The Daily Telegraph’s Michael Carayannis has given his early prediction for the top four for the 2024 NRL season.
In 2022, two of the four teams who finished in the top four (North Queensland and Parramatta) failed to qualify for finals the following year and Carayannis has predicted a similar outcome for next season.
If the incoming recruits fire and big name players rediscover their best form, Carayannis believes the Manly Sea Eagles will finish in the top four next year.
“The likes of Brisbane and Penrith will be in everyone’s top four,” Carayannis said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“I like Manly next year.
“I think with the acquisition of Luke Brooks, if they can get Tom Trbojevic back onto the park and get that attack humming with (Haumole) Olakau’atu and (Tolutau) Koula, I just liek what they are building.
“Someone will definitely drop out so I’ll throw the Sydney Roosters back in the mix as well.
“However, I’m bullish on Manly for next season.”
SEN’s Greg Alexander was less enthusiastic but agrees that Manly have a strong chance of at least making finals if their stars can stay healthy.
“I think they’ll have a good season,” Alexander said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“That’s only if Tom (Tobojevic) stays on the field.
“I’m thinking they are definitely a top eight team.”
The Sea Eagles will kick off their 2024 campaign in Las Vegas against the South Sydney Rabbitohs.