Coming into the season, I thought that there would realisticslly be a three team battle for the title; Nudgee, TSS and Churchie. But I feel as if Nudgee have dropped out of that race. Every good team has a solid 10 and Nudgee haven't established one. This could be a real danger. While I have heard reassurance that Shepard is fit and will be playing, other talk will cloud the camp. Small front row and limited line out jumpers don't bode well with me. I wouldn't put money on the 1st XV at Nudgee.
One of the quirks of this age group coming through in 2017 is probably a lack of depth in the front row and flyhalf positions. Unlike last year when there were a plethora of talent pushing in these positions. So I would not be writing NC off from a top 2 position just yet.
I think the NC halfback will be more of a playmaker this year and the positional move of Small to 2nd five eight indicates that talent in the Nudgee back row with Bullemor, Woods and Tautau challenging for spots
Agree with Gungenia on his view of ACGS.
I think BSHS will be a surprise and top 3 contender as they will have by far the best front row in the comp (barring injuries) and have the potential to starve opposition of any decent ball by the pressure they put on in set pieces and dominance over the ball.
Still yet to see any Head to head from any school - so still early days on finalizing ladder predictions.