The start of the 2018 NRL season is now just over a week away and we are set for one of the most intriguing seasons in recent memory.
An unprecedented number of big name players have moved clubs during the off-season and the spines of a number of clubs will be completely different than they were last season.
We have analysed every club in the NRL and our thoughts on their prospects in 2018 can be found below as well as a host of other betting statistics that can be put to use during the season.
Brisbane Broncos
In: Jack Bird (Sharks), Andre Savelio (Warrington Wolves), Patrick Mogo (Cowboys), Sam Tagataese (Sharks)
Out: Ben Hunt (Dragons), Benji Marshall (Wests Tigers), Tautau Moga (Knights), Jai Arrow (Titans), Herman Ese’ese (Knights), Francis Molo (released) , Adam Blair (Warriors)
2017 Finish: 3rd (Lost Preliminary Final)
2018 Predicted Finish: 4th
2017 Betting Statistics
Head To Head
Overall: 17-10
Home: 10-3
Away: 7-7
Against The Line
Overall : 15-1-11
Home: 6-1-6
Away: 9-5
Premiership Odds: $12
It has now been over a decade since the Brisbane Broncos won the NRL Premiership and the club fell just short of the Grand Final in 2017.
There is little doubt that the Broncos will be in the finals picture once again in 2018, but the big question is whether they can take that next step?
The loss of Ben Hunt isn’t a particularly big deal as Kodi Nikorima was excellent at the end of last season in the halves with Anthony Milford, while they have added another potential game-breaker in the form of Jack Bird.
I’m still not sure that is enough to see this Broncos outfit take the next step and it really would not surprise if the season played out in a very similar manner to last year.
Back Brisbane To Finish In The Top Four @ $2.75
Canberra Raiders
In: Charlie Gubb (Warriors), Liam Knight (Roosters), Sam Williams (Wakefield Trinity), Michael Oldfield (Panthers), Brad Abbey (Bulldogs), Sitiveni Moceidreke (Rabbitohs) Craig Garvey (Bulldogs), Siliva Havili (Dragons)
Out: Jordan Turner (Huddersfield Giants), Dave Taylor (Toronto Wolfpack), Scott Sorensen (Sharks), Lachlan Croker (Sea Eagles), Clay Priest (Bulldogs), Adam Clydsdale (released), Erin Clark (released)
2017 Finish: 10th
2018 Predicted Finish: 5th
2017 Betting Statistics
Head To Head
Overall: 11-13
Home: 6-6
Away: 5-7
Against The Line
Against The Line: 12-12
Home: 5-7
Away: 7-5
It was a season to forget for the Canberra Raiders in 2017, but they have serious bounce-back potential and I believe that they will be the big improvers in 2018.
Nothing went right for the Raiders last season and they still only finished four points outside the top eight, while they had a very poor 3-7 record in close games.
The signing of Sam Williams is a huge positive for the Raiders as they badly need an organiser in the halves, which will allow Blake Austin to focus on his natural running game and the overrated Aiden Sezer to spend time at hooker.
Canberra have one of the softest draws in the competition and there would really be no excuse if they didn’t make a strong start to the season.
The Raiders showed in 2016 that they are the equal of any team in the competition if they get hot and they are a side that is capable of winning the premiership from outside the top four.
There is no way that they should be behind the likes of the Manly Sea Eagles, Penrith Panthers, South Sydney Rabbitohs and St George Illawarra Dragons in NRL Premiership betting markets.
Back Canberra Raiders To Win 2018 NRL Premiership @ $26
Canterbury Bulldogs
In: Kieran Foran (Warriors), Aaron Woods (Wests Tigers), Fa’amanu Brown (Sharks), Ofahiki Ogden (Warriors), Jeremy Marshall-King (Wests Tigers), Clay Priest (Raiders), Mason Cerruto (Panthers)
Out: James Graham (Dragons), Josh Reynolds (Wests Tigers), Sam Kasiano (Storm), Tyrone Phillips (released), Craig Garvey (Raiders), Richie Kennar (Rabbitohs), Brad Abbey (Raiders), Tyrone Phillips (Panthers)
2017 Finish: 11th
2018 Predicted Finish: 9th
2017 Betting Statistics
Head To Head
Overall: 10-14
Home: 7-5
Away: 3-9
Against The Line
Against The Line: 13-11
Home: 7-5
Away: 6-6
Premiership Odds: $34
The Canterbury Bulldogs are one of the toughest teams to analyse in the NRL this season as we simply don’t know much about new coach Dean Pay.
