2012 Toyota Cup Previews - Part 4 of 4

South Sydney Rabbitohs
2011 Review - There was very little that separated Souths from a wooden spoon in 2011. They were never really in the hunt from early on in the season. They lost 6 straight games from Round 7 to Round 13 and then lost 8 straight from Round 19 to Round 26. There was one shining light, winger James Roberts (nephew of Amos Roberts) who scored 15 tries in 11 NYC games before being elevated to the NRL side.
2012 Preview - Things aren't looking much better in 2012 for the Rabbitohs. Their players will be stronger and better in 2012, but so will every other teams. The Rabbitohs lacked the x-factor required to win, or even turn the momentum, in games last year. This will be an issue for them again this season.

Sydney Roosters
2011 Review - The Roosters finished 5th at season end and were one of the strongest defensive teams for the year. Their finals campaign wasn't the best as they bowed out in straight sets, losing 26-10 to Melbourne in week 1 and then 14-4 to Cronulla in week 2. These scorelines were quite a shock as the Roosters had won 11 straight games leading into the finals, including a 50-8 win over the best defensive team Bulldogs, a 44-6 win over Cronulla and a 28-14 win over Melbourne.
2012 Preview - The Roosters backline has remained virtually intact from 2011, with only some minor reshuffling to the engine room. Given their end of season form, prior to the finals, the Roosters should be a top 4 finisher in 2012. Whether they can stay focussed when the pressure increases though, that's another question.

Warriors
2011 Review - The Minor Premiers lost just 4 games in a dominating season which saw them rack up big scorelines all season long, most impressively, a 64-0 whitewash of the Bulldogs in the Grand Final qualifier. The Warriors faced second placed North Queensland in the final, where the won by one point in extra time.
2012 Preview - The Warriors 2012 tilt is looking very ominous. They look likely to repeat their achievements of 2011 again this year. Their spine has remained virtually intact from last season and their forward pack still looks very menacing. Strongest bet to be premiers in 2012.

Wests Tigers
2011 Review - The Tigers were a strong defensive unit in 2011, however they have lost that brilliant attacking edge they had in years past. This saw them drop down to 7th on the ladder and on the receiving end of a 48-26 hiding in the first week of the finals to the Cowboys.
2012 Preview - They may have lost halfback of the year Jacob Miller to the NRL squad, but his replacement is likely to be Jordan Marshall, younger brother of NRL star Benji. This could be the very spark the Tigers need to reignite their attack and see them back in the title hunt once again. The loss of Matt Groat from the pack is going to be hard to overcome. The Tigers should finish in the top 6.
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Check out the links to our previous previews:

Part 1 - Broncos, Raiders, Bulldogs, Sharks
Part 2 - Titans, Manly, Melbourne, Knights
Part 3 - Cowboys, Eels, Panthers, Dragons