The lack of anticipation has been overwhelming but in 2010 'NOT The Footy Show' will be bringing second rate insight and as yet untapped genius to the world of Rugby League Programming.
Via the wonderful world of YouTube - Two Idiots & One Camera have produced a Four Part Season Preview Video on All 16 NRL Clubs.
<><><> Part One is below - featuring the St.George-Illawarra Dragons, Parramatta Eels, Wests Tigers & Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.
<><><> Part Two is below - featuring the Newcastle Knights, Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, North Queensland Cowboys & New Zealand Warriors.
Part Three is below - featuring the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Sydney Roosters, Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles & Penrith Panthers.
Part Four is below - featuring the Brisbane Broncos, Canberra Raiders, Gold Coast Titans & Melbourne Storm.
And finally, our Grand Final Predictions, Dally M Picks & Top Tryscorer Tips for Season 2010. And the launch of two new exciting promotions via The NRL Tweet.
So follow us on Twitter today - and get ready for a big season of Rugby League.
For a few years now Fox Sports Fantasy NRL has been the best Fantasy competition on the internet for keeping competitors interested in the game from week to week.
Nathan Hindmarsh Eels 10.0 1007 + You know exactly what Hindmarsh will bring to the table each week (45/14/100 in 2009) and you'll love him for it. The 10.0 price tag may not be so welcome though and it is almost too high to be comfortable spending in 2010. While you'll get plenty of tackles from Hindy - his hit up counts vary and he's not a pure line breaking forward. His offloads jumped significantly in 2009 to 52 from 10 the year before. Consistency you will get in Hindmarsh, for explosiveness look elsewhere for your Fantasy side.
Anthony Watmough Sea Eagles 9.5 889 + Manly's left side attack will always be a threat with Watmough running lines down it. The loss of Matt Orford may result in Watmough taking some time to adapt to his new playmaker but he's good enough to be as damaging as ever. He will miss tackles, make errors and concede penalties so don't be shocked by that part of his game. But his numbers (24/16/137) are complemented by 8 Tries, 13 LBs, 4 Try Assists, 3 LBAs, 54 Offloads & 143 Tackle Busts. You will get some huge games from Watmough in 2010 - but he's not quite a home run every week.
Sam Burgess Rabbitohs 9.5 0 + Burgess will be a force in the NRL and should come under serious consideration for your Fantasy NRL squad. His numbers in Super League last year were solid at 24/16/117 but he has big upside carrying the ball. If he plays in the backrow at Souths and gets good minutes there's every reason to think he could be a 30/17/140 guy with line breaking, tackle busting and offloading potential. You'll have to spend 9.5 to get him but you'll enjoy the experience.
David Stagg Bulldogs 9.0 1005 + Put in a monster Fantasy season in his first year locking the scrum at Canterbury. Clocking up 44 Tackles per game is Fantasy NRL gold but it was his work with the ball that made Stagg a real asset. Averaged 12 runs for 77 Metres in 24 games with 4 Tries, 3 Try Assists, 5 LBAs, 4 LBs, 44 Offloads & 58 Tackle Busts. Missed the trials through injury and might miss Round 1 - but once fit you can't do much better than the Bulldogs #13.
Corey Parker Broncos 8.5 1056 + Now the prime goalkicking forward in the game (hookers don't count!) with Craig Fitzgibbon off to England. Having the potential to add 4-10 points through goals each week makes Parker a real Fantasy option even at 8.5. Hard worker (31/13/88) who might play closer to the ruck in 2010 after being used as a wider running lock in 2009. The Brisbane pack has lost a lot of leaders in the past few years - Parker must continue to take up the slack.
Bronson Harrison Raiders 8.5 952 + The bargain buy of the backrowers in 2009 is going to cost you in 2010. Harrison went from bench player at the Tigers to regular 80 minute player at Canberra and his Fantasy value skyrocketed. In 24 games averaged 30/12/88 vs 19 games for 20/6/48 in 2008 - the difference is startling. Offloads at will (74 in 2010) and makes things happen (5 Tries, 8 Try Assists, 10 LBAs, 6 LBs & 64 Tackle Busts) running the ball. Canberra struggled last year and he still produced Fantasy points so he's going to get picked by a lot of teams.