It would be a huge surprise if Pay ended up being as good a coach as Des Hasler, but a change was needed at the Bulldogs and he may be able to get the best out of a number of players that underperformed last season.
The big signing for the Bulldogs was that of Kieran Foran and if Foran is in the right headspace there is no doubt that he has the ability to lead Canterbury back to the NRL Finals.
It has been a couple of seasons since he performed at his best and there have been a number of off-field and injury issues, but at his best he is right up there with the best halves in the competition.
I do have the Bulldogs sitting outside the top eight, but with so many unknowns they are a team that I am happy to stay away from in terms of futures betting markets.
No Bet
Cronulla Sharks
In: Josh Dugan (Dragons), Aaron Gray (Rabbitohs), Ava Seumanufagai (Wests Tigers), Scott Sorensen (Raiders), Braden Uele (Cowboys), Matt Moylan (Panthers)
Out: Jack Bird (Broncos), Gerard Beale (Warriors), Fa’amanu Brown (Bulldogs), Daniel Mortimer (Leigh Centurions), Manaia Cherrington (Warriors), Jordan Drew (released), Jeremy Latimore (Dragons), Chris Heighington (Knights), James Maloney (Panthers)
2017 Finish: 5th (Lost Elimination Final)
2018 Predicted Finish: 6th
2017 Betting Statistics
Head To Head
Overall: 15-10
Home: 5-8
Away: 10-2
Against The Line
Against The Line: 10-15
Home: 2-11
Away: 8-4
Premiership Odds: $13
The Cronulla Sharks have been very active in the off-season and they have replaced James Maloney with Matt Moylan and Josh Dugan.
This could really go one of two ways for the club – there is no doubt that they will miss the competitiveness and proven winning ability of Maloney, but in Moylan and Dugan they have two players that can lead the club into the future.
Winning at home was a big issue for the Sharks last season and if they can improve their home record back to the levels of 2015 and 2016 then there is no doubt that the Sharks will be in the mix for a top four finish.
The Sharks still have an excellent forward pack and it is really is tough to see going backwards, which makes them a safe bet to finish in the top eight.
Whether they can become a genuine premiership contender will likely depend on how well Moylan settles in at his new club and that makes the $13 currently on offer in Premiership betting look just about right.
Back Cronulla Sharks To Finish In The Top 8 @ $1.60
Gold Coast Titans
In: Michael Gordon (Roosters) Jai Arrow (Broncos), Brendan Elliot (Knights), Keegan Hipgrave (Broncos), Mitch Rein (Panthers), Leilani Latu (Panthers)
Out: Chris McQueen (Wests Tigers), Leivaha Pulu (Warriors), Tyrone Roberts (Warrington Wolves), Tyler Cornish (released), Nathaniel Peteru (Leeds Rhinos), Paterika Vaivai (Leigh Centurions), Daniel Vidot (retired), Brenton Lawrence (retired), Jarryd Hayne (released)
2017 Finish: 15th
2018 Predicted Finish: 16th
2017 Betting Statistics
Overall
Head To Head
Overall: 7-17
Home: 4-8
Away: 3-9
Against The Line
Against The Line: 10-14
Home: 4-8
Away: 6-6
Premiership Odds: $51
It was a tough year both on and off the field for the Gold Coast Titans in 2017 and it really does not look like being any easier for them in 2018.
The Titans haven’t added a great deal of quality to a side that struggled badly at times last season and they are a side that lacks serious depth – any injuries in the forwards would prove very tough for the club to manage.
Bryce Cartwright and Michael Gordon are both decent signings and Mitch Rein will be handy over the State Of Origin period, but none of these signings are enough to lead the Titans into the top eight.
The pressure is on Kane Elgey to deliver this season after an incredibly poor 2017 and their only real chance of returning to the finals will be if he is able to recapture the form that he showed as a young player.
They are wooden spoon favourites for a reason.
