NRL: 2011 team by team guideline

St George Illawarra Dragons
2010: Minor premiers & premiers. 17-7 in regular season. Defeated Sea Eagles, Tigers & Roosters in playoffs.
IN: David Gower (Wests Tigers), Adam Cuthbertson (Sharks).
OUT: Jarrod Saffy (Rebels RU), Neville Costigan (Knights), Beau Henry (Knights), Jeremy Smith (Sharks), Ricky Thorby (Cowboys), Luke Priddis (retirement)
COACH: Wayne Bennett

What chance we hear some good old-fashioned grumbling about salary cap pressures if things don't go so well for the 2010 premiers this season? With the pack stalwarts Jeremy Smith, Neville Costigan and Jarrod Saffy having all departed for greener pastures - the type of pastures that tend to sprout bigger pay cheques - the Dragons might almost have a case. Except, of course, that the club has invested the equivalent of Tuvalu's GDP in Mark Gasnier. On the evidence of last year's half-season (just three line-breaks in 12 games), that looks a highly questionable move. The Dragons have plenty invested in Gasnier and will be needing a return if they are to match the last two seasons, when they went 17-7 to claim consecutive minor premierships. The future of supercoach Wayne Bennett will be the other thread running through the Dragons' season. If Bennett doesn't re-sign, can he still produce the goods as a dead man walking?


Sydney Roosters
2010: Defeated grand finalists. Finished regular season 6th with 14-10 record. Def Tigers, Panthers & Titans in playoffs. Lost to Dragons.
IN: Justin Carney (Raiders), Anthony Watts (Cowboys), Lama Tasi (Sea Eagles), Mark Riddell (Wigan).
OUT: Lopini Paea (Catalans Dragons), Nick Kouparitsas (Harlequins), Ben Jones (Cowboys), Brad Murray (Eels)
COACH: Brian Smith

Arch-disciplinarian Brian Smith will have been less than amused with the early-season shenanigans at Bondi Junction so far this year. Having turned the club around by cleaning out the dead (and often dead-drunk) wood and convincing players that remained to pull their heads in, Smith appears to have lost control. Reports coming out of Sydney suggest new recruit Anthony Watts has been a poor influence on reigning Dally M medallist Todd Carney. Watts was forcibly removed from a Sydney hotel recently, and also photographed shirtless in the street picking up Carney's car the day the partly reformed former Raider bad boy was charged with low-level drink-driving. Signed as a back-up to equally dicey hooker Jake Friend, Watts won't feature until round 10 because of a knee injury. Mark Piggy Riddell returns from Wigan as cover.


Penrith Panthers
2010: Finished 2nd with a 15-9 record. Lost to Raiders and Roosters in playoffs.
IN: Arana Taumata (Cowboys), Michael Worrincy (Bradford), Dayne Weston (Cowboys), Nafe Seluini (Warriors NYC), Tim Winitana (Bulldogs), Yileen Gordon (Bulldogs).
OUT: Shane Elford (retirement), Wade Graham (Sharks), Frank Pritchard (Bulldogs), Gavin Cooper (Cowboys), Maurice Blair (Storm).
COACH: Matt Elliot

It's the start of a new Frank Pritchard-less era for the Panthers and pundits across the Tasman aren't picking it to be too rosy. NRL.com are picking the Panthers to come, gulp, 13th. That would be some slide for a team that has really only lost Big Frank and Shane Elford from the side that came second last season. With brilliant fullback Lachlan Coote expected to be back to full fitness, and the likes of Michael Jennings, Michael "Flash" Gordon, Luke Lewis, Luke Walsh and Trent Waterhouse in the side, 13th appears an outstandingly gloomy prediction. Like many sides, much will depend on injuries. Petero Civoniceva's decline during the Four Nations may be reason for concern, but fellow prop Tim Grant is one of the game's coming men. Warriors fans will be watching closely to see how U20s star Nafe Seluini fares. If the livewire hooker carves it up there will be plenty of muttering in the stands at Mt Smart.