Paul Gallen Sharks 8.5 786 + Takes it upon himself to run the ball for Cronulla... which isn't always the best thing for the Sharks - but it is great for your Fantasy team. A stat junkie who always seems to pick up a try every other game - a huge asset for a forward. Stat line of 31/19/152 to go with 52 Offloads and 44 Tackle Busts - in just 16 games. If he's rehabbed his shoulder injury back to 100% consider him and for 8.5 - you should have him in your sights regardless of Cronulla's form.
David Taylor Rabbitohs 8.5 670 + The human road train is exciting to watch but you run the risk of disappointment if you draft Taylor into your Fantasy team. That's not to say he's not a force in any given week - but the week's he does nothing you'll rue spending 8.5 on him for the privilege. Huge second half of 2009 saw his stat line read 22/11/96 with 5 Tries, 8 Try Assists, 7 LBAs, 11 LBs, 23 Offloads & 66 Tackle Busts. Plus he did that in only 49 minutes per game. Has handling issues and misses tackles but you're selecting him for the games he explodes in.
Glenn Stewart Sea Eagles 8.0 842 + Since adding some genuine playmaking ability (6 Try Assists, 12 LBAs in 2009) - Stewart's grunt numbers have suffered particularly in the hitup counts. Still averaging 34/13/86 isn't bad when you also have 3 Tries, 6 LBs, 23 Offloads & 76 Tackle Busts to go with it. Will be a key link man on the right once again in 2010 but his running numbers could once again drop as they have for 2 straight seasons. Still a good play at 8.0 however.
Trent Waterhouse Panthers 8.0 840 + Penrith boast one heck of a backrow with Waterhouse lining up alongside Luke Lewis & Frank Pritchard - and Waterhouse is the most reliable Fantasy play. Averaged 74 minutes per game for 34/15/102 with 3 Tries, 3 Try Assists, 6 LBAs, 6 LBs, 45 Offloads & 64 Tackle Busts in 21 games. Those are Fantasy numbers you take to the bank and live off all year. At 8.0 that's a good investment.
Ben Creagh Dragons 8.0 789 + The Dragons love to run Creagh down the left off a Ben Hornby short ball and Creagh's 8 Tries, 10 LBs & 57 Tackle Busts suggest it worked a lot of the time. His stats are solid 21/14/114 and he plays nearly every minute. There's no reason to think Creagh won't be central to the St.George-Illawarra attacking game plan yet again in 2010 - so consider him for yours.
To be added...
Andrew Ryan Bulldogs 7.5 799
Anthony Tupou Sharks 7.5 768
Anthony Laffranchi Titans 7.5 866
Simon Mannering Warriors 7.5 726
Luke O'Donnell Cowboys 7.5 563
Feleti Mateo Eels 7.5 513
Frank Pritchard Panthers 7.5 566
Luke Lewis Panthers 7.5 490
Chris Heighington Tigers 7.5 538
Gareth Ellis Tigers 7.5 618
Alan Tongue Raiders 7.0 604
Ryan Hoffman Storm 7.0 875
Micheal Luck Warriors 7.0 718
Zeb Taia Knights 7.0 907
Jeremy Smith Dragons 7.0 378
Dene Halatau Bulldogs 6.5 373 + Looked set to partner Andrew Ryan in the Canterbury second row to start the season but a foot injury puts him out of action for 8 weeks. Former Tiger will be worth looking at once healthy though.
Tom Learoyd-Lahrs Raiders 6.5 438 + Probably Canberra's most important forward... suffered a knee injury in the final trial and will miss 2 months. Huge loss for the Raiders and now Learoyd-Lahrs faces a really tough task to reclaim his NSW Origin jumper. Cruel blow for a talented big man.
