NRL 2016 TipBetPro Season Preview

TipBetPro NRL is launched!

Following several long months of pouring over statistical data from several seasons of NRL data, we are proud to launch our 2016 NRL TipBetPro model.

Like the TipBetPro AFL model that has been successfully running for 4 seasons, the key hallmark of our NRL model will be that it is a player based model where the statistical attributes of the team taking the field are provided with a far higher weighting than the more common team-based factors (i.e. ladder, home ground, form etc) that most sporting models concentrate on.

Whilst the TipBetPro model is primarily set-up for week to week tipping, we still enjoy a little crystal-ball gazing. So let's take a glimpse at the TipBetPro 2016 Squad Analysis:

The Teams To Beat - Brisbane, New Zealand, North Queensland

Brisbane are premiership favourites and deservedly so as TipBetPro rates their starting 13 the best in the competition. However the Broncos lack depth and should injuries strike they are far more likely to be exposed than their fellow premiership contenders.

North Queensland are well placed to challenge for the NRL rarity of back to back premierships with a strong starting 13 (ranked 2nd by TipBetPro) and the best depth in the NRL (number 1 rated first 17 and number 1 rated full squad).

The acquisition of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (who starts the season as the 2nd highest rated player in the league by TipBetPro) pushes 2015 strugglers New Zealand well and truly into premiership contention with the best elite talent (number 1 ranked Top 5 players) and strong depth.

Premiership Roughies - Canberra, Melbourne, Cronulla, St George/Illawarra, Sydney

Manly is rated by the bookies as the most likely contender to the three main premiership contenders above but TipBetPro are not as optimistic on the hopes of the Sea Eagles Instead TipBetPro prefer the likes of: Canberra - Strong depth and whilst not necessarily elite, more proven talent on their list than many give them credit for Melbourne - The Storm's starting 13 remains amongst the best in the competition (ranked 4th by TipBetPro) and they have a growing list of 40-100 gamers to support their veterans

Cronulla - So much experience on their list and acquisition of James Maloney adds to an impressive roster of elite talent

St George/Illawarra - Not rated by the bookies and without a single player rated by TipBetPro in the Top 30 players in the NRL it is easy to see why. However the Dragons mid-tier players are as good as any and they are only the development of a couple of players making the step from good to elite from being a serious threat Sydney - Not great in the way of elite talent or depth with the loss of several players from their brilliant (finals aside) 2015 campaign. All the same, the Roosters still have a very solid starting 13 and it would not surprise if they were amongst it come finals time

South Sydney - The return of Sam Burgess could be the catalyst for the Rabbitohs to storm back into premiership contention

Fighting For Finals - Canterbury, Manly, Parramatta, Penrith

It would take some improvement from their starting lists but should a few of the sides listed above slip up - we like the claims of the Bulldogs, Sea Eagles, Eels and Panthers as best placed to find themselves in finals action.

Unlikely to contend in 2016 - Gold Coast, Newcastle, Wests

Gold Coast, Wests and Newcastle are the clear three lowest rated squads by the TipBetPro model at the start of the 2016 campaign and will require rapid improvement to be part of finals action in 2016.

Summary of Results