Wests Tigers
2010: Finished 3rd (15-9). Lost to Roosters, def Raiders and then lost to Dragons in playoffs.
IN: Evander Waitoa (Wellington), Jacob Miller (Roosters), Marika Koroibete (Fiji), Ratu Tagive (Bulldogs), Teqele Nayarvovo (Otahuhu).
OUT: David Gower (Dragons), Jason Cayless (retired), Tame Tupou (Redcliffe Dolphins), Taniela Tuiaki (retired).
COACH: Tim Sheens

Contrary to his confident predictions, Benji Marshall was no match for the NRL's Face-Of-The-Game Curse. Turns out it doesn't matter who the face belongs to, black eyes all round are mandatory, even if some of them are purely metaphorical. Benji's Mac attack, however, should prove nothing more than a minor distraction for a team poised to kick on from a fine 2010 season. The return of backline star Tim Moltzen - who managed just five games last season - should provide a boost. Where Moltzen fits following the recruitment of Wade McKinnon remains to be seen, but he will be a threat from either halfback or fullback. Last year, the Tigers came within a point of making the grand final. This year much the same squad could well go one better. Lock them in for the top four.

Gold Coast Titans
2010: 4th (15-9). Beat Warriors, lost to Roosters in playoffs.
IN: Luke Capewell (Rabbitohs), Joe Vickery (Dragons), Richie Williams (Burleigh)
OUT: Mat Rogers (retired), Jordan Atkins (Eels), Ryan Tongia (Sharks), Aaron Cannings (released), Josh Graham (released).
COACH: John Cartwright.

If it wasn't for Mat Rogers the Titans would have been crap last year. Okay, maybe that's over-stating the case, but Rogers taking over the six jersey from the aimless Greg Bird unquestionably turned around a 2010 season bound for mediocrity. With Rogers retired, teenage wonderkid Jordan Rankin will get his chance to partner the brilliant Scott Prince in the halves. Still just 19, Rankin debuted as a 17-year-old. The Titans believe he is now ready for the big time and with Luke Capewell and Bird their only other options, they better be right. If Rankin can help Prince create enough for a backline packed with pace and power, the Titans could be anything this season. Much will depend on Prince and an ageing and increasingly injury-prone pack staying healthy.

New Zealand Warriors
2010: 5th (14-10) Lost to Titans, eliminated in first round of finals.
IN: Krisnan Inu (Eels), Feleti Mateo (Eels), Shaun Berrigan (Hull FC), Steve Rapira (Cowboys), Pita Godinet (Vulcans), Glen Fisiiahi (NYC)
OUT: Steve Price (retired), Siuatonga Likiliki (Knights), Brent Tate (Cowboys), Ian Henderson (Catalans Dragons), Jessie Royal (retired)
COACH: Ivan Cleary

Any team that can pass on emerging talents like Siuatonga Likiliki (Newcastle), Elijah Niko (Storm), Mark Ioane (Raiders) and Nafe Seluini (Panthers) is going to be chocked with ability, and so it is with the Warriors. Coach Ivan Cleary could find no place for the likes of Inu, Kevin Locke, Ukuma Ta'ai, Sione Lousi and Alehana Mara in his opening day side, such is the talent at his disposal. Talent, however, doesn't guarantee results in the dog-eat-dog NRL. Much will depend on whether Cleary can get his players to reproduce the steely attitude they displayed coming off a horror 2009. Delivering on expectations hasn't exactly been a strong point for this club; and there are questions about whether the halves are championship quality. Brent Tate will be missed, with centre the only real concern on the depth front. Feleti Mateo, Shaun Berrigan and Inu are all useful acquisitions. Anything less than top four would be a letdown.

