Here's my ruler over the above mentioned candidates:
Souths
History suggests.......
They have bought up well. However, I think they have bought sort of the same quality as the Titans have. They will improve. The problem is, so will others.
My tip: 13th
Sharks
Their biggest problem is undisipline. They have a very good coach who is not going to pussy foot around. I reckon they will be closer to the 8, and not in the running for the spoon. My prediction: 9th
Penrith
The only big forwards team in recent years to go crap. Quality forwards, slow, useless halves. Gower is Garry Hughes with a beer gut.
elliot will sort 'em out. My prediction: 11th
Canberra
For some odd reason, they always make the 8. Many teams underestimate them, and pay the price.
My prediction: 8th
Titans
Crap club with 1 decent signing: Bailey. Prince and Campbell are overrated, although Campbell at least does exciting stuff.
My prediction: SPOON
Roosters
I rate Anderson as a coach. Minichiello aside, he's got 3/5th of bugger all to work with. Watch for 70m field goal attempts if the game gets close.
I recall my prediction last year that they would finish 13th, and rooster fans going nuts at the thought. And where did they end up?????
My prediction: 14th
Wests
Their big men got injured, as did their little men. Morris is a good signing - more than equal to Prince. Farrah should knock on the Origin door.
My prediction: 10th
Cowpats
As soon as referees slowed the play the ball down, they had nothing but Thurston. I predict that they will not win a game without JT on deck.
My prediction: 12th
Warriors
Last year they would have finished 6th had not the salary cap scandal bit.
My prediction: 5th
Every year there are two shocks. Therefore:
Bulldogs
Losing Myles, Grimalsi and Asotasi will be a big blow. Sherwin is now sensational for 30 minutes a season.
My prediction: 11th
Manly
BK made them last year. Menzies is reduced to a hit man. Orford is great v Souths on Sat night. On free to air, he's shaky.
Who else have they got? Lyon. Good buy. And Hasler. Sh*t coach.
My prediction: 15th