With the 2008 NRL season done and dusted, there remains only two teams to review - the Manly Sea Eagles and the Melbourne Storm. We all know which of these two teams had the better season...

Manly Sea Eagles (1st): This season could not have gone any better for Des Hasler's boys. They were determined to erase the memory of 2007, and have done so in spectacular fashion. Going into the final, a lot of people thought that they couldn't beat the Storm - especially away from Brookvale. Well - they proved all their critics wrong, didn't they?

Throughout the whole season, only one player made his debut for the club (David "Wolfman" Williams), and that shows how much depth the club has. They are losing some veterans of the club, though, and next year will certainly be a good test of how well the club has prepared for life without Menzies, Bell, Williamson and Bryant.

For now, though, they can bask in the glory of their 2008 season.

2009 Gains: Chris Bailey (Knights), Tony Williams (Eels), Shane Rodney (Panthers)
2009 Losses: Steve "Beaver" Menzies (Bradford), Steven Bell (Les Catalans), Luke Williamson (London Harlequins), Mark Bryant (Celtic Crusaders).

Melbourne Storm (2nd): When you think about what was expected of the Storm this year, you'd have to say that the season was a failure. They were favourites to win right from the beginning of the year, but by the time the playoffs came around they were starting to look very shaky. They did, however, win the Minor Premiership - and that shows that they are still a classy side. And, although they too are losing some key players for 2009, only a fool would bet against them. They've developed a winning culture, and it shows no sign of ending any time soon.

They'll be able to put this year behind them, and start looking to how they plan on regaining their title next year. They have such a strong team - with the likes of Smith, Slater, Inglis, Hoffman and Cronk, they'll be able to make a strong fight for the Premiership in 2009.

2009 Gains: Ryan Hinchcliff (Raiders), Arana Taumata (Bulldogs), Matt Cross (Titans), William Isa (Panthers)
2009 Losses: Matt Geyer (Retiring), Israel Falou (Broncos), Jeremy Smith (Dragons), Michael Crocker (Hull), Sam Tagataese (Titans), Antonio Kaufusi (Cowboys), Liam Foran (Warriors), Russell Aitken (French Rugby League)

With the Tri Nations now complete and the Bledisloe Cup safely back in the cupboard for another year, it's a good time to look back on the All Black's season. There's been some great performances by the boys, and also a couple that were disappointing - but as whole, you'd have to say the year has been a success.

The most pleasing thing about the season has been the demise of the rotation system, which most All Black fans will be glad to see the back of. It's clear that the team has been playing a lot better thanks to not being switched up every week.

The team is playing with a lot of confidence that you can only get when playing alongside the same players every week. It also helps that we don't quite have the depth that we had last year, which means Graham Henry doesn't have the luxury.

The guys look a lot better now, knowing that they don't have to worry about whether or not they're going to be selected.

A great example of this has been Ma'a Nonu, who is going from strength to strength every week. Jerome Kaino, also.

Here's hoping that rotation remains a distant memory...

The other pleasing thing about their season has been the way they came back from back-to-back defeats to South Africa and the Wallabies. They were right up against it, and were facing a lot of undue criticism from the media and the public - but they way they came back to utterly destroy Australia in Auckland showed that the side has a lot of character and courage.

For a team that is in a rebuilding faze after last year's World Cup (and yes, they are rebuilding), coming back like they did shows us that this team is close to being at their best. They still have some things to improve on, but that just means the team is still growing.

Overall, we're very happy with the All Black's season - and the great thing is, we only have to wait until November before we see them in action again.

Best Performance: 39-10 victory over the Wallabies in Auckland. Fantastic kicking game, and we put a lot of pressure on them in their own 22, which paid off. Great to see the All Blacks attacking in the lineout for once.

Worst Performance: 34-19 loss to the Wallabies in Sydney - their worst performance by far. They couldn't hold onto the ball, and let the Wallabies capitalise on their mistakes. But, it must be said - the Wallabies didn't outplay us. We lost it for ourselves, and they just fed off the scraps.

Best Player: Easy - Richie McCaw. He continues to grow as a captain, and the All Blacks look a far better team when he's around. It's scary to think that he's only getting better, too. Well, scary for anyone who doesn't support the All Blacks...

Honourable mention to Mils Muliaina.

Most Disappointing Player: Sitivini Sivivatu - doesn't seem to playing with any great enthusiasm which, for a guy with his talent, just isn't good enough. At times he can be brilliant, but those times have been few and far between this year.

An honourable (or dishonourable...) mention has to go to Sione Luaki, who needs to learn to hold onto the ball.

Most Improved: Ma'a Nonu is benefiting form regular game time, and is starting to prove that he deserves to wear the black jersey. His combination with Conrad Smith has been outstanding, as have his distribution skills, which he has lacked in the past.

Ma'a Nonu - Most Improved Originally uploaded by djbwhizz

Honourable mention goes to Andrew Hore.

Comeback of the Year: Piri Weepu - thank goodness for Andy Ellis's injury, because it's brought Weepu back into the team - exactly where he should have been since the beginning.

Honourable mention goes to Brad Thorn.

So, there you have it - another season done and dusted (until November, at least).

Only six weeks until we start again, and we can't wait.

.


The All Blacks have a few weeks off before their final Tri Nations clash against the Wallabies in Brisbane, so we thought we'd take a look back at how the players have performed so far this year.

There have certainly been some who have been outstanding - and a few who haven't lived up to expectations.

So, let's review:

Tony Woodcock - 8/10
Woodcock has stood out as the number one prop in the country, and has caused problems for the opposition front rows. His best game to date was the second Test against the Wallabies, where he bagged himself two trys.

