By Casey O'Connor
Sydney Roosters A+
Not the best season start but peaked when it mattered most. Back to back premierships first in 26 years – sensational performance… a three-peat without Cronk – can it be done?
Canberra Raiders A+
Many believe they were robbed of the opportunity for premiership glory. Fantastic season – lost no admirers will be thereabouts in 2020. Best supporters in the NRL.
Melbourne Storm A-
Minor premiers again but fell at the last hurdles. Terrific run throughout the season. Will Cameron Smith retire? The question everyone is asking. Don’t sell them short in 2020 with or without Smithy – Bellamy is simply a genius.
Sth Sydney Rabbithohs A-
Top four finish. Battled through the back end of the season with a wounded roster and too many suspensions. One more season for Bennett to get that elusive final premiership and Rusty wants another Bunnies win – Could it be glory, glory, glory for the Burrow in 2020?
Parramatta Eels B
From cellar dwellers to fifth – Great winning record at their new home BankWest. Need to learn to win away from home. Found finals a bridge too far in 2019 but look out for them to finish top four in 2020.
Manly – Sea Eagles B
A hint of the glory Manly days – Welcome back Des – another great turn around in 2019. Stymied by injuries and also suspensions late in the year. Hunting a GF appearance in 2020.
Cronulla Sharks C
Scraped in to the eight but inconsistent performers in 2019. Can do better.
Brisbane Broncos C
Somehow found their way into the eight. Very disappointing performance after a tumultuous off season. Jury is out on new Coach but he doesn’t line up on the field each week. Players need to show a lot more commitment and a return to the club’s core values in 2020.
West Tigers C+
Almost found their way into the top eight but failed to deliver when it counted. Better under Madge’s coaching. Can be a threat in 2020.
Panthers C-
Another disappointing year. Never really in hunt despite mid season surge. Spotlight squarely on the Cleary connection next season. Who goes if they don’t improve?
Newcastle Knights C
Plenty of potential everywhere but didn’t deliver consistently. Showed early promise. Good roster. Start next season with new Coach and must mend fences with their supporters and make the eight in 2020.
Canterbury Bulldogs C –
Awful start to season. Still under $$ constraints. Improved back end of 2019. Need to carry that forward into 2020 to get a sniff at the eight.
NZ Warriors C-
Will the Warriors ever compete in every game of the season? Plenty of talent but big disappointment again in 2019 where they found it hard to win games at home. Curious?
NQ Cowboys C+
Disappointing all season. Jason Taumalolo carried a big load on those broad shoulders this year. New blood next season should enthuse a team that was wracked by injury. Better things in 2020.
St George Illawarra Dragons D+
Lost their rudder when Widdop was injured early but were the biggest underachievers of the comp. Off field dramas no help but no excuse either. Coach under pressure before we even get to 2020.
Gold Coast Titans – FF
Another year – another Coach – another disaster. Simply horrible performance all season. Not good enough for an NRL team. Time for players to swallow a spoon full of cement and toughen up. Good luck to Justin Holbrook incoming Coach – looks like he will be needing plenty.
Bring on the Super 9’s; the upcoming Tests and how many sleeps until kick off for 2020?
