Are we a chance in 2022?

[Chicken_Faced_Killa]

If you look at our squads performance the last few years and the handful of additions it is reasonable to conclude we’ll miss the eight. However we really don’t know how the new recruits will go and what improvement some of the younger guys have in them. Every season brings out different situations for clubs to adapt to with teams moving up and down I am optimistic with a bit of luck and a couple of players stepping up we can at least be in contention for the 8 towards the end of the season.

 

[Devon Head]

The 2022 team on paper has improved IMO. We missed the finals by 2 or 3 wins last year whilst playing like absolute garbage and showing no heart in many matches or at least for 40mins in many matches.

If the 2022 team at least plays with effort, heart and for each other then around 8th or 9th really isn't out of the question.

Even tightening the D up just a little bit will go a long way to achieving a better result in 2022 and that again largely falls back on effort and heart.

 

[patwalker]

The Panthers lost 9 in a row in 2019.
Anything is possible.

 

[tigerap]

10-16 is where we will finish.....

 

[Bigscreentv]

We're a much better chance of making the 8 this year than we ever were last year.

 

[Joelcainenumber1fan]

i really think the nrl should change the season up a top 30 is not enough during covid season
i think we should be able to use anyone from any of our squads wether there in the top 30 or not

 

[Papacito]

Realistically we're a shot at making the eight if Liddle or Simpkin can step up and Hastings delivers. This will ease some pressure on Brooks.

A few of the youngers guys (Laurie, Talau, Utoikamanu) should have better years with some experience under the belts.

 

[supercoach]

Realistically we're a shot at making the eight if Liddle or Simpkin can step up and Hastings delivers. This will ease some pressure on Brooks.

A few of the youngers guys (Laurie, Talau, Utoikamanu) should have better years with some experience under the belts.

Beware of second season syndrome

 

[crazycat]

We should be thankful there is no promotion/relegation system in the NRL, otherwise I think it is unlikely we would feature in 2023

Genuine question, why do some people think we will go worse in 2022 than we did in 2021? We got rid of a lot of dead wood and replaced them with upgrades. I'm feeling positive.

I think the main problem is, while the roster was cleaned up somewhat, we didn't replace that deadwood with any real excitement, Hastings and Gildarts are big unknowns and Peachy could go either way.
In addition to this, Doueihi will be out for an extended period, our centre and spine depth issues have not been addressed, and many of the youngsters expected to take the next step last year were not able to.
There is always reason to be optimistic in the NRL as you never know what will happen, but if you look at it from a neutral perspective, it's hard to see where the improvement will come from in 2022. As they say; if you're not getting better in this league, you're getting worse.

Look at who they replaced though - Hastings definitely an improvement on Walters. At least one of Gildart and Junior Tupou, or AJ, will be better than BJ Leilua. Peachey should be an improvement on Mbye. And the young guns like Stef and Laurie should improve further with some experience under their belt.

Laurie and stef will be good.

The BJ Leilua question is a big one. Was it him or us?
I ask this honestly because he conflicted heavily here. He also conflicted with Ricky. But ricky got the form out of him, heck if he played like he played at the Raiders we would never let him leave. He played crap for us.

The guys coming in now have to own the position.
Its up for grabs and I hope Madge is ruthless till we get a pair who will work and fight to keep their spots

Roberts, Doueini, Gildart, Talou, AJ. Surely 2 of these must step up and own the spot.

 

[earl]

The BJ Leilua question is a big one. Was it him or us?

It was BJ. He just didn't train hard or have the smarts on the field. He lacked effort.

 

[Cobarcats]

Simple answer is no.
Too many issues need fixing and I don't think we have the cavalry to do it, gee I hope I'm wrong.
We are gearing up for a 2023 assault.
Any chance of success will be dependent on how we groom our spine this year and improve our 'D'.
You then add Appi and Papa plus another couple of quality signings [which I believe has to happen] and watch us go.
I would like us to finish the season strongly so it would give us some momentum going into next year.
Just enjoy the flashes of excitement and dream for a great 2023.
For this year, 9th again but 8th is not impossible.

 

[Roar_Power]

Unfortunately we are no chance of a single digit finish in the 2022 season. We still lack in crucial areas, something that needs to be addressed so that fans can genuinely enjoy more success in 2023. There are probably 4-5 juniors who really need to be blooded during the season as they will inevitably be our future.

 

[innsaneink]

I just dont wanna see any towels tossed in or white flags raised

Id like to watch them and be proud of the effort put in regardless
of the result, i wanna be excited and thrilled by our footy, not
ashamed and disgusted

That goes without saying for some/most clubs...too much to ask?

 

[balmain boy]

Statistically we're a 50/50 chance of making the finals in 2022.

 

[aturkey]

There are easily 8 better sides than us and I don't have to look. Hell, there's even more than that. It's the brutal reality. If we make it, some of them must really underperform.

 

[Defiant]

Hard to get past this 🙂

https://twitter.com/OOOL1908/status/1487680018192867329?s=20&t=YmdkFalW73QQfqlxAZcqvA

 

[davey_farrell]

that is brilliant!! i was at the game and it felt like that, i was coping it from Dogs fans, when your down 38 nil its hard to have much of a comeback (obviously i mentioned the wooden spoon) 🙁

 

[TigerSJ]

I do believe that our squad has improved over last year however our starting 17 maybe not so much. Unfortunately our spine is still weak and our edges are once again suspect.
As well as our own shortcomings, when you analyse the competition for the finals, it is difficult to see the top 6 teams changing at all. Panthers, Storm, Roosters, Rabbits, Manly and Eels, then IMO add Sharks this year and you have 1 spot realistically up for grabs.
The battle for that spot will be between Titans , Raiders, Warriors, Dogs, Broncs and us

 

[twentyforty]

I would like to see a greater emphasis on FDOs.
If we can double what we did in 2021 then we’ll win more games than we lose.
It will take a joint effort from Brooks, Hastings and Peachey, to get the job done. The Panthers rode into the GF on the back of their two halves FDOs.

 

[Demps]

Heart says yes

Head says no

Tummy says where's @Geo with the curry pies !?