You could make a case any of the top 8 from last year really to miss the cut.
Sharks - Obvious reasons of losing Ennis & Barba. Finally winning a premiership is no longer a driving ambition as it was in previous seasons. I still think they will make the 8 just the bottom half of it.
Storm - Can't see it happening baring a major injury to Cronk or Smith. They will be there.
Raiders - Only injuries or possible origin workload to players that haven't played rep footy is the only hindrance I could see. Top 4.
Panthers - Same as above. Should have a few more in the rep teams and that will be an adjustment they will need to make. The other thing that bothers me about the Panthers is the injuries problems they have had in the past that have derailed their seasons (Think 2015). I know Palmer has gotten the boot but they are not off to a good start losing Mansour & Mckendry for long periods before the season has started. Along with DWZ. Something to keep an eye on.
Still I think they will be top 4 material though.
Cowboys - Obvious loss of Tamou & Hannant leaves them short up front. The other thing that concerns me is the woeful form of Coote since he re-signed with the club last year. His pre season form so far has suggested nothing has changed. I bet there are a few Cowboys fans that are now wishing he didn't re-signed & they threw his money at Ponga.
I expect the Cowboys to regress but I can't write off a team with JT in it. Might just scrape into the 8.
Bulldogs - Everyone's pre season favourite to miss the 8. They haven't signed anyone of relevance, haven't improved their squad and the knives are out for Des.
But I think they will probably sneak back in. Have a great pack, a good coach.They have a habit of surprising you sometimes when they have been written off.
The start will be the key & so will the performance of Mbye.
Titans - Surprised many last year & recruited well for this year. Should improve or at least consolidate their place in the 8.
However I think Hayne will take longer this year to get going I am not convince he will ever be the same player he once was. Peats injury will hurt them and when he comes back he will take time coming into form Plus the fact Taylor & Elgey have only played I think 1 game together there combination will take time to gel.
I expecting the Titans to start the year slowly and then charge home, But will they leave their charge to late?
Broncos - Their performance was Jekyll & Hyde last year especially their halves. This year will be harder Hunt's leaving, Parker's gone, Roberts is on the waiting list to break his last chance and the old coach has gone bonkers and signed a dud in Marshall. Their performance at the WCC was woeful. On that note you'd tip them to miss the 8
Form some reason I can't tip against them. Maybe its the past glories of the Broncos have had or Bennett's overall record.
The teams that could force their way in include.
Warriors - Obviously the roster they have now assembled. But can they finally live up to their fans expectations? That can't be answered.
Syd - Had their nadir year last year and I expect them to be back in the 8 this year.
Souths - Good coach, Good players & I expect Farah to have a great year and get the Burgess boys really firing this year. The key will probably be the fitness of GI & Reynolds. If they can stay fit for most of the year I expect Souths in the 8.
Eels - Never really saw the hype in Brad Arthur by the media, but I must admit he proved me wrong last year. I think he can guide the Eels into the 8 provided Norman stays out of trouble. The big question mark will be Semi. If Arthur can keep him committed and get MJ going again I think the Eels will sneak into the 8.
Manly - Already seen in the trials how the recruitment of Blake Green is paying dividends. Should allow D$E to open up his game more. Walker will have a better year in the centres. Tom T will go up another level. It will be very hard to keep this team out of the 8.
Tigers - I am not fussed on their coach. If they make the 8 it will be the brilliance of Tedesco & Moses and the Heart of Woods that will propel them there.
No chance.
Saints - I can't see then making the 8 with McGregor. There only hope would be to boot him out asap and hope a care taker coach can turn them.
Knights - Will improve and surprise a few teams, but making the 8 this year will be a stretch too far.