Canberra Raiders
2010: 7th (13-11). Beat Penrith, lost to Tigers in playoffs.
IN: Matt Orford (Bradford), Nathan Massey (Bulldogs NYC), Brett White (Storm), Blake Ferguson (Sharks), Mark Ioane (Warriors NYC)
OUT: Justin Carney (Roosters), Scott Logan (retirement), Troy Thompson (Storm), Adam Mogg (retirement), Marc Herbert (Bradford), Joel Monaghan (released).
COACH: David Furner

Plenty of big money has landed on the Raiders to take out the 2011 title and it's easy to see why. With Kangaroos David Shillington and Tom Learoyd-Lahrs anchoring a pack that includes Kiwis standout Bronson Harrison, new recruit Brett White and veteran hooker Alan Tongue, the Raiders certainly have the foundations of a champion side. Throw in the likes of rising superstar fullback Josh Dugan and exciting young backs Jarrod Croker, Daniel Vidot and Blake Ferguson and the Raiders look scary good. But there are some serious questions. How will they cope without playmaker Terry Campese, who is out until at least round 13? And how will former Dally M winner Matt Orford shape up after an unsuccessful tilt at Superleague? The experience of Joel Monaghan will also be missed. Mad Monday celebrations just won't be the same.


Manly Sea Eagles
2010: 8th (12-12) Eliminated by Dragons in first round of playoffs.
IN: Daniel Harrison (Bulldogs NYC), Liam Foran (Newtown), Tim Robinson (Eels)
OUT: Chris Bailey (Harlequins), Josh Perry (St Helens), Trent Hodkinson (Bulldogs), Ben Farrar (Dragons), Lama Tasi (Roosters).
COACH: Des Hasler

Another team banking on a rookie half, Manly head into 2011 having lost breakthrough talent Trent Hodkinson to the Bulldogs. Hodkinson had formed a strong combination with young Kiwi Kieran Foran, but now it is back to the drawing board, with rookie Daly Cherry-Evans to get first crack at the seven shirt. With Manly having done little on the recruitment front, U20s star Gary Riccardi is the fall-back option. No big signings, then, but Manly will certainly be boosted by the return of star fullback Brett Stewart and wing David Williams. Stewart has scored 98 tries in 118 games, but has played just five times in the last two seasons after suffering two serious knee injuries. Williams is a classy finisher who missed all of last season after injuring a shoulder in the pre-season. Those two will certainly help, but Manly will live or die on the strength of their emerging talent. Could be a tough year.

South Sydney Rabbitohs
2010: 9th (12-12)
IN: Greg Inglis (Storm), George Burgess (Bradford).
OUT: Colin Best (Sharks), Jaiman Lowe (Storm), Luke Capewell (Titans), Beau Champion (Storm)
COACH: John Lang

Peter O'Sullivan, the super scout who "discovered" Greg Inglis, once described the centre as a player who would win the grand final for you if you got there. Implicit in that was the view that Inglis wasn't the type of player to get you there in the first place. He blows too hot and cold, drifts in and out of games, imposing himself only when the mood takes him. Perfect fit, then, for a Souths side that has flattered to deceive in recent years, missing the finals by a single win in each of the last two seasons. How any side boasting the attacking prowess of Issac Luke, Sam Burgess, Dave Taylor, John Sutton and Nathan Merritt could place in the lower half of the table is a mystery. At least it would be if a quick look at the team's defensive stats wasn't all it took to solve it. Last season the Bunnies missed 40 tackles a game (the worst in the NRL) and conceded 13.9 offloads, bettering only the Bulldogs and Broncos. Will Inglis fix that? Maybe, but don't count on it.


Brisbane Broncos
2010: 10th (11-13)
IN: Ben Hannant (Bulldogs), Dane Carlaw (Catalans Dragons), John Te Reo (Wynnum Manly).
OUT: Ivan Henjak (coach, sacked), Israel Folau (AFL), Lagi Setu (Mormon Mission), Antonio Winterstein (Cowboys), PJ Marsh (retired)
COACH: Anthony Griffin

For the best part of two decades the Broncos were the model of stability and success in the NRL. Not any more. With Israel Folau quitting for AFL, Greg Inglis "signing" but then changing his mind at the 11th hour and the club missing out on the finals for the first time since 1991, 2010 was the club's most turbulent year. With coach Ivan Henjak sacked just three weeks before the season begins, 2011 has begun in similar vein. Factor in that the club's best player Darren Lockyer is on his last legs and the recipe for another blown season is there. The Broncos, however, have a massive catchment and a fine youth-development programme. Last year they blooded a heap of talent and they'll be banking on the likes of Josh Hoffman, Matt Gillett, Ben Hunt and Jharal Yow Yeh, the arrival of Ben Hannant and the return of Justin Hodges to get them back on track.

