You'd have to say that Eddies look the goods once again. What a bold prediction.. However, after seeing them get absolutely thrashed by Riverview, it is important for teams to learn that size does not matter. The Riverview side were still much smaller than the Eddies side, but their ball skills, breakdown structure and intensity, their attacking structure and also their cover defence proved to be the difference. Line speed is the key. They also look vulnerable around the area of flyhalf. A season ending injury to Naudia will see either Brendan Trudgen, Jordan Hope, or Mitchell Douch fill the void. All small men who can be exposed in defence. Beau Donovan, probably the best player for St Edmunds has repeated year 12. Space will there for him to exploit with a lot of attention focused on Joseph Tomane's younger brother.
As for the other contenders:
Marist - Are always strong. They have arguably the best forward in the competition, Dean Paragalli. Not to mention other key forwards including the big Suita Tai. Marist have a good back line that has a very quick fullback in Tom Evans out the back.
Grammar - Will really struggle this year after an outstanding 1st placed finish last season. They have little depth. Will not make the top 4. Only strong players are Pat Rumble and Sean Cross (if he's still there).
Daramalan: Have potential to do something special this year. No doubting they have players capable of beating Marist and Eddies. Their experience will prove a big player, as their back line is the same as last year. James Rumble is their go-to man, often breaking the line. However they also have strong ball runners in Andrew Durham and Jack Huckstepp, and a very good ball winner in Ethan Jones. They're back line is a solid one with the only slight weakness being speed. They also one of the better kicking game's out the back with their fullback.
Norths: Look to be the only club that could be a contender. They have recruited a Southern Inland player by the name of Seth Stoltenberg who is a very good half back. Their best player Callum Richardson is a hard worker, who leads by example. Norths have a spread of polynesian boys throughout their team. It's whether or not these boys can switch their heads on and prove what talent they have. Leu Saipani is dangerous, however often goes missing in games. Nick Feakes is said to be the Five-Eight for Norths and if so, could prove to be a liability in defence.
