Experts' view: Who'll make the top eight in 2021

[TwinTurbo]

Experts' view: Who'll make the top eight in 2021

The experts at NRL.com have their say on who will feature in the 2021 playoffs.

www.nrl.com

Paul Suttor (NRL.com editor)
1. Raiders
2. Panthers
3. Rabbitohs
4. Storm
5. Titans
6. Roosters
7. Sharks
8. Bulldogs

Raiders and Panthers look like they're going to party like it's 1990 or 91, the Titans will take the leap from fringe finals team to borderline top-four side while the Bulldogs can cause a massive surprise by returning to the finals after their off-season overhaul.


Go Dogs

 

[Bulldog Wrestler]

I think we can go close to the top 8 this year, and maybe sneak in, if a lot of things fall our way and a few other teams don't fire. Regardless, I expect we will be considerably improved on last year. Anything less than top 8 in 2022 however, I think should be considered a failure.

 

[2144superman]

I don’t know that we’ll make the top 8 this season BUT I think 2021 is about Trent getting his processes right and the team to buy into his vision while having more “stars” onboard for 2022 to then make inroads into the top 8 and top 4 respectively. We shouldn’t be putting unrealistic pressure on Trent or the team.
We’ll be looking for obvious improvements onfield from the 2020 season.

 

[off-tap-robbie]

Fatima Kdouh

Top Eight

1. Panthers
2. Rabbitohs
3. Storm
4. Roosters
5. Raiders
6. Eels
7. Titans
8. Bulldogs

Premiers: Rabbitohs
Wooden spoon: Broncos
Dally M Medal: Nathan Cleary (Panthers)
Ken Irvine Medal (Most Tries): Alex Johnston (Rabbitohs)
Rookie of the year: Charlie Staines (Panthers)
2021 Bold Prediction: Bulldogs coach Trent Barrett defies the odds to lead a return to the finals at Belmore.

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[berries1935]

Honestly if we can finish 10th this year is an improvement and should be a goal. But not finish 10th from a late season surge. Be consistent enough through the year to be in contention for the finals. 22,23 and 24 are our real years for pushing

 

[GDR]

if we can at least be in sight of the 8 up until the last few rounds, ill be pretty happy..

i think if we are way off the pace again, then Baz will have under achieved.

 

[2144superman]

if we can at least be in sight of the 8 up until the last few rounds, ill be pretty happy..

i think if we are way off the pace again, then Baz will have under achieved.

Agreed bro! 100%

 

[2144superman]

 

[Berries]

Honestly if we can finish 10th this year is an improvement and should be a goal. But not finish 10th from a late season surge. Be consistent enough through the year to be in contention for the finals. 22,23 and 24 are our real years for pushing

10th from a consistent year is going to be horrible too though, plenty of 4-5 loss stretches

 

[Jarrad El Hickey]

I think 10-12 is a decent result I’d love top 8 but I just don’t quite see it this year however there appears to be a big drop off in quality after 5 or 6 teams this year I don’t buy the Titans knights or warriors hype and manly have absolutely no depth so we might have a shot at sneaking in to the 8th spot

 

[alic]

I just think that currently

Rabbitohs
Melbourne
Roosters
Penrith
Knights
Raiders

So we will compete with
Gold Coast
Parramatta
Manly
Cronulla
West’s
St George
New Zealand
Broncos
Cowboys

 

[c-b-b]

So we will compete with
Gold Coast
Parramatta
Manly
Cronulla
West’s
St George
New Zealand
Broncos
Cowboys

Out of that list i reckon Gold Coast, Parra and the Cowboys are the only ones likely. I wouldn't lock the knights into the top 8 either.

 

[alic]

Out of that list i reckon Gold Coast, Parra and the Cowboys are the only ones likely. I wouldn't lock the knights into the top 8 either.

I really like the knights . Frizell is a huge signing plus having players like
Watson brailey best Barnett at good health they definitely should be there . Considering they made it last year .

 

[chisdog]

Honestly if we can finish 10th this year is an improvement and should be a goal. But not finish 10th from a late season surge. Be consistent enough through the year to be in contention for the finals. 22,23 and 24 are our real years for pushing

We are due to win in 2024 if history repeats.
1974 lost GF, 1984 won, 1994 lost, 2004 won, 2014 lost, 2024??

 

[chisdog]

It's going to be an interesting year. If we are as competitive as last year but turn some of those close losses to wins & stop the floggings, we are a chance at the 8. If Dietz can come off the bench & do similar to what he did in the trial it will make a big difference as will avoiding having Sutton as referee. Our bigger forwards also have to charge into the defence like they mean it.

 

[SPEARTAKVIDREFS]

I saw improvement in the trial game. A first hit out trial run.
If we continue to improve on a weekly basis win or lose than thats good enough for me.
If flange gets injured, there is no-one in our team to steer the ship.
I couldnt possibley predict where we sit on the ladder seasons end, Ill just enjoy the ride without expectations.

 

[James zac]

First time in years i genuinely believe we make the eight reakon we get off to flyer and smash newy too go the dogs

 

[Scoooby]

Good to see us in the eight... as that’s also where I put us, even if not, be a much improved and exciting year anyway.

can’t wait for game 1..!!!

 

[Shire Dog]

if we can at least be in sight of the 8 up until the last few rounds, ill be pretty happy..

i think if we are way off the pace again, then Baz will have under achieved.

I was thinking along the same lines as yourself but then thought about injuries,possible suspensions and a few other variables could somewhat dictate our position come season end.
By no means making excuses if we underachieve which would be a massive disappointment.
Anyway let’s hope for the best this season and beyond.

 

[Cook]

Jamie Soward picked dragons to make the eight. WTF