Ashley Harrison Titans 6.5 460
Mark Minichiello Titans 6.5 622
Willie Mason Cowboys 6.5 485
Michael Crocker Rabbitohs 6.5 234
Dean Young Dragons 6.5 667
Nate Myles Roosters 6.5 391
Luke O'Dwyer Titans 6.0 355
Jacob Lillyman Warriors 6.0 428
Scott Bolton Cowboys 6.0 634
Steve Southern Cowboys 6.0 383
Ben Smith Eels 6.0 515 + Busted cheekbone in trial will put him behind the 8-ball getting a start in the beefed up Parramatta pack. Was more than useful in run to Grand Final last year though, so will get a look in first grade once fit. Avoid for now.
Eddy Pettybourne Rabbitohs 6.0 614
Matt Prior Dragons 6.0 591
Liam Fulton Tigers 6.0 0
Gary Warburton Bulldogs 5.5 444
Danny Galea Raiders 5.5 380
Joe Picker Raiders 5.5 273
Will Matthews Titans 5.5 199
Chris Bailey Sea Eagles 5.5 649
Joe Galuvao Sea Eagles 5.5 0
Todd Lowrie Storm 5.5 600
Ben Matulino Warriors 5.5 297
Cory Paterson Knights 5.5 157
Evarn Tuimavave Knights 5.5 123
Matt Hilder Knights 5.5 736
Shane Shackleton Eels 5.5 492
Nathan Smith Panthers 5.5 549
Nigel Plum Panthers 5.5 256
Neville Costigan Dragons 5.5 405
Anthony Cherrington Roosters 5.5 98 + Roosters had high hopes that 2010 was the year Cherrington realised some of his potential... did knee in final trial and won't be seen again in 2010. Shame.
Lopini Paea Roosters 5.5 413
Alex Glenn Broncos 5.0 526
Ben Te'o Broncos 5.0 458
Mickey Paea Bulldogs 5.0 117
Reece Williams Sharks 5.0 461
Sam Tagataese Titans 5.0 96
Manase Manuokafoa Cowboys 5.0 194
Joseph Paulo Panthers 5.0 307
Junior Moors Tigers 5.0 0
Mark Flanagan Tigers 5.0 0
Lagi Setu Broncos 4.5 384
Corey Payne Bulldogs 4.5 398 + Recruited from the Wests Tigers for 2010, but won't play for Canterbury until 2011 after requiring shoulder surgery.
Daniel Harrison Bulldogs 4.5 0
Lee Te Maari Bulldogs 4.5 51
Yileen Gordon Bulldogs 4.5 325
Shaun Fensom Raiders 4.5 35
Grant Millington Sharks 4.5 469
Shane Rodney Sea Eagles 4.5 389
Atelea Vea Storm 4.5 153
Kevin Proctor Storm 4.5 101
Cameron Ciraldo Knights 4.5 18
Mark Taufua Knights 4.5 514
James Tamou Cowboys 4.5 224
Steve Rapira Cowboys 4.5 293
Matthew Bell Panthers 4.5 423
Ben Lowe Rabbitohs 4.5 407
Jason Clark Rabbitohs 4.5 0
Shannan McPherson Rabbitohs 4.5 378
Nick Kouparitsas Roosters 4.5 85
Joel Thompson Raiders 4.0 185
Vic Mauro Sea Eagles 4.0 39
Jake Marketo Dragons 4.0 0
Daniel Conn Roosters 4.0 70
Riley Brown Titans 3.5 62
Dan O'Regan Storm 3.5 11
Hep Cahill Storm 3.5 30
Epalahame Lauaki Warriors 3.5 0 + Seriously who does the player lists for Fox Sports? This guy hasn't been in the NRL since 2007!!!
Constantine Mika Knights 3.5 44
David Fifita Tigers 3.5 0
Simon Dwyer Tigers 3.5 19
Willie Mataka Tigers 3.5 57
Rohan Ahern Broncos 3.0 29 + Season ending injury in trials.
Taniela Lasalo Eels 3.0 8
Junior Paulo Dragons 3.0 0
Boyd Cordner Roosters 2.5 0 + Torn ACL. Season over.
