LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Matthew Johns, a former representative playmaker for the Newcastle Knights, has shared his predictions for the top-eight teams in the upcoming NRL season, notably excluding the Sydney Roosters from his forecast.
On SEN's Morning Glory, Johns expressed confidence that the Canberra Raiders would secure the minor premiership. He anticipates the Penrith Panthers will also perform well enough to make the top four, alongside the Melbourne Storm and the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.
Johns predicted that despite missing key players Adam Reynolds, Ezra Mam, and Selwyn Cobbo for a month, the Brisbane Broncos would maintain their spot in the finals. However, he foresees the Sydney Roosters falling short of the top eight, making way for the New Zealand Warriors, Cronulla Sharks, and the Dolphins to fill the remaining playoff positions.
His projected top-eight standings are as follows:
1. Canberra Raiders
2. Melbourne Storm
3. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
4. Penrith Panthers
5. New Zealand Warriors
6. Brisbane Broncos
7. Cronulla Sharks
8. The Dolphins