Back Gold Coast Titans To Finish With The Most Losses @ $3.50
Manly Sea Eagles
In: Toafofoa Sipley (Warriors), Jack Gosiewski (Rabbitohs), Lachlan Croker (Raiders)
Out: Brenton Lawrence (retired), Steve Matai (retired), Brett Stewart (retired), Blake Green (Warriors), Pita Godinet (Wests Tigers)
2017 Finish: 6th (Lost Elimination Final)
2018 Predicted Finish: 13th
2017 Betting Statistics
Head To Head
Overall: 14-11
Home: 7-6
Away: 7-5
Against The Line
Against The Line: 11-14
Home: 5-8
Away: 6-6
Premiership Odds: $15
The Manly Sea Eagles were one of the big surprise packages in the NRL last season and they head into 2018 with a very similar squad.
Daly Cherry-Evans played out of his skin to lead Manly to the finals 12 months ago and he is key to their chances once again – if he misses any significant period with injury or his level drops the Sea Eagles have no chance of making the top eight.
The Sea Eagles are another side that lacks depths and outside of star full-back Tom Trbojevic their outside backs are right up there with the worst in the competition.
Manly had an excellent record in close games last season and that is sure to even out over time, while they also had a good run with injuries last year.
I don’t expect Manly to replicate their heroics of last season and they are a great bet to finish outside the top eight.
Back Manly To Miss The Top-Eight @ $2.15
Melbourne Storm
In: Sam Kasiano (Bulldogs), Ryan Hoffman (Warriors), Patrick Kaufusi (Cowboys), Sandor Earl (unattached), Ryan Papenhuyzen (Wests Tigers), Billy Walters (Brisbane Easts), Cooper Johns (Sea Eagles), Kayleb Milne (NZ rugby)
Out: Cooper Cronk (Roosters), Tohu Harris (Warriors), Jordan McLean (Cowboys), Robbie Rochow (Wests Tigers), Jesse Arthars (Rabbitohs), Slade Griffin (Knights), Mark Nicholls (Rabbitohs)
2017 Finish: Premiers
2018 Predicted Finish: 2nd
2017 Betting Statistics
Head To Head
Overall: 23-4
Home: 12-3
Away: 11-1
Against The Line
Against The Line: 16-11
Home: 7-8
Away: 9-3
Premiership Odds: $6.50
It is the start of a new era for the Melbourne Storm – will the loss of Cooper Cronk mean the end of a dynasty or just another hurdle for Craig Bellamy, Cameron Smith and company to overcome?
There is no doubt that losing a player with the talent of Cronk would hurt any side and they have also lost more quality in the form of Tohu Harris and Jordan McClean, but no club is in a better position to overcome these losses than the Storm.
Brodie Croft has been the long-term heir apparent to Cronk and he is a talented young half, whose job will be made much easier by the fact that he is supported by the likes of Cameron Smith, Billy Slater and Cameron Munster.
It should not be forgotten just how much of an edge that Melbourne have over the rest of the competition last season and even without Cronk they are still right up there with the leading premiership contenders.
No side is more consistent week in, week out than the Storm and the $6.50 for them to win the Minor Premiership is well and truly over the odds.
Back Melbourne To Win The Minor Premiership @ $6.50
New Zealand Warriors
In: Tohu Harris (Storm), Gerard Beale (Sharks), Leivaha Pulu (Titans), Manaia Cherrington (Sharks), Adam Blair (Broncos), Peta Hiku (Warrington Wolves), Matiu Love-Henry (Norths Devils), Blake Green (Sea Eagles)
Out: Kieran Foran (Bulldogs), Manu Vatuvei (Salford Red Devils), Ben Matulino (Wests Tigers), Bureta Faraimo (Hull FC), Charlie Gubb (Raiders), Toafofoa Sipley (Sea Eagles), Ryan Hoffman (Storm), Jacob Lillyman (Knights), Bodene Thompson (Leigh Centurions)
2017 Finish: 13th
2018 Predicted Finish: 14th
2017 Betting Statistics
Head To Head
Overall: 7-17
Home: 6-6
Away: 1-11
Against The Line
Overall: 8-16
Home: 5-7
Away: 3-9
Premiership Odds: $41
This is a make or break season for the coaching career of Stephen Kearney and I would not be surprised if he is the first coach in 2018.
2017 once again proved that the Warriors are incapable of winning without Shaun Johnson and unless they can improve their record on the road they are no chance of playing Finals Football.
They have been fairly active in the off-season and start this season with a number of new faces, but the likes of Tohu Harris, Gerard Beale and Adam Blair all have big bust potential, while they have lost plenty of quality particularly in the forwards.
Defence has always been an issue for the Warriors and that will be an issue once again.