Cameron Smith Storm 11.0 893 + A Fantasy Machine - Smith has averaged over 35 tackles in each of the last 3 seasons and is involved in 15 or so tries per season (Tries + Try Assists). Those stats alone would make him a Fantasy asset but he also kicks goals for the Storm, kicks in general play (has 40/20 ability) and knows when to run the ball from dummy half. About the only downside to selecting Smith is Melbourne Coach Craig Bellamy's lack of confidence in young halves when an injury hits Cooper Cronk or Brett Finch - because Smith often finds himself at five-eighth as a result. Draft with confidence for 2010.
Robbie Farah Tigers 10.5 1021 + About the only thing Farah doesn't do is kick for goal. Everything else - he does as well as any other player in the game. Complete footballers don't come around often and Farah is one of those special few. Gets through his work (35 Tackles and 9 runs per game in 2009), adds class (22 Try Assists, 19 LBAs, 11 LBs, 8 Tries & 33 Offloads) and has an astute kicking game (including 3 40/20s). An added bonus with Farah is his tackle busting ability with 71 last year. He's 0.5 cheaper than Smith and a touch more explosive so draft him and use the 0.5 elsewhere. An absolute Fantasy GUN.
Michael Ennis Bulldogs 9.0 670 + Grew in genuine confidence as 2009 progressed (and one thing Ennis has never been short of is self confidence) and if he inherits the goalkicking from the retired Hazem El Masri for 2010 - Ennis becomes a legitimate Fantasy threat. His defence is suspect (only 26 Tackles including a combined 5 missed/ineffective tackles per game) but he is a livewire on the field. Was solid offensively in 2009 with 7 Tries, 8 Try Assists, 4 LBAs, 5 LBs and 42 Tackle Busts but he barely offloads (9 in 2009) and his kicking game isn't his strong point. Is firmly entrenched at hooker for Canterbury though - and as we said before, he gets the goalkicking and 9.0 is almost a fair price to pay.
Nathan Friend Titans 8.0 845 + Friend's scouting report is all about defence. Averaged 40 Tackles (but a combined 6 missed/ineffective tackles) per game in 2009 but added some genuine attacking variety to his game. Had 4 Tries, 9 Try Assists, 11 LBAs, 4 LBs & 41 Tackle Busts in 2009 as he became a nifty playmaker close to the line - especially with the inside/short ball to a running forward. Beware the workload he's been under (2,700 tackles the last 3 years) but he keeps getting back up each week - so if you want to save some coin for other positions and get consistency at hooker - Friend at 8.0 is an option.
Issac Luke Rabbitohs 7.5 637 + If he plays big minutes under John Lang (he shared time with Craig Wing under Jason Taylor) - Luke could have a monster season hooking the South Sydney pack. Has great speed out of dummy half and is a relentless type - although his defensive stats (22 Tackles including 3 missed per game) could do with some improvement, you're buying him for his attack. Had 4 Tries, 8 Try Assists, 12 LBAs, 7 LBs, 55 Tackle Busts, 32 Offloads and averaged 9 runs per game in 2009 - and those numbers could increase with a stronger Bunnies side in 2010. Rarely kicks and can have the odd brain explosion but for 7.5 or less you can't do much better.
Paul Aiton Sharks 7.0 733 + Would love to think he moved to Cronulla for a full time hooking role but the presence of John Morris suggests Aiton might be spending too much time on the bench in 2010 to really consider. When he plays his motor never stops with 34 Tackles & 8 runs per game mixed with 64 Tackle Busts, 31 Offloads, 4 LBs & 4 Tries - all in around 65 mins per game. If he was the undisputed starter for the Sharks he'd be a savvy pick, but the Morris factor isn't good.
Matt Ballin Sea Eagles 7.0 528 + Ballin is valuable to the Manly style but not overly helpful to your Fantasy bottom line. He's a glue-guy - someone who does his job each week with a minimum of fuss and always has a solid stat line at the end of the game. But solid won't cut it in Fantasy land with the Smiths, Farahs and Ennis's of the game on other people's squads. 31 Tackles per game but only 3 runs to go with that and despite a career high 9 Try Assists & 9 LBAs - he's not dynamic enough to pick for this price.
