Vegas Preview & Top 8 Predictions
The wait is finally over! Rugby League returns this weekend, but for the first time in National Rugby League history, the season is being launched in the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas.
In a bold gamble by the NRL, Peter V’landys and Andrew Abdo have managed to secure a 5-year deal that will see every club take part in Las Vegas. In 2024, it will be the South Sydney Rabbitohs vs. Manly Warringah Sea Eagles and the Brisbane Broncos vs. Sydney Roosters showcased at the 65,000 Allegiant Stadium. Rugby League’s biggest names, Reece Walsh, James Tedesco, Latrell Mitchell, and Tom Trbojevic, will be looking to play their best games in front of a live and TV audience of Americans.
Vegas Rugby League will look a little different to back home, with the dimensions of the playing field being six metres shorter and five metres narrower than a regular league field, being 68 metres wide and 100 metres from tryline to tryline. An eyecatcher will be the goal posts, which are going to be that typical NFL yellow style in a way to attract the American eye.
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles vs South Sydney Rabbitohs, Sunday March 3, 1:30pm AEDT
Seibold’s Sea Eagles will be looking to start the season with a win under new halves, pairing Luke Brooks and Daly Cherry-Evans. Tom Trbojevic will be looking to have a huge year on the paddock, as this will unlock the best form from Manly in pursuit of playing consistent football in 2024. A strong forward pack and blistering back line now mean it’s up to the Manly halves to spell the magic and play finals footy.
South Sydney will be looking to bounce back in 2024. After sitting first with the finals in sight in 2023, in came injuries and suspensions, leading to the bunnies bouncing out of the 8, finishing with a disappointing 9th. Coach Jason Demetriou has a lot on his plate this year, and with the addition of Jack Wighton to the squad, he will need to fit him while making sure Lachlan Ilias hits the ground running in hopes of forming well-performed combinations with Cody Walker and Latrell Mitchell.
Sea Eagles
1. Tom Trbojevic
2. Jason Saab
3. Tolu Koula
4. Reuben Garrick
5. Jaxson Paulo
6. Luke Brooks
7. Daly Cherry-Evans
8. Taniela Paseka
9. Lachlan Croker
10. Josh Aloiai
11. Haumole Olakau’atu
12. Ben Trbojevic
13. Jake Trbojevic
14. Karl Lawton
15. Corey Waddell
16. Ethan Bullemor
17. Nathan Brown
Rabbitohs
1. Latrell Mitchell
2. Alex Johnston
3. Isaiah Tass
4. Richard Kennar
5. Jacob Gagai
6. Cody Walker
7. Lachlan Ilias
8. Tevita Tatola
9. Damien Cook
10. Sean Keppie
11. Keaon Koloamatangi
12. Jai Arrow
13. Cameron Murray
14. Siliva Havili
15. Jacob Host
16. Davvy Moale
17. Tom Burgess
Sydney Roosters vs Brisbane Broncos, Sunday March 3, 3:30pm AEDT
Once again, the Bondi boys will line up with a star-studded team, with the addition of ex-panther Spencer Leniu adding extra grunt to their 2024 pack. 2023 was a disappointment for Roosters standards, missing the top 4, and with combinations taking a while to get into gear, you would think this year the likes of Brandon Smith, Tedesco, Walker, and Keary take it up a notch to solidify a top 4 finish. This is Jared Waerea-Hargreaves final season with the Tricolours, closing in on 300 career games. The squad will do their all to send JWH out a winner and lift the Provan-Summons trophy for his fourth time.
The 2023 runners-up, Brisbane, will be looking to go one further this year by lifting the Provan-Summons trophy, which they agonisingly had their hands on, only for Nathan Cleary to steal the show in what was a memorable grand final comeback. Having lost key players in Tom Gilbert, Herbie Farnworth, and Kurt Capewell, players will have to step up and fill that void while working alongside one of the most electrifying players in Reece Walsh.
Roosters
1. James Tedesco
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Billy Smith
4. Joey Manu
5. Joseph Suaalii
6. Luke Keary
7. Sam Walker
8. Spencer Leniu
9. Brandon Smith
10. Lindsay Collins
11. Siua Wong
12. Sitili Tupouniua
13. Victor Radley
14. Sandon Smith
15. Naufahu Whyte
16. Nat Butcher
17. Terrell May
Broncos
1. Reece Walsh
2. Jesse Arthars
3. Kotoni Staggs
4. Selwyn Cobbo
5. Deine Mariner
6. Ezra Mam
7. Adam Reynolds
8. Corey Jensen
9. Billy Walters
10. Payne Haas
11. Brendan Piakura
12. Jordan Riki
13. Patrick Carrigan
14. Tyson Smoothy
15. Fletcher Baker
16. Kobe Hetherington
17. Xavier Willison
The Mock Sports Top 8 predictions
Nicko
- Broncos
- Panthers
- Rabbitohs
- Roosters
- Storm
- Sea Eagles
- Warriors
- Sharks
Pottsy
- Broncos
- Roosters
- Panthers
- Warriors
- Storm
- Eels
- Rabbitohs
- Sea Eagles
Cashy
- Panthers
- Rabbitohs
- Warriors
- Broncos
- Storm
- Roosters
- Sea Eagles
- Cowboys