Is the competition a lot easier this year?

[Nasheed]

The competition is harder this year. The top 4 is more competitive. Top 8 more competitive. Outside the top 8 more competitive.

I agree, if we looking through the lens of making the 8.
Last couple of years we had the haves all fighting for top 4 yo, but there was always 1-3 spots ready for the taking yo. So anyone who stepped up got a spot at the end of the 8.

I can’t see that being the case this year I see it as more competive for thd 8 yo.
on the flip, it might be easier to hit a top 4 spot if we succeed
But the way I see it do you choose your pokie on the basis of a large major jackpot or a large minor jackpot. I’d go latter

 

[Berries]

Less six agains means a tighter comp

 

[The DoggFather]

Melbourne are still a top 4 team if they had Munster & Pap. They aren't missing Kaufusi & Bromwhich brothers that much in my opinion.

They are missing NAS more than those 3 forwards combined

 

[John Matrix]

If things keep going the way they are it’s refreshing to see the once mighty clubs taken down a peg or two and others moving up.

Panthers don’t look as good as they have in previous years, the roosters look shit as does Para and the storm are off.

 

[KiwiDog7]

Making the 8 in Ciro first year with this roster is a successful season

We playing with house money beyond the 8

 

[InGusWeTrust]

Well, put it this way… Even with how shit we’ve been the last few years, I don’t fear any team so far. Storm have been average and we beat them away obviously. Penrith are far from as threatening as they were last year. Penrith and Parra only 1 from 4. Easts and Souths don’t worry me much, but they are understrength currently. Manly and Sharks can be good on their day, same as Broncos, but I really do think this season is the most wide open I can remember. It gets said often, but this season really does have that feel about it.

 

[DaBulldog]

There was a lot of player movements to other clubs in the off season - specialist positions like hooker, also had a lot to do with it. Then all the teams have to learn new plays with different players. Look at Panthers, they lose Api, Parramatta lose Maloney, then we gain Maloney, West Tigers gain Api and these factors shift the new approach to games the following years. Some teams learn fast with new players and some don’t. The Storm have also had massive changes, by losing Kafusi and the Bromwich brothers to the Dolphins. At least it brings the competition closer together.

 

[InGusWeTrust]

There was a lot of player movements to other clubs in the off season - specialist positions like hooker, also had a lot to do with it. Then all the teams have to learn new plays with different players. Look at Panthers, they lose Api, Parramatta lose Maloney, then we gain Maloney, West Tigers gain Api and these factors shift the new approach to games the following years. Some teams learn fast with new players and some don’t. The Storm have also had massive changes, by losing Kafusi and the Bromwich brothers to the Dolphins. At least it brings the competition closer together.

Good point. There definitely has been a lot of talent sharing over the offseason.

 

[Aristidiz]

Its earlier days, the cream will rise to the top, and by round 15 there will be a clear 3-5 teams that are a cut above the rest. But i do think spots 6-10 are alot more blurred this year

 

[Freakzilla]

They are missing NAS more than those 3 forwards combined

Yep! He is by far their best forward.

 

[LordSidious66]

It depends if you are on the NRL's favourites list.