Newcastle Knights
2010: 11th (10-14)
IN: Siuatonga Likiliki (Warriors), Neville Costigan (Dragons), Steve Southern (Cowboys), Chris Houston (Free agent)
OUT: Cooper Vuna (Rebels RU), Scott Dureau (Catalans Dragons), Ben Cross (Leeds).
COACH: Rick Stone

The Knights went into last season wondering if two of their players were selling drugs. This year they go in wondering if the entire club might swapping hands. Mining magnate Nathan Tinkler's attempted buyout is the sort of stuff fans of struggling club's dream of, but so far the Knights board appears unimpressed. Given that most of them likely face the gallows, that's hardly a surprise. The matter will now be settled by a members vote and, with a decade now separating the club from its last title, a vote for change seems likely. That said, it will take more than a bit of Tinklering to turn this club into a genuine contender. Despite the pick-ups of Neville Costigan and the return of Chris Houston - who was cleared of drugs charges - the Knights still look underpowered. Winger Akuila Uate will still be a deadly proposition, and there will be plenty of interest in the form of Siuatonga Likiliki around these parts.

Parramatta Eels
2010: 12th (10-14)
IN: Carl Webb (Cowboys), Reni Maitua (Unattached), Jordan Atkins (Titans), Chris Walker (Catalans Dragons), Brad Murray (Roosters), Chris Hicks (Warrington), Paul Whatuira (Huddersfield
OUT: Nathan Cayless (retirement), Feleti Mateo (Warriors), Krisnan Inu (Warriors), Kris Keating (Bulldogs), Jonathan Wright (Bulldogs), Tim Robinson (Sea Eagles).
COACH: Stephen Kearney

At least the Eels won't have the burden of being favourites heading into 2011. The cleanout at the club has been massive. Gone is coach Daniel Anderson, captain Nathan Cayless, new Warriors Feleti Mateo and Krisnan Inu and playmaker Kris Keating. New coach Steve Kearney has a significant rebuilding job on his hands - and there's more than a few question-marks over the bricks at his disposal. Serial troublemaker Reni Matua will return mid-season after serving a two-year drugs ban, prop Carl Webb tried boxing and got knocked out by Scott Lewis - an old, slow bloke who barely laid a fist on SBW - and Chris Walker returns from a Catalans club that is the league equivalent of the French Foreign Legion. Young speedster Jordan Atkins at least looks like a handy pick-up, but given the overall quality of the club's recruiting, it's hard not to wonder if the true cost of Jarryd Hayne's monster salary isn't finally emerging.

Canterbury Bulldogs
2010: 13 (9-15)
IN: Aiden Tolman (Storm), Greg Eastwood (Leeds), Trent Hodkinson (Sea Eagles), Kris Keating (Eels), Frank Pritchard (Panthers), Grant Millington (Sharks), Jonathan Wright (Eels), Michael Lett (Dragons).
OUT: Ben Hannant (Broncos), Nathan Massey (Raiders), Daniel Harrison (Sea Eagles), Luke Patten (Salford), Brett Kimmorley (retirement), Blake Green (Hull KR), Tim Winitana (Panthers), Yileen Gordon (Panthers)
COACH: Kevin Moore

The Bulldogs didn't take their horror 2010 lying down, recruiting aggressively from the moment it became obvious they were a busted bottom (about round 3). The club's first move was to prise, er, Ryan Tandy out of Melbourne mid-season as the Storm dumped salary. Not the best punt that, as it turns out. But there's plenty to like about the pick-ups of Greg Eastwood, Trent Hodkinson and Frank Pritchard. Those to depart in the clean-up included want-away Mormon prop Ben Hannant, the retiring but not shy Brett Kimmorley and veteran fullback Luke Patten. The General's departure will see starlet Ben Barba handed the fullback jumper full-time. Big things are expected from a player possessing undoubted attacking genius but a less than convincing ticker on defence. The punters certainly like what they see, with the Bulldogs closing from $17 to $11 in Sydney betting markets.


