Less than 48 hours after Wayne Bennett announced he was returning to the Broncos from 2015 onwards, the revitalised Brisbane side have been installed as Premiership favourites next season.
Bennett, who will be joined by new recruits Anthony Milford, Mitch Garbutt and probably Darius Boyd, has given punters the ultimate confidence that he can return the Broncs to their glory days.
Fans of other NRL clubs can take comfort in the fact that after announcing he was heading to Newcastle, the Knights were immediately made favourites for the next season, only to bow out of the finals without so much as a whimper.
To even name a premiership favourite for next year when there are still two months before the finals is ridiculous, but it does show just how much confidence people have in the super coach.
Bennett, who has a history of getting the very best out of players, has a much improved roster at the Broncos than currently at his disposal, which admittedly is mainly of his own doing.
Any side with a forward pack containing Thaiday, McCullough, Hannant and Parker, and a backline of Barba, Milford, Hunt, Hodges, Copley and likely Boyd, should be there or there abouts come season’s end.
Exciting times up North …
Souths No Go For Snake
I could hardly believe the rumours suggesting that Brett Stewart could follow his brother to the Rabbits next season.
The Bunnies would have to cull at least two quality players to fit in the Manly legend. Fans are already frustrated at the lack of depth across the back.
Also there’s the fact that the Bunnies currently have a pretty decent number one.
Bulldogs or Manly. Canberra have a lot of money, but I can’t see Snake leaving Brookvale for the Nation’s Capital.
Benji Returns To Tiger Land
Former Tiger legend Benji Marshall will play his former club for the first time since his return to rugby league.
It’ll be interesting to see how the fans react to his ‘return’ however I’m tipping they won’t be too brutal.
95% of them supported the club’s decision to tap him on the shoulder in favour of upgrading and extending deals for youngsters such as Brooks and Moses.
Sharks Too Slow
The struggling Sharks lack two things out wide… Speed … and speed.
Youngsters Feki and Gagan look the goods on the wings, however surely they could have used the lightning quick speed of Morika Koriabete, who all but parcelled up to head to the Shire, only for the club to umm and ahh, allowing Melbourne to pounce.
There has been a lot of talk about the Sharks bright future, but surely it would have been brighter if they had signed Moga and Koriabete, two players who were willing to don the black, white and blue, only to escape the club’s grasp.
