Where Will Your NRL Team Finish in 2021?
Chris Rooney predicts where your team will finish in the 2021 NRL season.
With the NRL season less than two months away, it’s time to predict where each team will finish. By analyzing the draw for every team this season and taking in consideration injuries, and time to review, we can see where each team will finish at the end of the 2021 season.
16: Brisbane Broncos
The Broncos are still a mess of an organisation. Kevin Walters will do everything he can to prevent two wooden spoons in a row, but it won’t be enough. Anthony Milford will need to step up his game big time for the Broncos to have any success. Their spine is still not set in place and is a big reason why they will finish in the bottom four this season.
15: Wests Tigers
The pressure is officially on Luke Brooks: he is the main man for the Tigers now. But more pressure is on Michael Maguire this season to finally break their final droughts. The Tigers are the most frustrating team to watch: while they have relatively good young players, they continue to disappoint every season. I was tempted to put them dead last, but compared to the Broncos, I trust the Tigers to win more games.
14: North Queensland Cowboys
Hiring Todd Payten won’t change much for the Cowboys this season. With a weak backline, injury-prone players in the spine, and a forward pack who continually seem to take a back step, expect the Cowboys to struggle this season. Once they figure out who is their best fullback and five-eighth, perhaps the Cowboys will be a top eight team.
13: St George Illawarra Dragons
The Dragons needs a major shakeup, especially within their spine. Corey Norman and Ben Hunt do not work together, which has been clear for a few seasons now. Hunt will need to find some confidence to play halfback this season, otherwise expect another bottom four finish. Losing Tyson Frizell is massive for their forward pack. Keep an eye out on where they play Jack Bird this season as well: he may end up being their X-factor.
