having a look at the draw and we haven't got that bad of an assignment for 22'.
Breaking down the first 8 and last 8 games for us and those who finished outside the 8 this year, I've looked at the games they will play against the teams who finished in the 8 this year.
Dragons - First 8 games we will play 5 of the teams that made the 8 this year. In the last 8 games we play only 3.
Warriors - (first 8 games) - 3, (last 8 games) - 5
Broncos - (first 8 games) - 3, (last 8 games) - 6
Cowboys - (first 8 games) - 3, (last 8 games) - 3
Dogs - (first 8 games) - 5, (last 8 games) - 5
Raiders - (first 8 games) - 4, (last 8 games) - 5
Sharks - (first 8 games) - 4, (last 8 games) - 4
From what I can see is that the Dogs will find it difficult, as will the Broncos. The Raiders have it tough also. Only Us and the Cowboys seemingly having an 'easier' run home. Of course this doesn't take into account any improvement in teams or some teams faltering due to injuries or suspensions etc, however, I'd be fairly confident we will be nearer the 8 that the spoon.
26 points will probably get you in the 8 in 2022 (12 wins + 1 bye), just based on the above, I think we can win 4 of those first 8 games, those being Warriors, Panthers (I think they'll still be having a GF hangover), Knights and Tigers (8 points). The bottom 8 games we should win at least 5, those being Cows, Raiders, Titans, Tigers and Broncos (10 points). That leaves us to win 3 of the middle 8 games. That will get us to 26 points.
Of course this is just my opinion and I accept it may be wishful thinking, however, we have improved our squad, as have others yes, but I believe we are better than what some 'experts' give us credit for.