Dragons: Have the game to win it, as always, it's actually going out and doing it that will be the big question.
Contenders if they can hold their nerve (and that's a big if)
Penrith: I really don't know with penrith. They have some of the best players in the NRL on their roster (Pet, Pritchard, Jennings, Lewis), but they struggle to score points. Walsh really needs to fire, because if his kicking game is off, they won't score any points, but I am not sold on him as a big game player.
Pretenders, unless Walsh really fires come September
Roosters: I like them a lot this year. Carney is playing great football, and can steer them to the big one. A lot of the unheralded players in the side are playing out of their skin.
Contenders, a real smokey for the title for me
Tigers: I never thought I would say this about us, but our attack is really letting us down. Our defence is really going well this year (apart from a few shockers), but we aren't putting points on the board. However, with Marshall and Farah in the side, we still have the fire power, and when we turn it on, we will be incredibly hard to beat.
Contenders, if their attack clicks
Manly: Very strong side, but very inexperienced in the halves. Hodgkinson and Foran have a lot riding on them should they make it deep into the finals. They can beat any side on their day I believe, but may struggle when the heat is really on due to the inexperience of the halves.
Pretenders, unless the inexperienced halves hold their nerve
Titans: I don't see them winning it, much like last year. They will be there abouts, but are the butterfly of the teams at the top, harmless. May hang around in the finals for a week or two, but won't really threaten. They just lack something I can't put my finger on.
Pretenders, but will be there-abouts
Warriors: Have a similar problem to Manly, no real experience in the halves, and they also lack a real leader who has been there and can lead them through the finals. Pricey would be that man but he isn't there. I know Tate has won a premiership, but I just don't see him being the leader they need. Maybe next year.
Pretenders, lack the leadership/experience required
Broncos: Another darkhorse for me. Have a good mix of youth and experience, and have plenty of premiership winning players. I was once told to never write off a champion, so as long as the Broncos (or any other team with Lockyer in it) are in with a chance, they are dangerous.
Contenders, and a team that can really cause some damage in the finals
Souths: Probably won't do much damage from here on out. Too many key men out injured, can't see them making the finals, unless they just sneak into 8th. If they do make it they will be cannon fodder.
Pretenders, too many key players injured.
Parramatta: starting to fire again, if last year is anything to go by, they can really shake this competition up, I don't think they are quite there yet, but I wouldn't write them off.
Unsure, I'll wait this one out for a fortnight.
Everyone else I think is too far away from the 8, and not playing well enough to make it in there.
Was thinking the same thing Fiddy. It could be the biggest game of the regular season.:crazy:
