Ok, im not gonna list them in a table like fashion but rather list each team as i see them standing now , heading into next season.
Broncos: NO Tallis, major loss, but have some awesome youngsters and as usual, they wont go away, their young forwards need to stand up though, because Webke has shown his last legs, top 8 should be assured but after that a repeat of 2004 is somewhat certain.
Bulldogs:Even with the loss of Price, i cant see things changing too much from this season, Still challenging for top 2 for sure.
Cowboys: They've added well to their playing roster for next season, Only this time, a top 8 spot will not surprise.
Dragons: The side who seems to annually under achieve, If they keep their stars fit (which has to be long odds) they "should" finish top 4, most likely though between 5-8.
Eels: On paper should be 2005's biggest improvers, Riddel, Morrison and Tahu will add quality to this side and throw in the talented young guys like Witt. top 8 for sure.
Knights: So much depends on joey , as always, While they learnt to compete without him last season, the loss of Tahu and Kennedy will hurt. Can certainly make the top 8, the key for me though, is injuries.
Panthers: its going to be interesting 2005. 3 of their back five are gone(Roberts, Girdler and Whatuira) while Lang and Fa'aoso move on too. Still got a great team though, and will push for top 4 no worries.
Rabbitohs: Well 2005 is the season for change for this mob, the influence of Richardson and Mcrae will be seen but i think results will come a little too late in 2005. No real major coups for the club but will rely on a VERY talented crop of juniors coming through for future seasons. I think they'll again battle with Manly, Warriors and Canberra for the spoon.
Raiders: A recuitement policy which has gone someway to mirroring Brian Smith's 2004 job, the Raiders are a big what if for 2005. They have some real talented youngsters though who are going to have to step up if they want to make the 8 again. For me, they'll make up the numbers in 2005 but should avoid the spoon for sure.
Roosters: Been saying it for years it seems, Genuine contenders if not favourites again. The loss of Fittler will hurt but they've obviously got the talent to replace. Recruited well again, top 2 for sure.
SeaEagles: Its hard to say as this team is VERY unpredicable. The loss of Walker will hurt significantly but gaining the somewhat injury proned Kennedy and workhorse Kite will alleviate that pressure. If they can fix their defense too, could be achieved top 8, if not, then it will be another frustrating season for their fans.
Sharks: Well they've got Dykes back and with Kimmorley it could be trouble for the opposition again. Top 8 certainly achieveable if they keep fit.
Storm: This side seems to slip under the radar every season but their talent is undoubted. Could lose out big time without Kearney and Reynoldson though, will rely on point scoring ability again, top 4 is a maybe.
Tigers: looked a certainty for the 8 this season but dropped games when it mattered. Whatuira will be a great buy and the loss of Sattler and Senter can be offset by talented youngsters Harrison and Farah. Many will say the key is Benji Marshall and they may well be right, if he stays fit the 8 is almost certainly achieveable.
Warriors: I think they'll do better, Nathan Fein, Steve Price and Rueben Wiki will add plenty of confidence to a side that needs it badly, if they can than sky is the limit. They've proved it before and they can again but really, who knows how they'll go, these guys are mystifying!
