The super coach craves immediate success,but do the Rabbitohs have a squad capable of delivering it?
Even if the Roosters beat St George Illawarra on Anzac Day,they will wake up sore on Friday morning. It’s a large reason why the Dragons looked to have turned the corner.
At the start of the year,I thought they were top-four material. Right now,I wouldn’t be surprised if they stumble into the eight or miss the finals altogether.
It might still be a while until Michael Maguire sits down to pick his Origin team,but he needs to make sure one Warriors sensation is on his radar.
Last year,I only gave them a slim chance of winning a third straight title. This year? I gave them no hope of winning four straight. But after just a month,I know I was wrong.
Cleary has reached the age when playmakers start having trouble with hamstrings and groins. His relentless training schedule might be an issue.
The Rabbitohs have lost their opening two games,collapsed last year and have dropped their halfback,but it’s not all bad news if you dig a bit deeper.
To win 22 straight opening matches - and hold the three-time defending premiers scoreless,no less - is testament to the work ethic Melbourne’s coach instils in his troops.
Brad Fittler made a comment last year about the Roosters skipper which was entirely right. But I’ve seen a sign there’s going to be a change in 2024.
This could be a grand final for the ages. But whether Brisbane can end the Panthers’ NRL dominance will come down to one factor.
Defence has been a constant pillar of Craig Bellamy’s teams,but Melbourne’s attack is so far off the pace I can’t see them troubling the Panthers.