Isaac De Gois Knights 7.0 626 + Starts the season injured - and that's the most important report you need to consider right now. When he returns his form is worth monitoring as he was a Fantasy NRL surprise in 2009 averaging 33 Tackles & 6 Runs with 37 Tackle Busts, 4 Try Assists, 3 LBAs, 4 LBs, 2 Tries and 23 offloads in 65 minutes per game. A good player who when fit - you can consider.
Ian Henderson Warriors 6.5 510 + Lost his starting spot in 2009 through some indifferent form but the Warriors struggled as a whole last year, so don't discount him bouncing back if the team does. The most glaring stat Henderson had in 2009 was only 49.1 minutes per game and although his averages were okay (28 Tackles/7 Runs), he didn't score a try & only set up 3. His 49 Tackle Busts & 24 Offloads are encouraging but he has to play bigger minutes to be a true Fantasy factor and the opportunity afforded to Aaron Heremia & rookie Alehana Mara while Henderson is out injured in the opening weeks, means you avoid him.
Aaron Payne Cowboys 6.5 495 + The Cowboys missed him terribly once he was lost to a season ending injury in the second half of 2009. His numbers are solid for only 6.5 - 26 Tackles & 6 Runs per game, 4 Tries, 10 Try Assists, 8 LBAs, 6 LBs, 22 Tackle Busts and significantly only 4 errors & 4 penalties conceded in 16 games. If North Queensland turn things around in 2010 - it'll be in large part to Payne. Should play good minutes too so he's a smokey at hooker.
Matthew Keating Eels 6.5 664 + Important member of the Parramatta run to the Grand Final but had to share time with Kevin Kingston throughout. Kingston is now at Penrith and Keating looks to have the #9 jumper all to himself and that should mean better Fantasy numbers. Averaged 31 Tackles (barely any missed/ineffective as well) & 5 Runs in 60 minutes per week and helped out offensively with 3 Tries, 4 Try Assists, 5 LBs, 3 LBAs, 24 Tackle Busts & 29 Offloads. Had a 40/20 too in 2009 but isn't a regular kicker with plenty of other options in the Parramatta lineup.
Kevin Kingston Panthers 6.0 343 + Was a late signing for 2010 but could well begin the season as the undisputed starter in Penrith. His main opposition Masada Iosefa hasn't really thrown down the gauntlet in the pre-season and Kingston's form to end 2009 has him primed for a strong year with the Panthers. Since he shared time with Matt Keating at Parramatta - his numbers don't catch the eye (19 Tackles & 5 Runs per game) but he has plenty of experience starting with the Sharks. If you're going cheap at hooker - consider. Masada Iosefa Panthers 6.0 174 + When Cronulla signed Paul Aiton, Iosefa could have been forgiven for thinking he was being handed the keys to the hooking role at Penrith. But now the young rake faces a tough task of unseating Kevin Kingston from the #9 jumper. Iosefa is highly regarded but lacks the polish to be a starter in the NRL and in 38 mins per game last year he averaged 20 Tackles & 5 Runs - hardly numbers to get excited about. Pass.
Nathan Fien Dragons 6.0 399 + Fien could add some attacking spark to the St.George-Illawarra ruck now that Dean Young has moved to lock. Having said that Fien is a better halfback than a hooker and the shift to #9 never worked with the Warriors. Will be looked at to create try-scoring opportunities for the Dragons this year but may have to share time with Luke Priddis and Young.
Andrew McCullough Broncos 5.5 476 + Last year's bargain at halfback is a bargain at hooker this time around. At 5.5 and with no real competition for the Brisbane hooking job - McCullough will not want for game time. But he is a developing footballer and his numbers (30 Tackles, 3 Missed, 4 Runs per game) are okay... for 5.5. Needs to find some offence in 2010 to be a viable Fantasy option as just 2 Tries, 4 LBs, 1 LBA and zero Try Assists isn't good enough from a Fantasy hooker.