They would need Johnson to have the season of his life – with support from Blake Green and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck – to be any chance of making the top eight and if Johnson goes down with injury again they could very easily win the wooden spoon.
Back New Zealand To Finish With The Most Losses @ $9
Newcastle Knights
In: Kalyn Ponga (Cowboys), Connor Watson (Roosters), Aidan Guerra (Roosters), Tautau Moga (Broncos), Herman Ese’ese (Broncos), Slade Griffin (Storm), Jacob Lillyman (Warriors), Chris Heighington (Sharks), Mitchell Pearce (Roosters)
Out: Dane Gagai (Rabbitohs), Rory Kostjasyn (retired), Sam Mataora (retired), Mickey Paea (Hull FC), Anthony Tupou (retired), Joe Wardle (Castleford Tigers), Josh Starling (retired), Jack Stockwell (released), Pauli Pauli (released), Jaelen Feeney (released), Peter Mata’utia (Leigh Centurions), David Bhana (released), Tyler Randell (Wakefield Trinity), Chanel Mata’utia (released)
2017 Finish: 16th
2018 Predicted Finish: 11th
2017 Betting Statistics
Head To Head
Overall: 5-19
Home: 5-7
Away: 3-9
Against The Line
Overall: 12-12
Home: 4-8
Away: 1-11
Premiership Odds: $26
It has been a rough couple of seasons for the Newcastle Knights, but there is a sense of optimism around the Hunter ahead of the 2018 season.
The Knights only finished 2018 with five wins, but they played some excellent rugby league at times and six of their losses came by more than six points.
No side has added more quality across the board than the Knights during the off-season and the likes of Mitchell Pearce, Aidan Guerra and Jacob Lillyman give the side both leadership and toughness that has been missing in recent seasons.
Throw in two of the most promising young players in the game in the form of Kalyn Ponga and Connor Watson and the finals are a genuine possibility for the Knights this season.
The Knights showed last season that they are capable of scoring points and if they can improve their defence they will win a lot more games this season.
A return to the finals may prove just beyond this young squad, but I still expect the Knights to improve significantly this season.
Back Newcastle To Win More Than 9.5 Games @ $1.91
North Queensland Cowboys
In: Carlin Anderson (Townsville Blackhawks), Jordan McLean (Storm)
Out: Kalyn Ponga (Knights), Ray Thompson (retired), Patrick Kaufusi (Storm), Braden Uele (Sharks), Patrick Mogo (Broncos)
2017 Finish: 8th (Lost Grand Final)
2018 Predicted Finish: Premiers
2017 Betting Statistics
Head To Head
Overall: 16-12
Home: 6-6
Away: 10-6
Against The Line
Overall: 18-10
Home: 5-7
Away: 13-3
Premiership Odds: $5.50
What the North Queensland Cowboys were able to do in 2017 was nothing short of incredible and they are the team to beat in the NRL this season.
Just about everybody ruled the Cowboys out of contention when Johnathan Thurston was ruled out with a season-ending injury and they did struggle at times before they went on their incredible run during the finals.
It should not be forgotten that they were also without Matt Scott during this period and there were a number of games in which they finished with only 14 fit players.
Not only do they get Thurston and Scott back, but they add Jordan McClean to a forward pack that is right up there with the best in the competition and that lays the platform for their star-studded spine.
Michael Morgan was nothing short of outstanding in Thurston’s absence last season and if he can maintain that level with Thurston in the side than look out.
The Cowboys were surprisingly poor at home last season and if they can turn 1300Smiles Stadium into a fortress once again, there is every chance that they can come away with their first minor premiership in franchise history.
A fit Cowboys are the team to beat.
Back North Queensland Cowboys To Win 2018 NRL Premiership @ $5
Parramatta Eels
In: Kane Evans (Roosters) Jarryd Hayne (Titans)
Out: Semi Radradra (rugby union), Isaac De Gois (retired), Bureta Faraimo (Hull FC), James Hasson (released), Jeff Robson (retired)
2017 Finish: 4th (Lost Semi-Final)
2018 Predicted Finish: 8th
2017 Betting Statistics
Head To Head
Overall: 16-10
Home: 8-5
Away: 8-5
Against The Line
Overall: 13-1-12
Home: 5-1-7
Away: 8-5
Premiership Odds: $12
The Parramatta Eels finished in the top four last season, but it is fair to say that they never really looked like premiership contenders.
