2011 NRL Preview - Canterbury and Cronulla

Today, we look at two teams who have vastly different histories - and futures. In the blue and white corner, the eight-time heaveyweight champions Canterbury-Bankstown; a club I don't particulary love but certainly respect for their culture of winning. In the, uh, light blue and black corner, Cronulla, a club I pity. They've been around for more than 30 years and have made only a handful of grand finals, getting knocked out each time. While the Doggies had a difficult season in 2010, they are set for a big year. Cronulla have been down-and-out since the end of 2008 and things won't change a lot this season. Keep leaving the porch light on for Harold Holt, Sharks fans.

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

Home Ground: ANZ Stadium

Coach: Kevin Moore

Premierships: 8 (1938, 1942, 1980, 1984, 1985, 1988, 1995, 2004)

2010 finish: 13th

First five rounds: Wests (h), Rabbitohs (a), Roosters (h), Storm (a), Dragons (a)

IN: Aiden Tolman, 22, back row (Melbourne Storm), Frank Pritchard, 27, back row (Penrith), Grant Millington, 24, back row/prop (Cronulla), Greg Eastwood, 23, back row/prop (Leeds Rhinos - Super League), Jonathan Wright, 23, centre/wing (Parramatta), Kris Keating, 22, five-eighth (Parramatta), Michael Lett, 23, centre/wing (St George Illawarra), Trent Hodkinson, 22, halfback (Manly).

OUT: Ben Hannant (Brisbane Broncos), Nathan Massey (Canberra), Daniel Harrison (Manly), Luke Patten (Salford City Reds - Super League), Brett Kimmorley (Retired), Blake Green (Hull Kingston Rovers - Super League).

Why they can win it: Look to have the balance (strong forwards, slick backs, depth) needed to win it all. Added much-needed strike power in Pritchard, Eastwood and Tolman. In Michael Ennis, they have one of the three best rakes in the game. Josh Morris and Jamal Idris headline a top backline. Canterbury have a premiership-winning culture and could well rediscover it in 2011.

Why they can’t: Questions will remain about the halves – Hodkinson and Ben Roberts. Old stagers like Andrew Ryan aren’t getting any younger. Arguably the hardest five five rounds in the comp.

Prediction: Minor premiers

Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks

Home Ground: Toyota Park

Coach: Shane Flanagan

Premierships: None

2010 finish: 14th

First five rounds: Raiders (a), Dragons (h), Panthers (a), Warriors (h), Sea Eagles (h)

IN: Andrew Clayton, 20, prop (Brisbane Broncos), Colin Best, 32, centre/wing (South Sydney), Jeremy Smith, 30, back row (St George Illawarra), John Williams, 25, wing (North Queensland Cowboys), Kose Lelei, 22, utility back (Canterbury-Bankstown), Ryan Tongia, 20, fullback (Gold Coast Titans), Wade Graham, 20, five-eighth (Penrith).

OUT: Kyle O'Donnell (Newcastle Knights), Grant Millington (Canterbury-Bankstown), Blake Ferguson (Canberra), Adam Cuthbertson (St George Illawarra), Trent Barrett, Luke Covell, Reece Williams (Retired), Josh Lewis (Tolouse), Lancen Joudo (North Queensland Cowboys), Luke Harlen (released).

Why they can win it: In Paul Gallen, Anthony Tupou and the newly signed Smith, the Sharkies have one of the best back rows going around. Luke Douglas and Kane Snowden are two of the best young props in the country. Wade Graham has a chance to live up to his potential – and pricetag.

Why they can’t: Everyone else. Save for Graham and dynamic fullback Nathan Gardner, the Sharks backline wouldn’t look out of place in the Bundaberg Cup. A lack of depth and inability to score points will prove telling against the best teams in the comp.

Prediction: 14th