Travis Waddell Raiders 5.5 145 + Could have been an intriguing pick had Canberra coach David Furner not decided to play captain Alan Tongue at hooker to start 2010. While that move makes little sense - it makes Waddell pretty much a non-factor in Fantasy land. Minimal minutes from a player who offered zero offence (1 Try & 1 LB in 10 Games) and suspect defence (21 Tackles & 5 Missed/Ineffective Tackles per game) in a similar role last season, makes Waddell a pointless pick at this stage.
James Aubusson Roosters 5.5 104 + Before his injury that ended his 2009 season, Aubusson was very ordinary. 24 Tackles per game and one 40/20 was about all he had to show in the stat column over 9 games. He is however capable of more but the potential move of Ben Jones to hooker curtails a lot of that potential in 2010.
Stuart Flanagan Sharks 5.0 62 + Was in Canberra coach David Furner's doghouse from the pre-season in 2009 and never got out of it. Injury and a perceived lack of size counted against his first grade chances and he was released by Furner after just one season. The Sharks pounced on the talented attacking hooker and he could put serious pressure on Aiton and Morris for the Cronulla hooking role if given a sniff by coach Ricky Stuart.
Glen Buttriss Raiders 4.5 349 + A revelation in the Raiders 2008 playoff charge and relative non-factor in 2009. Just didn't look like the same player who gave great service from dummy half two years ago and may be squeezed out of the first grade squad if Alan Tongue remains at hooker entering the season. Pass.
Terence Seu Seu Sea Eagles 4.0 237 + Could force his way onto the bench with a good pre-season but Seu Seu has never been a Fantasy factor and shouldn't be on your squad entering 2010.
Ryan Hinchcliffe Storm 4.0 382 + Had a great game in the World Club Challenge but looks set for no more than 25-30 minutes per game in 2010 unless coach Craig Bellamy decides Cameron Smith is the a long term replacement for Cooper Cronk - should the latter's groin injury not come good anytime soon. Might be a fill in option for the first few weeks but not when Cronk returns.
Beau Falloon Rabbitohs 4.0 53 + Looked like the backup to Issac Luke before the pre-season but young Jason Clark beat him out for a spot on the bench for the Charity Shield and as a result - Falloon now looks NSW Cup bound.
Luke Priddis Dragons 4.0 136 + Decided to go around for one more year at the Dragons, despite an underwhelming debut season with the club in 2009. Played just 10 games and saw dramatic statistical falls in nearly every category - the most painful was his zero tallies in Tries, Try Assists, LBs & LBAs, while getting only 37 minutes per game. If he turns back the clock he'd be a bargain at 4.0 - but do you think he can?
PJ Marsh Broncos 3.5 50 + Injury ruled him out of the All Stars game and probably from contention for a spot in the Broncos squad for Round 1. Even if he gets fit again - Andrew McCullough is coach Ivan Henjak's first choice at hooker.
George Ndaira Knights 3.5 90 + May be a savvy early round pick for some managers who know Isaac De Gois is injured. A handy player who might give you some room to spend big at other positions. But should be discarded once De Gois is back.
Clint Amos Cowboys 3.5 36 + Missed most of 2009 with injury and hasn't really come up on the Fantasy radar at all since 2007. Only an option if Aaron Payne gets hurt and coach Neil Henry chooses Amos over Anthony Watts long term.
Lancen Juodo Sharks 3.0 29 + Logjam at hooker for the Sharks - but Juodo is more of a utility anyway. Still you know better than to pick a player unlikely to play much first grade.
Ian Lacey Titans 3.0 0 + If Lacey was the backup to Nathan Friend at the Titans you might (in desperation) consider drafting him. But Riley Brown is, so move on.
James Woolford Storm 2.0 0 + Can't see him playing any first grade in 2010. Melbourne are well served at hooker.
Anthony Mitchell Eels 2.0 0 + Might get the odd game in the top grade if Matt Keating gets hurt. But it won't be significant minutes even if he does.