Will the return of Jarryd Hayne help them take that next step in 2018?
To be me that is highly unlikely.
There is no doubt that the Eels are one of the most well-coached sides in the competition and they do have plenty of quality, but I don’t think that they have the same level of upside as the Storm, Cowboys or Roosters or even the Sharks, Broncos and Panthers.
That is not to say that they will fall out of the top eight and I do have them playing finals football in 2018, but I do think that they have been overrated by the market and they are a serious candidate for regression this season.
Back The Parramatta Eels To Win Less Than 13.5 Games
Penrith Panthers
In: Tyrone Phillips (Bulldogs), James Maloney (Sharks)
Out: Sitaleki Akauola (Warrington Wolves), Zach Dockar-Clay (Hull Kingston Rovers), Peta Hiku (Warrington Wolves), Samisoni Langi (Leigh Centurions), Darren Nicholls (Dragons), Matt Moylan (Sharks), Mitch Rein (Titans), Leilani Latu (Titans), Mason Cerruto (Bulldogs)
2017 Finish: 7th (Lost Semi-Final)
2018 Predicted Finish: 6th
2017 Betting Statistics
Head To Head
Overall: 14-12
Home: 8-4
Away: 6-8
Against The Line
Overall: 14-12
Home: 9-3
Away: 5-9
Premiership Odds: $15
It has been another chaotic off-season for the Penrith Panthers and they are one of the toughest sides to analyse ahead of the start of the season.
The Panthers underachieved last season after ridiculously being given the tag of premiership favourites at the start of the year and there were plenty of off-field dramas, but they did still qualify for and win a game in the finals.
The fact that they have gotten rid of the troubled Matt Moylan and Bryce Cartwright could actually prove to be a positive – Moylan was ordinary for most of last season and Cartwright would have started on the bench anyway.
James Maloney could very well prove to be the signing of the season and he will take plenty of pressure off the shoulders of Nathan Clearly, while adding leadership to a side that has lacked it in recent seasons.
The Panthers really don’t have to improve that much to be in with a genuine chance of finishing in the top four and they should be able to get off to a much stronger start than they did 12 months ago.
The market has got the chances of the Panthers just about right and I would be surprised if they fell out of the finals picture.
No Bet
South Sydney Rabbitohs
In: Dane Gagai (Knights), Jesse Arthars (Storm), Mark Nicholls (Storm), Richie Kennar (Bulldogs)
Out: Bryson Goodwin (Leigh Centurions), Aaron Gray (Sharks), David Tyrrell (released), Anthony Cherrington (released), Luke Kelly (released), Dane Nielsen (released), Jack Gosiewski (Sea Eagles), Sitiveni Moceidreke (Raiders)
2017 Finish: 12th
2018 Predicted Finish: 12th
2017 Betting Statistics
Head To Head
Overall: 9-15
Home: 4-8
Away: 5-7
Against The Line
Overall: 13-11
Home: 6-6
Away: 7-5
Premiership Odds: $17
The South Sydney Rabbitohs are a side that is in the middle of a rebuilding period and it will be interesting to see whether they go forward or backwards with new coach Anthony Seibold.
Seibold has been touted as one of the best young coaches in all of rugby league and the Rabbitohs are expected to play a more attacking style of football under his leadership.
South Sydney have a solid mix of experienced in youth, but the big concern last season was the poor form or poor health of a number of their big names.
Greg Inglis missed just about the entire season, Sam Burgess struggled for consistency and John Sutton is a shell of the player he once was – all three would need to improve in 2018 for the Rabbitohs to return to the NRL Finals.
The fact that Angus Crichton is leaving to head to the Roosters next season a puts a cloud over him, while the presence of Robbie Farah in the squad is actually a big negative – Damien Cook is a gun and should be getting 80 minutes at hooker.
South Sydney will show spark at some times this season, but consistency will be an issue and they will likely have to wait until 2018 for a return to the NRL Finals.