Greg Somerville - 6/10
'Yoda' has combined well with Hore and Woodcock in the front row, but is coming under some heavy pressure from John Afoa for the starting position. He's been rested a couple of times, which suggests he's struggling to keep up with the new pace of the game.

John Afoa - 7/10
Afoa has looked strong in the game time he's had this year. Despite his knee injury at the beginning of the Test season, he's bounced back well.

Neemia Tialata - 6/10
Played really well in the early games, and showed he is a strong scrummager. Still has a way to go before he will get regular game time, but has been reliable when needed.

Andrew Hore - 8/10
Hore has had a standout season so far, and looks to be relishing in his role as the number one hooker. His lineout throws are consistent, and his work rate around the field is exceptional - he's having his best season to date.

Kevin Mealamu - 6/10
Mealamu has yet to start a Test, but is performing well as an impact player off the bench. However, his lineout throws have been anything but good, and he really needs to improve that facet of his game if he wants to start.

Ali Williams - 7/10
Ali always plays his best rugby in the black jersey, and this year is no different. He has been getting himself involved all over the field (including the odd kick), and is now stepping into his role as a senior player. He's also shown incredible strength to play through several niggling injuries.

Brad Thorn - 7/10
Very solid work rate as usual, both on attack and defence. Has shown he can be used at lineout time as well, which a lot of people doubted.

Anthony Boric - 6/10
Very limited game time, but has stepped up when called upon. Will no doubt be better off for the experience, especially in his one start against the 'Boks at Carisbrook.

Kevin O'Neill - 5/10
Played about 35 minutes against South Africa, but didn't disappoint. Like Boric, he'll only get better with the experience of being part of the All Black's camp.

Jerome Kaino - 6/10
An up and down year, really. Has showed he can handle playing at Test level with some good performances, but let's himself down every now and then by being invisible on the field. Just needs to get himself involved more often, and back his abilities on attack.

Adam Thomson - 6/10
Limited game time, but shows incredible energy when on the field. Will improve immensely with more time on the field - he just needs more experience at Test level.

Sione Luaki - 4/10
Dear oh dear - not the best year for Luaki, to be honest. His handling has been appalling, and his running game needs work. Surely he can only improve...

Richie McCaw - 10/10 Brilliant. Has shown in the last two games why the All Blacks need him fit. We look a much stronger side when he's around, and his work rate is second to none.

"Richie McCaw" Originally uploaded by djbwhizz

Daniel Braid - 5/10
Played one game, but failed to have an impact. Definitely a country mile between him and McCaw.

Andy Ellis - 6/10
Good without being great. Needs to work on delivering the ball a lot quicker, and on his general kicking game. There's a massive difference between his game and Cowan's, that's for sure.

Jimmy Cowan - 8/10
Why he didn't start earlier, we'll never know - but he's shown that he's our best halfback at the moment. Strong defence and a great kicking game.

Piri Weepu - 7/10
Limited game time, but played well against the 'Boks the other night. Always dangerous with the ball in hand, he may have done enough to keep his place in the team.

Dan Carter - 9/10
Has been brilliant on attack this year, due to having Nonu outside him. Also has a strong defencive game, which goes largely unnoticed. Not the greatest year with the boot, but still a standout player.

Stephen Donald - 5/10
Very limited game time, but with Carter playing well it's no surprise. Should get a start against Samoa.

Ma'a Nonu - 8/10 His best year to date, that's for sure. Nonu is relishing the regular game time, and keeps the opposition on their toes. Has scored some fantastic trys, and is passing the ball a lot - good to see.

Ma'a Nonu Originally uploaded by djbwhizz

Conrad Smith - 7/10
Another player enjoying regular game time, and is looking better for it. Is showing he has pace, which everyone said he lacked. Great on defence, and causing head aches for the opposition on attack.

Richard Kahui - 7/10
Had a great debut, and is looking like he'll be around for a long time. Has played well on the wing, too - a very dynamic player.

Sitivini Sivivatu - 6/10
A lot like Kaino - has tons of talent, but at times has looked quite ordinary. He needs to attack the ball with pace, rather than the jogging run he often does. We expected more out of him.

Rudi Wulf - 6/10
Wulf's shown some promise, and looks to get himself involved, which is positive. Needs more game time before we'll see the best out of him - one to watch, though.

Anthony Tuitavake - 5/10
A little bit disappointing for a guy with a lot of ability. Defends well, but has shown little on attack, which he'll need to change quickly - especially with Kahui playing well on the wing.

Isaia Toeava - 6/10
Played well on the weekend, and showed he's grown as a player. If he can keep it up, he'll play more Tests this year.

Leon McDonald - 6/10
An injury plagued season again, which has severely limited his game time. Not sure if he'll be around much longer if his concussion problems continue.

Mils Muliaina - 9/10
Mils looks to be in fantastic form, especially on attack where he seems to have fired up immensely. Currently the best fullback in the world.

So there you have it - our player review so far this year.

Head to the forum for some discussion!

The Attic team have recently signed up to PayPerPost and, so far, we very much like what we see!

One of the main reasons for the creation of the Sports Fan Attic was to get our thoughts and opinions 'out there', and the discovery of the PayPerPost community has given this idea a real boost. And, it's a two-way thing. If we find someone's post that we'd like to review - well, we can, and we can make a few bucks doing it!

On the other side of the coin, being part of the PayPerPost programme means that anyone reading our posts can sign-up and review them - meaning you can make a few bucks, too.

It's win, win, really. The money, to us, is a fairly inconsequential bonus. We just love the idea that we can get our opinions and thoughts out there even more now, and that other bloggers can do the same through us.

So if you like the sound of all of this, click on the 'Review My Post' button at the end of the post that interests you. You'll get yourself heard by a community of like-minded bloggers and readers, and you'll get paid for doing it.

Can't go wrong, really - good stuff, PayPerPost!