NRL Live – Roosters Prediction 2011
With the NRL Live season fast approaching here is your Old Mate’s prediction for the Chookies for 2011.
2010 started a bit ho-hum for the Roosters. New coach, new roster, new attitude. They were impressive in demolishing their arch enemies, South Sydney, in the opening round. Then they beat the Tigers and they were two from two. But in the following few months they lost to Cronulla and the Cowboys, both teams destined to sit the whole year at the foot of the ladder. Critics said they were about as consistent as a post hangover turd and pointed to the youthfulness of the outfit, the fact that their halves pairing had yet to gel and a misfiring forward pack.
But things changed come June and they went 7 from 9 and had a bye. All of a sudden they had momentum and they carried it into the finals series which included the best game of the year in the semi vs the Tigers. This game should be a worldwide advertisement for rugby league and NRL Live. Tries, big hits, controversy, intercepts and an absolutely mindblowing last second, reacionary, instinctive field goal from Braith Anasta that took the game into Golden Point.
The couldn’t continue the magic in the big one but all round it was a very successful season after being stone motherless the year before.
And so now after such a magical year, what is in store for 2011?
Your Old Mate thinks that the confidence that this young team took from last year will carry on into the new season. I expect a solid start to the year for at least the first month to six weeks. After that comes the battle. As Grand Finalists, all teams will be taking a step up when playing them and the inconsistencies that plagued them early in 2010 had better go away or they will be in for a tough ride.
PRO’s
The halves pairing of Pearce and Carney should go from strength to strength and see them as long term Origin partners. But after the fairytale of 2010 does Carney have the support to keep him focused? A lot will hinge on how he handles the extra media attention and oppostition focus on him. He will be the spotlighted player on all team videos.
The experience of Anasta, The Count (Mini) and The Shitter (Nate Myles) will guide the team around the park. These three were rocks last year and will be again. Also many of their younger stars are becoming seasoned international vets – Perrett, SKD, Frank Paul.
CONS
The focus on Carney goes for all the team. The Roosters will now get respect in the form of a lift in intensity in every single game. It’s a big boost in confidence for teams to knock of last years GF’s.
Can the Chookies under-rated players step up to the pressure of being heavily marked? SKD, the backpackers favourite poster boy, after a f*ckin cracker of year will be heavily marked at all times and many of their young forwards will have to work hard not to be worked out.
That great run of form towards the end of last year still masked an inconsistency that needs to be f*cked off. Up until mid season they were average. If you look at the top teams of the last decade – The Storm, The Dragons, The Dogs, The Chooks – they all produced consistent competitive performances. They knew how to win and expected it. That will be the Roosters biggest challenge this year.
Predicted finish: 5th
Players to Watch: Carney – should handle the pressure and be the next long term Blues no. 6
K Linnett – All teams need top notch centres. After a very good 2010, needs to mark his name.
So that’s it from your Old Mate at NRL Live for now footy fans, another team up soon.
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