Back South Sydney To Miss The Top 8 @ $1.90
St George Illawarra Dragons
In: James Graham (Bulldogs), Ben Hunt (Broncos), Jeremy Latimore (Sharks), Darren Nicholls (Panthers), Mitch Allgood (Wakefield Trinity)
Out: Josh Dugan (Sharks), Russell Packer (Wests Tigers), Mose Masoe (Hull Kingston Rovers), Will Matthews (Widnes Vikings), Tyrone McCarthy (Salford Red Devils), Taane Milne (Wests Tigers), Josh McCrone (Toronto Wolfpack), Drew Hutchison (Leigh Centurions), Siliva Havili (Raiders)
2017 Finish: 9th
2018 Predicted Finish: 10th
2017 Betting Statistics
Head To Head
Overall: 12-12
Home: 7-5
Away: 5-7
Against The Line
Overall: 12-1-11
Home: 5-7
Away: 7-1-4
Premiership Odds: $17
The St George Illawarra Dragons really should have qualified for the finals last season and their form in the second half of the season was very ordinary.
There were still plenty of positives to take from the season and their forward pack has developed into one of the better packs in the competition.
The signing of Ben Hunt is a big one for the Dragons and how his relationship with Gareth Widdop develops will likely decide just how far the Dragons go this season.
Hunt is a player that has struggled for confidence sometimes during his career and if he is slow out of the blocks, he may struggle to lift himself out of that hole.
Another negative for the Dragons is a lack of talent in the outside backs and points have proven tough to come by for the side in recent seasons.
The Dragons are another side that have found their right place in our Premiership betting market and will be one of a number of sides in the scrap for positions at the bottom of the top eight.
No Bet
Sydney Roosters
In: James Tedesco (Wests Tigers), Cooper Cronk (Storm), Reece Robinson (NSW Waratahs)
Out: Kane Evans (Eels), Aidan Guerra (Knights), Connor Watson (Knights), Liam Knight (Raiders), Paul Carter (released), Mitchell Pearce (Knights)
2017 Finish: 2nd (Lost Preliminary Final)
2018 Predicted Finish: 3rd
2017 Betting Statistics
Head To Head
Overall: 18-8
Home: 11-3
Away: 7-5
Against The Line
Overall: 10-16
Home: 4-10
Away: 6-6
Premiership Odds: $5
The Sydney Roosters were only a game away from the NRL Grand Final in 2017 and they have added James Tedesco and Cooper Cronk to the side – it should come as no surprise that they are on top of premiership betting.
It really is tough to find a weakness in this Roosters side and there backline is the equal to any other side in the competition.
Cronk will be the calming influence for a dynamic backline that includes the likes of Luke Keary and Latrell Mitchell, while Tedesco has the ability to develop into the very best player in the competition.
It might take the Roosters a while to develop their new partnerships, but their draw is the weakest in the entire competition and it is very tough to see them finishing outside of the top two.
There is no side in the NRL with more upside than the Sydney Roosters and they will be in the mix once again come September, but there is no real value at their current price.
No Bet
Wests Tigers
In: Josh Reynolds (Bulldogs), Benji Marshall (Broncos), Russell Packer (Dragons), Ben Matulino (Warriors), Chris McQueen (Titans), Mahe Fonua (Hull FC), Taane Milne (Dragons), Robbie Rochow (Storm), Corey Thompson (Widnes Vikings), Pita Godinet (Sea Eagles)
Out: James Tedesco (Roosters), Aaron Woods (Bulldogs), Matt Ballin (retired), Joel Edwards (released), Justin Hunt (retired), Jack Littlejohn (released), Kyle Lovett (released), Jordan Rankin (Huddersfield Giants), Ava Seumanufagai (Sharks), Jeremy Marshall-King (Bulldogs)
2017 Finish: 14th
2018 Predicted Finish: 15th
2017 Betting Statistics
Head To Head
Overall: 7-17
Home: 3-9
Away: 4-8
Against The Line
Overall: 12-1-11
Home: 4-8
Away: 8-1-3
Premiership Odds: $51
James Tedesco, Mitchell Moses, Aaron Woods and Luke Brooks were touted as the four players to lead the Wests Tigers back to glory, but now only Brooks remains at the club.
The Tigers struggled badly last season even with Tedesco in the side and it really was their full-back that kept them relevant at times in 2018.
The players that they have brought in to replace the likes of Tedesco, Woods and Moses are a mix of journeyman and enigmatic players like Josh Reynolds that could easily flounder in their new environment.
An obvious positive for the Tigers is coach Ivan Cleary and he has now had more time to mould this team into his image, which means that they will be much better organised defensively, but I’m still not sure that he has the cattle required to be competitive.
The Tigers are unlikely to improve in 2018 and will be in the wooden spoon mix.
No Bet