NRL PREDICTIONS FOR 2021
* BRONCOS TO MISS FINALS AGAIN
After a highly eventful 2020 season that finished with the Broncos' first wooden spoon, Brisbane legend Kevin Walters takes over as coach to restore success to the proud club. However, the scars of last year will linger. Questions remain on Anthony Milford, Tevita Pangai Junior and Payne Haas, who will need to have their best seasons yet to deliver.
* HARRY GRANT TO WIN DALLY M
Cameron Smith is almost certainly not returning to Melbourne, which opens the door for Harry Grant to shine in the No.9 role. Grant's 15-game stint at the Wests Tigers in 2020 showed the hype around him is justified, while his brilliant State of Origin debut for Queensland helped the Maroons to an unlikely series win. Under Craig Bellamy's guidance he can be even better in 2021.
* SHARKS TO UNDERGO A CLEANOUT
They made the finals in 2020 but it was hardly a pass mark a side that can't get all engines firing. Big earners Josh Dugan, Matt Moylan and Aaron Woods are off contract at the end of the 2021 season, while retirement seems imminent for former Test prop Andrew Fifita. Coach John Morris is under pressure to get success, but he could spark a revival with players playing for their livelihood.
* NO TWO-POINT FIELD GOALS
In December the NRL announced a raft of rule changes for the upcoming season, but most controversial of all was the two-point field goal for successful attempts made from 40m or beyond. It was an attention-grabbing change that stirred a lot of debate but won't amount to any extra points - let alone a win - for any side in 2021.
* TITANS EMERGE AS TOP-FOUR CONTENDERS
Last year was miserable for Queensland teams with none of them making the finals for the first time since 1991. However, the Titans finished the highest of the trio and carrying the biggest hopes of brighter days in 2021. Coach Justin Holbrook will have Origin stars AJ Brimson, David Fifita and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui at his disposal to push for a top-four finish.
* NEW BRISBANE SIDE ANNOUNCED, LED BY BENNETT
Expansion was put on the backburner last year as the events of 2020 unfolded. However, a new Brisbane team becoming the 17th NRL team by 2023 is the preference for boss Peter V'landys, who is now used to getting his way. And the ideal man to head up the new side? None other than Wayne Bennett.
* BENNETT BOWS OUT OF SOUTHS WITH PREMIERSHIP
The veteran coach has one more season at the Rabbitohs with deputy Jason Demetriou to take over in 2022. Bowing out on his own terms and unlikely to retire, Bennett will be in his prime. Should Latrell Mitchell remain fit, the timing is right for Bennett's eighth premiership and the first since 2010 with St George Illawarra.
* GRIFFIN BEST OF NEW COACHES
Anthony Griffin's no-nonsense approach to coaching will bring out the best in St George Illawarra in 2021. Despite losing one of their best players in Tyson Frizell, the Dragons are a largely settled roster with plenty of young talent that needs tapping. That's where Griffin shines.
* QUEENSLAND GO BACK-TO-BACK IN ORIGIN
The Maroons have a knack for taking any expressions of disrespect - such as Bryan Fletcher's post-try celebration - and using it for motivation. The tag 'worst Queensland team ever', no matter where it originated, will be their new firestarter.
* MORE NRLW GAMES
The women's competition is set for expansion in 2021. The four-week competition could be lengthened several ways, but any increase in games will be a huge boost for the NRLW. A longer competition means more credibility to whichever team lifts the trophy at the end of the season and a better quality product for broadcasters.
Australian Associated Press
