the Cowboys of 2004. Written off at the start of the year, the youngsters from Sydney’s west have shown great confidence, but how will they prove in the crunch matches? Only time will tell.

Melbourne has gone about their business quietly as usual. Solid across the park, the Storm are a definite chance, led by Orford who will want to leave Melbourne on a high.

Cronulla’s form has been inconsistent to say the least. Coming off a 62 point smashing of Manly, the Sharks were walloped by spoon-contenders Newcastle.

They still, however, are in with a chance if the enigmatic Brett Kimmorley can strike pre-Origin form.

Manly now look terrible after a great start to the year. Will they turn their season around, or will their poor form pave the way for a Roosters revival?

For me I can only see two teams contesting the Grand Final – a fit Brisbane, and Melbourne.

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