Today are two teams from regions known for beaches, sun, surf and sand - Gold Coast and the mighty Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles, which just happen to be my favourite sporting team ON THE PLANET. The Titans haven't really put a foot wrong since joining the competition and came within one game of a grand final last year. Manly's resurgence after a dark era that included a failed merger with mortal enemies North Sydney was complete with a 40-0 nil thrashing of Melbourne in the 2008 decider. Since then, well, it's been downhill. As much as I love the men in maroon and white, I fear this year could be the one where the bottom drops out.
Gold Coast Titans
Home Ground: Skilled Park
Coach: John Cartwright
Premierships: Nil
2010 finish: 4th
First five rounds: Dragons (h), Storm (a), Broncos (h), Raiders (a), Cowboys (a)
IN: Joe Vickery, 21, wing (St George Illawarra), Luke Capewell, 21, fullback/five-eighth (South Sydney), Richie Williams, 24, five-eighth (Burleigh Bears - Queensland Cup).
Out: Jordan Atkins (Parramatta), Mat Rogers (Retired), Ryan Tongia (Cronulla), Selasi Berdie (Released), Aaron Cannings (Released), Marshall Chalk (Released), Josh Graham (Released).
Why they can win it: In Scott Prince, Greg Bird, Nathan Friend and Preston Campbell, the Titans have one of the most dynamic spines in the league. Their back row (Ashley Harrison, Anthony Laffranchi and Mark Minichiello) provide the right mix of workrate, impact and creativity. Coach John Cartwright is right on the threshold of the league’s elite. Finished only one win from the grand final last year.
Why they can’t: The Titans big players (Campbell, Prince, prop Luke Bailey) are a year older. They probably still don’t have the star centres or wingers who can create something out of nothing.
Prediction: 5th
Manly Sea Eagles
Home Ground: Brookvale Oval
Coach: Dale Hasler
Premierships: 7 (1972, 1973, 1976, 1978, 1987, 1996, 2008)
2010 finish: 8th
First five rounds: Storm (a), Roosters (a), Knights (h), Rabbitohs (a), Sharks (a).
IN: Daniel Harrison, 22, back row (Canterbury-Bankstown), Liam Foran, 22, five-eighth (Newtown Jets - NSW Cup), Tim Robinson, 22, back row (Parramatta).
IN: Daniel Harrison, 22, back row (Canterbury-Bankstown), Liam Foran, 22, five-eighth (Newtown Jets - NSW Cup), Tim Robinson, 22, back row (Parramatta).
OUT: Chris Bailey (Harlequins - Super League), Josh Perry (St Helens - Super League), Trent Hodkinson (Canterbury-Bankstown), Ben Farrar (Catalans Dragons - Super League).
Why they can win it: Brett Stewart. In the Williams’ (Tony and David), two of the most dangerous outside backs in the comp. Jamie Lyon was Dally M Centre of the Year last season and seems to only be getting better. Anthony Watmough is this generation’s Gorden Tallis. Matt Ballin is the fifth best rake going around (Cameron Smith, Robbie Farrah, Michael Ennis and Isaac Luke are the others).
Why they can’t: For the first time in many seasons, the Eagles boast a workmanlike, rather than devastating, forward pack. That will create pressure on young halves Dale Cherry-Evans and Keiran Foran and give the explosive backline less space and time to wind up. Centre Steve Matai and second rower Glenn Stewart will miss the all-important start of the season with suspension, while David Williams and Brett Stewart are still not fully recovered from injuries that wrecked their 2010 season.
Prediction: 12th
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