Cronulla Sharks
2010: 14th (7-17)
IN: Wade Graham (Panthers), Jeremy Smith (Dragons), Colin Best (Rabbitohs), John Williams (Cowboys), Ryan Tongia (Titans)
OUT: Trent Barrett (retirement), Blake Ferguson (Raiders), Kyle O'Donnell (Knights), Luke Covell (retirement), Grant Millington (Bulldogs), Reece Williams (retirement), Adam Cuthbertson (Dragons)
COACH: Shane Flanagan

Presumably there is something Jeremy Smith knows that the rest of us don't. Why the hell would one of the most decorated players in the game - we're talking multiple titles with Melbourne, the Dragons and Kiwis here (not to mention just being voted the player of the 2010 finals series by the rugby leagues writers' association) - sign for Cronulla? There can only be one answer: he likes a challenge. Okay, maybe two answers. And, boy, what a challenge. Cronulla have been nothing short of disgraceful for the last two years. How much of that was down to the Ricky Stuart factor remains to be see. But if club that has lost Trent Barrett and Blake Ferguson and added Panthers playmaker Wade Graham and veteran centre Colin Best bounces back this year, we'll have our answer. Some improvement should be expected but, even if they still suck, at least they'll be a happier mob.

North Queensland Cowboys
2010: 15th (5-19)
IN: Antonio Winterstein (Broncos), Brent Tate (Warriors), Ricky Thorby (Dragons), Gavin Cooper (Panthers), Dallas Johnson (Catalans Dragons)
OUT: Steve Rapira (Warriors), Anthony Watts (Roosters), Luke O'Donnell (Huddersfield), Ty Williams (retirement), Carl Webb (Eels), Willie Mason (Hull KR), Arana Taumata (Panthers)
COACH: Neil Henry

Neil Henry's chances of winning anything this year took a big hit when Ivan Henjak claimed the coaches' sack race three weeks before the gun sounded. That will have been a serious blow for Henry, who would have gone into the season favourite for an early bullet after two disastrous campaigns. Despite a player clean-out and some shrewd recruitment, the Cowboys still can't catch a break. Brent Tate isn't expected to play in 2011 after rupturing an ACL for the third time in the Four Nations, while just this week it emerged that four players - Johnathan Thurston, Willie Tonga, Matt Bowen and Shannon Gallant - were fined $500 for misbehaving at a nightclub in Darwin recently. For Thurston, it follows being arrested and charged with being a public nuisance in mid-September and his manager Sam Ayoub being charged over the Bulldogs-Cowboys spot fixing scandal. Given that his side only tends to win when he isn't playing, you wonder how long Townsville's love affair with Thurston will continue.

Melbourne Storm
2010: 16th (14-10)
IN: Adam Woolnough (Out of retirement), Troy Thompson (Raiders), Elijah Niko (Warriors NYC), Jaiman Lowe (Rabbitohs), Beau Champion (Rabbitohs)
OUT: Greg Inglis (Rabbitohs), Aiden Tolman (Bulldogs), Jeff Lima (Wigan), Ryan Hoffman (Wigan), Brett Finch (Wigan), Brett White (Raiders), Ryan Tandy (Bulldogs)
COACH: Craig Bellamy

Want to see the full extent of Melbourne's salary cap cheating? Just check out the list of players who've departed the club. Now check out the list of those they've brought in. Eye-popping stuff. The club has released a superstar centre, a top-drawer playmaker, three representative props and a star backrower. In comes Beau Champion. Oh, and Elija Niko. The former Warriors NYC winger is somewhat optimistically being billed as a new Israel Folau. To the Herald he's appeared more like a much slower version of Manu Vatuvei. We'll wait and see. Much like we will with a Storm side that still boasts Cam Smith, Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk and Adam Blair - but no longer has an illegal mass of talent stacked around them. One thing is certain, the Storm have come back to the pack. It's no longer a case of wondering who they'll face in the grand final. If there's any justice, they won't be anywhere near it.