What I wanna see in 2014's NRL season
Each NRL season brings a fresh crop of questions, stories, dramas and interesting side notes. Here's my list of things I wanna see this season...
- The Melbourne Storm might struggle to maintain their dominance with the likes of the Roosters and Rabbitohs emerging on the scene, but there's no reason why their big three of Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk and Cameron Smith can't continue their dominance. I wanna see these lads shove it in the face of those who claim that they're a bit old and over the hill. I don't think they'll lead the Storm to victory, but I do wanna see them shine.
- I wanna see this whole ASADA situation finished, completed and could they close the door on the way out!? I don't care what punishments they hand down - that will be an issue for the 6 o'clock news to handle, I don't care who is found guilty/responsible .. I just wanna move on.
- Following that, I wanna see a little less drama. As a staunch rugby league fan, I want the amazing action on the field to be the centre piece of the NRL. Not all the side shit that generally comes with it. The young players are being given better education on how to deal with life as an NRL player and I want all the players to just think twice before they do something that might not end up how they had imagined.
- There's been plenty of talk about the little crowds there have been at various sporting events in New Zealand and Australia. I want the NRL and it's fans to get out and show that the NRL's product is very good and that fans are willing to get out and support their team.
- Each season we see a few new things on the field - the second man play and the short interchange of passing between forwards come to mind. The Parramatta Eels have been open about their desire to become the 'electric eels' for an exciting brand of footy and with the top teams showing an emphasis on defence while also having plenty of attacking firepower we could see a new brand of footy emerge.
- While Queensland have dominated State of Origin, their NRL teams haven't quite found the same success and I wanna see the North Queensland Cowboys, Gold Coast Titans and Brisbane Broncos find some success. Each team has the ability to make the top eight with the Broncos likely to find themselves battling to make the eight and if all three do manage to make the eight, I'd be a happy man.
- I wanna see Greg Inglis go to a completely un-explored level. I want GI to go to heights never seen before. I want him to be the ultimate footy player who inspires a generation to go about their business in the correct way.
- I want Parramatta to join Penrith in the revival of Sydney's west. The Panthers have made a song and dance about their desire to get back to the top and I think many people are overlooking the Eels who play just as an important role in the west and have made similar signings.